SUMMER 2016
Throw a
PARTY Get the shades –
+ Special Baby Section Find the Right Camp
IT’S
SUMMER SUMMER!
SUMMER 2016
CONTENTS
Marvelous mentors
Make Family Time Count
page 22
FAMILY ADVENTUrE page 28
page 20
Special
BABmYent
Supplep24 after
TRY THIS salsa recipe page 38
PHOTO BYA LD ON MELISSA D
Plan a Gathering p6 Tackling a Tough Illness p14 Pack Smart p16 Losing Your Pet p25
Summer Camps to Explore
Mom’s an Atheist p26
page 20
No Normal Mealtime p36
“I’m an Alcoholic” p30 Letting Go p32 Just Ask Joyce p34 Take a Hike p40 End Your Teen’s Sleepless Nights p42 Try a Cereal Bar p48
2 SUMMER 2016
Mya Anderson, Today’s Family Beautiful Baby contest runner-up PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD
ARE YOU A HOVERING PARENT?
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TODAY’S FAMILY
SUMMER 2016 3
INTRO By Anita Oldham, Editor
Volume 25 • Number 2 PUBLISHER
Cathy S. Zion
do other parents really do that?
publisher@todayspublications.com EDITOR
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PHOTO BY PATTI HARTOG
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Melissa Donald
Join the TodaysFamilyNow.com community! Find more ideas about packing for a trip from the Jamison family (above) and others online and on page 16.
melissa@todayspublications.com ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER
Jessica Alyea
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S
upposedly I am the strictest parent any kid has ever heard of — at least I am told that many times by my children. Are you the only one who won’t allow your kids to play certain video games? Do you require they not have a cell phone in their room at bedtime? Or maybe you are going through a particularly hard stage and are not sure if you should seek help (search “self injury” at TodaysFamilyNow.com). If you are parenting in a vacuum, it is hard to always know if you need to consider other situations. So, why not join our community? In this issue, we tackle fun subjects such as celebrating big family and friend moments as well as some harder subjects — alcoholism, belief in God, and grief.
ON THE COVER
WINNER 4 SUMMER 2016
How to Be Part of Our Community Starting with this issue, many of these stories have run online at TodaysFamilyNow.com already, and you can find them again by searching with the keyword included with our story: KEYWORD WOULD BE HERE.
Post a comment, and it could be included in our next print issue. Make the story better by adding your own commentary and experience and sharing it with other parents.
Olivia Blackwell showed her love of animals during our cover shoot when she began imitating animal sounds. Our favorite was her “ribbiting” like a frog between wardrobe changes. The 3-year-old enjoys sketching and painting on canvas. Her mother, Holly, says she loves being original. “She was recently asked at her preschool what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she said, ‘me,’” Holly says. Olivia often models outfits for her Instagram @OliviaGraceBlackwell, and she loves her accessories such as these sunglasses and hat. PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD
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Today’s Family magazine is published quarterly by Zion Publications LLC and distributed free to the people of metropolitan Louisville and Southern Indiana. Circulation 35,000. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Family magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2016 by Zion Publications LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.
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GATHERINGS
50 ANNIVERSARY, NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY, FAMILY REUNION, MOM GROUP TH
PHOTOS BY MELISSA DONALD STYLING BY ALISSA HICKS
6 SUMMER 2016
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GATHERINGS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
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Here are some ideas for planning a fantastic celebration with friends and family. By Erin Nevitt
helpful, and they did an amazing job replicating the details in icing and using a white cake batter. We ordered a cake topper — a set of bells similar to what had been placed on their original wedding cake — which was a perfect match despite 50 years of fashion changes!
Reason for Gathering Last June, my family celebrated my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. We had a small party for them at the RIVUE Restaurant (rivue.com) inside the Galt House in downtown Louisville. It was an intimate party that was perfect for them, as they are very private and don’t like a lot of hoopla. The atmosphere was organized, intimate, fun, and family-oriented.
Food When we made the reservation I told them we would have three children in our party. Although “kids meals” are not really an option at RIVUE, they accommodated us with kid-friendly meals such as a cheesy pasta dish and chicken tenders with potatoes.
The Guests There were 11 guests: my husband and me, my two sisters and their husbands, and the three grandchildren. We three sisters were not only guests, but the planners, too! We didn't use invitations with such a small family party. For the planning we used email and Facebook event invite. And texts and phone calls.
Decorations We used “50” and “Golden” type decor: plates, napkins, tablecloth, plastic champagne cups, helium-filled balloons from Party Paradise (partyparadiseky.com). Activities/Schedule We rented a limousine
Party time We had called ahead and made a
to pick us all up in Jeffersontown and transport our whole party to the Galt House. We contacted Derby City Limousines (derbylimo.com), and a driver from Evans Limo came to drive us. The limousine ride was a thrilling piece to our party; it made the guests of honor feel extraordinarily special and allowed our whole party to travel together. Upon arriving at the Galt House, the driver dropped us off at the curb by the revolving doors of the Tower where RIVUE is located (25 stories up!). After dinner, the limousine met us back at the curb. The party — from meet up, limo pick up and ride, dinner, and cake celebration — lasted approximately five hours.
reservation for the Chef’s Table; their Wedding Party Planner was a huge help. At the Chef’s Table you’re made to feel like select guests of honor, with table-side service throughout the entire meal. The views of downtown and the Ohio River and the Falls of the Ohio make for a fantastic backdrop and inspire lively conversation. After dinner we ventured back to a sibling’s house for a special cake and coffee celebration for our parents. We surprised them with a specially-made cake handcrafted by local bakery Homemade Ice Cream and Pie Kitchen, Fern Creek location (piekitchen.com). The pastry chef used a photo of my parents’ wedding cake from fifty years earlier and replicated the cake perfectly! It was a huge surprise, their faces lit up when they saw it, and tears ensued. They were floored at how it so closely resembled their cake from their wedding day. The Pie Kitchen staff was extremely
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GATHERINGS NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY
Finding a cake and cake topper like the one from their wedding day was a special touch.
By Carrie Vittitoe
Why gather? After months of walking directly from car to house under cold, gray, and sometimes snowy skies, summer is a time for neighbors to rediscover each other.
TODAY’S FAMILY
Where to gather? Neighborhood green spaces, pools, or clubhouses are great places to pitch a canopy tent (either belonging to neighbors or rented from local venues like Big Top Tent or Bluegrass Rental) for a community-wide event. Another option is to
Tips to Making Your Anniversary Celebration a Memorable One Start Early — You want to nail down your reservations two months in advance, so get going on your research even earlier! Large or Small?— Decide if your party will be extravagantly big or intimately small. Ask your guests of honor what they desire, deep down. Some couples celebrating their 50th might want an elaborate affair all about them and the life and legacy they have formed together. Some may want to take their immediate family on an outlandish vacation and go all out, such as a dream-filled week-long stay at Disney World or a five-night cruise to the Bahamas. Focus— Pick a theme for the 50th party. Timeless Gift—Decide on a gift; since the 50th is always referred to as the Golden Anniversary, perhaps your party goers would like to contribute to a special gift of a piece in gold (such as champagne glasses trimmed in gold) to remember the occasion by. Take Time on Location— Research venues (or catering companies if the party will be in someone’s home) and ask to speak to the party/ wedding party planner. Make your reservation at least two months in advance of the party date! Entertainment— Choose entertainment, such as DJ, music, or maybe even a magic show. Start with thumbtack.com.
rent a picnic shelter at one of the many Metro Parks locations (louisvilleky.gov/ government/parks/picnicshelter-rental).
Whom to gather and how? Everyone should receive an invitation to a CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
The happy couple on their wedding day 50 years ago.
SUMMER 2016 7
PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD
How to make your block party or family reunion even better
GATHERINGS
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NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
neighborhood gathering, including the neighbors who leave their holiday lights up into April. If you don’t have one already, create a closed group Facebook page which is a great place to post an invitation. Or send email invitations to neighbors using Evite, Signup Genius, or Thing to Bring, which helps keep track of RSVPs and potluck dishes that neighbors will bring.
