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5 n Web Finds / What’s New In The Kid Biz 10 n Family Travel
Discover Frankenmuth and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan by Deborah Williams
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Dr. Seuss’ How
What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ web.finds
Merry Grinch-mas!
the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of our favorite classic holiday stories. And if you and your kids love it as much as we do, your hearts will grow three sizes with these fun items that will make this year the Grinch-iest Christmas ever!
Decorative The Grinch Christmas Tree
Fans of How the Grinch Stole Christmas will love this Grinch Whoville Christmas tree! Standing 5-ft tall, this Grinchy green tree is decorated with shiny blue, red, pink, and gold ornaments. A singular, oversized red ornament delivers the whimsical, droopy look at the top. Create your own Who-ville with this charming Grinch Christmas tree that lights up 80 pre-attached LED lights. (Lowe’s, $99.98)
CLUE®️: The Grinch
A timeless holiday theft is up to you to solve in this nostalgic version of the classic mystery game! Based on Dr. Seuss’ story about the grouchy green troublemaker that hijacks Whovilles decorations, CLUE: How the Grinch Stole Christmas lets players wear the shoes of Cindy-Lou, Papa Who, and other residents of Whoville to determine WHO caught the mean one in the act, WHAT object The Grinch stuffed up the chimney, and WHERE in the town it was taken from! (Amazon, $44.99)
Merry Grinchmas! Game
Every Who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot. But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT! While the Whos are busy dreaming of Christmas, the Grinch is slinking around Who-ville trying to stop Christmas from coming! Work together to collect presents to make the Whos holiday dreams come true before the Grinch steals them away. Collect more points than the Grinch by the time Whos start singing to win! (Amazon, $19.99)
CHILD POVERTY NEARLY TRIPLES TO 13% OVER THREE YEARS
Child poverty in the U.S. has surged, nearly tripling from 5% in 2021 to 13% in 2024. This dramatic increase follows the expiration of pandemicera economic policies and rising prices that have strained family budgets nationwide. However, a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, “Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States: A 10Year Update,” underscores the profound impact of public policies and programs, demonstrating their capacity to cut child poverty in half.
This report, which analyzes U.S. Census Bureau figures from the annual Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), reveals that more than 1 in 8 children in this country lived in poverty in 2024. Without the support of government programs and policies, the child poverty rate would nearly double — underscoring how vital these efforts are to helping families make ends meet. Among children living in poverty, 61%, or 5.9 million, lived with at least one employed parent in 2024.
The SPM is a more accurate gauge of families’ economic situations than the official poverty measure’s income threshold of $31,812 for a family of four in 2024. The SPM accounts for essential expenses such as housing, medical and child care; adjusts for rising costs and geographic differences in the cost of living; and measures the effectiveness of vital resources like tax credits, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food assistance and housing subsidies.
“Poverty poses a serious threat to children’s development and longterm wellbeing, with farreaching consequences for our economy,” said Leslie Boissiere, vice president of external affairs at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The data unequivocally show that public programs directly help our nation’s children. By investing in children’s wellbeing—through both public policy and employment practices that provide familysustaining wages—we can enable more children to thrive and contribute as they become adults.”
To view the full report, visit aecf. org/resources/measuring access toopportunitya10yearupdate.
Holiday Magic, Without the Meltdown
—by Rebecca Hastings
The holiday season sparkles with magic. Twinkling lights, sweet treats, and festive traditions fill our calendars. For parents, this time of year often comes with a mix of joy and exhaustion. For kids, the same excitement that makes the holidays special can also lead to overwhelm—cue the tears, tantrums, and meltdowns right when you’re trying to snap that perfect holiday photo.
If you’ve ever carried a sobbing child out of a holiday concert or found yourself negotiating with a candycane-fueled preschooler, you know the struggle is real. But here’s the good news: with a few intentional strategies, families can enjoy the wonder of the season without falling apart in the process.
Here’s how to keep the holidays merry and meltdown-free (well, at least meltdown-less).
1. Stick to Routines (as Much as You Can)
Kids thrive on predictability. While the holidays often mean late nights, skipped naps, and travel, keeping some routines steady helps kids feel grounded.
Try to keep meals and bedtimes close to normal, even if it means leaving a party a little earlier. If bedtime is nonnegotiable at your house, explain that to family and friends ahead of time. You’ll thank yourself later when your child is more rested—and less likely to unravel over the wrong color cookie frosting.
Pro Tip: Keep a few comfort routines consistent, like reading a bedtime story or lighting an Advent candle, even if everything else feels upside down.
“Dinner will be later than usual, so we’ll bring a snack.”
“There will be a lot of cousins, and you can bring your favorite toy for a break.”
When kids know what to expect, they’re better able to handle it.
3. Set Realistic Expectations (for Everyone)
2. Prep Kids for What’s Coming
Surprises are fun when it comes to gifts, but not always when it comes to schedules. If kids don’t know what’s happening, they’re more likely to resist or feel overwhelmed.
Before a holiday gathering, walk kids through the plan:
“We’ll go to Grandma’s at 2:00.”
We all picture holidays like a movie: kids dressed in matching outfits, everyone laughing, not a single tear in sight. Reality? Someone spills cocoa, someone else refuses to smile for photos, and at least one kid cries because the cookies don’t have enough sprinkles.
The sooner we let go of perfection, the freer we are to enjoy the actual moments happening around us. Kids don’t need flawless holidays; they need parents who can laugh, hug, and roll with the chaos.
Parent reminder: The photo where your toddler is scowling at Santa will be the one everyone remembers—and laughs about—for years.
Keep snacks and water on hand.
Sometimes all kids need is space, a cuddle, or a moment to reset.
4. Build in Downtime
The holidays can feel like a sprint from one event to another, but kids (and adults) need margin. Schedule downtime like you would schedule parties: pajama mornings, a quiet story by the tree, or even a family nap.
Not only does this give kids a break from the noise, but it also helps preserve the joy in the busy moments.
7. Give Kids a Role in the Magic
When kids feel included, they’re less likely to act out. Let them stir the cookie dough, hang ornaments, pass out napkins at a party, or choose a carol for the family playlist.
The more ownership they feel, the less likely they are to push back or melt down when things get busy.
5. Choose Treats Wisely
Between candy canes, frosted cookies, and holiday punch, kids can quickly hit sugar overload. And we all know what follows: hyper energy, then tears.
Help kids balance treats with protein-rich snacks. A cheese stick, apple slices with peanut butter, or trail mix before a party can prevent the sugar rollercoaster.
Parent hack: Bring your own healthy snack stash. Your child may not eat the kale salad at the buffet, but they’ll happily munch crackers and cheese between sugar binges.
8. Keep Directions Simple and Light
We’ve all been there: “Sit still, smile, and don’t move!” usually ends in frustration for everyone. Instead, give playful prompts that keep the mood fun.
“Everyone look at Dad and make your silliest face.”
“Race to the tree like you’re chasing Santa.”
“Whisper your favorite cookie flavor to your sister.”
When the focus is on fun, kids are more cooperative—and you’ll capture genuine smiles in the process.
6. Have a Meltdown Plan
Even with the best intentions, kids will sometimes melt down. Instead of getting caught off guard, plan for it.
Identify a quiet corner or step outside for a breather.
Pack comfort items like a stuffed animal, noise-canceling headphones, or a favorite blanket.
9. Watch for Overstimulation
The holidays are a sensory explosion: music, lights, people, food. For some kids, it’s simply too much. Watch for early signs of overwhelm—fidgeting, irritability, covering ears—and
intervene before it turns into a meltdown.
Sometimes, a quick break outside or a quiet game away from the crowd is all it takes.
10. Say No (Even if It’s Hard)
There’s pressure to do it all: every event, every craft, every tradition. But sometimes, less really is more.
Pick the activities that matter most to your family and let the rest go. It’s better to enjoy a handful of meaningful traditions than to rush through dozens while everyone feels exhausted.
Parent permission slip: You don’t have to attend every holiday event. You don’t have to make every cookie from scratch. You don’t have to create a Pinterest-worthy December. Your kids will remember how the holidays felt, not how they looked.
11. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection
At the heart of every tradition is the chance to connect. Whether it’s a holiday movie marathon, driving around to see lights, or making gingerbread houses that collapse into piles of frosting, what matters is being together.
Kids won’t remember that the wrapping paper matched the tree. They will remember laughing on the couch in pajamas.
12. Give Yourself Grace
Parenting during the holidays isn’t easy. There will be meltdowns—sometimes from the kids, sometimes from us. But giving yourself grace makes all the difference.
continued on page 12
A Letter to My Kids for Christmas
—by Rebecca Hastings
Dear Kids,
Iknow you’ll be happy this Christmas. You’ll enjoy the lights and the gifts and the family fun. You’ll love it. Probably. Mostly. Well, what I really mean is, you’ll enjoy parts of it. Do I want you to enjoy it all? Do I want you to love every gift? To have every wish met? To feel like it’s a season of endless magic? Of course I do. But I also don’t.
Because here’s the thing. I know you’ll be disappointed, too. Not in a rude, disrespectful way, but in a quiet, deep in your heart way when you realize you’ll never get everything you ever wanted. I can’t do that for you. And the truth is, no one can.
When you’re done opening your gifts, you might discover unmet wishes.
You might even find things you don’t really want. (Hello, new socks!) Whether it’s on Christmas day or all the Christmas days of your beautiful life so far, the truth is, I didn’t give you everything you ever wanted for Christmas. But it goes far beyond that.
There were so many times at the store that I said no, and we left in tears. I even had to pry a toy out of your hand and put it back on the shelf a time or two. And it’s not just with toys. There were so many things that we missed out on, events we didn’t go to, parties we declined. It was all for a reason.
I knew that no shiny pile of gifts or five-star vacation or perfect party would ever fill the endless want deep inside. Don’t feel bad about that; we all have it. There is only one thing that can fill that in you, in me, in any of us, and that’s God.
So, I gave up the stockpiling of gifts. I’ll still find things perfectly you. Sometimes I’ll get it right, and sometimes it will become a funny family story. But there is one thing I’m trying desperately to give you that I just cannot wrap.
More than anything, I want to give you time.
I want to give you time for the things that matter most, the things that make us human. I want to give you time for things that I can’t buy. Time to be a kid. Time with me. Time to be bored. Time to explore. Time to feel like the star and time to feel your failure. Time to feel love and time to feel sadness. All of them are an important part of making you into the beautiful person you’re becoming.
As you unwrap your gifts and we sit in a sea of torn wrapping and new things, you may have a moment where you feel disappointed. You may even feel a little sad that it’s over, like it’s a let-down. Give yourself that moment and then find the next moment. A moment to enjoy, a moment to rest, a moment to snuggle or laugh or just do something else. Disappointment is real, but you don’t have to stay there. There are so many more beautiful things you can hold onto in this big life you are living.
This Christmas, I cannot give you everything. But I can point you to what your heart really longs for, and I can give you love and the gift of time.
I love you.
Xo, Mom
3 Easy Ways to Navigate Heated Topics This Holiday
Can you believe they’re letting them in?
