livingston parent journal

Livingston Parent Journal 3

In every issue...Off The Wall ..................................................................... 8

Things To Do in Livingston County ..............................11-14

Classifi eds ....................................................................... 22

Features...

1820

9

16The Happy

Habit

Childhood Anxiety

Missing Heroes

6When Pacifi ers

Won’t Pacify

Wallpapering With Kids

An Independent local publication.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of Livingston Parent Journal is to share

worthwhile information with area parents by listing

family-oriented events, educational opportunities for parents,

and by providing feature articles and tips on topics relevant

to raising children of all ages.

FEBRUARY 2013

— EDITOR/ PUBLISHER —

Rick & Terri McGarry

—WRITERS—

Roshen Kaderali, RN, CMN, CLE

Matt Langdon

Jeremy Novak, Phd.

Todd Patkin

Josh Young

— CONTRIBUTING ORGANIZATIONS —

Bradley Hospital

— GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT —

Mindy Simon

The Livingston Parent Journal does not necessarily endorse

the views of the authors or the products of the advertisers.

Medical and health advice is not

intended to replace the care of a physician.

Member of

866.806.1680

© December 2012 All rights reserved.

The

LPJ

February Happy Birthdays!1 Joey Siciliano Lucas Burge Madison Huff

3 Vincent Valenti

4 Gabriella Tybina Tyler Hebel Kelsey Lynn Fisco

5 Shyann Bell Ashlyn Blain

6 Belle Sixbery Felicia Gerendt-Pomnitz

8 Abigail Landers Kayla Rae Thomas

11 Nikki Siciliano

13 Matthew Nickerson Claire Prewitt

16 Brendan Couch

18 Megan Grech Mikayla Massey Emery Loraine Rauch

19 Brenden Harman Katie Gerrity

20 Bryce Arnold

23 Matthew Walton

26 Kayla Rose Fisco

27 Alaina Garner Breanna Thomas-Mcgrorty Brooke Thomas-Mcgrorty Mackenzie Moe

28 Eric Henry Anderson

4 Livingston Parent Journal

From Our

Family to

Yours.Camp Fair The Second Annual Livingston County Camp Fair will take place on Saturday February 23 from 10am – 2pm. Our location for this year will be The Commons, located at 7526 W. Grand River in Brighton. I am sure many of you have driven by and noticed that the Brighton Tennis club, right across from Woodland Health Center, has been extensively reno-vated and is reopening. We believe this is going to be a great place for a Camp Fair, and it will be, as long as you all are able to attend.

Last year representatives from over 30 local camps were there to meet parents, answer questions, and provide information about their facilities and programs. Our intention is to provide every family with a suitable summer camp option, regardless of their budget or schedule.

Watch for more information on our Facebook, our web site, and in our weekly newsletter, This Weekend in Livingston County. This event is going to be fun for the whole family, so be sure to mark your calendar. We are looking forward to meeting so many of you face to face.

In the meantime, we are already starting to post summer camp listings on our web site, LivingstonParentJournal.com, in preparation for publishing our annual camp guide next month, after the dust has settled from the camp fair.

One of the reasons we publish a camp fair and organize a camp fair is because we have faith that no matter how it looks outside right now, summer will eventually come once again to Michigan.

We are always looking for more sponsors for the Birthday Club.Email [email protected] or call 866.806.1680 for details.

Kids! Join our Birthday Club and we’ll send you a special treat and let everyone know it’s your special day!Send your child’s date of birth to [email protected]

10006 Highland Rd. Hartland

810.632.6932

Homemade Chocolate

129 E. Grand River. Fowlerville

517.223.1322

Howell Big Boy

2222 E. Grand River. Howell

517.548.1800


YMCA CAMP OHIYESA7300 Hickory Ridge Rd, Holly, MI 48442

P 248 887 4533 F 248 887 5203

Everyone is welcome. Financial assistance is available. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit strengthens communities in Southeastern Michigan through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

YMCA CAMP NISSOKONE6836 F-41, Oscoda, MI 48750

P 248 887 4533 F 248 887 5203

learn more at miymcacamps.org

ALL TRAILSLEAD TOADVENTURE

Upcoming Family Fun DaysAttend Family Fun Days to tour camp, meet the staff, try camp activities. Registration available for both Ohiyesa and Nissokone available on-site.