When to gather? Morning (10 am) and late afternoon (4:30) are good start times for a neighborhood gathering. Families with young children who nap are often unintentionally excluded when the activities are scheduled from 1-4. What to do at the gathering? This event is low-key and can be fairly stress-free. Families with children are encouraged to bring frisbees, balls, and other outdoor play toys. If neighbors are renting picnic pavilions at local parks, rent ones close to playgrounds so kids can play while parents chat. Remember to tell attendees to bring folding chairs. 8 SUMMER 2016
Name tags — Print a small photo of each house to attach to the name-tags. So many people know their neighbors’ homes but Easy Salad don’t know the faces of the Recipe people who live there. (courtesy of Susan Bientz) Who Am I? — Tape the Great to eat by itself or name of famous people with tortilla chips. Toss it like Amadeus Mozart and all in a bowl and pig out! Michael Jordan to the backs of neighbors. 15 ounce can of black As you’re socializing, give beans, drained clues so each person can and rinsed guess who is on their back. 1 can white corn, (You composed “Twinkle, drained Twinkle Little Star,” for 1/2 cup red pepper example.) 1/2 cup green pepper 1/4 cup cilantro Have You Ever?— Get to 6 green onions know a little something 3 T lime juice about your neighbors with 2 T balsamic vinegar this easy game. Create a 1/2 tsp. cumin sheet that lists all kinds of 1/4 tsp. salt questions for residents to 1/8 tsp. black pepper fill out, like “Have you ever A little bit of olive oil been in an earthquake?,” “Have you ever participated in a beauty contest?,” and “Have you ever been to Iceland?” As part of the festivities, read the questions and have neighbors raise their hands to show who has done what. Bubble bucket— Fill an ice bucket with bubble solution and wands for easy and cheap entertainment for kids. House Number Cookies— Make square-shaped cookies and put neighbors’ house numbers on them with icing. todaysfamilynow.com // facebook.com/todaysfamily // @todaysfamilynow
TODAY’S FAMILY
SUMMER 2016 9
P H OT
O BY M
EL ISS
A DON
ALD
FAMILY REUNION
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GATHERINGS By Carrie Vittitoe
When to gather? The 10 am or 4 pm
Why gather? Even though social media helps keep families in contact, there is nothing like being able to visit in person where memories can be shared in great detail with much laughter.
start time works well for this event.
Where to gather? Often a family member will offer to host a reunion in his backyard or will rent the neighborhood pool or clubhouse. Any of the Metro Parks is a good choice, too. If family is coming in from out of town, check to ensure hotels are near whatever venue you select. Whom to gather and how? Paper invitations are probably the best way to go since great-grandma Rosie and other elders in the family probably don’t have smartphones. Be sure to include a printed map and complete address of the event including zip code. Invitations can be as generic as something from a box at Target to something personalized on Shutterfly or Vistaprint.
10 SUMMER 2016
What to do at the gathering? • Have everyone wear name tags that include how they are related to the progenitor in attendance (For example, Bridget: Grandma Alice’s great-great granddaughter). Another idea is to color coordinate T-shirts for everyone in the same line. Everyone who is a Reynolds wears red, while everyone who is a Smith wears blue. • Ask everyone who attends to create and bring an 8x11 collage of pictures of their house, schools, pets, and activities. Post these at the reunion as a way to get to know extended family. • Ask family members to bring photos of loved ones who have passed on or of special events like weddings, birthdays, and past years’ reunions. Set up a table to display them. • Have copies of the family genealogy available for everyone to peruse. • Designate someone as the official “recorder” of the day who will take photos or videotape family members
telling stories from their childhood. Better yet, hire a photographer to get special group photos of all the cousins actually facing the camera. • Create a family tree poster and ask family members to list medical conditions/diseases under their names. It sounds a little strange, but it is a good way to know your family’s health history and find immediate support and comfort from others who suffer similar conditions. • Have door prizes for unusual achievements/milestones, such as “Traveled over 500 Miles to Attend This Reunion,” “Gave Birth to 13 Children,” or “Married 7 Times, 3 Times to Great Uncle Bob.” • Have attending family members fill out greeting cards to send to family members who were unable to make the event due to health problems or financial limitations. • Have each person in attendance write her or his name on a large fabric square that includes the date and location of the reunion. At the next reunion, have everyone do it again. Eventually, you’ll have a lovely remembrance quilt.
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TODAY’S FAMILY
SUMMER 2016 11
MOM GROUP
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GATHERINGS
By Erin Nevitt Why gather? This party is designed with a core group of moms in mind; they are close friends and have been through thick and thin together. They may have met during toddler storytime at the library when their children were two years old or all attended the same elementary school together and they bonded during PTA board meetings and Walk-a-thon fundraisers. Some of them are sending their firstborns off to high school this year. The atmosphere for this party would be festive, celebratory, and laugh-filled (with the possibility of some tear-shedding as well). Where to gather? Suggested locations for dinner party/gathering: • Chuy’s — Fun, festive, and margaritas and mojitos! A parent’s pick for a place where you can relax, hang out, and enjoy each other’s company. • The Grape Leaf — My pick for a summer evening, with a beautiful outdoor patio covered with vines and enclosed with wrought iron gates for a peaceful setting. • Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant — With two locations — St. Matthews and Highlands — Molly Malone’s has a party room at their restaurants. • Mussel and Burger Bar — A fancier bar with locations in downtown and the East
12 SUMMER 2016
End. It’s a terrific place to unwind and have a memorable night out together. • RecBar — New place in Jeffersontown, RecBar’s tagline is Games, Grains, and Grub! It’s going to be an arcade with a bar; what a fun place to have a girls’ night out. • 3rd Turn Brewing — Mainly a local brewery/bar, but I personally had a gathering here with some friends. We brought our own snacks and appetizers, and it was perfect. The owners reserved two tables for us and we all ordered drinks or flights and spent the evening enjoying the really cool space. • Louisville Coffee Company — Another local coffee shop located in Jeffersontown. They have a perfect gathering spot that is comfy and spacious in a separate reading room. Their coffee is superb, and they offer baked treats, soup, pastries, and other snacky items. Call them to reserve the reading room or to reserve the coffee shop for a group. • Ei8ht Up Elevated Drinkery and Kitchen — For a more elegant experience for a drink and a bite to eat, check out 8UP. It is known for its eclectic outdoor, glassencased seating area with dazzling views of downtown from eight stories up. • El Toro — Located in Middletown, it has a warm, inviting space with a large, separate room in the back of the
restaurant. Have a party there, or enjoy a meal outdoors on the patio during a Saturday night while the Mariachi band entertains you. • The Village Anchor — Have a brunch gathering on the patio of this warm, cozy spot in historic Anchorage. • O’Shea’s Irish Pub and Flanagan’s Ale House — Unique spots to reserve a party room as well. They have locations in downtown and the Highlands. • Corbett’s — Located near The Summit and Norton Commons. Have a relaxing dinner together, then go shopping nearby. If not meeting at a certain restaurant or venue for your gathering, consider having a pitch-in potluck together at someone’s house. Let everyone bring their favorite thing, but have an easy way to keep track of everyone’s special recipe to share. Here are some meal organizing apps to check out: • Meal Train • Perfect Potluck • Thing To Bring • Sign Up Genius • Perfect Potluck
When to gather? Moms can get together at the end of the school year, as their children are preparing to move on to the next school grade and possibly a new school.
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TODAY’S FAMILY
SUMMER 2016 13
k The dalton Family SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY
A TOUGH ILLNESS FOR A YOUNG FAMILY By Carrie Vittitoe
P
eyten Sizemore, 4, was diagnosed with hereditary, chronic pancreatitis in November 2013, soon after her first hospitalization. Jennifer says, “Her pancreas enzymes were off the charts. She was admitted and put on a morphine pump.” Peyten has been hospitalized 12 times in two years, for about a week each time. Because of her pancreatitis, Peyten has to follow a very strict diet. She is limited to 15 grams of fat per day and nothing fried or fatty. Her diet mostly consists of “chicken and broccoli and broccoli and chicken,” says Jennifer. Peyten also takes Creon every time she eats which aids her digestion. The most challenging aspect of the disease for Jennifer and her family is the suddenness of Peyten’s attacks. Jennifer says, “She can be fine and then the next minute is on the ground in so much pain she can’t walk.” It is difficult to have routines and schedules. Peyten’s future is more uncertain because having chronic pancreatitis at such a young age puts her at an increased risk for developing pancreatic cancer. This risk is one of the reasons Jennifer met with transplant specialists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to discuss Peyten’s candidacy for total pancreatectomy with auto islet transplantation (TP/AIT).
Peyten Sizemore
“[PeytEn] can be fine and then the next minute is on the ground in so much pain she can’t walk.” — Mom Jennifer Dalton
From left, Jennifer Walls Dalton, Levi Dalton, (11), Taylor Dalton (15), and Peyten Sizemore (4). PHOTOS BY PATTI HARTOG
14 SUMMER 2016
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TODAY’S FAMILY
SUMMER 2016 15
PHOTOS BY PATTI HARTOG
GET ORGANIZED: VACATION PACKING
6 Genius Tips from Other Moms You Can Put in Play Before You Vacay 3
Calculate outfits. We’ve all overpacked. Some of us — me, guilty — have under-packed. How do you decide? Use Elizabeth Peters’ (mom of one) equation: 1 outfit for each day + 2 extra outfits.