So, who did you vote for?
I can’t believe the response to the crisis overseas!
The possibilities for conflict are endless, especially as we sit down with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Topics like politics, world events, social justice, and race carry weight, not only in content but also in feelings.
While all we want to do is enjoy a holiday meal or have a civil conversation, it can feel impossible because topics like these are often emotional and can easily become heated. Sometimes it’s not even about whether people agree or disagree. Sometimes it’s just about someone looking for an opportunity to talk about their opinions (soapbox optional, but probable). This can leave you unsure what to say and how much to engage.
The most powerful solution: Take a deep breath. This is always a good answer, but especially for topics like this. There are 3 things to consider when talking about hard subjects at social events.
1. YOUR IDEAS/THEIR IDEAS:
Before you even set foot in Nana’s living room, you should think about your beliefs. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but having a basic understanding of what you think and how to voice that will help you. Think about what topics matter to you and what boundaries you want to set. Consider what you will and will not talk about.
Maybe this means you talk about parties, but not individual candidates. Maybe it means you stick to an issue that is important to you, like world health or immigration. Whatever your thoughts, consider a sentence or two that sums up how you feel. This is more for you than anyone else.
Similarly, you can think about the ideas of the people around you. You may already know that your uncle has candidate bumper stickers and that your neighbor lost someone to gun violence. Consider what you know about the people there before you arrive. Being aware and sensitive will help lead to better conversations.
2. ENGAGEMENT:
Think about how you want to engage in hot-topic conversations. Maybe you are looking forward to a heated debate with your Grandad about the refugee crisis. Or maybe you don’t want to talk about it at all. Knowing how you want to engage and setting that boundary is important for your well-being.
If you don’t want to talk about a subject, consider a simple response such as:
• “I don’t talk about politics, but I’d love to hear about your family.”
• “Holidays are for family and friends, and I’m so glad to be here with you. What can we celebrate this year?”
Be consistent and kind as you redirect difficult topics. If you are uncomfortable, consider going for a walk or offering to do some dishes. This can give you some space if people don’t respect your boundaries.
continued on page 12
FAMILY TRAVEL
— by Deborah Williams
DDiscover Frankenmuth and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
ecember brings lights, music, concerts, Christmas trees, elaborate outdoor displays, gifts, Santa, and special food treats most everywhere in the United States. But there is a small town in Michigan where the season is celebrated year-round in grand fashion.
Frankenmuth, about an hour north of Detroit, attracts the greatest number of visitors this month, but any time of the year is a good time to discover the wonders of this Bavarian town founded in 1845 by 15 German immigrants.
The name came from two German words—Franken, represents the Province of Franconia in the Kingdom of Bavaria and “muth” means courage. A number of the town’s 5,000 residents can trace their ancestry back to the early settlers.
Known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” it is easy to imagine you are in a small German town while walking down Main Street with its old-world charm and Bavarian architecture everywhere.
It is a fun town for all ages and Travel & Leisure Magazine named Frankenmuth “Best Family Town in the U.S. for 2025.”
It is also called “Christmas Town” thanks to the award-winning Bronner’s
Christmas Wonderland which bills itself as the “World’s Largest Christmas Store.” Walking inside, it would be hard to dispute that label—it is huge.
The store covers 2.2 acres or 1.7 football fields of shopping. It is set on 27 acres of landscaped grounds. Approximately 100,000 lights illuminate the half-mile long Christmas Lane every evening from dusk until midnight.
Best to have a meeting point for families or you could end up like my brother-in-law, who had to be paged when he became separated from his family.
“It is not unusual to have to page someone in the store who gets separated from their group, especially husbands,” explained Autumn Bronner, a personnel assistant and part of the Bronner family. It is truly an enormous and breathtaking store which attracts two million visitors a year. Take a deep breath when you walk in and you will inhale the wonderful aroma of sugar cookies.
As many as 25,000 children visit Santa Claus each season from the day after Thanksgiving through December 24. More than 300 decorated trees are displayed.
The Bronner family believes in advertising their special store on more than 60 billboards—the furthest is on I-75 near Ocala, Florida.
Every year the store sells more than two million ornaments and more than 125,000 light sets. Bronner staff personalize 600,000 ornaments annually. “Merry Christmas” ornaments in more than 40 languages are among the 8,000 styles of ornaments available. Many of the items for sale are under $10 and two thirds are under $20.
One of the more famous customers was John Wayne, who ordered a Santa suit from Bronner’s by telephone on December 15, 1976.
In 1992, with permission of Austria, Bronner’s erected a replica of the Austrian Silent Night Memorial chapel in tribute to the Christmas hymn “Silent Night” first sung in the original chapel. It is open daily.
Frankenmuth is the place for water lovers with the state’s largest water park at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, the largest hotel in town. It also boasts an on-site arcade, swimming pools, indoor mini golf, nightly entertainment, and multiple restaurants.
All you can eat, family style fried chicken dinners have become a major draw. Two establishments across the street from each other are the place to go for the experience that attracts visitors from around the globe. The Bavarian Inn offers a Bavarian atmosphere and boasts that it has been serving chicken dinners since 1928 and Zehnder’s has an early American vibe.
The same chicken recipes are used at both restaurants operated by different branches of the same family. There are a multitude of other choices on the menu. Both pay homage to their German heritage with authentic Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and other favorites.
Walking down the colorful Main Street there are chocolate, cheese, and fresh baked pretzel shops to satisfy most all taste buds. The Frankenmuth Cheese Haus boasts more than 120 varieties of cheese from Michigan-made Gouda to chocolate cheese. Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus serves handcrafted toffee, gourmet chocolates, and other seasonal treats.
Cass River winds through town and in the warmer weather there are riverboat cruises onboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, as well as the smaller Frankenmuth FunShips. There are also kayaks for rent for anyone who wants to paddle their own watercraft. Paddle under the iconic Holz Brucke Covered Bridge.
The Frankenmuth Historical Museum is compact but a good introduction to a town that has been called Michigan’s quirkiest. It traces the development from its founding by Franconian Lutherans to its modern identity as a tourist destination.
About an hour west of Frankenmuth is another special Michigan town—Mt. Pleasant, home to Central Michigan University. When school is in session the 21,000 population doubles in size.
Visitors can tour the 1894 Frankenmuth Woolen Mill and learn about traditional milling processes. They can even craft their own woolen dryer ball as a keepsake.
Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm was founded in 1938 by William “Tiny” Zehnder and has been a working farm with crops and livestock ever since. On weekends during December, Santa and his reindeer take over the farm and visitors can pet the reindeer.
During the spring, it is baby season on the farm and there will be lambs, baby chicks, bunnies, and more in the petting barn that stays open throughout the year. The summer brings 20 acres of sunflowers as well as other flowers.
Much of the area is located on Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribal lands. Instead of banning the use of Native American names for school sports teams as New York has done, the University uses the Chippewa name with permission of the tribe and in partnership with the tribe. The use of the Chippewa name has opened the opportunity for closer relations between the tribe and the community and university.
The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways is a must visit. It is a museum and cultural center designed to support and communicate the culture and spirit of the Saginaw Chip pewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and other Great Lakes Anishinabek.
Our guide was a member of the tribe and an experienced educator. Thanks to his descriptions based on firsthand experiences, our visit was a deeply moving experience. For the first time I learned that it was not until 1924 that Indians were considered full American citizens.
His tales of the Indian boarding schools in which young children were taken away from their families, their communities, and everything they knew “to take the Indian out of them”
continued on page 12
Bavarian Belle Riverboat
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways
FAMILY TRAVEL
were both sad and enlightening. Children were punished if they were heard speaking their tribal language, according to our guide.
The Diba Jimooyung (Telling our Story) permanent exhibit tells the story of the original people of the Great Lakes and shows their struggles to hold onto the land, language, and lifeways.
Across the street is the Soaring Eagle Casino Resort that boasts Kids Quest, a supervised play center filled with activities designed for children 30 months through 12 years. It is a perfect spot for parents who want a dinner without the children. There’s also the Cyber Quest, an arcade that features family friendly games for all ages.
The Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel features its own river, a waterfall, waterslides, a climbing mountain and a huge hot tub.
Travel Tip of the Month: For information on Frankenmuth visit Frankenmuth.org or call 800-Fun-Town. For information on Mt. Pleasant visit mt-pleasant.org or call 989-779-5300.
Deborah Williams lives in Holland, NY and is a veteran travel writer whose work has appeared in national and international publications. She is the recipient of the Society of American Travel Writers’ Lowell Thomas Gold Travel Writing Award
HOLIDAY MAGIC
It’s okay if things don’t go as planned. It’s okay to order pizza on a busy December night. It’s okay to take a moment to breathe before answering your child’s fifteenth request for hot cocoa.
The magic of the holidays doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from presence.
Final Word
Holiday meltdowns happen. They don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong as a parent; they simply mean kids are kids. With a little preparation, realistic expectations, and a whole lot of grace, you can help your family enjoy the magic of the season—without the tears stealing the spotlight.
Because at the end of the day, the best holiday memories aren’t the ones that look perfect; they’re the ones you share together.
Rebecca Hastings is a former elementary teacher who traded the classroom for writing when she stayed home with her three children. Passionate about authenticity, faith, and family, you can find her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Amazon. In real life, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places, or wherever there is chocolate
3 EASY WAYS TO NAVIGATE HEATED TOPICS THIS HOLIDAY
continued...
3. SHOW LOVE:
Ask yourself how you can show love in the situation you are in. This does not mean you ignore your boundaries or have uncomfortable conversations. It does mean you think about how to love the people you are with, even when you disagree.
Sometimes that looks like listening, other times it is about giving a hug or sharing a family memory. While you may disagree on topics, you will feel better about your holiday if your interactions are filled with love instead of anger.
Consider what that looks like for you and how to show love to those around you this holiday. Sometimes that means having difficult conversations, and other times it means choosing not to.
Whatever you encounter this holiday, remember to show love for others and yourself. The holidays are a time of celebration with people we care about. No matter how someone else steers the conversation, you can find ways to navigate to a place of respect and love.
Remember, it is always acceptable to say you don’t want to talk about something. If the people you are with do not honor that, you can find ways to take space and come back together to focus on what matters most: celebrating together.
PICK OF THE LITERATURE
— by Dr. Donna Phillips
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” What is your favorite thing? Is it the “jingle belling,” or “friends calling,” or “marshmallows toasting,” or “caroling,” or “parties for hosting,” or “hearts glowing,” or “mistletoing,” or “ghost stories,” or “tales of the glories,” or something else? Is it the shopping? Is it the baking? Is it the gifts? For me, it is the books! And there are so many this year! So many that I can’t decide on which ones I like best. So, I am going to share all of them and let you decide!
For the youngest ones, there are fun and engaging board books.
A Merry Little Mystery (Sourcebooks, Naperville, 2025, $9.99), written by Layla Sutton and illustrated by Noel Clark, has 12 flaps to lift and a mirror. What is the mystery? What is the best thing about the season? Lift the flaps to find out and then decide. This book is a wonderful romp through reasons for the season!