» Sunday March 24, 1-4 pm at Camp Ohiyesa, Holly» Sunday April 21, 1-4 pm at Camp Ohiyesa, Holly» Saturday April 27, 1-4 pm at Camp Ohiyesa, Holly» Saturday May 18, 11 am-3 pm at Camp Ohiyesa, Holly» Saturday May 18, 12-3 pm at Camp Nissokone» Saturday June 8, 12-3 pm at Camp Nissokone

Livingston Parent Journal

Entering into the world of motherhood means accepting the responsibility of caring and providing for a new life. As if changing one end and burping the other end wasn’t enough, some new mothers are additionally stressed be-cause they are unable to calm the cries of their fussy colicky babies. Over 50% of babies and parents struggle with the challenge of colic.

As a nurse, I learned about colic but it wasn’t until I had my own three kids that I really understood what it meant. My fi rst born was very gassy. My second child, another boy, was al-ways very bloated and it just felt like he couldn’t digest well. My last child, a baby girl, wasn’t gassy, but she would go through hours of crying and fussi-ness. In all three cases it was not un-til I successfully treated them for colic using Gripe Water, a traditional rem-edy that I brought from Britain, that peace returned to our home. When it worked, I felt like supermom, and I found I could at last enjoy the nights now that my squirming fussy babies were calm. Of course all my kids even-tually grew out of their colic phase, but they still use the Gripe Water for any upset tummy problems, which makes me smile.

If you have a baby who’s consistently fussy due to symptoms of gas and col-ic, angst and feelings of helplessness

can be overwhelming for both mom and baby. Luckily, there are ways to aid and comfort your baby through this painful time, like massage and stretching. It’s also important to learn and practice coping skills for dealing with a fussy, irritable baby over long stretches of time. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. A crying baby doesn’t mean that you’re a bad parent—it could be due to gas, colic, refl ux or teething. Re-member to relax, stay calm, and know the time will pass.

2. Make sleep a priority. Your baby will need time to develop a consistent sleep pattern, so your eight hours of solid sleep per night just went out the door. When your baby dozes off, so should you.

3. Take some time for yourself. Let the other parent, a relative, or a babysit-ter take your baby while you go visit friends, see a movie, or hit the gym. Accept any help that is offered to you and make the most of it.

4. If you are breastfeeding, eliminating certain foods from your diet may help.

5. Almost all colicky babies lose their symptoms at about the age of four months, so there is an end in sight. Symptoms typically peak at four to six weeks of age.

When Pacifi ers Won’t Pacify

DOES YOUR BABY HAVE COLIC?

How to tellIf you wonder whether or not you have a colicky baby – you don’t. The agonizing outbursts of inconsolable crying leave no doubt that your baby hurts. While no one knows the cause, or even the exact defi ni-tion of colic, pediatricians tag an appar-ently healthy, thriving infant with “colic” if the baby follows what is called the “Rule of Threes.”

The episodes of inconsolable crying:

life

Why does it stop?In one study of fi fty colicky babies, the evening colic disappeared by four months in all the infants. What’s magic about four months? Around that time, babies develop more internal organization of their sleep-ing patterns. Other exciting developmental changes also lead babies to the promised land of fuss-free living: They can see clear-ly across the room. Babies are so delighted by the visual attractions that they forget to fuss. Next, they can play with their hands and engage in self-soothing fi nger sucking. Babies can enjoy more freedom to wave their limbs free-style and blow off steam. Also, after the fi rst several months, a baby’s intestine is more mature and milk allergies may subside. Or, by this time the cause has been found or comforting tech-niques perfected.

askdrsears.com

Roshan Kaderali, RN, CNM, CLE is the Founder of Mommy’s Bliss®. She also enjoys teaching knitting through after-school programs, going to the symphony and travelling around the world. www.mommysbliss.com


To schedule a personal tour or for more information, call 517.545.0828 or visit www.kwoods.org.

www.kwoods.org . 517.545.0828 . On the Campus of Cleary University . 3700 Cleary Drive, Howell

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Spring Break Day Camp

April 1 - 5, 2013Ages 5-8th GradeDeadline to register is March 25, 2013 or when spaces are full.The fee for this event is $160 per camper. $25 off additional sibling.Drop-off each day is 8:00 a.m. and pick-up is 5:00 p.m.Lunch, morning, and afternoon snacks are provided. For details on camp activities or to register please visit us on facebook or go to:

www.campcopneconic.org

Wild West Adventure!


