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Reporter Nancy Churnin covers healthy families. Join in the conversation on this blog and share how you keep your family strong.


March 2010
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March 12, 2010


Spring break escapes for kids

3:00 PM Fri, Mar 12, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

kayak.jpg Adding to the wonderful spring break ideas from Ashley and our Dallas Moms commenters, I had a package run in my KidBeat column on some great spring break camp sand activities. You can check it out here. There's something for everyone -- from kayaking in Grapevine to grooming and riding horses in Sachse. There are camps for aspiring actors, for artists, cooks and scientists. Plus, if you just want to do things as a family, Dallas Heritage Village and the Dallas Museum of Art have lots of fun activities included in the price of museum admission (not counting the free WFAA Family First Day the DMA is offering tomorrow). Dallas Heritage Village will even give kids a chance to craft pinatas (which will be broken daily at 2 p.m.).

PHOTO: Kids can try kayaking at Adventure Day Camps in Grapevine



Rescuing dogs when times are tough

12:00 PM Fri, Mar 12, 2010 |  | 
Christy Howard    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

christyanddozer.JPG I do a lot of rescue work with mastiffs and one of the hardest things we have to do is take a dog out of a loving home. Why would we take a dog out of a loving home? There are a few reasons, the economy being the biggest. It can be a big expense owning a dog and feeding and taking care of your family has to come first. If you find yourself in this situation there are a few things you can do to prepare and make this a little less painful for you and your kids.

PHOTO: Christy and Dozer, her rescued mastiff



The morning routine or feeding time at the Kuerbitz Zoo!

6:00 AM Fri, Mar 12, 2010 |  | 
Leslie Kuerbitz    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

Carly and Schotzie JPG

It's my turn to get up with the pups this morning. It doesn't matter what day it is, or whether it's the weekend. These pups have their own clock and "march to the beat of [their] own drummer." It doesn't matter if it's Daylight Savings Time, or not. It just takes one of the pups to stir in the A.M. and the rest are up, like little dominoes...first one, then the other, then the next and so on! Luci likes to make little "arfs" at the end of the bed, sounding the "clarion call" to arise. Carly likes to lick my face and paw my head. Charlie Jr. (the dog, not the husband) likes to stick his bearded face in my face. Schotzie feels the need to paw at me and cuddle (sometimes at 3 A.M.!). Abby makes schnorky noises and the little one, the Boo Boo, likes to roll around on her back, sounding like Curly of the Three Stooges! I do not lie. This is the waking-up routine at the Kuerbitz Household.

I have been known to put the pups out and then try to corral them back to bed. It doesn't last long. Usually, one "barky von schnauzer" refuses to go back to sleep and the rest will follow. It really makes no sense to put them back to bed. I can't fall asleep either, because the adrenaline has started to flood my body upon receiving the first paw to the head.

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The entry "The morning routine or feeding time at the Kuerbitz Zoo!" is tagged: Daylight Savings Time , Leslie Kuerbitz , pets , pups , schnauzers , The Today Show , Three Stooges


March 11, 2010


Finding the right balance for children's activities

12:00 PM Thu, Mar 11, 2010 |  | 
Amanda Dittlinger    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

100307_IzzieMaddieCheckEmail (3).JPGThese days, toddlers are usually signed up for all sorts of classes. There are story times, music classes, dance classes, gymnastics classes, and I even heard of a 2 year old soccer class! With all of the choices out there it is easy to overschedule your toddler. While I think it is good to participate in some of these types of classes, over-scheduling can be stressful for the parent and not even that good for the kids. Child psychologists are saying that many parents are overloading their children.

Dr. Tracey Murphy, a psychologist in Newton, Massachusetts says in a babyzone.com story, "Some children do not have the opportunity to learn how to play independently, creatively, or spontaneously. With too much structure, they rely on adults to give them direction for everything." I can definitely see how this can be true. When you provide too many classes for your child they don't know how to entertain themselves and therefore the "I'm bored, Momma! Syndrome" kicks in.