Scratch and Sniff is back in Does Your Nose Know Christmas? (Source-
books, Naperville, 2025, $12.99). Written by Louise Angelicas, this is a fantastic book for activating holiday senses! Yes, things really smell like chocolate, mint, apple pie and cinnamon. The sturdy flaps to lift are perfect for little hands, and the hints in each story lead little minds to search their memories for the right words and recollections.
How about building your very own Christmas Tree?! With Pop Out Christmas (Duo Press, Naperville, 2025, $8.99), you can read, build, and play. You can make a tree, decorate a fireplace or a front door, set up a holiday scene, and decorate your tree with the ornaments that are included. This book has it all. Stories, things to create and manipulate, and a place to put the pieces back when you are done! This is a great book to develop small motor skills and language.
Turn the sturdy pages in It’s Time for Christmas (Gibbs Smith, Kaysville, 2025, $17.99) by Kathrin Fehrl to learn about what the elves are doing up at the North Pole to help Santa get ready. Fol-
low them by turning the layered pages as they wake up and begin their chores. They bake! They make! They wrap! They pack! And thanks to them, Santa is ready to go on his magical journey. This is a great way to introduce young children to the magic of this holiday!
For our older children there are some clever and fun books.
If your children like jokes, Ho-HoHo-Larious Christmas Jokes (Callisto Publishing, Naperville, 2025, $11.99) by Chris Cate has almost 50 clever jokes that will make you think about the holiday fun in a different way. Some jokes are challenging but all are fun. This book would be perfect for that child that is language curious and is delving into the world of jokes and humor. They could provide great holiday party entertainment!
continued on page 14
PICK OF THE LITERATURE
For children that like writing letters to Santa, When Santa Wrote Back (Sourcebooks, Naperville, 2025, $12.99), written by Nathan Christopher and illustrated by Pablo Pino, is a wonderful exchange of letters between Jake and Santa. Not only does Santa teach Jake about the Christmas spirit in their letters, he even talks Jake into taking over his job while he goes on a vacation. Then the chaos begins and lessons are learned. This book is written in brilliant rhyme that will provide fun, interest, and a model for budding letter writers.
Never Let a Unicorn Meet a Reindeer (Wonderland, Naperville, 2025, $12.99) by Diane Alber also begins with a letter to Santa but it was about a birthday present. She was hoping Santa could afford to let her borrow a reindeer until Christmas but when it showed up, she got a warning. “Don’t let it meet a unicorn.” And of course, it did. The results are a holiday surprise!
Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue (Double Day, New York, 2025, $24.99), written by Dev Petty and
illustrated by Mike Boldt, is the hilarious story about the time when Santa had to take a break just before Christmas and Elmore was left in charge. Elmore tries his El-most to help Santa. Through letters back and forth they manage to pull off a perfect but a bit unusual Christmas.
If your children like crazy fun books, these might be on their Christmas list.
Cupig Saves Christmas (Flamingo Books/Random House, New York, 2025, $19.99) by Claire Tattersfield and Rob Sayegh Jr. has our favorite character standing in for Santa. As one would expect, chaos ensues. All done in clever rhyme, this book is sure to entertain with love and humor.
Did you know there was a Christmas Fairy? We learn about her and her holiday magic in An Untold Story of the Christmas Fairy (Wonderland, Naperville, 2025, $12.99), written and illustrated by Diane Alber, which tells the delightful story of this delightful fairy. She is an organizer and a problem solver. Just what Santa needs to pull off Christmas this year. She might even have some ideas for you.
Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas (Double Day, New York, 2025, $24.99) by Robert Barry turns into a wild ride, as the Christmas tree Mr. Willowby longs for is delivered by a collection of animals. This rhyming romp is a delightful and hilarious follow up to Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree. It is a true Christmas miracle since it was found years after the author passed away and discovered by his son. It is adorable and delightfully illustrated.
Special books for special reasons.
The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia (Jabberwocky, Naperville, 2025, $18.99) by Alda P, Dobbs and illustrated by Emily Mendoza is the beautifully written story of the history of the beloved plant that has played an important role in many cultures and over many years. While we know it as Poinsettia, it has had different names and different meanings to different groups at different times. In this wonderful book we learn about its importance from the ancient Nahuas to our current day.
Also available in Spanish as La Flor Generosa: La Historia de la Flor de Nochebuena (Jabberwocky, Naperville, 2025, $8.99)
We can’t forget Hanukkah, and we can’t forget Horton Hears a Who, so why not combine them to create Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party! (Random House, New York, 2025, $19.99). Written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Tom Brannon, this book keeps in the true tradition of Dr. Suess’s cherished story. Every night Horton keeps hearing voices and a song but no one else can. Certainly, he can find where it is coming from. After 8 days he sees 9 glowing lights hidden in the underbrush and discovers the Rabbi of Who-ville celebrating Hanukkah with his community. In the Dr. Suess style, we learn about the significance of the holiday. This delightful book will certainly join How the Grinch Stole Christmas as a holiday favorite.
With book options like these I am sure you will agree that this is the “most wonderful time of the year!” So, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!...” but that is another story!
Dr. Donna Phillips is an associate professor in the College of Education at Niagara University where her specialty is literacy and children’s literature. She lives on Grand Island, NY and is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of one.
Exploring
EDUCATION EDUCATION
— by Shannon Dean
The STEM Boost: Why Starting Young With Tech Pays Off Later On
Most parents don’t just want their kids to get good grades. They want them to develop marketable life skills, like curiosity, confidence, and competence. And while not every kid dreams of becoming an engineer or software developer, early exposure to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) can spark something even more important than career ambition. It can also help shape the way kids think. Because when a child codes a game, builds a robot, or experiments with circuits, they’re not just learning how tech works: they’re building a toolkit for solving problems, staying persistent, and turning curiosity into action.
A New Kind Of Knowledge That Teaches Resilience:
To someone peeking over a kid’s shoulder, a STEM activity like coding might look like typing strange commands into a screen. But behind the blinking cursor, there’s something much bigger happening.
Increasingly, educators recognize that STEM concepts like coding are more than just novel skills. They’re actually being called a new kind of knowledge. “Coding is a basic form of literacy and language that is as important as reading and writing today,” notes Dr. Pam Rutledge of Fielding University.
Kids who develop STEM skills are also learning important strategies such as planning, thinking step by step, and adjusting to try again when things don’t work the first (or fifth) time. They’re building patience and a healthy relationship with failure. In a world that rewards speed and perfection, that kind of persistence is rare.
Skills For The Information Age And Improved Performance In Other Subjects:
According to the University of Minnesota, STEM helps foster four 21st-century learning skills considered
essential for students in the Information Age. They’re known as the Four C’s— communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. And specialists say teachers and caregivers should introduce them early so they’re built upon throughout a child’s lifetime.
Even better, STEM doesn’t just teach kids to learn new, techy things. It helps them learn better across a wide range of subjects. Research shows that students who engage with STEM early improve their abilities in other academic and cognitive areas, too, including literacy, language learning, math, and executive functioning.
A Confidence Boost That Sparks Bravery:
Experts say that kids who feel capable in STEM are more likely to approach unfamiliar challenges with curiosity instead of fear.
Dr. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, believes that STEM builds courage, explaining, “We practice
failure. We get them to exercise their confidence by publicly speaking their ideas, by raising their hand high, and acknowledging when they don’t know the answer. Coding, in and of itself, teaches bravery.”
When a kid learns to build or solve something independently, they carry themselves differently. And you can’t teach that kind of confidence with flashcards or grades. It has to be earned through doing, and through trying, failing, and trying again.
There’s Room For Every Kind Of Child:
Some parents worry that their child might not be “techy” enough for STEM. But this kind of learning isn’t just for kids who love math, science, or computers. It’s for artists, daydreamers, and builders, too.
A child who loves drawing might enjoy coding animations. A child who loves stories might light up while building a digital choose-your-own-adventure. And for the child who’s always in motion? Robotics might be a fantastic fit.
Specialists say that it’s important to ensure every child feels included. Girls and children of color are still underrepresented in many STEM fields. The
earlier that all kids see that these spaces include them, the more likely they are to keep going.
STEM Is Not Just About The Future:
It’s easy to frame STEM as a pipeline to jobs or a way to prepare kids for a future that will undoubtedly change because of tech. But exposure to STEM is just as much about the here and now.
STEM helps kids feel capable right now. It gives them the tools to explore their current world with more confidence. When they learn to troubleshoot, to collaborate, and to ask better questions, they’re learning how to show up in life with initiative and how to adjust when the answer isn’t easy. Those life skills are worth having in the present, whether they ever write another line of code years from now as an adult.
STEM Can Be Introduced Earlier Than You Think:
Many parents assume they have to wait until middle school or beyond to introduce STEM ideas. But many experts say that’s simply not true. According to the National Science Teachers Association,
continued on page 27
What to Look for in a Great STEM Program
Not all STEM programs are created equal. Before you sign up, here are some questions to ask, and why they matter.
Is it hands-on? Kids learn best by doing. Look for programs where they build, code, experiment, or tinker rather than just watching a demo.
Are kids solving actual problems? The best programs don’t just teach tools. They pose challenges. Can kids design a bridge that holds weight? Code a game? Test a solution and revise it?
Does it welcome all learners? Strong STEM programs make room for kids with different strengths, learning styles, and interests, not just math whizzes or science lovers.
Is failure part of the process? STEM success depends on trial and error. Look for programs that encourage kids to try again, revise, and experiment, rather than just looking for the “right” answer.
Are there opportunities to lead and collaborate? STEM mirrors the real world. Kids should learn how to work in teams, share ideas, and build confidence by presenting to or teaching others.
Is creativity encouraged? STEM isn’t just logic. It’s also about imagination. Programs should let kids design their own projects or add personal flair to their work.
Are instructors engaging and experienced? Look for programs with enthusiastic, trained teachers who know how to support curious, energetic kids and who value every child’s voice.
Does the program reflect the diversity of the world? Representation matters. Girls and kids of color should see role models who look like them, both in instructors and in the stories or challenges presented.
Do kids come home talking about it? Enthusiasm is a great indicator. A powerful program sparks excitement, curiosity, and a desire to keep learning even after class is over.
Is there room for growth over time? Great programs offer levels of challenge or continued paths so that your child can stay engaged and deepen their STEM skills as they grow.
A Childhood Unplugged Why Screen-Free Education Matters More Than Ever
In his bestselling book The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt sounds an urgent alarm: childhood as we’ve known it—playful, social, exploratory—has been quietly replaced by something very different.
“We’ve had a play-based childhood for literally 200 million years because we’re mammals and all mammals play,” explains Haidt. “That’s how we wired up our brains. Somewhere in the 1990s, it stopped—and stopped dead by 2010. It faded away and was replaced, very suddenly, by the phone-based childhood.”
When children trade unstructured play for screens, the results are sobering. The rise of smartphones and social media has coincided with an alarming increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness among young people. According to Haidt, “We deprived kids of play and gave them a life online. And that is not a human childhood.”