David Dummitt You

know that moment

where the police show

up because your 6

year old called 911

just to see how it

works

Karin Carlisle HarrisonWhile talking to my boys about the state

constitution, Ryan replies, “Can we stop

talking about the constitution? I know what

that is. It is when you can’t poop.”.

Jennya HammackHave you ever had to text a client and ask

them to send you a new check because

your 2 year old ate the last one? Neither did

I... Until today

Laura Cronenwett WebberBo: Mama, I think that we should get a pool in our

back yard and then we can have a seal live in it

Mama: Hmm, that sounds really cool, you should

ask your Daddy about that!

Bo: I asked Daddy if I could have a pet seal yes-

terday and he said to ask you.

Dawn Deedee Ayla wanted a fork with her lunch, so I

gave her one of hers. Well she just turned four, so she said,

“Ummm... I’m not a baby.” So I quickly retorted, “I know.

This is actually a preschooler fork, I just let you have it when

you were little because I thought you were really smart.” “Oh,

I see,” she said, taking the fork.

Angie Baynai Tyrpak What a great Saturday, with

all of us in PJ’s until mid-afternoon, then Chris and

the other man of the house headed to the woods. My

sweet little girl made a list of things we needed to do

while they were gone:

1. Play dolls

2. Snuggle and tell stories

3. Play dress up

4. Have a snack and girl time

5. Go to Target and get new crayons

6. Walk her “pup” (toy)

7. Paint mom’s nails (and she did a pretty good job!)

That was the best “to-do” list in a LONG time! :)


At the end of last year, much of the country saw an extreme example of the truth of this statement “the opposite of a hero is not a villain, it’s a bystander”. On December 3rd last year, a man died because a hero failed to emerge from a crowd of bystanders on a

Later in the week, a similar scene played out differently. Once again, a crowd on the platform stood watching someone on the tracks in the path of an oncoming train. This time, two heroes stepped up and saved a man’s life. Both of them were mo-tivated by thoughts of the death on De-cember 3rd. “Not again,” said one of them in her head. She wasn’t going to allow an-other death.

Bystanders exist in every crisis, large or small. Yet the media (and commenters on-line) appear to be shocked by their exis-tence every time. Not only do we know it happens, we know why it happens. Ever since Kitty Genovese’s murder, nearly for-ty years ago, the bystander effect has been studied vigorously. The main takeaway of that research is that the larger the crowd, the less likely anyone is to act. Think about that for a minute. If you’re in need of help, it’s better to have three people around you than thirty.

Why? Some just don’t notice what’s go-ing on. We retreat into ourselves when in crowds. When we do notice, there are a host of other barriers to action. Some wor-ry they might get hurt. Some think some-one more qualifi ed or skilled or closer will help. A more primal paralysis to action can come when the person in need is from an-other “tribe”. We are simply compelled to avoid risk when it comes to helping those our brains consider different.

In spite of these barriers, some bystand-ers do turn into heroes. In fact, most of us, when hearing stories of bystander behavior, completely convince ourselves that we would have acted differently. De-spite decades of research that shows the majority do nothing, most of us think we don’t need training. Heroism, however, can be both taught and learned. Not only can we empower our kids and insure the next generation has more heroes than by-standers, we can learn along with them.

One of the best ways to inspire ourselves to be heroic is simply sharing stories. As we saw last week, the much publi-cized story of missing heroes on Monday prompted heroism on Thursday. Equally, stories of heroism can promote further heroism.

In 2007, Wesley Autrey jumped onto the tracks, laying on top of a victim to pro-tect him from the train. His story spread widely and was seen by (among millions

Lindsey. In 2009, Lindsey was confronted by an inebriated man on the tracks and a crowd of bystanders. He thought of Au-trey and jumped onto the tracks, saving the man’s life.