By Keri Foy
P
acking is a stressful chore. As we approach vacation season, many of us dread the task of what it takes to “whisk” your family away for a few days. But don’t fret. We’ve gathered some stellar tips from pretty awesome moms that will get you on the road or on the plane and to your destination ready to relax.
4
For airplane rides: Give each child his or her own backpack filled with pre-bagged snacks, an empty water bottle, and new toys such as stickers and coloring books. “Each kid has a water bottle to fill after passing security so I don’t have to mess with airplane cups with no lids,” says Beth Trenz Haddox, mom of three. She also adds that she keeps suckers and gum ready for take-off and landing.
1
Zip those outfits: Stuff daily outfits into plastic baggies. “Each outfit is mom-approved and done!” says Katy Adams, mom of four who has used this method on multiple trips with her kiddos. “While it doesn’t save time on packing, it does save time during the trip because their clothes don’t get unorganized.” Another bonus: Katy says it creates a sense of independence for her younger children.
2
Keep a running list. Create a packing list on your computer to print and check off for each getaway. Keep that list with you, especially if you’re flying. “In case my luggage gets lost, I know what I’m missing,” says Debbie Filer, mom of one. “I have exhaustive lists saved as Word documents for trips to visit family, the 16 SUMMER 2016
5
For kids 3 and older: Tell them the number of outfits, PJs, and swimsuits to pack. “They pack it, and I approve it,” says Brandy Linkes Beardley, mom of three. Simple.
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The Jamison children each get one corner of a laundry basket to place their belongings. beach, or the mountains,” says Alex Schrimpe Rutledge, mom of two. “Then I edit the lists after each trip to remove and add things [as necessary].”
For car travel: Use a laundry basket with each corner labeled for each child. Put that child’s clothes in his or her corner and voila, an easy unloading trick without the hassle of carrying a million different bags. “I have an assortment of IKEA organizers for socks and underwear that also go in the laundry basket,” says Steph Jamison, mom of four, who employs the laundry basket tactic. Now, you have a game plan.
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PHOTO BY PATTI HARTOG
ARE YOU TOO INVOLVED IN YOUR Helicopter Parent
CHILD’S SCHOOLING?
By Sanna Rogers
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arenting our children through the homework years is never as easy as plugging in the correct mathematical formula. It’s messy. We calculate, we erase, and if all else fails, we guess C. But sometimes our answer is right in front of us. For Tricia Williams, mother of two teenage sons, the Aha! moment came when Harrison entered high school at North Oldham. As first-time parents, she and her husband, John, were very involved in Harrison’s education. Tricia was hands-on through middle school, checking his backpack for notes, reviewing assignments, always asking questions. Together they made a mental checklist of the day’s agenda. Everything was good — until some of his test scores dropped in ninth grade. “What I realized as he moved to high school was the mental checklist was not in his head,” says Tricia. “It was in my head. He still had a safety net with me.” Tricia was reluctant to step back because the consequences for falling behind in high school would be harsher. “I certainly didn’t want to send him into the trenches unprepared, but that’s how he learned.” Harrison adapted quickly with no disasters. “It had nothing to do with his ability to take the reins and move forward,” she admits. It was all about timing. When younger son David transitioned to North Oldham Middle School two years ago, Tricia adopted a new approach. She was still a guiding hand
18 SUMMER 2016
for the first six months but then gave David the responsibility of “handling his business.” Tricia bit her tongue if he left his homework on the table when he left for school, and she refrained from constant reminding. She knew these were the years to learn about independence inside and outside the classroom when teachers were more understanding. “You want them to be confident and strong students,” she says. “But not just because they’re fueled by all your reminders.” Her sons know she is there to help if they need her. But at the end of the day, she tells them: “You have to be the implementer. You have to do it!” Tricia has scaled back her communication with teachers since the elementary years. She wants her sons to be their own first line of defense, engaging their teachers initially to find solutions. “They usually want to handle it because as they get older it’s embarrassing when you step in,” she says. For her own peace of mind, she has even limited her use of Infinite Campus Portal, an online communication source for checking grades and schedules. When Harrison was in middle school, she was glued to it. “Every time the phone dinged, I thought ‘Oh my gosh! What happened on that quiz?’ It was creating a monster! Like watching the stock market fluctuate.” Her greatest lesson has been finding balance for her sons and growing right along with them. “Our ability to adapt is the best way to be successful parents.”
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k The THIBAUDEAU Family
westport road area, louisville, KY
WHY WE CHOOSE TOGETHER TIME By M. Lynn Willing
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he Thibaudeau family in the Westport Road area is big on fun and games that involve the whole family. With eight children — five at home, two away at college, and one married — Tricia and Steve have had plenty of opportunities to find their sweet spot in the world of entertainment options. Through trial and error they’ve landed on a handful of favorites that usually include several family members and occasionally include screens. “There is a time and place for alone time, but generally we encourage togetherness rather than isolation because screen time tends to make our children more grumpy. Besides, in real life you have to work with others, problem-solve, and build relationships.” Steve and Tricia have learned that if they take time to have fun with their kids, building relationships one-on-one, behavior and attention improves. Perhaps the biggest benefit is the foundation it lays for later years. “We won’t regret the time invested connecting and building individual relationships early. It really pays off.”
Recreation
The Thibeadeau children: Guy (18), Hannah (16), Faith (14), Grace (10), Eva (9), and Rhonda (7). PHOTOS BY PATTI HARTOG
Recommendations of Books to Read Aloud this Summer: • The Borrowers series — 5 fantasy novels about a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house • The Giver — also great for teens, a morally-driven story about a dystopian world • The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane — hope and belief amid impossible circumstances • Hero Tales — true stories from the lives of Christian heroes 20 SUMMER 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
Ready for Summer!
Q.
Our two cats and three dogs spend a lot of time outdoors. What are the best ways to keep them from avoiding heat stroke when exposed to the summer weather? — Allison, Shepherdsville
Pets can become dehydrated quickly so be sure to have plenty of fresh, clean water in a non-tippable container available for them and a shady spot to get out of the sun. Avoid too much activity outdoors when the temperature or humidity is very high. If they will be spending a lot of time outdoors with you, it is best to give them time to acclimate to the temperature. Start spending short amounts of time outside and gradually increase their activity time as they become accustomed to the heat. It does not take a long time to become overheated or have an extremely high body temperature. Be especially cautious with bulldog type breeds (Brachycephalics) and “cold weather” breeds such as chows (very thick coats). Some warning signs to watch for are: restlessness, hyperventilation, and increased salivation. If a pet is not able to keep cool, heat exhaustion can develop into a life-threatening condition that includes vomiting, diarrhea, or even seizures. And NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A VEHICLE UNATTENDED!
Q.
We’re flying to visit family this summer and traveling with our two dogs. What do I need to know in terms of rules and regulations of traveling with pets? — Chris, La Grange Planning ahead is the key to a smooth trip when traveling with pets. Traveling by car in the continental U.S. does not require any special permits, but going across the border into Canada or Mexico does have specific health certificate requirements. Also, the rules when flying with your pet will depend on the airline and the destination. Flights within the U.S. usually only require a simple health certificate signed by your veterinarian, but check with your airline for their specific requirements. If you are traveling abroad, each country has its own requirements, and some have specific tests or quarantine periods. Advance preparation can take as long as 6 months in some cases. Health certificates are different for each country and you need to start early, like 4-6 weeks ahead of your flight or even longer. Start with the USDA Office at www.aphis.usda.gov and check our website on health certificate information: http://jeffersonanimalhospitals.com/ 24hr-veterinary-care/health-certificates-for-travel.php. The key is to start early to make sure you have all the requirements lined up. Call us when you need help. Do NOT wait until the last minute to find out what your airline or state/country at destination requires.
Ask Dr. K a question! E-mail DrKennedy@ JeffersonAnimalHospitals.com
Medi-Pet Comprehensive Healthcare Plans AnnualMediPet.com E-mail MediPet@JeffersonAnimalHospitals.com or call 502.499.6535 for more information.
Dr. Pat Kennedy Dr. K has been serving the Louisville and Southern Indiana community as a preeminent Veterinarian and business leader since 1978. She is the Hospital Director and owner of both Fern Creek Medical Center and Outer Loop Regional Emergency Center. In 2006, she was honored as “Woman Business Owner of the Year” by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Louisville chapter, and esteemed as Kentucky Veterinarian of the year in 2011 by the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA). In 2014, her 24-Hour Regional Emergency Center was distinguished as one of four national finalists for “Practice of the Year” by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
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Marvelous MENTORS
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Today's Family magazine is proud to present the Marvelous Mentor nominees for 2016. Our readers will determine the winner, who will be featured in a future issue.
You can vote from May 16 to June 6 on TodaysFamilyNow.com. With one vote per email address per day.