PHOTO: Izzie and Maddie checking their e-mail



Running my first half marathon - three days and counting

12:06 AM Thu, Mar 11, 2010 |  | 
Lisa Keys-Blair    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

Three days left and counting, down to my first half-marathon. I feel well prepared from a running perspective, but my body is so unpredictable. Some days I wake up and I feel like I can run forever. Other days, I decide with each step when I am going to quit and walk back home. I've attempted to recreate the 'I can run forever' feeling through diet, stretching, sleep, etc. but to no avail. It's a 50/50 shot each day I wake up. Medal photo.jpg

Through this process I've pushed myself harder than I think I have my whole life, even during my track days in high school. Effortless sprinting has been replaced by laborious running. These days I must push myself through each mile with an earnest, conscious effort. With that being said, the endeavor has been remarkably rewarding. The sense of accomplishment I still feel after running my first ten miles weeks ago, still hangs on me like an old cotton sweater, comforting and familiar. Finally I consider myself a runner.


March 10, 2010


Sensory-friendly films at local theaters

12:00 PM Wed, Mar 10, 2010 |  | 
Leigh Attaway Wilcox    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

dragon2.jpg If you have a "sensory kid" like I do, you may have found that experiencing a movie in a traditional theater is just not feasible. For several years my son, Ethan, who lives with Asperger's Syndrome and Sensory Processing Disorder, was simply not able to handle the sensory overload he experienced in mammoth, uber-loud theaters. Ethan struggled with feeling safe and grounded in the pitch black movie theaters, especially those with steep stadium seating. Further, typical sound levels were far too loud for his sensitive ears, so when the lights went down and the music got loud, we had a very frightened little boy in our lap with hands clamped in a death-grip over his ears (because he was actually in physical pain from the noise.) Many families who have children living with Sensory Processing Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorders are shaking their heads affirmatively while reading because they've experienced this scenario to varying degrees with their own children.

Fortunately managers at many theaters now recognize the need for "Sensory-Friendly" movie screenings for special needs families like ours; often, I expect, because these managers have lived through the same experiences with their own children or nieces and nephews. On a national level, the Autism Society of America (ASA) has partnered with AMC Entertainment to offer kid-friendly films once a month for sensory-sensitive kiddos. Also, many Texas-based Studio Movie Grill (SMG) locations partner with Variety the Children's Charity of North Texas, to offer monthly showings for families living with special needs, and have done so for five years. It was at a SMG location that we first experienced a "Sensory-Friendly" film with Ethan. As a bonus, when we arrived for the movie, we were thrilled to find out that kids' tickets are free!

PHOTO: How To Train Your Dragon will be offered free for kids with special needs at Studio Movie Grill theaters March 27



Workout tips for the "Let's Move" campaign

6:00 AM Wed, Mar 10, 2010 |  | 
Annabel Lugo Hoffman    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

Exercise has always been an important part of my life. I was never a great athlete, but I enjoyed playing a variety of sports in junior high and high school, and that set the stage for a lifetime of fitness. Exercise has not only helped me maintain a healthy weight over the years, it has also helped me concentrate and focus in school and work, manage stress, and stay connected with friends. For me, exercise has definitely been a prescription for physical, mental and emotional health!

Given my passion for exercise, I was particularly excited to learn about First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign, which was recently launched to help combat childhood obesity through healthy eating and exercise. Part of the Let's Move campaign is to encourage children and adolescents to exercise for one hour each day. Below are some activities we encourage for our children to get the recommended amount of exercise and, in the process, hopefully develop a life-long love for fitness.


March 9, 2010


Wilhelmina Models offering a kids model contest for ages 4-7

3:47 PM Tue, Mar 09, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

hayden panettiere.jpg We know the Dallas Moms and our readers have the cutest kids in the world. And Wilhelmina Models, suspecting as much, asked me to let you know about the contest they're hosting for ages 4-7 to find the next Natalie Portman, Amanda Seyfried, Hayden Panettiere and Katherine Heigl -- all of whom got their start with Wilhelmina Kids and Teens division.