Sharing subway rescue stories is not rec-ommended for all age groups. As with all storytelling, consider your audience. Moreover, it is safe to say that choos-ing positive stories is preferable to those where heroism was absent.

Share true stories. Share imaginary sto-ries. Tell big stories and small stories. Find them in the paper and in the classroom. Look for them in books and on fi lm. They all count. If you’re a parent, a librarian, a

teacher, a relative, or a friend, share sto-ries of heroism with kids. You never know when they’ll be in a position to help some-one in need. You never know when they will have a chance to be a hero.

- Matt Langdon is the founder of The Hero Construction Company, a program that teaches kids to be heroes in schools. He also built The Gallery of Heroes (thegalleryofheroes.com) online so people can easily fi nd hero stories to share.

Car Entry Fee Reservations Required - please call ahead Livingston Parent Journal 11

FEBRUARYList your event for free at LivingstonParentJournal.com

Friday 1

Cats and the Fiddler Bluegrass music at the Acoustic

Sat & Sun 2 & 3

Ice Harvesting Watch demonstrations, and then help cut blocks of river ice using antique saws and a vari-ety of equipment. Kensington 1-3pm 800.477.2757 metroparks

Saturday 2

Dave Boutette Folk singer/songwriter presented by -

Groundhog Day Celebration Woody will make

Community Connectindividuals who are struggling to make ends meet can receive free haircuts, massage, legal consultation, infor-mation about local programs, clothes, health screen-

information.

Snow Shoe Stampede Rental snow shoes are available but must be requested when you register. Participants receive a special momento. Wildwood Ranch Registra-tion at 8:30am; 1/2 mile at 10am; 5 & 10K at 10:30am;. Lunch, bonfire, & s’mores will begin at 11:00am. 1/2

wildwoodranch.org/stampede.htm

Basics of Ice Fishing Bring ice fishing rods and dress

and older. A fishing license is required for those 17 years

metroparks.com

Embracing Humankind This interactive workshop has helped many educators and families find useful, usable, tools to embrace the diversity in their community. Maple Tree Montessori Academy 1-3pm FREE 810.225.8321

Valentine Car Holder Hands-on workshop for children ages 5-12. Free workshop apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement. Home Depot 9am-Noon 517.548.3742

Sunday 3

Winter Marketplace Fresh eggs, meat, and bread, jew-elry, fine art, photography, crafts, jams and jellies. The

Chickadee Chowdown In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunflower seeds from your hands. Bird

metroparks.com

Cross-country Ski Lessonsemphasis on how to best use your arms and legs, and

810.227.8910 metroparks.com

Tuesday 5

Family Tae Kwon Do Tuesdays and Thursdays

howellrecreation.org

Wednesday 6

Mother/Son Dance Dancing, cookies, punch, and a


Thursday 7

Daddy/Daughter Dance Dancing, cookies, punch, and


Fri-Sun 8-10

Winter Mini Camp Favorite winter activities trans-formed into Olympic events for a weekend of friendly competition that includes a toboggan run, ice skating

Winter Family Weekend Includes four hearty meals and a cozy, heated cabin with modern restrooms, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and ice fishing.

-

Friday 8

Daddy/Daughter Dance Girls of all ages are invit-

man in their life for dancing, desserts and fun. [email protected]

Flick n’ Float Float on an inner tube while watching


Shepherd of the Lakes School Open House Games,

Swan Theater presents Strega Nona and the Magic Pasta Pot at 7pm. Dessert and an opportunity to ask questions

sotlschool.com

Things To Do In Livingston County

Livingston Parent Journal Car Entry Fee Reservations Required - please call ahead

Open Mic Poetry, comedy, singing, dancing, and other


Rusty & Laurie Wright Acoustic Blues music at

Saturday 9

Mother/Son Valentine Dance. Music and dancing, candy guessing jars, door prizes, sweet treats, healthy

couple 810.299.4131

Basics of Ice Fishing see February 2

Birds of Preyhawks, owls, falcons, vultures and a bald eagle. Hud-

metroparks.com

Sunday 10

Chickadee Chowdown see February 3

Cross-country Ski Lessons see February 3

Runway Repurposed Fashion Show Runway show-case begins at 2:00, featuring talent from designers of all

howelloperahouse.com

Monday 11

Stamp Collecting -edge and provide a beginning stamp album and packet of stamps. Bring your stamp collection if you have one.