THIS YEAR'S NOMINEES: Ron Allman
Church Deacon, First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville, Indiana “Ron, who is a college professor, has been leading our church tweens for several years now and is a true leader of youth.” — Michael Ranney
Marcus Burgher
Coach, North Harrison Middle School, North Harrison Cal Ripken, Inc. and the North Harrison Youth Soccer Association “Coach Burgher not only sees the winning aspect of coaching, but he fairly provides all players with an opportunity to exercise their skills and abilities.” — Jessica Rhodes, nominator
Rick Edwards
Church Deacon, First Baptist Church of Jeffersonville, Indiana “This man has been and continues to be the most encouraging person with the children of our church I know, even as he now fights a long battle with cancer. He is even considered as a family member to these children. They all love him, as does the rest of the congregation.” — Michael Ranney
Angela Ghafoori
Teacher, Stuart Middle School, working with kids who are struggling in academics “My students know I am strict, but I love them. Everything I do is in their best interest.” — Angela Ghafoori
Jesse Gleespen
Former coach, Cornerstone Christian Academy and Shelbyville Family Activity Center “Coach Gleespen coaches basketball for boys age 5-8. He is very good with the boys, very patient and teaches the boys a lot. They also have fun. He stops to correct them when they have made a mistake, but never in a mean way.” — Jillian LeMaster, nominator
Shannon Higgins
Counselor, Boys and Girls Haven, Maryhurst, Brooklawn, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana “Never let somebody tell you that you can’t be anything. You can be anything you set your mind to.” — Shannon Higgins
Brittany MacWilliams
Founder and Director of the University of Louisville String Academy “I want to see all of these students reach their full potential, go off and do great things in music and in life.” — Brittany MacWilliams
22 SUMMER 2016
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TODAY’S FAMILY
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DEALING WITH
PET GRIEF By LaDonna Kennedy
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t was a tough year for my family. We lost our 12-year-old dog in February, and my son Ian endured a two-week hospitalization a few months later. Almost a year later, we decided to get a new dog to give us some much needed cheering up. We brought home the cutest 8-week-old puppy, Koby. He cheered my son up in a way that I couldn’t. We were all just in love with Koby. When Koby was eight months old, we received horrible news that he had a neurological defect that was causing his rapid decline. We had only four days to receive and process this news and to decide what was best not only for Koby, but for our family. After consulting with vets and specialists, we determined that euthanizing Koby would be the most humane path. Once we decided that we would say goodbye, I reached out to a friend, Heather Satterfield, a certified grief recovery specialist. She gave me these suggestions to help Ian to deal with the impending loss of Koby:
• Keep him informed as much as possible. • Allow Ian to be a part of the decision-making process, for he would need to have some “control.” • Allow Ian to see us grieving and moving forward. TODAY’S FAMILY
We followed her advice and kept Ian informed and allowed him to visit Koby in the veterinary hospital. When the time came, we let him know that Koby had taken a turn for the worse. We wanted Ian to have only happy memories of Koby, and he agreed. We decided that Ian could say goodbye by writing Koby a letter that I read to him. On the day that we put Koby to rest, we chose not to tell Ian until he returned from a day at camp. We all stayed home the next day, as a family. We prayed about Koby. We even agreed that we were mad at God, and that was ok. “God can handle it,” a friend said to me. We allowed ourselves to be engulfed in the grieving process that day. We gave Ian full control over what to do with all of Koby’s’ belongings. My husband and I made sure not to hide our emotions. We wanted Ian to know that being sad and upset and even angry was all part of the process. We also wanted him to see us laugh and understand that it’s ok to start to heal and move forward, without forgetting. This was difficult on our family, but it did strengthen us. We were able to lean on each other and grieve with one another. We now have another family dog, named Leo, that has helped us to heal. For us, we needed to fill the hole that was left by losing a pet so early in its life. We will forever miss Koby, but we have great memories of him, and we are a little bit closer, as a family. Grief comes in unexpected waves. When we are sad we can count on Leo, such a goofball, to cheer us up and remind us of happy times with all of our pets that are gone.
“until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France, poet
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WHEN MOM DOESN’T GO TO
CHURCH “i talked to our sons about my beliefs and worldview. . . they listened attentively, and i asked for questions. cue the crickets. . . were they scared? were they ashamed of me?”
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By Megan Schreiber Willman
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y husband married an atheist. It’s not the word I would use, but for all intents and purposes it’s true enough. I don’t believe in God. I believe in people, their innate goodness, and the power we have to move in each others’ lives with unity, peace, and love. I believe in good works (and good intentions) and the value of treating one another with respect. I am filled with purpose for giving my best every day to make a positive difference in my life and in the lives of those around me. But, no, I don’t believe in God. Life would be simpler if I did. Rob and I talked this through long before we married, but I knew that tricky conversations were looming. Trying to do the “right” thing, I went to church every week with my family for years. One Sunday as I was reciting the words of a common prayer, the hypocrisy struck me. In trying to do what I thought was right for my children, I was making a mockery of what millions of people cherish. Aside from weddings and funerals, I never attended church again. Still, I didn’t plan to address this with my kids until they were ready for the conversation. Then one day, it came: “Why do I have to go to church if Mom doesn’t?” There it was, and I wasn’t ready. For decades, I had stayed silent. Throughout the world, folks “like me” are greatly misunderstood if not outright hated. And just like individuals in every faith community where there are differences in practice and belief, not all atheists think alike. In life, nothing is that simple. I am much more than just a person who doesn’t believe in God. It’s a part of me, but it doesn’t define me. If I wanted our children to share my conviction that there are many ways to be and to believe in this world, then I needed to start leading by example. [Gulp.] I talked to our sons about my beliefs and worldview. We discussed Dad and the great ways that he was introducing them to a faithbased life. I pointed out the variety of religious practices that we find among our family and friends. They listened attentively, and I asked for questions. Cue the crickets. Was that shock? Were they scared? Were they ashamed of me? I wasn’t breathing in the silence. After a few moments, they gave me hugs and went on about their business. I still can’t be sure what they think because they haven’t said. They go off to church without question, and any complaints on the matter aren’t about me. I rest better knowing that I have been honest. Above all, I want to be a good example. Beginning in our home, Rob and I are weaving tolerance into their hearts and instilling the promise that they may choose their own paths. In that, I find the strength to break my silence. todaysfamilynow.com // facebook.com/todaysfamily // @todaysfamilynow
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k The Harpole-Merrick Family HIGHLANDS, LOUISVILLE, KY
TAKE AN OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURE By Megan Seckman
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Meghan Harpole and Meg Merrick like to take their boys Grayson, 8, and Gentry, 9, on adventurous outdoor vacations. COURTESY PHOTOS
KEEP YOUR SANITY ON A LONG TRIP
There are many ways this game can be played.
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Tall Tales: The Game of Infinite Storytelling could be a solution to family vacation chaos. One player reaches into the story bag and pulls out eight story pieces one at a time. Then she tells a TALL TALE using one of the pieces drawn until all the pieces are included in the story. The story can be as wacky as your imagination will allow. When the story is over, all the pieces go back into the bag, and the next player draws to start his Tall Tale.
ou won’t catch Meghan Harpole and her partner, Meg Merrick, under the same umbrella at the same beach sipping the same cocktail each spring break. Nope. This family thirsts for the next new experience in outdoor adventure. Their vacations — and there have been a lot of them — rarely ever repeat: Vieques, Puerto Rico; Boyne Highlands, Michigan; Snowshoe, West Virginia; Charlottesville, West Virginia; Alaska; The Outer Banks; St. Louis, Missouri; Tybee Island, Georgia; and Wood Creek Lake, Kentucky to name a few. “Meg and I don’t give presents to our boys [Gentry, 9, and Grayson, 8]. We give memories. Traveling is what we choose to spend our money on, and we tend to take 3 or 4 trips a year: at Christmas, spring break, a summer trip, and a long weekend squeezed in somewhere. It’s our passion; there’s so much to see and so much to do out there. I think experiencing the world together keeps us happy and our relationship strong,” says Meghan Harpole, an ER nurse. Meghan describes her typical vacation as an active one, so at the time of this interview, they were planning their spring break trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, dubbed the Best Town Ever by Outdoor magazine. “This will be one of the only repeats we’ve ever had because I fell in love with this town! I googled ‘Family Fun Vacation’ as I always do before a trip and had no idea that Chattanooga had so much to offer. It’s one of the cleanest towns I’ve ever been to, they have one of the longest walking bridges in the world, there are some fantastic museums, and the city is in the middle of a beautiful natural forest. The boys were too young to raft the first time we visited, so that gives us a reason to go back. We stayed at the Chattanooga Choo Choo the first time; this time we might camp.”