A growing number of parents, educators, and child-health experts agree with Haidt. They’re questioning what childhood has become, and are leading the charge towards the best path forward for raising healthy, resilient, interesting, and engaged adults.
THE CASE FOR PLAY
Play is not frivolous—it’s foundational. A truly enriching and healthy childhood is one filled with connection, imagination, and movement— not constant digital stimulation. Real-world exploration is how children develop focus, empathy, and creativity. When screens replace these experiences, development suffers.
A growing body of research supports the need for a play-based, screen-free youth. A 2025 Journal of Intelligence review found that openended or “loose-parts play” (think blocks, sticks, fabric, clay, etc.) significantly improves problem-solving and creative thinking. The Ameri-
can Academy of Pediatrics has gone so far as to recommend that pediatricians advocate for play as they would for sleep and nutrition, citing its role in reducing stress and supporting emotional health. We are embodied creatures, Haidt reminds us: children must learn how to move, balance, build, and explore in the physical world before entering the virtual one.
PLAY-BASED AND SCREEN-FREE SCHOOLING
Alternative models of education center around a hands-on approach to learning and encourage pencil-andpaper writing, reading books rather than screens, and incorporate active, creative play every day.
Time in nature—ample time, in all weather—is also crucial for children. Slowing down to notice a blooming flower, hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot, or feeling the thrill of rolling down a hill. These are experiences no screen can replicate.
—by Kathryn Lalley
At Waldorf Schools, for example, early childhood classrooms are rich with sensory experiences: weekly bread baking, watercolor painting, storytelling, nature walks, puppet plays, and singing. Imagination is not a break from learning—it is learning.
Waldorf and other schools, including Montessori and forest schools, also embrace mixed-age play. Younger children look up to older ones; older children learn empathy and leadership by guiding younger friends. This natural rhythm mirrors how humans have learned and thrived for generations, and cannot be experienced when mesmerized by screens.
As Haidt writes, “The human mind is a story processor, not a logic processor.” At screen-free, nature-based schools, children live those stories— through play, creativity, and connection—building their inner life and a resilience that no screen can provide.
EASING INTO TECH AND SCREENS
By keeping childhood grounded in the real, tactile, social world, we’re giving our children what they need most: a healthy foundation for lifelong learning, happiness, and human connection.
continued on page 29
Grief is the most natural and universal human experience, yet we struggle as a society to talk openly about loss. Navigating grief can be one of the most challenging passages of living, and this is especially true when it comes to children and adolescents. Yet the data shows that unsupported grief can turn into very adverse life outcomes when it comes to bereaved children. Grief support is not “nice.” It is imperative.
When a student experiences the death of a significant person, the school environment often becomes a vital place of stability, compassion, and understanding. Educators and school staff are in a unique position to help students navigate grief—not by taking away their pain, but by providing a safe and compassionate space for them to express it. Our students should never have to struggle in silence. Grief is not always something we can see, and even if a child may appear to be doing well, they still carry that invisible weight with them each and every day. Normalizing grief is the first step towards creating a more supportive environment for children.
When someone we care about is hurting, our first instinct is often to make them feel better. But when it comes to loss, the goal is not to take away the pain or grief, as grieving is a natural and necessary process. What children need most is a sense of safety and acceptance. Teachers can create an atmosphere of trust by listening without judgment, offering consistent support, and validating a child’s emotions. Some teachers may feel that supporting a grieving student is not part of their professional role—that loss is a topic that should be left to families or counselors. However, grief deeply impacts a student’s ability to learn, build connections, and remain engaged in the classroom. When students are grieving, their concentration, memory, and motivation can be significantly impacted. They may withdraw from peers, “act out,” or appear disinterested. Teachers see their students daily and may be the first to notice changes in their demeanor. Providing empathy and flexibility after a death removes barriers to learning and helping students feel safe to reengage with school life. Recognizing that grief
—by Katerina Schlabig
When Our Students Are Grieving: Creating a Compassionate Classroom
influences every aspect of a child’s wellbeing allows educators to meet both academic and emotional needs.
GRIEF IN THE CLASSROOM
Grief looks different for everyone, but one constant is that grief is not linear. There is no timeline to follow or stages to get through. Grief is a complex experience and can change from one moment to the next. When a student returns to school after a death, routine and structure can help restore a sense of stability during an emotionally chaotic time. While this stability is necessary to help ease a child back into school life, it needs to be accompanied by some flexibility as well. Adjusting expectations can help the student reengage with learning at their own pace. This might include creating alternative assignments, extending deadlines, or reducing the student’s workload. While academic rigor is important, compassion is equally essential. Advocating for grieving students means balancing care with
expectations, ensuring that school remains a supportive space rather than a source of pressure.
It is also vital that grief support to a student is abiding, as grief will continue to change and evolve through every developmental stage. Even if a student seems to be doing well or is performing well academically, checking in regularly shows them that we care, and their grief is not forgotten. You may be thinking, “Won’t that just remind the student of their loss?” While well-intentioned, avoiding talking about the loss can often make students feel more isolated, and compound their grief. Silence or avoidance can make them feel as though their pain is something to hide. Letting a student know you are thinking of them and their loss helps establish a safe, supportive environment. Grief changes over time, and we need to continue providing patience and understanding weeks, months, and even years after the loss has occurred. Anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays can bring up new waves of grief. Maintaining awareness of a student’s loss can help us prepare in advance, enabling staff to offer
additional support or simply acknowledge the significance of the day. Longterm awareness helps prevent grief from becoming a silent struggle.
COLLABORATING WITH WNY COMPASSION CONNECTION
WNY Compassion Connection:
A Center for Grieving Children and Families opened its doors in April 2025 as a space to provide hope and healing. Located in Lancaster, NY, the center offers peer support programs and therapeutic workshops to support those who are grieving to navigate loss together. In addition to providing support at the center, we also have staff members committed to mobilizing our mission outside our front doors, and into school communities to meet kids right where they are. This includes facilitating peer support groups at school, holding grief literacy trainings for school staff to gain confidence in supporting grieving students, and even opening conversations of grief with students. With classroom presentations, peers can learn how to be supportive without offering clichés or avoiding the topic of grief altogether. By using clear language, modeling honesty, and creating safe, compassionate spaces, we can help grieving students feel more secure and resilient.
From implementing processes to identifying bereaved students and supporting them throughout their school journey, being there for grieving students is not just about responding to loss—it’s about cultivating a school culture rooted in sensitivity and understanding.
When educators treat grief as a natural part of life rather than an obstacle to get over, they send a powerful message: you are seen and you are not alone. This helps transform schools to be places of both learning and supportive healing. When we acknowledge our students’ grief, the pain goes from being the heaviest of invisible bricks in their backpacks to an opportunity to light their path forward with hope.
Katerina Schlabig is the School Outreach Coordinator at WNY Compassion Connection.
How Homeschooling Reshaped Our Family’s Idea of Education
—by Janelle A. Jones
My mother spent her life teaching in public schools. I grew up believing the classroom was the only path to success. But when it came time to educate my own children, I chose a completely different route.
My educational journey began before I even started school. My mother is a teacher, so education has always been a pillar in my life. Growing up, there were high expectations in our household, and education was nonnegotiable. But deep down, I always dreamed of creating a different kind of family structure, one where creativity, curiosity, and self-determined success were our guiding values.
My first job was as a substitute teacher in the same district where my mother worked, and my first business was a tutoring agency. In many ways, I was continuing the family legacy. During those early years, I began hearing stories from my students about what they were experiencing in school. I was shocked. It was then that I decided if I ever had children, I would homeschool them. I wanted something different for their educational experience.
When I began telling people that I planned to homeschool my kids, the reactions were strong. “They need to socialize with other kids.” “They need structure.” “Are you sure you can teach them properly?” These were just a few
of the concerns people shared. But I knew that everything in life is a matter of perspective. Their concerns were valid, but how we define structure, socialization, and education depends on how we choose to see it.
As I began to consider homeschooling seriously, I started asking my own questions. What would socialization look like outside of school walls? What if unstructured time created more creativity instead of less? Who decides what structure even means? And who sets the standard for learning? The traditional system was no longer working for so many families, so what would it hurt to try something different? Homeschooling was a leap of faith and a family experiment, but I was willing to take the risk. What I didn’t expect was how much it would change us all.
As our journey unfolded, I began teaching my kids early. By age three, my son was already reading sight words and simple sentences. When I enrolled him in a half-day preschool, he was ahead of the class, but the school didn’t want to provide additional work to match his level. We toured several schools, and the response was always the same. Around this time, I was also traveling frequently. By the age of five, my son had already visited six countries. I realized that traditional school would limit our ability to travel, and that travel itself was one of the richest forms of education.
By Kindergarten, I had fully committed to homeschooling. I began researching state requirements, curricula, and local support groups. Joining a homeschool community quickly became the key to a successful experience. For me, that started with simple Facebook groups where other parents offered encouragement, guidance, and resources. There were moments when I doubted myself, but having that community gave me the push to keep going and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
Once we settled into a rhythm, learning began to happen everywhere. Nature hikes became science lessons. Cooking lunch turned into math practice through measurements, and cutting a pizza became an impromptu fractions class. Over time, I realized that our learning was best when it was child-led. My children showed me what they were curious about, and I followed their lead. Each of them learns differently, so I’ve used their individual learning styles and interests to keep them engaged. I’ve learned that I’m less of a “teacher” and more of a “learning facilitator.” This approach has created space for selfdirected learning and genuine curiosity.
Still, this journey hasn’t been easy. I’m not a stay-at-home mom; I work full-time while homeschooling. My calendar, to-do lists, and coffee are my best friends. Finding balance is an ongoing process, and there are days when I feel pulled in every direction. Yet, seeing my children thrive reminds me that the effort is worth it.
Socialization is another topic people often question. For us, homeschool field trips, playdates, park visits, and summer camps are the best means of socialization. There’s a stereotype that homeschooled kids aren’t socialized, but that’s far from the truth. Once, at a summer camp, the director told me she didn’t believe my son when he said he was homeschooled because he was so outgoing. That moment confirmed what I had always known: socialization happens naturally when children are given the space to be themselves.
I can’t say that the transition from traditional school to homeschooling was easy. Internally, I was an emotional mess. As mothers, we often have a constant conversation in the back of our minds about whether or not we’re doing the right thing for our children. But every day, my children showed me that I was making the right choice.
Another challenge was finding the right curriculum. Since both of my children learn differently, what worked for one didn’t work for the other. We eventually found success with a hybrid approach, combining different methodologies to create a balanced learning experience. This flexibility is one of the greatest benefits of homeschooling because it allows us to adapt, pivot, and personalize as our children grow.
Community has also been my lifeline. The support I’ve received from local families, co-ops, and online homeschool groups has been invaluable. When I first started, I tried to do everything on my own: mother, teacher, tutor, therapist, and more. But once I accepted help, things changed. Finding support was the best decision I made. It allowed me to pour into my kids without burning out. If you’re even considering homeschooling, start by finding your community. You don’t have to do this alone.