cromaine.org

Thursday 14

Intro To Karate for Kids Tuesdays and Thursdays


Friday 15

Swing Dance Refreshments included. Hartland High

Cairn to Cairn -

Winter Fun at Northfork Farms Heated petting zoo with animal feed, pony or horse ride, popcorn and cocoa and train ride, weather permitting. Northfork Outback

northforkoutback.com

Saturday 16

The Potter’s Field Folk Music presented by White Steeple Stage. see February 2

Daddy-Daughter Dance Valentine’s Day-themed barn dance. A square dance caller will walk you through the

metroparks.com

Piped Piper of Hamelin performed by artists from the Michigan Opera Theater. Recommended for K-5. Howell

howelloperahouse.com

Winter Fun at Northfork Farms Heated petting zoo with animal feed, pony or horse ride, popcorn and cocoa and train ride, weather permitting. Northfork Outback

northforkoutback.com

Sunday 17

Indoor Triathlon Swim, bike, and run for 20 minutes


Winter Marketplace see February 3

Friday 22

Jeff Doyle, Storyteller and Humorist at the Acoustic

Sat & Sun 23 & 24

Journey to the Sugar Bush Travel back in time and experience how maple syrup has been made over the years and enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast.

metroparks.com

Saturday 23

Polar Plunge Fund raiser for Special Olympics. Brigh-ton High School 2pm 989.774.3911 [email protected]

Things To Do In Livingston County Winter Fun at Northfork Farms

Scribble Monster brings their unique blending of traditional children’s music, improvisational com-edy and power pop so children sing, dance and play

810.299.4130 brightonperformingarts.com.

Monster Jam®, featuring Grave Digger® Lowe’s

517.548.3475 lowesbuildandgrow.com

Sunday 24

Livingston Players Junior Theater Workshop Learn About stage presence, stage direction, voice projection,

-livplayers.org

Thursday 28

Bring Your Own Tools and Tech Tear things apart. Put them back together. Build simple robots. Hartland

cromaine.org

MARCHMarch 2

Red Tail Ring Folk Music presented by White Steeple Stage. see February 2

March 3

Mission, Art & Music Festival Juried art exhibit and Guatemalan handcrafted items. Mix and mingle with artists 10-11am. Free soup luncheon at noon. Brunhilde


Sloan Museum – 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48503 * 810.237.3427 * SloanLongway.org

SESAME STREET THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

Celebrate a birthday at Sloan Museum. Book now for a birthday party February 16 – May 27, 2013, and

you could have Elmo attend! Limited Dates Available. Call 810.237.3427 or visit SloanLongway.org. for more details.

FEB 21-24Outdoorama.com

Celebrating Michigan’s Great Outdoors

Novi, Michigan–Detroit Market

Best Place to Buy Your

Boat!

Don’t miss MUCC’s Big Buck Night - Thursday!

Plus more features: Kid’s Shooting Ranges, Rock Climbing Wall, Trout Pond, Utimate Air Dogs

and much more!

Sign up to win a Deer Hunt for 2 from Ohio Trophy Buck Outfi tters!

Now’s the time to book that trip!

First time in

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Display Trailer,

including X-Factor,

Hole in the Horn

and many

more!

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Outdoorama.comSuburban Collection Showplace, Grand River,

One Mile West of Novi Road

LPJ READING, MATH, WRITING, STUDY SKILLS, TEST PREP, COLLEGE PREP AND MORE!

Success in school, and in life.At Sylvan, our highly personalized approachbuilds the skills, habits and attitudes yourchild needs to succeed in school and in life.

Sylvan Learning of Lansing10407 E. Grand River, Brighton, MI 48116

(810) 227-1800www.SylvanBrighton.com

50% offASSESSMENTSchedule a Sylvan Skills

Assessment and receive a50% discount.