Outdoor Adventure
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WHEN ONE GLASS OF WINE BECAME MORE —
AND I COULDN’T STOP
By Ashley Davis*
I
probably looked just like everybody else you know who likes to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Maybe at parties you noticed I overdid it a little bit, but isn’t that what you do at parties? Maybe you knew me as an active church member or a volunteer at my children’s school. Maybe you saw my Facebook posts of fun get-togethers, or my Pinterest page of all sorts of crafts and homemade items. You may have even thought I was one of those moms who had it all together. What you didn’t know was that I lived for 5 o’clock so I could pop open a bottle of wine — you know — to have with dinner. Then another bottle after the kids had gone to bed. Then maybe one more glass because, well, why not? Not even my husband knew how I would sneak to where we kept the “hard stuff” reserved only for parties. We were social beer and wine drinkers as far as he knew. We weren’t the kind of people who did shots, much less drank straight out of the bottle. And the scariest thing of it all is how quickly
my addiction escalated. I started as a social drinker, but when “normal” people stopped drinking, I still wanted more. I didn’t have that switch that told me when to STOP. Usually I only stopped when I passed out or the alcohol was gone. I thought I was keeping it all together, though. I was maintaining. I never missed getting the kids up for school. I never missed church. I always showed up everywhere I was needed with a smile on my face and usually a mint in my mouth. But things started to unravel. I knew I needed help when, because of my irritability from a hangover one morning I snapped at my 8-year-old for no reason. He looked hurt, and then he went to the kitchen, pulled out a beer from the previous night’s get-together and said, “Here Mom. Do you want this?” It was 9 a.m. I was mortified and ashamed. This was not the life I wanted for my children. This was not the mother I wanted to be. This was not the path God had ever wanted me to take. Instead of promising myself, again, that I would “slow down,” or only drink on the weekends or only on “special occasions,” I came clean with myself and my husband with three words: “I need help.” I’m grateful to live in a community where, between AA meetings, Bible studies, and recovery small groups, I’m able to get the help I need. I’m thankful for a supportive husband. And I’m especially grateful that I stopped my spiral downward when I did: before I lost my family, my health, my freedom, or my life.
Hello. My name is Ashley and I’m an alcoholic, a mom, a wife, a friend, and a daughter. I am also full of gratitude and hope. *Name has been changed.
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LETTING GO . . .
BUT KEEPING NIGHT VISION GOGGLES ON HAND By John G. Warren
B
eing a Public Safety Advisor, I’m probably a little over the top teaching my girls how to stay out of trouble. I’m sure I’m the only father in modern history who eliminated left turns in his morning trips to the daycare so the infant seat would never be susceptible to a side collision that could harm the new baby. I relaxed quite a bit when a few more babies came, but I’ve always sought that envelope of protection involving my family. These wonderful memories — gates on stairs, latches on cabinets, and prescription bottles impossible for the arthritic to open — would soon give way to each girl blossoming into an independent soul seeking her identity. The day came when I had to face my fear and let them go — to The Mall — without me. And even after training them on how to sense or find cover during a potential mass shooting or how to get to the center of the foyer during a tornado, my oldest daughter still had an incident, even after all my fuss. While gallivanting around the mall with her friends, she was approached by a handsome man claiming to be a modeling scout. He told this 14-year-old all the right things about becoming famous and traveling the world. He just needed a way to contact her at a future date and would need her personal information. Even the electronic parental
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controls we had on the girls’ tablets couldn’t stop her from going to what appeared to be a legitimate website and trying to register for training. Her mother — the real parental control — was able to intervene when this individual contacted our daughter by phone. And even though my daughter was crushed with disappointment and embarrassment, we used this situation to drive home a very important lesson regarding the dangers of human trafficking, kidnapping, and the reality of today’s society. When I first found out, I donned my Rambo bandana, camouflaged my face, and armed myself to the teeth to go find this “so-called” modeling scout. No one was going to harm the little girl in the baby seat whom I drove so cautiously to daycare every morning. I swore to never let the scum of this planet come close to my precious little girls. Then I realized they were not the infants in the baby seats in my truck. They were growing up and we were not always going to be around. My wife and I knew this day would come, and all we can do is hope the girls have heard the many lessons we’ve taught. We realized we had to let go. I’m much better since I turned loose of the control I thought I had on things, and my daughters and their friends seem to be having a fun, normal time when out and about. But that doesn’t mean I don’t keep a pair of night vision goggles and fatigues in my trunk just in case I have to spring into action. todaysfamilynow.com // facebook.com/todaysfamily // @todaysfamilynow
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Just Ask Joyce KEEPING A UNITED FRONT
Q: “My husband and I don’t agree
Joyce: His. Mine. Ours? I hear a lot of disharmony in the scenario you paint, but the chord that strikes loudest is “his” and “my.” Blended families come with an array of issues at the outset by the mere fact that you are combining the already-developed lifestyles of two separate families. These are issues that should have been discussed prior to marriage. I can surmise one of two things: they weren’t, or they were and are now being ignored. I would encourage you to have a meeting of the minds. But do your homework first. Get informed about the statistical realities of the longterm effects of too much gaming time for kids and adults. You will find research that will validate your concerns. Aggressive behaviors and even violence are among the consequences of an addiction to video gaming. As for you and your husband, this is a huge red flag for your marriage. It’s a concern that you maintain the stigma of “his” and “mine” rather than “ours.” I sense defeat in the making. I would strongly encourage you to seek counseling for this sooner rather than later. Unaddressed issues among stepsiblings will put a barrier between the two of you. Therefore, don’t wait for things to get worse. Your marriage is important. And what a shame it would be to have any of the children in your new family grow up with a damaged perception of home.
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“Don’t stop your child from finding comfort in thumb-sucking . . . do limit the amount of time your child can suck her thumb.”
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on some parenting issues. He allows his two boys unlimited time with video games. I don’t allow my son that luxury. It is already causing conflict between us because his boys don’t work around the house, and they are much more aggressive in rough behavior toward my son. How can I convince him to see things my way?”
By Joyce Oglesby
ADDICTED TO THE THUMB
PARENT, SECOND TIME AROUND
Q: “I have a little one who
Q: “It’s hard being the
won’t quit sucking her thumb. She’s almost 2, and I have tried everything. I don’t want her to compromise her teeth. What else can I do?” Joyce: I will tell you some things you “don’t” do first, then I’ll share a “do” or two. Don’t make it confrontational. This will wear both of you out and cause undue stress. Don’t use the nastytasting remedies. It’s just not nice. Don’t substitute a pacifier. It’s a replacement “addiction.” Don’t stop your child from finding comfort in thumb-sucking, such as after she’s been hurt. Now for some do’s. Do limit the amount of time your child can suck her thumb. She’s old enough to understand that she must have boundaries. Do limit where and when she can suck her thumb, such as at naptime, bedtime, and in her room. Do take a mirror and talk about her teeth. Explain to her how this could cause her teeth to protrude, and she will need braces. This is not to make her fearful but to make her understand this temporary pleasure could lead to long-term pain. Put this in childlike terms, of course. Also, do give her time. Children don’t suck their thumbs forever.
grandparent and the parent. I want to pull my hair out some days. I didn’t bargain for this, but it’s here. I know I’ve done this parenting thing before, but it’s different this time. How can I learn to enjoy what I know I must do — rear my grandchildren?” Joyce: This is becoming quite the trend, and sadly, it will become more of a reality for many grandparents in the next decade. We as a culture are reaping the regrets of making life too easy for our kids. Remember, these precious children are part of your heritage. Enjoy this time with them. You have the wisdom they need to learn how to seize opportunities, which they may have missed otherwise. Pray for the energy. Stay focused on the end result. Be encouraged that their legacy depends on your investment.
Need Family Advice? Struggling with a relationship issue? Write Joyce Oglesby, Family Life FIX-IT Pro at justaskjoyce@gmail.com. Listen to The Just Ask Joyce Show weekdays at 3pm on WFIA 94.7fm/900am.
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k The GOULD Family HIKES POINT, louisville, KY
Austin, David, and Logan Gould are ready for dinner.
PHOTO BY PATTI HARTOG
WHEN NORMAL MEALTIME DOESN’T EXIST Mealtime
By Sandi Haustein
W
hen work schedules make life interesting, it takes creativity and intentionality to create special family mealtimes. Just ask Joseph and Emily Gould and their three sons, Austin (9), David (6), and Logan (2), who live in Hikes Point. Joseph, a supply chain supervisor, works nights from 4pm until 1am; he leaves for work before his kids get home from school and is asleep when they leave in the morning. “It’s tough having an odd schedule,” says
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Emily, who works part-time as a legal secretary. “When it comes to meals, you have to do whatever works best for your family.” One way Emily makes meals work for her family is by making lunch the main meal of the day for her and Joseph. It makes the most sense, she says, so that Joseph eats at least one hot meal a day. To make this happen, Emily plans ahead. Before she goes to bed at night, she pulls chicken breasts or a roast out of the freezer and puts together a meal in the crockpot to cook overnight. The
food is ready by noon so that, most days, she and Joseph can eat lunch together with their son, Logan. With Dad gone in the evenings, Emily keeps dinnertime quick and easy for her and the boys. Often she has tuna melts or mac and cheese ready when Austin and David get home from school. By 5:30pm, they are done eating, and they have the evening free to do homework, play, and take baths. Everyone looks forward to the weekends when Dad is home.