The contest, co-sponsored between Wilhelmina Models and Next Direct, invites U.S. parents or legal guardians to submit picture of their children or legal wards for public online voting at this Facebook.com site here. The 50 kids with the most votes on MONDAY, March 15 will be flown to LA for a 2-day live finals event at Universal Studios April 24 and 25.

The winner will receive a $100,000 college scholarship fund, a one-year contract with Wilhelmina Models and participate in a fashion photo shoot for Next.

PHOTO: Hayden Panettiere got her start with Wilhelmina Kids and Teens division



You be in touch so they'll be in touch

12:00 PM Tue, Mar 09, 2010 |  | 
Brad Schwall    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

This past Friday, I flew to Knoxville, Tennessee, to lead a training on social and emotional intelligence and my Cool Kids curriculum for mentors who mentor children through their churches' KIDS HOPE USA mentoring programs. On the plane home on Saturday, I reflected on balancing work, which often includes business travel, and family life

I was only on the trip away from my family for one night, but I was aware how separated I was from my family's activities. I must confess that it was a nice change of scenery and routine, but I missed out on time with my kids. Their life went on without me.

Work and business travel can become a distraction that disconnects parents from the day-to-day activities of kids and spouses, but work and business travel do not have to stunt your relationships with your kids or spouses.



Trying to raise adventurous kid eaters

6:00 AM Tue, Mar 09, 2010 |  | 
LaDawn Fletcher    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

My long-term plan to indoctrinate my children with a love for a variety of foods is working. Sort of. And by sort of, I mean it is working on two out of three kids. If I had a nickel for every person who reminded me that every child is different, I'd be rich, rich, rich. Unfortunately (and fortunately) those people are absolutely correct. My three children are different in many ways and those differences are easily discerned at the dinner table.

This weekend, I took the girls to the local Chinese buffet. There were snow crab legs on the steam table so I grabbed a couple for myself. When I got to the table, Cammy eyed them with curiosity, Ashley with suspicion. I cracked open one and extracted the sweet meat. I dipped it in butter and offered it to Cammy who eagerly tried it. Immediately enamored she reported to her sister, "It's really, really good. Especially with the butter." Ashley could not be persuaded. I've learned not to push.


March 8, 2010


Will you let your kids see the new "Alice In Wonderland"?

12:00 PM Mon, Mar 08, 2010 |  | 
Amy Twomey    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

johnny-depp-mad-matter.jpg Johnny Depp is by far my most favorite actor in the entire world, so this is a touchy topic for me. Will you let your young children watch Tim Burton's new Alice in Wonderland movie that released Friday? I have had a few interesting conversations about this with some of my kids friends Moms.

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The entry "Will you let your kids see the new "Alice In Wonderland"?" is tagged: Alice in Wonderland , Amy Twomey , Bob the Builder , family movies , Harry Potter , Johnny Depp , movies , Star Wars , The Wiggles , Tim Burton



Open House, spring break, and staycations!

6:00 AM Mon, Mar 08, 2010 |  | 
Ashley Cooley    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

March2009 304.jpg
This time of year can be overwhelming for a teacher! I really have to step back and look at the big picture. My second graders have accomplished a lot this year and I am proud! But, with Spring Break five days away and open house looming, I am anxious for this week to go quickly so I can enjoy some quality time with my family.

Open House is usually scheduled the week before spring break. My second grade team tends to plan our main field trip to the Dallas World Aquarium the same week, and this can make for a stressful time! But when it's over, it's done! This is a time for parents to visit the classroom where their children spend so many hours, and see projects and displays of their children's work. The children really enjoy the reponsibility of showing parents around the class: their desk, projects, work, journals... But what's on everyone's mind is the count down to spring break! I always have a constant soundtrack to life running in my head and instead of singing "I love Paris in the springtime, I'm singing, "I dread open house in the springtime!" But after open house my song will change to Madonna's Holiday!