Offer expires 12/31/2012. Valid at participating centers only. May notbe combined with other offers


February 9

Owl Prowl Campfi re The program takes place outside and includes an optional guid-ed walk through the woods to look for owls. 7

[email protected].

February 14-16

Jack and the Beanstalk This lively rendition of this classic tale presents a humorous giant and is appropriate for young audiences. Towsley Au-ditorium Thur and Fri 10am & 1pm, Sat 11am 734.995.0530 wildswantheater.org

February 16-May 26

Sesame Street: The Body featuring Elmo, Oscar, Grover, and other Sesame Street char-acters. This new interactive exhibition teaches children how their bodies work and how to keep them healthy as they hop, jump, run, and dance Sloan Museum 810.237.3450. sloanlongway.org see ad on page 13

February 21-24

Cottage and Lakefront Living Show Exhib-its include log, timber frame and cedar homes, cottage rental, cottage furnishings, lakefront homebuilders and realtors, lakeshore mainte-nance, boats and docks and outdoor recreation-

Thur & Fri 2:00-9:30pm Sat 10:00am-9:00pm

see ad on page 23

February 21-24

Outdoorama hunting, fi shing, boating, canoe-ing, hiking, mushroom hunting, bird watching, Big Buck Night, Wildlife Encounters and the

Thur & Fri 2:00-9:30pm Sat 10:00am-9:00pm outdoorama.com see ad

on page 13

More event information at LivingstonParentJournal.com

WORTH THE DRIVE Out Of The County

Pictured left: Outdoorama, Feb. 21-24, below: Jack and the Beanstalk, Feb. 14-16.


Call to learn about our qualityMontessori education and arrange

an individualized tour.

5291 EthelBrighton, MI 48116

www.brightonmontessori.com

810-229-8660

Specializing in Montessori Education for2.5 to 6 year old children including KindergartenMulti-aged classes meet Monday through FridayBefore & After School childcare available

Scan with your smartphoneto view our website

BrightonMontessori

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Free SeminarChild Brain Development

March 7 at 7pm

Dear Fellow Parents,

Many children earn grades in school that are well

below their potential. I am Sam Larioza and owner

of the local karate school. Our school’s foundation

is developing children (and adults) to their full po-

tential in karate, school, work and life. Many of our

parents are surprised to see significant improve-

ments in their child’s performance in school.This

improvement does not happen by chance. You can

use the same tools and tricks to get your child on

the honor roll!

Make sure your child has a “Vision”: Much of

academic performance has to do with motivation. It

is pretty hard to be motivated to do anything if you

do not have a goal you are striving for. When you

ask an average student what they want to be when

they grow up, many have no idea. When you ask a

“Straight A” student the same question they will tell

you that they want to be President of the U.S., an

astronaut, doctor and professional football player

all at the same time! Get your kids to dream and

dream BIG! Never let them stop dreaming.

Expect more from your children: You set the

standard. You will get what you expect. Expect

all “A’s”! We reward academic performance with

praise, high five’s, patches and stars. We expect

every student to get straight “A’s”. If you have low

expectations you will get that or worse.

Teach you child to hate being “average” and how

easy it is not to be average: Being extraordinary

does not require you to be 5 times smarter then

the other guy. The difference between average

and extraordinary is usually just doing things ½ a

percent better and with only slightly more effort!

The amazing thing is that most people settle for

average! There is no competition at the top.

The Secret to Better Grades!Are you frustrated with the grades your child is getting in school?

Show your child that it is easy to get an “A” or

“B”: Ask any teacher. If your child just does these

two things she is almost assured of an “A” or “B”.

1.) Turn in all homework assignments, and 2.) Do

all redo’s and extra credits. Simple! Easy!

Make sure your child knows his grades: Awareness. This one used to surprise me but not

any more. When I ask an average student what

her grades are she typically has no clue. When I

ask an “A” student the same question they not

only know their grades but they can also tell the

exact classes they are getting “B’s” in. Not only

that, they know their current grades and what it

will take to get an “A” . Just ask and ask often.

Reward and recognize performance and effort: When your child gets good grades make

a BIG deal out of it! All kids want is your praise,

approval and love. Early on make sure that you

reward effort over results. You will develop a child

that always strives to do their very best.