Over time, homeschooling reshaped how I define education. In our home, learning isn’t confined to the classroom or even the house. The world itself is our greatest teacher. My children learn through travel, community projects, and passion-driven activities. They’ve become confident, self-aware, and able to talk about the world from real experience rather than just what they’ve read in a book.
Across the country, homeschool rates are on the rise. Every day, I meet parents who are curious about homeschooling. They want to know how to start, what it looks like, and whether it’s sustainable. I tell them that it begins with letting go of the idea that school has to look a certain way. Many families begin by “unschooling,” a period of simply observing and getting to know
their children’s interests, goals, and learning rhythms. During this time, remember you don’t need to replicate school at home. Instead, build around your children’s natural curiosity and make learning part of everyday life.
If you’re considering homeschooling, here are a few things that helped me along the way. Start small; you don’t need to have everything figured out at once. Build your community early through Facebook, local libraries, or homeschool co-ops. Don’t isolate yourself; homeschooling doesn’t mean doing it alone. Ask for help and give yourself grace. There’s no perfect homeschool parent. Learning happens in everyday moments, even when it doesn’t look like a formal lesson. And most importantly, always remember your why. Whether it’s freedom, safety, flexibility, or family connection, keep your purpose front and center.
One thing I wish I had known earlier is that I am in control of my family’s world and their experiences. Homeschooling gave me that freedom. It allowed me to redefine what learning
looks like and build an education rooted in love, curiosity, and experience.
Our life is still hectic and unpredictable, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Our little family has grown closer than ever. We’ve built a rhythm that works for us, one that values curiosity, connection, and joy in learning. Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all path. Homeschooling gave us the chance to reclaim our time, redefine success, and turn learning into a lifelong family journey.
My mother gave me the educational foundation I needed. Now, I am creating new traditions and building a legacy that I can be proud of—one that my children will someday share with their own.
Janelle A. Jones is the daughter of a lifelong educator, a writer, and the founder of 4kiddos, a family-centered platform that connects parents to kidfriendly learning and play opportunities. She homeschools her two children while inspiring other families to see education as a shared adventure.
—by Cheryl Maguire
Inever considered myself a scientist. If you asked me to prioritize my subjects in high school based on interest, I would have said I liked English over Science. Then, I had a science teacher who took the time to build a studentteacher relationship with me, and that changed my path forever. Here are four ways you can encourage your child to build strong student-teacher relationships that last:
1.HELP YOUR CHILD FEEL LIKE CHOOSING TO LEARN IS WINNING
My science teacher, Dr. Pavlica, asked me to apply to his new research class. It didn’t interest me … at all. Despite my lack of enthusiasm, he recruited me like I was a star athlete who needed to try out for the team. Anytime I saw him he would ask, “Have you applied for the class yet?” After about the fifth time of hearing his questions, I finally asked, “What do you mean by applying? Don’t you just sign up for a class?”
“This is a different type of class. You have to apply and then we accept the top students,” he said.
This piqued my competitive nature. The next thing I knew, Dr. Pavlica interviewed me and then accepted me into his class.
2. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO FOLLOW THROUGH ON CURIOSITY
In that science class mentioned above, we could choose any topic related to a field of science. After selecting an area of interest, we were to use the scientific method to analyze the chosen research. The fact that I could pick any area of science allowed me to explore something I found interesting. I liked working with children so I chose child psychology. The research question I asked, “Are there gender differences between preschool children at play?” Other students explored areas of biology, chemistry, and physics. It was the first time any teacher asked me what I was interested in and meant it.
3. SHOW YOUR CHILD HOW TO FIND A MENTOR
Since my teacher’s area of expertise was Biology, he didn’t know enough about child psychology to assist me with my interest in it. But that didn’t stop him. He arranged for me to meet with a college psychology professor to discuss my findings and teach me how to write a research paper. The paper was entered into the Westinghouse Science Talent Search Competition (now called the Intel Science Talent Search). I was one of 40 finalists nationwide selected to go to Washington D.C. and I had the honor of meeting President George H. W. Bush.
The experience taught me that I could use my passion out in the real world, and it was all thanks to my teacher, Dr. Pavlica.
4.BELIEVE IN YOUR CHILD AND THEY WILL BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES
Dr. Pavlica believed I could become a successful science research student. He saw an ability in me that I didn’t see within myself. His encouragement and persistence enabled me to participate in a class I normally wouldn’t consider. He changed my perception and helped me to pursue an undergraduate and graduate degree in psychology.
Any teacher or parent can do what Dr. Pavlica did and build a strong student-teacher relationship. All it takes is one interested and supportive adult in a child’s life to make a difference.
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. You can find her at X @CherylMaguire05
young children naturally pick up STEM concepts through exploration. And American University agrees, suggesting that STEM should begin as early as preschool.
What To Look For In A Good STEM Program:
Some families are lucky enough to have a school system that offers STEM. If not, there are after-school clubs, enrichment classes, and camps.
What should you look for? Hands-on programs that allow kids to experiment and follow their curiosity. The best programs mix play with purpose and encourage building, tinkering, collaborating, and leading. Kids should be free to ask questions, make mistakes, and try again. And it matters when they see role models who look like them.
STEM isn’t just about making future tech experts. It’s about helping kids believe they can figure things out, that they can create something from nothing, and that they can rise to a challenge and come out stronger.
That sense of capability might just be the most valuable thing STEM offers. And the earlier we start, the more chances we give them to grow into the thinkers, leaders, and doers the world needs next.
Author Shannon Dean is the mother of two sons. She enjoys writing about the health and well-being of families.
ROOTS OF THE FUTURE MONTESSORI
8970 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031
716-545-8048 www.rootsofthefuture.com
Providing a quality Montessori education that understands and nurtures children’s natural curiosity. Our certified Nature Explore Classroom is an ideal environment designed to inspire children to connect with the wonders of nature while encouraging their interests. Ages 2.9 - 6. Call for a tour today.
THE CHILDREN’S LEAGUE
393 North Street Springville, NY 14141
716-592-9331 http://tclny.org
A “child & family friendly” center and home-based program providing education and therapy services for developmentally disabled children birth – 5 years old. Integrated Preschool Classes in Collaboration with Head Start. Specialized services for Autism Spectrum Disorders. EI and CPSE evaluations also available.
West Buffalo Charter School
Nestled in the heart of Buffalo at 113 Lafayette Avenue, West Buffalo Charter School (WBCS) has been a beacon of quality education since opening its doors in 2012. This K-8 institution is known for its diverse and inclusive learning environment, offering small class sizes that prioritize individual attention. Classrooms are intentionally kept small, with approximately 20 students in grades K-4 and 25 in grades 5-8, ensuring a high teacher-to-student ratio. WBCS operates as a small, safe learning community, emphasizing differentiated
and intensive instruction to meet the needs of every learner. The school is dedicated to fostering language acquisition, literacy, and reading proficiency, essential skills for academic success. An extended school day, along with enrichment opportunities in academics, sports, arts, and STEAM, encourage students to explore their passions and discover new interests.
Committed to educating the whole child, WBCS integrates Art, Music, Physical Education, and STEAM into its curriculum, cultivating creativity and critical thinking. A strong Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program, supported by a full-time School Social Worker and Art Therapist, ensures students’ emotional wellbeing.
Staff at WBCS engage in ongoing professional development, exploring innovative teaching methods and leveraging technology to enhance learning. Partnerships with Canisius University and other local organizations enrich the academic experience,
building strong ties between the school and the community.
With a focus on positive relationships, excellence in education, and holistic development, West Buffalo Charter School stands as a model of what a nurturing, dynamic educational environment can achieve.
WBCS Parents Say it Best:
“They meet every student where they are and help them reach their full potential.” -Nicole Lauer
“From the moment we walked in, we knew this was more than a school — it’s a community.”-Maxine Perez
113 Lafayette Ave. Buffalo, NY 14213
716-923-1534 www.westbuffalocharter.org
—by Cherie Gough
Tips for Successful College Visits
1. Before heading out on tours, take time at home to discuss your teen’s values. Help them clarify their Why for attending college. College consultant Dr. Steven Antonoff offers free, downloadable tools to help families start the discussion at https://schoolbuff.com/ worksheets/
2. Engage with a diverse range of people beyond the scripted tour. Ask at least three current students questions about their campus experiences to gain honest answers and valuable insight. Get specific. Instead of “What’s the social scene like?” ask, “What did you do last weekend?” Instead of “How many majors are there?” ask, “Do counselors help freshmen sign up for classes? Is it easy to get the classes you need?”
3. Sit in on a class that interests you.
4. Ask lots of questions about dorms. Housing can be stressful. Ask about availability of on-campus housing beyond freshman year. If not guaranteed, what’s the process to obtain off campus housing? How far in advance do students typically plan? Is it a hassle? Does overpriced housing often place excess pressure on students’ budgets?
5.
Observe how people get around campus. Are they riding bikes? Taking the bus? Walking? Is the campus walkable to local shopping and dining? Is there a free campus shuttle to town?
6. Be a people watcher. What are your impressions of the student body? Is there a fun, positive vibe or do people look stressed and exhausted? Does the campus have the right fit of diversity to help you thrive? Can you see yourself happily fitting in among these people and this environment?
7. Are safety measures in place around campus and in the surrounding area? Look for emergency call boxes. Ask if there are campus security escorts or free shuttles available at night.
8.
Eat in the dining hall. How well do they accommodate your dietary preferences or needs? Can meal plans be used at cafes campuswide? Notice the vibe. Are students eating together or mostly picking up to-go orders?
9.
Take photos to help you remember key positives and negatives about each campus. Use this tracker from College Board to help record your impressions—https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/CollegePlanning/media/ pdf/BF-campus-visit-score-card.pdf
10. Visit the Career Center. Ask questions about job boards, work study, internships. Ask: How often do students meet with career counselors? What services do they offer?
11. Visit the surrounding neighborhood. Walk into shops and restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores you'll likely frequent. How does the neighborhood feel?
12. Can’t get away for college visits?
• Check out: Campus Reel, an online guide with real students leading you through a typical day at their university (dorms, cafeteria, nearby neighborhood). https://www.campusreel.org/
• Visit the variety of local universities in town. They’ll give you a good indication of what feels right.
A CHILDHOOD UNPLUGGED
We must help children and young adults by introducing screens, AI, and tech with care and consciousness, expressing not just how to use technology, but when and why. At Aurora Waldorf School, for example, middle-school students complete a series of Cyber Civics courses, where the focus is on Internet safety, becoming a good digital citizen,
and recognizing the need for real-life connection beyond the screen.
We can recognize that we live in a digital world and safely incorporate screens and media into the lives of older youth in a safe way. Haidt’s recommendations can be a helpful guide: no phones until high school, phone-free schools, no social media until age 16, and more focus on play.
Now is the time to call on teachers and parents to work together to protect childhood as a sacred, fleeting time when imagination and friendship form the roots of our children’s futures. We’re doing more than preserving childhood—we’re preparing young people to become capable, compassionate, and adaptable adults. These skills are relevant now more than ever.