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AGE Page Birth to 5
By Angel Lyn Nance
Make it Count! Easy ways to incorporate math for preschoolers into daily life: the steps as you go up 1. Count or down stairs. 2. Help measure and pour for a recipe. out shapes while on a walk. 3.SortPoint blocks by shape. 4. Make snakes out of playdough and them according to length 5. arrange (biggest to smallest).
JULY
10
E AR TEDDY B AY! D IC N PIC
Enjoy a finger-foods picnic with your toddlers and their favorite bears. If the weather is too hot or rainy, throw a blanket on the living room floor for your picnic. After eating, do the “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” nursery rhyme together, or read Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Jimmy Alexander.
Fresh Salsa
Time for School Do you wonder how to get your child ready for kindergarten? There are many skills that preschool children need to be ready. Some basic but very important skills include being able to listen and follow directions. Oldham County kindergarten teacher Ashley Haselton advises that each child coming into kindergarten should be able to tell you AND write her first and last name.
“Identifying capital letters and saying the ABC’s are also very important. Students should also be able to count to 30 starting from 1. Having these skills will
help them be more successful in kindergarten!” Check out Jefferson County’s kindergarten readiness recommendations at jefferson.k12.ky.us/departments/earlychildhood/School_ Readiness_Act.pdf.
100 Books to Read Before Kindergarten!
Food Prep With Your Toddler Summer is a great time to introduce kids ATIONAL to new fruits and veggies. Even your little ones can help prepare snacks. For instance, 2-year-olds can add fresh berries to yogurt, and 3-year-olds can slice peeled cucumbers with a butter knife. If dips make it easier for your little one to try new food, try adding one part plain yogurt to two parts ranch, or make this easy mild salsa together by tossing everything into a food processor and blending or dicing ingredients by hand.
Fresh Mild Salsa
4-5 tomatoes ½ of a small onion 1 jalapeno (remove seeds for mild) 1 garlic clove 1 small bell pepper 2T fresh cilantro, optional juice of one lime
lfpl.org/kids/pdf/100-books-to-read-kgarten.pdf
Upcoming Events JUNE 1 Louisville Free Public Library’s Kindergarten Countdown begins. (Oldham Co.’s Countdown program starts June 4.) Check out the libraries to find out more! JULY 17 Family Fun Day at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Goshen, Kentucky JULY 30-31 Funtopia Kids Festival at the Kentucky Expo Center. Find out more: louisvilleky.gov/events/funtopia-kids-festival
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AGE Page 6 to 11
By Erin Nevitt
In the Kitchen Try these fun dips, filled with flair, and easy to make with just four ingredients each! Serve with veggie dippers for healthful snacks-to-go this summer. Source: 4 Ingredients Gluten Free by Kim McCosker and Rachael Bermingham
Artichoke Dip
2/3 cup olive oil 1 jar marinated artichokes (drained) 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic In a blender, combine all the ingredients and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Take a Hike!
Avo and Corn Dip
Seriously, there are so many options for hiking throughout Louisville. If you haven’t checked out the dozens and dozens of trails throughout The Parklands of Floyds Fork, you’re missing out on some serious family trail-walking together. Explore the newest park of The Parklands, Turkey Run Park, and Broad Run, which has a great playground. Getting outdoors and exploring new sites together is a fabulous way for families to connect. Source: theparklands.org/.
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Take a Hike, Louisville!: Nature Excursions In and Around Louisville, by local author Lucynda Koesters, offers tips and advice on more than 50 miles of family-friendly nature trails.
Fun in the Sun • Stay covered up and stay in the shade. Apply sunscreen that has at least SPF 15. Reapply every two hours. • Make sure children stay hydrated and dress lightly. Don’t let them exercise for more than 15 minutes at a time in extreme heat and humidity. • Always check the car seat when you arrive at your destination. Tip: Place your purse or bag with cell phone in it in the back area of the car so you’ll reach back for it. • Never leave a child alone near water. Always be within an arm’s reach of your child (especially those under age 5).
3 ripe avocados 2 tablespoons of sour cream ¼ cup gluten-free creamed corn 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Mash and mix all the ingredients together.
Internet Safety Hoping to banish too much screen time when “I’M BORED!” rings through the house? Establishing screen time boundaries at this age is key. Here are some websites to check out for advice: • For useful tips on family cyber safety, opencolleges.edu.au/informed/cyber-safety/
• To find out how much screen time is okay for your child? commonsensemedia.org/screen-time/ how-much-screen-time-is-ok-for-my-kids
• Or try a Technology Contract, which will help keep you at ease and give your child a visual connection to your verbal agreement. cdn.empoweringparents.com/EP/ free-downloadable-technology-contract.pdf
“Mom, we’re bored!”
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org)
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AGE Page 12 and up
By Megan S. Willman
Shut Eye What Happens When Teenagers Don’t Get Enough Sleep? Teenagers have a reputation for staying up all night and sleeping all day. It’s a well-worn tradition and some might even say a rite of passage. But studies show these habits are actually not “normal” and can, in fact, be really detrimental to your child’s health. In her article posted on childmind.org, Juliann Garey lists a few possible side effects:
Help! My Teen Wants to be a Vegetarian For many teens, an interest in becoming a vegetarian is more than a passing fad. A true commitment to health and social justice concerns can form the start of a life-long commitment. But for a parent it can pose overwhelming changes in the kitchen and at the grocery. The Vegetarian Resource Group (vrg.org) has the guidance and resources to help any parent feel prepared. Of particular value is the section called “Vegetarian Kids, Teens, and Family” where one can find answers to frequently asked questions, useful recipes, and helpful hints such as the following: • Support your child. It may be a fad but don’t discredit the genuine interest he or she has in making a positive change. • Eating vegetarian is not about cheese pizza and pasta. A good diet consists of loads of veggies, fruits, beans, and nuts. • Encourage your teen to read books such as What Comes After and Omnibo. A full list of helpful books is available at vrg.org. • Stock your kitchen with nutritious vegetarian options but remember the whole family does not have to make the same commitment.
√ Book Recommendation Many school summer reading lists will most likely include the Do the Math series by Wendy Lichtman, an author, essayist, mathematician, and high school algebra tutor. The stories tell of a young teen who discovers that life’s questions often have more than one answer. The first book is called Do the Math: Secrets, Lies, and Algebra.
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• increased risk of injury • inability to exercise proper self-control • tendency toward substance abuse and risky behavior • unpredictable mood swings If you see any of these signs, talk to your pediatrician and begin steps toward helping your child get more shut-eye!
See Your Way to Clark Days Located at the end of West Riverside Drive in Clarksville is Falls of the Ohio State Park. The 2016 Clark Days takes place on June 25-26 from 10am-4pm. We all know of George Rogers Clark, the founder of Clarksville and Louisville, leader of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and hero of the Revolutionary War. But if you didn’t grow up in this area, you may not know about George’s brother William Clark. Here’s a chance to celebrate the Clark brothers and their great adventures. The weekend event features re-enactors, guest speakers, guided cabin tours, pioneer activities and more! todaysfamilynow.com // facebook.com/todaysfamily // @todaysfamilynow
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Handwriting Camp: Does your child need help
with pre-writing skills or improving writing legibility? Taught by skilled occupational therapists and COTA’s who will focus on a hands-on, multisensory approach to writing. • Cost: $250 • Ages 4-9 • Louisville Main & Sigs location • 9-10am, Tues & Thurs from June 14-30 and July 12-28 Reading Camp: Is your child in need of intervention during the summer break to maintain or build their literacy skills? Hosted by APT Learning Resource Center & taught by a certified teacher. • Cost: $250 • Two groups, ages 4-6 & 7-9 • Louisville Main & SIGS location • 9am-11am, Tues & Thurs from June 14-30 and July 12-28 Social Skills Camp: Does your child have a difficult time meeting friends or need confidence in social situations? Directed by APT therapists. Activities will be fun, creative, and designed specifically to target your child’s social challenges. • Cost: $250 • Louisville Main location • Two groups, ages 6-8 & 9-11 • 5-6pm, Tues & Thurs from June 14-30 and July 12-28
502.633.1007 • kidtherapy.org
Camp Palawopec A good old-fashioned fun camp in the hills of Brown County, Indiana. Activities include swimming, mountain biking, canoeing, soccer, basketball, climbing, campfires every night, Indian lore, crafts, horses, archery, etc. Great summer fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. One staff for every three campers. AGES: Ages: 8 – 15 years COST: One week session = $695 Two week session = $1295 Three week session = $1895 DATES: Coed sessions: June 5-11, June 12-18, July 3-9, July 10-16, July 17-23 Boys session: June 19-25, June 26-July 2 Girls session: July 24-30 3497 N Clay Lick Rd, Nashville, Brown County, IN, 47448 • 812.988.2689 camppalawopec.com • mail@camppalawopec.com
Kentucky Country Day You can find nine weeks of summer on the beautiful campus of Kentucky Country Day School. Go to our website at kcd.org and follow the Summer Programs link on the home page to see our camp listings. You can also give us a call at 502.814.4329 to request a catalog. We offer camps for all ages, including many camps for kindergarten-age children! In the past, camps have included Field Hockey, Cooking, Messy Fun, Soccer, American Girl Dolls, All About Animals, Ninjago, Tennis, Dinosaurs, Fishing, Chess, Minecraft, Cupcakes, Paperfolding and more! We also take great pride in our academic offerings. Your middle school or upper school aged child can come get a leg up on Decimals, Multiplication, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, SAT Prep, College Applications, and more. Camps start June 6 and run through August 12. (No camps are held the week of July 4.) Early drop-off available. Have questions? Give us a call at 502.814.4329 or visit kcd.org/summer.