I hope this helps. If I can be of any help please

contact me at (517) 586-1001 or visit our website

at www.ohanakarate.com.

Yours for Rock Solid Kids,

Sam LariozaSam LariozaFor more information go towww.ohanakarate.com

P.S. – See our website www.ohanakarate.com for details on our “Quick Start” Back to School program.

P.P.S. – Beginner classes starting. Free official karate uniform to first 12 callers to mention this ad.


Show your kids what happiness looks like.

Teach your kids to love themselves.

Help them to let go of the obsession with perfectionism.

Teach your kids to play to their strengths.

Help your kids develop the power of perspective.

Raise your kids to be helpers.

Give your kids the gift of gratitude.

Make happiness a priority for your family.

Todd Patkin, author of Finding Happiness: One Man’s Quest to Beat Depression and Anxietyand—Finally—Let the Sunshine In, graduated from Tufts University, joined the family businessand spent the next eighteen years helping it to grow. After it was purchased by Advance AutoParts in 2005, he was free to focus on his main passions: philanthropy and giving back to thecommunity, spending time with family and friends, and helping more people learn how to behappy. www.findinghappinessthebook.com

The Happy Habit

After dealing with feelings of anxiety and depression throughout my life—despiteachieving outward success, wealth, and respect—I suffered a devastating break-

down at the age of thirty-six. Looking back, I can trace many of the factors that led to mybreakdown back to the issues I struggled with as a child, including perfectionism, separa-tion anxiety, and feeling inadequate.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m certainly not saying that my parents failed in theirduties. The problem lies chiefly with our culture’s priorities and traditions, which are basedon the incorrect assumption that things like more success, more accomplishments, andmore money are the main ingredients of happiness. That’s why I think it’s so important forparents to redefine what’s really important in life, and to make sure they’re helping theirkids develop healthy habits.

Read on for eight suggestions on how to raise kids who will grow up to be happy adults:


Redecorating is a fun, easy way to change up the look of your kids’ room. Wallpaper is one of several ways to kick the color and style up a notch. When it’s time to make over a new baby’s nurs-ery, kid’s bedroom, or playroom; wallpaper is a fun, bright, easy solution. Wallpaper can add a splash of color on just one wall, create a border or even just a headboard in your kids’ rooms. New patterns and colors are always being created, so it’s not that hard to fi nd a fun, interesting and unique pattern that you and your kid can both enjoy. Kids like color and they really like to become involved in anything that will affect their surroundings, so involv-ing them in the process of choosing the color and design is almost always a good idea.

your budget before you start to shop, and communicate the bud-get to your child. Know what you want to spend and stick to it.

Regardless of your budget, kids’ rooms don’t have to be tacky, cordoned off areas that no one with aesthetic sensibilities can tol-erate. They can actually be part of the home and representative of

mature with kids as they grow. The right wallpaper will enliven your kid’s room and express their interests, but with sophisticated colors parents would use in other areas of the home as well. The

rest of the home, while still inspiring a sense of wonder and cre-ativity that will not go out of style in 20 minutes.

Kids and parents can work together shopping online to choose

features like downloadable brochures, interactive color selection,

create a new, creative, edgy spaces in which you and your chil-dren can both relax and have fun together.

Solutions like these mesh style and affordability. Some compa-nies, like Detroit Wallpaper, even offer DIY designer wallpaper that is eco-friendly, unique, customizable and affordable.

The Detroit Wallpaper Company offers products that are printed on eco-friendly ink, using paper that is 10% post consumer waste and the remaining pulp product is FSC certifi ed. Their paper is printed, shipped and packaged in Detroit. You can check out their designs at detroitwallpaper.com

Josh Young is Co-Founder of The Detroit Wallpaper Company, and a fi xture in De-troit’s blossoming creative community. He spends his free time attending local concerts and traveling. He studied psychology at the University of Michigan, and currently lives in downtown Detroit.

detroitwallpaper.com/collections/sprout.html

Fun And Easy Redecorating

As much for you as it is for them.

Saturday, February 23rd. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Commons. 7526 W. Grand River, Brighton.