DWAclass2009 018.jpg You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It's time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together
And make things better
We need a holiday

Photo: Two of Ashley's adorable students from last year's field trip to the Dallas World Aquarium checking out the sharks!
http://www.dwazoo.com/d/


March 7, 2010


Young artists ages 5-12 can compete for $26,000 in prizes

6:22 PM Sun, Mar 07, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

ColoringEarthGreenscreenshot.JPG Got a young artist who cares about the earth? Aaron Brothers Art & Framing is sponsoring a Coloring Earth Green art contest for ages 5-12. Entries should focus on the planet and the protection of the environment and be unframed on 9 by 11 inch paper. They will be accepted at Aaron Brothers stores until April 18 in time for the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. About $26,000 in prizes will be awarded to kids and their schools, which includes a grand prize trip to the Crayola Factory for two students and their families. Artists must be legal residents of Texas (or Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon or Washington).

For more information click here. Teachers can download or request a free kit that contains "Green Thought Starters" at www.aaronbrothers.com/teachers.

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The entry "Young artists ages 5-12 can compete for $26,000 in prizes" is tagged: Aaron Brothers Art & Framing , Coloring Earth Green , Contest , Crayola Factory , Earth Day



Finding out your kid isn't racist = Awesome

12:00 PM Sun, Mar 07, 2010 |  | 
Destiny Herndon-DeLaRosa    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

The issue of racism in our household has really been....a non-issue.

Not because we don't care about it or think it's relevant, but both my husband and I are from a generation that has never truly seen the effects of such injustice first hand.

Actually, let me clarify, there is certainly a level of socioeconomic racism that still exist very much today which we have encountered, and whether it's blighted inner-city schools, or racial profiling, we know that unfortunately those things do still exist. But as far as segregated schools and whites only water fountains, we are blessed to only know about that through our history books.

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The entry "Finding out your kid isn't racist = Awesome" is tagged: Destiny DeLaRosa , George Lopez , racism , The Cosby Show , The Huxtables



A Dallas (grand)Mom's favorite St. Patrick's Day crafts (+ Disney FamilyFun ideas)

6:00 AM Sun, Mar 07, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

craftstpatricksday.JPG Anne Brown, a married (33 years and going strong!) Richardson mother of two and grandmother of three, loves crafting with her grandkids. She began crafting with kids as a fifth grade teacher and added stamping to her repertoire when sending out cards to senior citizens as part of her work with the Comfort and Care ministry at her church. St. Patrick's Day is a great opportunity to make inexpensive and fun crafts with the kids, Anne says. She's sharing some ideas with us in celebration of National Craft month in March:

My grandkids come over quite often and they love to get into "Gee's" craft supplies and create some fun projects. This weekend we created a simple, fun card for St. Patrick's Day and I know they are going to love my "search for the Gold" game when it gets a little closer to the day!! Here is the game: using a pattern that you can either create or or download from one of those free Internet sites, cut out a number of shamrocks. Let the kids color them green using crayons, markers, paint, whatever you have on hand. Remember, the point is to have fun with your kids, not spend a ton of money! While the kids are coloring, you hide a "treat" of some sort that will be the "pot of gold". Then, take the shamrocks, write age appropriate clues on the back and then hide around your home. When all clues are in place, turn the kids loose to begin their search. Even your youngest "leprechaun" will enjoy this game.

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The entry "A Dallas (grand)Mom's favorite St. Patrick's Day crafts (+ Disney FamilyFun ideas)" is tagged: Anne Brown , crafts , Disney's FamilyFun Magazine , gelatin , leprechauns , limes , National Craft Month , pot of gold , recipe , Richardson , St. Patrick's Day , stamping


March 6, 2010


Eggs-tra Cheap Easter: what are you putting in YOUR kids' baskets?

12:00 PM Sat, Mar 06, 2010 |  | 
Kristie Smith-Armand    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

"Some Things That Easter Brings" by Elsie Parrish

Easter duck and Easter chick,

Easter eggs with chocolate thick.
Easter hats for one and all,

Easter Bunny makes a call!
Happy Easter always brings

Such a lot of pleasant things.

102_1185.JPG
The poem is correct, and the Easter Bunny will be making a call to our house very soon. Since Richard and I have twelve nieces and nephews to buy for, I was looking for creative and inexpensive ideas. Not that I mind shopping for a great sale or items that are marked down. Actually, it can be quite an adventure.