Kathryn Lalley is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Aurora Waldorf School. Aurora Waldorf School: Preserving Childhood Since 1991. Learn more at www.aurorawaldorfschool.org.
Wishing you happy, safe travels. Make it fun!
Cherie Gough is a college essay coach who has successfully helped hundreds of students gain success in their application journey.
GiftsGalore
A Holiday Gift Guide
716 Music & More
716-390-8347
www.716MusicAndMore.com
Music Together is the world-renowned early childhood music and movement program for children birth through age 8 and the grownups who love them. This incredible curriculum has been offered for over 35 years and is loved by families around the world. Ongoing research guarantees a high quality, educational and fun experience in our classroom at Harlem Road Community Center. Join our musical community and make musical memories with us! Tuition includes weekly classes, CD and digital downloads, illustrated songbook, and online access to videos, activity pages and more! Gift certificates available.
WNY’s one-stop toy shopping experience! An independently-owned toy store celebrating over 100 years. Stop by one of Clayton’s two locations where you’ll find gifts, toys, games, novelties, and nostalgia for children of all ages! We have a vast selection of baby items, books, dolls, stuffed animals and puppets, science kits, art supplies, crafts, puzzles, building toys, trucks, and more! The incredible staff is here to help you find that perfect holiday gift and offers shipping and complimentary gift wrapping. There is something for everyone at Clayton’s Toys, so come on in and experience it for yourself!
Designing Dish
138 Grey Street, East Aurora • 716-655-4456
www.designingdish.com
Everyone is an artist at Designing Dish – a paint your own pottery store featuring Glass Fusing. Create make and take gifts from christmas trees to ornaments. We have those special projects that everyone will always remember. Open for walk-ins, ladies nights, and accepting reservations for private parties. Celebrate the Holiday Season by visiting us in the historic village of East Aurora. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Embrace the Difference®
ReedsJenss or Shop Online
www.embracethedifference.org
This holiday season, give a gift that speaks from the heart with Embrace the Difference®. Created by Robyn Zimmer, inspired by her journey as a mother to a child with special needs, Embrace the Difference® promotes kindness, acceptance, and connection. Each piece, featuring the iconic interconnected circles and square, symbolizes that we are all connected. Make a meaningful impact, one purchase at a time.
GiftsGalore
A Holiday Gift Guide
Federal Meats
With 8 WNY Locations to serve you. Call 716-633-1390 for the nearest location.
www.federalmeats.com
Give The Gift of Good Taste! Enjoy this real old-time butcher shop, where meat professionals assist customers one-on-one in selecting their meats, poultry, deli and seafood. Here is where you can have your favorite items cut and wrapped to your specification. Their large deli section includes a full signature line of freshly prepared dinner entrées and appetizers to choose from. Federal Meats specializes in friendly knowledgeable service where phone orders are always welcome. Federal Meats accepts Cash, Master Card, Visa, Discover and EBT. Holiday Gift Certificates, Steak & Meat Packages are also available for year-round gift giving. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram - @federal_meats.
Gymnastics Unlimited
70 Weiss Ave., W. Seneca/Orchard Park • 716-677-0338
www.gymnastics-unlimited.net
GYMNASTICS will keep your child moving all winter! No need to be a member for these programs to burn off that winter energy: Birthday Parties! Held on Sundays. Call for times and to book. Toddler time on Wednesday from 12:15-1pm for 5 yrs & under, $7 per walking child and Open Tumbling on Monday & Wednesday from 8:50-9:45pm, $10, Jr. High (11 yrs old) & older. HOLIDAY GIFTS!!! For those gymnasts in your life, we have gymnastics apparel, accessories, and gymnastics inspired gifts.
Hyatt’s All Things Creative
1941 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo • 716-884-8900
www.hyatts.com
Discover special gifts for everyone on your list and shop local this year with Hyatt’s All Things Creative. As a family owned business in Western New York for over 60 years, Hyatt’s knows how to inspire creativity in people of all ages with their more than 55,000 products. Beyond art supplies, visit their newly expanded kids creative play area with more toys, building blocks, and STEAM sets! You’ll also find experienced and knowledgeable staff that are happy to take the time to help you find the perfect gift. Gift cards also available in any amount.
www.kidtokid.com/tonawanda 980 Union Rd., Southgate Plaza, West Seneca • 716-675-0483 www.kidtokid.com/westseneca
Holiday gift shopping at up to 70% off mall prices! We’re a family-owned, upscale resale store with two great locations in Tonawanda and West Seneca. We buy and sell the best of what kids outgrow: kids’ clothing sizes 0-14, shoes, toys, books, games, baby equipment, and more. We buy all seasons all the time, no appointment necessary. It’s a win-win for parents...by trading in outgrown items and buying what’s needed now, and by giving another child an opportunity to love those items. Kid to Kid supports and donates to local charities. Open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 12-5pm. Follow us on Facebook!
Monaco’s Violin Shop & Music Centre, Inc.
55 CrossPoint Pkwy., Suite 106, Getzville • 716-688-8600
www.monacosviolinshop.com
Monaco’s Violin Shop is a family owned and operated business serving this area since 1973. Monaco’s is the only store in WNY that specializes in the retail, rental, & repair of violins, violas, cellos, and basses. Monaco’s carries instruments made in Romania, the Czech Republic, Germany and others. Monaco’s is the exclusive dealer of the Samuel Shen line of instruments in WNY. We have years of experience repairing many different stringed instruments including guitars, banjos, ouds, mandolins, and more. Our annual sale on instruments, accessories, and musically inspired gifts, runs from November 28th thru December 23rd.
Past & Present Science & Nature Store
3767 South Park Avenue, Blasdell • 716-825-2361
www.pastpres.com
Past & Present is a unique science & nature store offering unusual treasures from around the world. Fossils, rocks, minerals & crystals are some of the geologic wonders you might find for that one of a kind gift. Beautiful amethyst cathedrals, geodes & other natural pieces of art, along with handcrafted jewelry, are always available. Browsing our shop is a great experience for kids of all ages. Books, posters, science discovery kits & geology tools are just some of the great gift ideas available. Be sure to visit our free Fossil Gallery featuring dinosaurs, sharks, local & internationally found fossils.
Shop local this Holiday Season! Raff and Friends, a specialty toy store, is located in the Eastern Hills Mall across from Duff’s. The store is full of an incredible variety of quality products including Breyer horses, Bruder trucks, baby toys, Magna-Tiles, Melissa & Doug, Playmobil, Squishables, Calico Critters, dolls, so much plush, crafts, sensory/fidget toys, logic and jigsaw puzzles, metal and DIY kits, science, books, board games for all ages, and much, much more. Shop Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-5. Raff and Friends is here to help you find those special gifts this holiday season.
3 Ways You Can Help Tackle Hunger and
Strengthen Communities
This Holiday Season
(Family Features) The holiday season is often a time of joy, connection and celebration. For millions of families across the country, however, it is also a season of uncertainty, wondering how to put food on the table or meet other essential needs. According to the USDA, more than 47.4 million people in the United States experience food insecurity each year.
That’s why, each holiday season, thousands of Charles Schwab employees come together to fight hunger and strengthen the communities where they live and work. Through employee meal-packing events and nonprofit grants, volunteers and partners help families access nutritious meals and vital support during the holidays and beyond.
“As we gather with loved ones this season, it’s important to remember that not all of our neighbors have that security,” said Kristine Dixon, managing director of Charles Schwab Community Affairs. “By working side-by-side with local hunger relief organizations, we’re helping ensure more families can share in the joy of a holiday meal and the peace of knowing they are supported.”
As you prepare for the holidays, here are a few ways you can help address hunger relief and support your neighbors
DONATE TO A LOCAL FOOD BANK
Food banks and pantries are at the heart of efforts to make nutritious food accessible for all. Inflation and rising
At the end of your day, reward yourself with a hot tea, a lit
candle, and good book.
SINGLE
— by Meagan Ruffing
Parenting Through the Holiday Hustle: Finding Calm in the Chaos
Self-care strategies for parents during the busy season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and also the busiest! I don’t know about you, but November seems like a blur most of the time and like we’ve gone straight from Halloween to Christmas. Inevitably, I look back at this season and wish I’d slowed down a bit more, lingered a bit longer, and savored time with my kids in between the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The good news for you and me is that I’m ahead of the game this year and am going to share some of my most peaceful moments and ideas with you so that you too, can enjoy finding calm in the chaos.
1. Start a notes section on your phone every morning you wake up. This is where you’re going to type out what’s on the agenda for the day. This daily routine of to dos will hold you accountable to get things done without overcommitting to things that can wait. At the end of your day, reward yourself with a hot tea, a lit candle, and good book.
2. Keep holiday shopping simple. If your kids are old enough to write down what they want for Christmas, sit down
and write the list out together. If you still have little kids, pick out one thing they want, one thing they need, one thing they can wear, and one thing they need. Add a cute stocking to the mix and you’re good to go!
3. Listen to your favorite holiday music in the car whenever you’re going back and forth to work or playing taxi for your kids’ extracurricular activities. Road rage is a thing of the past and upbeat, soothing holiday music is the new go-to strategy for keeping the peace when
traffic is crazy. The holidays tend to bring more traffic into town, so do yourself a favor and download Spotify with your favorite tunes.
4. Plan out your meals each week. They don’t have to be fancy (or they can be if that’s your style) but make your life easier and simpler by creating a menu for the week. This will free up more time for you when you get home from work to focus on the important things, like going on a walk with your kids before dinner or asking them about their school day instead of realizing you have nothing to eat in the house and are scrambling to figure out what’s for dinner.
5. Stock up on candles, air fresheners, oils, whatever your choice of scent might be, and create a calm, peaceful place for your family to live. There’s nothing quite like walking into a clean home, with dim lights, and a sweet-smelling aroma that says, “Welcome home.”
6. Decorate your home to enjoy the moments of downtime you have and to get excited about your holiday meal. Pull out your traditional seasonal décor and then decide what you would like to add to your collection this year. Take a trip to HomeGoods or T.J. Maxx and treat yourself to one new thing this month for your home.
7. Decide early what you want your holidays to look like this year. Do you want to cook? Do you want to eat out? Order in? Thinking ahead and securing a plan at the beginning of the month will help you feel less stressed on the actual holiday. This year, my family and I will be preordering a holiday spread from Cracker Barrel so that I can enjoy relaxing the entire day without being in the kitchen and doing dishes.
8. Snuggle your pets just a little bit longer. The laundry can wait a minute. The dishes will still be there. The mess on the kitchen table isn’t going anywhere, so walk back over to your adorable pet and enjoy the unconditional love that only a pet can give you. It’s worth it and did you know…this is a great grounding exercise if you’re feeling anxious or ‘all over the place.’ Grounding just means that you are engaging in a wellness practice to bring you back to the present moment.
9. Write down one thing you’re grateful for every day. Remember that list of to dos I mentioned earlier on? Add this to that list so you’ll have it all in one place. Starting the morning off in a place of gratitude is proven to trigger the release of feel-good chemi-
cals in the brain like dopamine and serotonin which can alleviate anxiety and depression. This is especially helpful if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months.