Kentucky Science Center School’s Out Science Camps
Oldham County Schools Arts Center Summer Camps in Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Dance New camps every week! June 13 – August 5 Do you want to play in a Rock ‘n Roll band or are you hoping to improve your auditioning skills for the next school play? Maybe you prefer creating with your hands and would like to join a clay sculpting camp or make your own Muppet type puppet. You can keep dancing this summer with Ballet or Tap classes or try something new and enroll in private music or voice lessons. Choose from more than 40 camps! Most camps are half-day which can be combined to create a full day camp experience. Classes and lessons are weekly. Please call the Arts Center at 502.241.6018 for more information or visit ocsartscenter.org for a complete listing of camps and to register online.
Whet Your Palette
Also offering summer camps in cities throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Who knew art could go in so many directions? We’re going to build our own lightsabers and use the Force in our Star Wars Art Camp! We’ll be making wild sock creatures, fanciful fairy houses and dragons from nature’s supplies, fluttering butterflies, pocket themed ponds, and multidimensional paper worlds. We’ll learn about Ming Dynasty brush paintings to modern Maori Haka dances in our Art Around the World Camp! And we’re going to get down and dirty with our popular Messy Camp! Our talented staff will guide your young artist to discover possibilities in our Anchorage Art House with seven art rooms, shaded patio, and Japanese garden. We’ll use all kinds of media to create wonderful artwork while expanding our artful minds! AGES: 4-12 WHEN: Up to 4 camps weekly through summer beginning May 30. M-F. 10-12:30 & 1:30-4. (Full-day, early dropoffs, late pickup, and lunchstay options available.) COST: $90 per camp
For more information, visit KYScienceCenter.org or call 502.561.6100.
WhetYourPalette.com • WYPalette@gmail.com 502.438.8865 • 1415 Evergreen Rd, Louisville, KY 40223
When school is out…Science Camp is IN! Want a fun, hands-on experience for your kids? School’s Out Science Camps offer exciting educational experiences for children in grades Pre K-10! Join us for unique topics designed to inform, engage and entertain! Week-long experiences from May 30-August 5 with pay-by-day camps on August 8 and August 9 at the Science Center. 8am - 5pm Cost ranges from $195-$300
Winner of Louisville’s A-List and Today’s Woman Best For You
SUMMER 2016
CAMP DIRECTORY
Associates in Pediatric Therapy
CAMP DIRECTORY
Assumption High School Enrichment & Athletic Camps
YMCA - Camp Piomingo Camp Piomingo is the region’s premiere overnight camp for kids ages 6-16. Campers share outdoor adventures and experience fun activities like high ropes, the zip line, horseback riding and swimming in our awesome aquatics center. Our experienced and high-energy staff help campers gain self-esteem, make new friends and develop interpersonal and leadership skills.
Enjoy a summer of fun and learning in a safe and caring environment. Taught by our awardwinning faculty, Assumption High School is offering a variety of enrichment camps in areas of drama, musical theatre, French, forensics, drawing, painting, sculpture, salsa/ Latin dancing, crafts, cooking, cartooning, girl empowerment, digital photography, speech and debate, mythology, fairytales, jewelry-making, and more. In addition, our top-ranked coaches will lead an assortment of athletic camps in volleyball, soccer, basketball, field hockey, cross country, softball, lacrosse, cheer, dance, archery, and more. Affordable opportunities for every interest! Camps are available for children in grades K-9 beginning June 8 and run throughout the summer at our centrally located and easy-to access main campus or at our nearby outdoor athletic complex. Camp size is limited and will fill up fast. Early registration is recommended. Visit ahsrockets.org for dates, details, and easy online registration or call 502.458.9551.
Your child will grow on the inside …. by being outside. We offer a variety of overnight and equestrian camps from June 5 to July 30. Nestled in the beautiful woods of the Otter Creek Outdoor Recreational area just 45 minutes south of Louisville, a week at Camp Piomingo will create memories that will last a lifetime. Visit us online at ymcacamppiomingo.org or call us at 502.942.2616. Reserve your bunk today! The Y is for everyone. Financial assistance is available.
Camp Encore! Our actors spend their mornings rotating between dance, art, drama, and music class. They’ll pirouette and leap in dance class, transform into a variety of wacky characters in acting class, design a set or costume in art, and sing like a bird in music. Each afternoon they’ll join a music, dance, and acting rehearsal in order to prepare for the big musical. Camp sessions are two weeks long and end with a musical theatre performance. Camp Encore! is run by Cassie Rush, a former New York City director. Camp focuses on Broadway style acting, music, and dance. For more information on this exciting camp, please visit encoreyouththeatre.org. Tuition: Full time $365 (ages 4-16) Part time $180 (ages 4-5) Jungle Book: July 5-15 Mary Poppins: July 18-29
YMCA - Summer Day Camp At the Y, campers will turn off the screens and turn up the fun. Every child can use a time out from technology. One week or the whole summer, your kids will love their Summer Unplugged at the Y, filled with friendship, accomplishment and belonging. Choose from more than 30 locations in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Floyd and Clark counties. We offer a full day of fun activities for ages 3 to 16, including field trips, swimming, sports, games and plenty of fun. Our trained, certified staff will help your child flourish socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically. Registration opens February 17. Register online at ymcalouisville.org by May 4 to save $10 and get a free backpack! The Y is for everyone. Financial assistance is available.
Derby Dinner Playhouse Performing Arts Academy - Summer Musical Theatre Camp Derby Dinner Playhouse Summer Musical Theatre Camp is a one-week performing arts camp for students ages 7 to 17 exploring drama, music, and dance. Taught by Derby Dinner theatre professionals and focusing on creative dramatics and scenes, songs, and dance from Broadway musicals, the camp culminates in a final sharing on the Playhouse stage. Five Weeks of Options Week 1: July 5-9 Week 2: July 11-16 Week 3: July 18-23 Week 4: July 25-30 Week 5: August 1-6 Tuition: $175 Ages: 7 to 17 Time: 9am to 3pm Limited Availability – Register today! For more information contact wallace@derbydinner.com or visit derbydinner.com/classes
DramaWorks Camps: StageOne Family Theatre From beginners to trained actors, StageOne Family Theatre offers themed drama camps during spring break for grades K-5, and in the summer for ages 4-18. Classes encourage students to explore the fundamentals of acting and movement through the use of their body, voice and imagination to gain self-confidence and poise in an atmosphere of fun and laughter. Younger students act out stories, play games, and become characters while older students explore scene work, improv, audition prep and performance training – all with the professional guidance of our artists/educators. Spring Break Camp - April 4-8, 2016 Students will explore acting and improvisation and the fundamentals behind them. All day camps with ½ day options for Grades K-1 Summer Camp - June and July 2016 1-3 week camps, choose from themes like Movie Magic, Performance Camp, and more! Half day, full day, full week and multi-week options Registration opens March 1 Early Bird, multi-booking, and Family Pass discounts available! To view camps or to make a reservation go to stageone.org/kids/camps/ or call 502.498.2436.
Frazier History Museum You’ll be amazed how much fun can be had while learning the remarkable stories of people and cultures from all over the world and throughout our great history. By integrating art, stories, music, movement and more, we bring history to life in a way that will capture the imagination of any learner. We’ll offer a wide selection of camps throughout June, July and August of 2016 for Grades 1-6. From the creation and performance of Page to Stage Camp, to the woman’s history of Chicks Rule Camp, to the amazing fun of You Wouldn’t Want to Live In These Times Camp, your camper is bound to head home with a great experience and a lot of new, fun knowledge. Camps run from 9am-4pm, with an after care option available. Visit FrazierMuseum.org/ camps for more information and camp details. Call 753.5660 with any questions.