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The entry "Eggs-tra Cheap Easter: what are you putting in YOUR kids' baskets?" is tagged: budget , Easter , Easter baskets , Easter Bunny , holiday , ideas , shopping , The Dollar Tree



12-Year-Old Sam Schwall's interview with Wynton Marsalis

6:00 AM Sat, Mar 06, 2010 |  | 
Brad Schwall    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

wyntonmarsalis.jpg Nine-time Grammy award winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis doesn't just talk about teaching kids about music; he does it. The jazz great is very busy and will be presented by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra this weekend. But he found time before his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performances to answer questions from 12-year-old Sam Schwall, who can't wait to hear him while he's here.

The remaining concerts are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $22-$115. Call 214.692.0203 to buy tickets or click dallassymphony.com

Sam_Trumpet.jpgHere are Sam's questions and Wynton Marsalis' answers:

Sam: What do you think needs to be done to keep traditional jazz in front of people and kids and keep modern jazz going?

Wynton Marsalis: It's important for parents and teachers to teach kids the value of the love of music which is taught by showing them that you love music. Make it purely fun, play music for them. Then, let them play music. When they play music, listen to them, and tell them how great it sounds.


March 5, 2010


Hansel & Gretel: lessons about parenting, siblings and life

5:05 PM Fri, Mar 05, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

hanselandgretel.jpg Few parents read their children the original Brothers Grimm tales these days, which may be a good thing. Take Hansel & Gretel -- a story of children abandoned by their parents and preyed on by a cannibal witch. Rough stuff! Fortunately, the Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts company softens the original with a preschool-friendly tale of a loving family that gets separated when the children get lost looking for berries in the forest. I wrote my weekly KidBeat story about the real-life brother and sister (Kathy Burks' children and longtime puppeteers Douglass Burks and Becky Burks Keenan) here.

I also heard some fascinating thoughts by Heather Carlile, a licensed professional marriage and family counselor, who will talk about "Joys and Challenges of Childhood Fairytales" as part of a free Spiritual Parenting Series at the Center for Spiritual Living Sunday. It starts at 12:45 with a potluck lunch, followed by Heather's presentation. Get the details at www.csldallas.org (free childcare provided). Check out what Heather has to say here:



St. Paddy's Day Dash looking for teen (& family) volunteers

1:33 PM Fri, Mar 05, 2010 |  | 
Nancy Churnin - Reporter    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

stpaddysdaydash.JPG Got teens who are looking for service hours? Or do you want an opportunity to volunteer as a family? The St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville, hosted by Run On! and the North Texas Food Bank, is seeking volunteers 16 and older for March 13. It should be fun, too -- they promote it as "the craziest and best 5K foot race to hit Dallas." Plus breakfast and a T-Shirt will be provided. If you do it, be sure to report back and send pictures!

Volunteers will be needed from 5:30 to 11:30 a.m. on race day; it all kicks off at Central Market. Contact Sophia Sindalovsky at sophia@ntfb.org or Paige Phelps at Paigep@ntfb.org by Tuesday, March 9 to confirm your participation.

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The entry "St. Paddy's Day Dash looking for teen (& family) volunteers" is tagged: Central Market , Greenville , North Texas Food Bank , Run On! , St. Paddy's Day Dash , St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville



Flexibility is key to a successful trip with kids

12:00 PM Fri, Mar 05, 2010 |  | 
Christy Howard    Bio |  E-mail  |  News tips

Kids Fishing.jpg
kids fishing 2.jpg My husband and I love to go deep sea fishing in Key West. We had always wanted to take the kids who love to fish also. We decided that we would take them the day after Thanksgiving for a three-day trip. We were going to fly into Miami and drive to Key West, we should have gotten into the hotel around 6:00 p.m., which was good since we had to be on the boat at 7:00 the next morning. In Miami we got the pleasure of standing in line for the rental car for two hours after our flight had been delayed two hours. I knew it was going to be a long night and early morning.

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The entry "Flexibility is key to a successful trip with kids " is tagged: Christy Howard , fishing , parenting , pets , seasick , travel



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