10. Love on your kiddos. I know this sounds silly and quite simple but trust me, I swear that my soon-to-be 17-yearold son was just a one-year-old boy looking back at me yesterday. You’ll never regret the moments you spent loving on your kids and pouring into them.
Enjoy your holidays this year and don’t forget to slow down and savor the small things! Parenting through the holiday hustle and finding calm in the chaos really can be done.
Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist, mental health therapist, and single mom who tries to do her best each day. She doesn’t always get things right but continually strives to do better.
‘Twas
Daddy Daddy The Track
‘T– by Shannon Carpenter
was the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house,
Not a creature was stirring, except for my kids who got up extra early.
The stockings were slung on the floor; they hadn’t even broken a sweat.
The concept of everyone getting a stocking hadn’t occurred to them yet.
They were snuggled in sweat and had my screwdriver,
In case Santa hid their loot behind the washer and dryer.
And then Mama and Dada came down from the stairs.
To find all the presents opened, in case some were theirs.
And when they saw their parents, they raised a great wail
Because they hadn’t yet found their holy grail.
The special present—that was hidden with much mystery
Because Dada had learned from past history.
They scoured and climbed, searched and destroyed
They saw the dollhouse, put together the night before, And before I could stop them, I’m pretty sure one swore.
Dad’s Version
“Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen, “On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;
the Night Before Christmas –
“To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
“Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
Looked in closets and attics to find their super special toy.
And away to the garage, I flew like a flash
Tore open my camping gear, and rubbed my mustache.
And there it was, the special present that they would always remember, Unfound and unopened, that would make this a special December.
Then, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But two little toddlers, coming in without fear.
Shannon Carpenter is the father of three and has been a stay-at-home dad since 2008. He’s the author of the book “Stay-at-Home Dad: Your Essential Manual for Being an Awesome Full-Time Father.” as well as the cohost of Dadhouse Pod. In addition to his writing on parenting, he is also a humor writer trained through the famous Second City. And we all know that having a sense of humor is essential to surviving parenthood!
Family Movie Options: In Theaters and Streaming Online
In Your Dreams
Desperate to save their parents’ marriage, Stevie and her brother Elliot travel to the land of dreams, hoping that the Sandman can grant their wish. But in order to find him, they will have to face Nightmara, overcome their fears, and trust each other. Vibrant animation, tender storytelling, and strong messages about love, courage, family, and compassion give this film a level of emotional depth that isn’t usually found in kid-focused flicks. Recommended for family viewing
Sarah Rector is only eleven years old, but she’s convinced that her “worthless” Oklahoma land grant contains oil. After she persuades a grifter and wildcatter to help her explore the land, she finds herself facing racism, violence, and murder. Based on a true story, the movie benefits from a feisty, self -confident Sarah, but the adult cast members are often disappointing, being either flat or, worse yet, goofy. Despite its flaws, this film is suitable for tweens, who might even learn something from its take on history
Determined to prevent the revival of fascism in Germany, the victorious Allies bring the Nazi leadership to trial in Nuremberg. This film follows US Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley as he spars with Reichsmarschall Herman G öring, Hiter’s second-in-command. Blessed with a brilliant cast and a tightly written, nuanced script, this is one of the best films of 2025. Taut, tense, and undeniably powerful, Nuremberg comes highly recommended for adults and mature teens.
— Courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
Animals Shouldn’t
Be Given as a Christmas Gift
It seems romantic or adorable— the idea of a cute puppy or fluffy kitten popping out of a gift-wrapped box. But unlike most
gifts, live animals can’t be returned or exchanged if it’s not the right fit. Unfortunately, there are often those who don’t think this decision through, and the pet ends up suffering as a result.
Many people view pets as commodity items—they are viewed as a new toy or something to play with. In reality, pets require a great deal of care, and they can eat up a lot of your time. If you aren’t willing to take the time to properly train and care for your puppy or if you can’t handle a new kitten sharpening its claws on your furniture, look for another gift. Improper care and training for pets can lead to behavioral problems which, if not corrected, can lead to even bigger problems. Countless numbers of pets are given up to shelters or taken in for euthanasia due to “behavior problems” that could have easily been prevented with proper training.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States annually. Purchasing a pet, no matter what time of year, is a major commitment—and one which should not be taken lightly.
When pets are given to children— especially young children—as Christmas gifts, the child will rarely be the primary caretaker of the animal. Most of the time, the parents will be the ones who need to take care of the animal. While this is not problematic if the parents are willing to do this, it kind of defeats the purpose of gifting the animal to a child. Training pets and taking care of them day-to-day is a huge time commitment that most children will not be able to give.
Giving a pet as a gift for Christmas may seem like a good idea at the time, especially if you know the person you are giving it to really wants a pet. Before you go to the pet store or breeder, however, you need to think about some of the reasons why it might NOT be a good idea. For one thing, the holidays are a busy and hec-
tic time for individuals and families— do you really want to make them even more hectic with the addition of a new pet? You also need to consider the fact that pets are a long-term commitment. Many dogs live 12 to 15 years and, for a cat, 15 years is at the lower end of the life expectancy spectrum. Unless you know that the person receiving the pet can make this kind of commitment, look for another gift.
Owning a pet is also a huge financial burden, which children obviously cannot be expected to shoulder. Owning a cat costs approximately $780 per year according to PETA and owning a larger dog costs approximately $1,570 per year. So, while the original purchase of an animal may not be a huge expense, owning a pet will cost way more over their lifespan than the original purchase.
There are many situations in which a person may express a desire to have a new pet in the family without considering the long-term commitment that this involves. That is why it is so important to have the whole family involved.
If you are considering gifting a friend or family member a new pet, but aren’t sure whether this is the right time, consider gifting a gift certificate or note of adoption from your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Most organizations will be more than excited to work with you on this knowing that it has a higher success rate as it ensures that the individual can adopt when ready and choose the best pet for their family.
The Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society is a 501(c)3 organization comprised of more than 75 small animal hospitals and more than 225 practitioners in Erie and Niagara Counties. It exists to advance public awareness and understanding of appropriate and compassionate pet health care, veterinary services and the veterinary profession.
DEAR TEACHER
– by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts
Helping all parents make their children’s educational experience as successful as possible
THE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TRADITION
Parents: Making New Year’s Resolutions is definitely not something new. The ancient Romans had an interesting tradition. They would promise their gods that they would return the things that they had borrowed. Who knows if most followed through or not? It’s the same with us. It is difficult to stop a bad habit or stay motivated to a change in what you do for 365 days.
Still the start of a new year is a good time for children to make a resolution that could improve their home or school life in some way. Here are our a few secrets for helping children make resolutions that they will actually accomplish:
• Have the entire family make a resolution together. Or possibly, have the children take part in a group resolution with their classmates to achieve a certain learning goal. When a group makes a resolution together, it is more likely to be accomplished.
• Forget about making a resolution for an entire year. Instead, set a shorter amount of time. The younger the children are, the shorter the time should be.
• Tack a penalty or reward clause to the resolution. It will incentivize children to stay focused on the resolution.
• Post the resolution in a prominent spot so the children stay aware of what they need to do.
• Consider having them make a resolution that is an enjoyable one so that they will have fun sticking to it. The younger children are, the more important this is.
• Do not have them make vague resolutions like exercising more. Instead, set a more specific goal like riding a bike every Saturday for 15 minutes.
• If a resolution is not followed some day or week, build in allowances to excuse the failure. They might make several get-out-of-jail type cards to acknowledge that there will be times that a resolution is ignored.
• Encourage them to avoid making resolutions that have not been successful previously.
WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR TIME
Parents: Believe it or not, children don’t have the ability to manage their time effectively until they are in middle school. They just can’t organize the sequence of all the things they need to do. Until they can, you are going to have to be their time management teacher. What you teach them will change as they grow from toddlers to middle schoolers and master more and more skills.
Preschoolers: This is the time that children begin to learn how time is sequenced. It starts as they observe how the evening is planned. For some homes, the routine will be bath, story time, and then bed. This is when they will learn the words: before, after,
next, first, then, and, last because you use them to describe each step in your nightly routine. For the morning routine that involves getting dressed, eating, and brushing their teeth, you may want to make a picture chart for each step and have them cross off each step as it is completed.
Early Elementary School: Now is the time to help children learn two skills. The first is how long do I have to complete a task. For example, some tasks like bathing, doing a chore, and even homework need to be completed in a prescribed amount of time. Choose a task and a time for it to be completed. Then set a timer so the children begin to learn about the actual passage of time.
This also is the time to teach children how to read the time on clocks and watches. Use a toy clock with moveable hands. Set the clock at a time like 2 o’clock. Then show your child the setting pointing out why the time is read as 2 o’clock. After working with other times, have your child point to the numbers on the clock dial, starting with one, and count by fives. Then have the child set the time as 2:05 and say the time. The last step is to have the child write the five-minute intervals in an hour, such as 2:05, 2:10, and 2:15.
Grades 3 to 5: One of the final things that you want to practice with your child is time estimation. You can make a game out of it by having the child tell you how long it takes to make a bed or do something similar. Then they can do the task and see how correct their estimate was.
This ties in with teaching them how to break long-term assignments into smaller manageable steps. These steps can be written in a planner and crossed off when completed. In fact, having children make lists of things that they need to do can be very helpful in teaching them time management skills.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com and visit the dearteacher. com website to learn more about helping their children succeed in school.
RAISING DIGITAL KIDS
— by Mike Daugherty
Tech For Every Brain: Empowering Neurodiverse Children With Digital Tools
As a parent, you’ve probably had a moment of tech induced panic. You see your child glued to a screen and the internal alarm bells start ringing. We’re constantly bombarded with messages about the evils of “too much screen time,” and for good reason. But what if, for some kids, that screen isn’t just a distraction? What if it’s a key?
For parents of neurodiverse children (kids with brilliant, unique minds that may be wired for autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences), the conversation around technology is far more nuanced. In our world, a tablet or a smartphone can transform from a source of parental guilt into one of the most powerful tools in our child’s toolkit. It can be the bridge that connects them to a world that doesn’t always feel built for them.
So, let’s set aside the one size fits all screen time debate for a moment and explore how the right technology can become a profound ally in helping our children learn, communicate, and thrive.
This column comes from the heart as two of my three children fall into this category.
BEYOND THE SCREEN TIME DEBATE
First, let’s reframe our thinking. We wouldn’t limit the time a child needs to wear their glasses or use a wheelchair. For many neurodiverse children, certain apps and devices serve a similar assistive purpose. The question isn’t about the quantity of screen time, but the quality and intent behind it.
Watching unboxing videos on YouTube for three hours is passive garbage content consumption. But using an app that reads a textbook aloud for a child with dyslexia, or one that provides a voice for a nonverbal child, is active empowerment. The screen becomes a portal to accessibility, helping to level a playing field that is often uneven. It’s about finding the right tool for the right job, and for our kids, the digital world is full of them.