Good Garbage
2216 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, KY 40206 goodgarbage.org • 502.654.7705 Printmaking - We will use various tools and media to create unique, personalized prints. • Ages
6-12, 6/13–17 (9a-4:30p) $150 • Ages 3-6, 6/27–7/1 (9a-Noon) $70 • Ages 11-17, 6/27–7/1 (1-4:30p) $70
Creative Reuse - We will creatively reuse items to explore painting, printmaking, weaving, sculpture, and more. • Ages 6-12, 7/25 –7/29 (9a-4:30p) $150 Creative Maker - Young makers interested in creating, tinkering & learning will make projects & go on virtual field trips. • Ages 8-15, Thurs. for 8 wks, 6/16 –8/4 (6-9pm) $120
Make Art & Art Supplies - Not only will you make art, you will make your own art supplies! Sometimes science, sometimes process, but always FUN! • Ages 8-15, Wed. for 5 wks, 6/22 – 7/20 (6-9pm) $75
Montessori Inspired - Fun art projects based on Montessori practices. • Ages 4-8, Sun. for 5 wks, 6/19 –7/24 (4-5pm) $25 (Special Price)
A is for Artist - Learn about different artists who specialize in reuse art and create your own piece inspired by the artist’s work. • Ages 6-12, 6/13, 14 & 15 6-9pm $45
Jefferson Memorial Forest
By combining scientific study, experiments, and exploration with traditional summer camp fun, your child will have an educational adventure to remember for a lifetime. We offer a shuttle service from George Rogers Clark Park to the Forest. Each session lasts one week and has a different focus. Camps for ages 7-12: Adventure Camp, June 13-17 and July 18-22 NEW! Wilderness Survival Camp, June 20-24 Nature Camp at Locust Grove, June 27-July 1 (no shuttle, meets at Locust Grove)
Water Wonders, July 11-15 and August 1-5 Camp for ages 6-9: Fairies, Trolls & Gnomes, July 25-29 Camp for ages 13-15: ECO Extreme, July 25-29 Camp for ages 5-6: Forest Explorers, July 5-8 (no shuttle, meets at JMF) Sign up early as space is limited. Each camp operates on a 2:15 staff-to-camper ratio for safety and personal attention. To register, go to our website or call/email to request a registration packet sent to you. 11311 Mitchell Hill Road, Fairdale KY 40118 Welcome Center 502.368.5404 memorialforest.com • forest@louisvilleky.gov
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana / JA BizTown Camp 2016
Kismet Farm LLC
2000 Todds Point Road, Simpsonville, KY 40067 Kismet Farm is now offering horseback riding lessons and summer camp for all ages and ability levels! Horseback Riding Lessons Kismet offers riding lessons every day of the week! Private or group lessons and lessons for Tiny Tots! Contact us for more information! Summer Camp Summer camp is geared for children ages 6 and older who are interested in horses. No experience necessary! Groups will be selected based on the amount of experience each camper has. We want to keep it safe, fun and educational for every camper! Camp will include daily riding lessons, horse related educational activities, arts & crafts and outdoor games! We will take a field trip on Friday to the Shelby County Fair & Horse Show! Limited spots are available; sign up today! When: June 20-23 12-5pm & June 24th 4-9pm Cost: $500 ($250 non-refundable deposit and registration form due May 31) Contact: Madelyn Palazzo or Katie Case 502.648.5180 or 502.417.8591 mmpalazzo93@gmail.com or prktrot@bellsouth.net Check us out on Facebook!
June 20-24 June 27-July 1 July 11-15 Ages 9-12 • 9am-4pm • $195/week At this camp, the kids run the place. That’s because the place is Sam Swope JA BizTown®, a 7,000 square-foot mini-metropolis. JA BizTown is home to Papa John’s, Stock Yards Bank, UPS, Kroger, WDRB Fox 41 and other businesses you find in our own region. JA BizTown Camp gives kids the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in a job and run a business. But it’s much more than that! JA BizTown Camp is an indoor, academic camp that combines classroom-style teaching with hands-on activities. Much of the camp experience includes working with other campers of different ages on group projects. Concepts learned and applied at camp: Entrepreneurship-brainstorming ideas and bringing them to life Job preparation-applying for/interviewing for a job Teamwork-working with a group to reach a goal Marketing-why and how to communicate your products or services. And much more! Register today! jaky.org/programs/summer-camp/ 1401 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd (40203) • 502.561.5437
Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation
Kentucky Humane Society Camps Are Pawsitively Fun
Walden Theatre/Blue Apple Players
Children and teens love the Kentucky Humane Society’s animal- and nature-focused camps. These weeklong camps, offered June through August, help your child build a sense of kindness, respect and responsibility. Lifelong Friends (6 to 12) KHS Main Campus, 241 Steedly Drive, Louisville KHS East Campus, 1000 Lyndon Lane, Louisville Campers are immersed in pet care, animals and nature via hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, crafts, skits and more. Offered at two convenient locations, this camp is sure to get tails wagging. Campers learn to be ambassadors for companion animals and the natural world— learning compassion while having fun. Animal Advocate (12 to 16) KHS Main Campus, 241 Steedly Drive, Louisville This camp is designed for young adults who have a sincere passion for animals and want hands-on experience while learning about animal welfare issues and careers. Applicants submit an essay to be accepted into the Animal Advocate Camp. For more information, visit kyhumane.org/camp or call 502.515.3149.
Looking for something exciting to do this summer break? Register your child for an Amazing Adventure with Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation’s summer camp program. Located in community centers across Louisville, we offer 8 weeks of safe, fun and educational programming any child would love. Camps being in June and continue into August, Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Camps are geared for children between the ages of 6 – 12. Prices range from $65 to $95 per child, per week, depending upon camp location. For more information, call 502.574.4460 or visit bestparksever.com.
Theatre camps & performances delight & challenge youth to engage confidence & imagination. No experience necessary. waldentheatre.org • 502.589.0084 Summer Academy (ages 8-13) 3 wks Kids work on the play Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the crazy story of candy, kids, & an eccentric businessman. Students get the experience of rehearsing & performing a play complete with sets, props, & costumes. 7 sessions avail. Pre-School, Art, & Imagination (ages 3-11) 1 or 2 wks Kids inhabit a story with the 2-wk Imagination Junior Academy (5-7) that teaches artistic expression or explore their inner Picasso (5-11) in 1-wk Art camps. Pre-K camps (3-5) give young kids their 1st theatre experience! Skill-Building (ages 9-18) 1-3 wks Young actors 9-18 hone skills in a range of offerings, from the Shakespeare Intensive to Teen Acting. Also features Audition Skills, Scene & Song Study, & more to come!
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HAVE A CEREAL BAR THIS SUMMER W
ant to have a fun, easy summer party? Consider hosting a cereal bar. Recipes range from more traditional combinations of cereal, fruits, and milk to pairing certain cereals with flavored milk or yogurt, and topping it with lemon rinds, thyme, or even chili powder. “There’s really no wrong combination,” said said Karen Bakies, a registered dietitian and the nutrition affairs director for the American Dairy Association Mideast. “Cereal bars are a lot like salad bars. There are lots of ingredients to choose from, but each person comes up with her own creation depending on her individual taste.” Here are a few ideas for hosting your own healthy cereal bar party:
• Use whole grains as basic building blocks — Whole grain 48 SUMMER 2016
cereals, like toasted oats, multi-grain, bran, and even lightly sweetened whole grain cereals. Choose cereals that pair well with a variety of spices, fruits, and natural sweeteners.
• Use a variety of milks and yogurt — Offer flavored milks and yogurts or Greek yogurt. A popular dish with the kids is an upside down cereal bowl in which they fill a glass bowl with cereal and toppings first, then top it off with yogurt. You can also make banana splits by halving a banana, putting three dollops of lowfat, flavored yogurt in the middle, then sprinkling cereal on as a topping.
• Don’t cut out all the sweets — Whether you are serving children or adults, don’t do away with all the sweets. Instead, offer healthier, natural sweeteners, like pure maple syrup, coconut shavings, or honey.
Kids love making their own choices when it comes to cereal toppings. COURTESY PHOTOS
• Use a variety of bowls and dishes — Glass bowls are particularly fun for children, so they can see all the ingredients as they are added.
• Spice things up — Spices are often used in cereal bars created for adults. Offer your guests cinnamon, thyme, chili powder, and mint. For more ideas, go to drink-milk.com. todaysfamilynow.com // facebook.com/todaysfamily // @todaysfamilynow