UNLOCKING LEARNING POTENTIAL
The traditional classroom can be a challenging environment for a brain that processes information differently. The noise, the social pressures, and the expectation to learn in a linear way can be overwhelming. Digital tools can create a personalized, low pressure learning environment where our children can flourish at their own pace.
Here’s how tech can address specific learning needs:
For Dyslexia And Reading Challenges—The written word can feel like an insurmountable barrier. Technology offers a way around it.
● TexttoSpeech (TTS): Most devices have built-in TTS functions that read digital text aloud. This can be a gamechanger for homework and research.
● Audiobooks: Services like Audible or free library apps like Libby make literature accessible, allowing kids
to enjoy complex stories without the struggle of decoding text.
● Dyslexia Friendly Fonts: Apps like Omoguru Reader use specialized fonts and formatting to make text easier to read and track.
For Dygraphia And Writing Struggles—The physical act of writing can be frustrating and exhausting.
● SpeechtoText: Dictation software, now standard on most phones and computers, allows a child to get their brilliant ideas down without battling a pencil. One of my children uses this quite a bit.
● MindMapping Apps: Tools like MindMeister or SimpleMind help kids visually organize their thoughts before they start writing, which is fantastic for planning essays or projects.
● Word Prediction: Programs like Co:Writer use predictive text to help with spelling and grammar, reducing the anxiety of getting it “wrong.”
For ADHD And Executive Functioning Hurdles—Organization, time management, and focus are common challenges.
● Visual Timers: Apps like Time Timer show the passage of time visually, making an abstract concept concrete and less stressful for kids who struggle with transitions.
● Digital Planners: Tools like Google Calendar or Todoist can send reminders and break large tasks into manageable steps, acting as an external executive function support system.
BRIDGING
COMMUNICATION GAPS
For many neurodiverse children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, communication and social interaction can be the biggest hurdles. This is where technology can be truly life changing, offering a voice to the voiceless and a safe space to practice social skills.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps are a perfect example. For a nonverbal child, an AAC app on a tablet isn’t a toy… it’s their voice. Apps like Proloquo2Go or TouchChat use pictures and sym-
bols that, when tapped, speak a word or phrase. This empowers them to express their needs, share their feelings, and participate in conversations. It is, without exaggeration, a miracle of modern technology.
Beyond giving a voice, tech can also serve as a social coach. Social emotional learning (SEL) apps and games can teach children how to recognize facial expressions, understand social cues, and navigate different scenarios in a predictable, low stakes environment. Creating a “social story” in an app like Pictello can help a child prepare for a new or stressful situation, like going to the dentist or the first day of school, by walking them through it step by step.
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL WORLD TOGETHER
So, where do you begin? It can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to become a tech genius overnight. The key is to be an engaged and curious partner on this journey with your child. Here are a few practical tips to get you started:
Start With Their Interests Does your child love Minecraft? Explore how it can be used to practice planning and collaboration. Are they obsessed with drawing? Introduce them to a digital art app that can build fine motor skills. When tech aligns with a passion, it feels like play, not work.
Collaborate With Professionals—Your child’s teachers, occupational therapists, and speech language
pathologists are incredible resources. Ask them for their recommendations. They are often on the front lines of testing and using these tools.
Try Before You Buy—Many specialized apps can be expensive. Look for free “lite” versions or free trial periods to see if a tool is a good fit for your child before you commit.
Set Clear Boundaries—Remember, assistive tech is still tech. It’s essential to establish healthy habits. Work together to create a family media plan that includes tech-free times (like dinner) and clear rules about what is and isn’t appropriate.
Be A Copilot, Not Just A Monitor—The most effective way to ensure technology is being used for good is to get involved. Sit with your child, ask them to show you how their favorite app works, and celebrate their successes. Your engagement transforms screen time from an isolating activity into a connective one.
Ultimately, technology isn’t a cure or a magic bullet. It’s a toolbox…a vast and endlessly customizable one. Our job as parents is not to “fix” our wonderfully unique children, but to equip them with the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence. By embracing technology thoughtfully and intentionally, we can help them unlock their incredible potential and let their brilliant minds shine.
Mike Daugherty is a husband, father of three young children, author, speaker, Google Innovator, and possible Starbucks addict. He is a certified educational technology leader who has served in a variety of roles through his twenty-year career in public education. Currently, Mike is the Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Technology, and Communications for the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School district in Northeast Ohio. As an IT director he has developed creative, well thought out solutions that positively impact teaching and learning.
Savor the Season with Fresh, Roasted Pork
(Family Features)
If this year’s holiday menu is in need of an upgrade, look no further than the main course.
A twist on tradition may be all that’s necessary to take seasonal meals up a level for a fresh way to savor the season and celebration.
Pork can become your family’s new festive favorite with this showstopping Stuffed Boneless Pork Loin Roast at the center of the feast. Fragrant stuffing made from aromatic veggies, bread, sage, rosemary and apples turns a simple pork loin into a dazzling dish that’s sure to wow loved ones.
This roast is perfectly suited for a holiday gathering with Coleman All-Natural Meat’s humane-certified Boneless Center Cut Pork Butt Roast. With a leading legacy as an all-natural meat provider since 1875, it’s celebrating its 150-year anniversary this season.
The milestone celebrates and recognizes a family heritage and commitment to all-natural, humanely raised meats sourced from American farmers, raised
with no antibiotics ever, no added hormones and fed an all-vegetarian diet.
A delicious, extravagant way to upgrade your family’s main course this season, you just might’ve found a new favorite way to ring in the holidays with a tender, juicy, effortlessly sliced roast. Find more holiday recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.
In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and butter. Add celery, carrots and onions; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
While vegetables are cooking, whisk eggs; milk; salt, to taste; and pepper, to taste, until well combined. Mince sage and rosemary.
In large bowl, combine bread, vegetable mixture, liquid ingredients, apples, sage and rosemary. Gently toss until bread absorbs most of the liquid.
Cut three pieces of butcher’s twine about 4 inches longer than the longest side of butterflied roast. Lay string on cutting board horizontally and lay roast on top of string to cover.
Place half of the stuffing mixture onto butterflied pork loin and press down firmly. Roll roast up and tie with butcher’s twine to hold it together, taking care not to tie too tightly, and press any stuffing that comes loose back into ends of roast.
Place stuffed and tied roast, fat cap up, on rack over baking sheet. Season liberally with salt and pepper; roast until meat thermometer inserted into roast registers 140 F, 75-90 minutes.
Place remaining stuffing in a small ovenproof casserole dish and cover with foil. After roasting 30 minutes, place extra stuffing in oven to cook alongside roast.
Remove foil from extra stuffing and remove roast from oven. Let rest for 10 minutes then remove the extra stuffing from oven.
Cut twine from roast and discard. Cut roast into six thick slices, taking care not to lose stuffing. Serve with extra stuffing and gravy.
THE KIDDIE GOUR ME T
— by Barbara Blackburn
We first encountered Cheesy Chick as a food truck one evening in the parking lot of Ss Peter and Paul Church, in Williamsville. Shortly thereafter it became a restaurant in Williamsville. Although there was no printed kids’ menu last time, much to my delight on our recent visit they now have one, including 2 other specials that run weekly. The table games delighted the grandkids before and after eating. For entertainment there is a tea set, blocks, books, toys, and games, such as UNO, a particular favorite.
Cheesy Chick Cafe
5385 Main Street
Williamsville, NY
716-817-9559
www.thecheesychickbuffalo.com
3 WAYS YOU
CAN
HELP TACKLE HUNGER AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES
For $10.00, kids can have a sandwich, apple slices, a beverage, such as a juice box, and it also includes chips and a cookie—with vegan, dairyfree and gluten-free options. Kids’ breakfast items include Cinnamon Toast ($6), French Toast ($8), Grilled Cheese with Egg ($8), and Fruit and Yogurt Bowl ($6).
Lunch items include Cheese Quesadilla ($7), Side Salad ($4), Soup ($4), Pierogi ($6)—with apple or potato—and Cannoli ($5.50).
Drinks include soda, juices, vitamin water, powerade, water and hot cocoa. Frozen fruit slushies ($8) are also available. This is a great little cafe with games at the tables to help kids put the screens away while they’re eating with their family and friends.
Billy loved the basic Mac and Cheese Sandwich ($10) paired with a cup of Tomato Soup, with croutons and cheese. Fiona took pleasure in her Nutella (actually a dessert), melted nutella inside grilled Texas toast. To keep the carbs and the money in line, we didn’t order the extras, for $1.00 each: M&M’s, banana, bacon, peanut butter, pretzels, apples, chips, and marshmallows.
Alana shared her mom and dad’s lunch. That would be a veggie wrap ($10), of romaine, tomatoes, chickpeas, peppers, black beans, American cheese
and dressing; and a Pesto ($11): mozzarella cheese with pesto and tomatoes inside grilled Texas toast (both $7.00 for adults). Remember this family is vegetarian.
Daughter Trina enjoyed her salad in the cafe and back home. The Basic ($8) yielded romaine, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, chickpeas, black beans, and dressing. Not bad for a kid who used to pick the onions from her McDonald’s burger! You may add meats, including chicken to this one.
Grandpa ordered a Philly Wrap ($12), romaine, tomatoes, peppers, onions, chopped Philly steak, mozzarella, and bbq sauce. We, who are not vegetarians, enjoyed it.
And me? I ordered the signature sandwich; Cheesus: mac ‘n cheese, stuffed inside their basic grilled cheese sandwich ($10). We kept it simple, not adding meat, for $2.00 each, being a polite carnivore.
For pizza lovers, there is Pizza Sammie ($9)—garlic buttered Texas toast with melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce. This is another choice with flavor and flair.
What a fun place this is with attractive food served on real dishes with silverware, in a very colorfully decorated room! If the new additions are as tasty as the former selections, you won’t be disappointed. For us it was within walking distance from our home. We all wore our cheesy smiles home, clucking about the fine afternoon. This former culinary adventure brought back happy memories.
Barb has been happily doing the Kiddie Gourmet for almost 40 years. She has two aging children and four grandchildren, all living in Florida. Due to illness this will be her final column. She wishes to thank her fans over the years and her editors, Michele Miller and Paul Kline.
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
continued...
costs of living have stretched budgets thin, making it harder for families to afford groceries. Nonperishable donations such as canned goods, pasta and rice are always in high demand. Monetary donations often go even further, giving food banks the ability to purchase exactly what is needed most.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
The gift of time is just as valuable as food donations. Food banks and hunger relief nonprofits rely on volunteers to sort, pack and distribute meals. Even a few hours can make a meaningful difference, adding up to thousands of volunteer hours to help nonprofits meet urgent needs during the holiday season and year-round.
SUPPORT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
No single organization can solve hunger alone. Collective action from neighbors, companies, nonprofits and others is what creates lasting impact. This year, Schwab employees will join forces with partners like Harvest Pack to pack more than 1 million nutritious meals for families across the country. Supporting these types of efforts, whether through donations, volunteering or spreading awareness, can expand the impact.
Hunger is about more than food; it’s about stability and opportunity. By giving, volunteering and partnering with organizations that serve families in need, you can make the holiday season brighter for millions of Americans.