The

LPJThe

LivingstonParent Journal

2nd Annual

Summer

Camp Fair

You are invited to join us for free at our second annual Summer Camp Fair. Meet with local camp representatives who will be on hand to answer all your questions in regards to what camp will be best for your child.

Don’t miss this opportunity to help provide your child with memories that will last a lifetime and give you a much needed rest during your child’s summer break.

Call 866.806.1680 or email: [email protected] for more information.



Childhood is supposed to be a carefree time, when the only concern ought to be how long it will be until the next en-joyable experience. For many children, however, carefree time is being reduced and replaced with increasing worries and concerns. Today’s children are exhibit-ing more anxiety symptoms than previ-ous generations, including stomachaches, headaches, trouble falling asleep, poor concentration, clinginess to caregivers, nightmares, sadness, emotional outbursts, and refusal to attend school. In fact, anx-iety is one of the primary mental health problems facing young people today. All children have fears, such as being afraid of the dark and thunderstorms, but when does a common or developmentally ap-propriate worry/fear become problematic enough to seek professional help? To an-swer this question, it is necessary to un-derstand childhood anxiety and its signs and symptoms.

Anxiety can take many forms but it is basically the fear that something bad is going to happen. This fear is present in all children, teenagers and adults. Fear is not necessarily bad; in fact, fear can alert us to potentially harmful situations. Although fear can be a protective factor, too much fear can create a highly cau-

tious state in which an individual gets “stuck” thinking about possible negative outcomes in a given situation. Moreover, this constant state of worry can create a propensity for believing there is danger present, when in fact there is no danger. Consequently a person can develop dis-proportionately anxious and worrisome thoughts. For example, they may become focused on “shoulds”, “what ifs” or asso-ciated concepts, which become difficult to stop thinking about.

It is important to understand that anxi-ety can have different faces. Some chil-dren and adolescents can appear visibly distressed while others worry in silence. Some may appear frequently angry and/or frustrated. Those children who are not obvious in their anxious presenta-tion (e.g., outwardly expressing worries) are at greater risk of going unnoticed. To parents, teachers and friends, anx-ious children may look fine much of the time. Anxious kids tend to be conscien-tious, responsible, and careful how they handle a situation. They are perceived as competent, model children or students; very well mannered and perhaps straight “A” students. This presentation can cause these children to go unnoticed because their symptoms are generally not disrup-tive to others. Underneath this façade of collectedness, children struggling with an anxiety disorder can feel scared, alone, embarrassed, ashamed, weird, or out of place from others. These children may have fewer friends as a result of social anx-ieties or worries about being away from parents. They may spend too much time preparing for upcoming events, focusing on perfectionism, and getting reassurance against perceived dangers. Worries may cause them to avoid fun activities, such as sports, parties, sleepovers or other out-ings. They may spend too much time try-ing to manage their thoughts and feelings at the expense of enjoying good times.

It can be difficult for adults to recognize children who are suffering from anxiety.

The Basics of Childhood Anxiety

A child’s behaviors can be frustrating, il-logical and even embarrassing. The seri-ousness of anxiety is often downplayed by

Below is a list of red flags that may suggest a child is struggling with anxiety:

Physical symptoms or complaints that frequently prohibit the child from going to school or participating in social activities (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, etc.).

Although this list is not comprehen-sive, it provides a good basis for de-termining whether a child has a prob-lem with anxiety or related difficulty. Although the red flags above are to some extent common to all, an anx-ious child will persistently engage in these behaviors to the point that it interferes with their social and/or academic functioning.


society at large. “Don’t worry, be happy” and “Lighten up” are common examples of discounting anxious feelings in oth-ers. Unfortunately, for children struggling with an anxiety disorder, it’s not that easy. When adults do not see things the way anxious children do, they tend to become impatient and judgmental. They may un-wittingly overlook a child’s fears and wor-ries. Parents and teachers who have or work with anxious children struggle to understand how and why it is happening and how to resolve the problem.

There are some important strategies adults can use to help children manage worries and fears. First, it is important to try to re-main calm and rational. If adults become nervous or angry about a child’s thoughts or behaviors, it may exacerbate worries and fears. Second, don’t discount the fear. As trivial as the worry might appear, discounting their worries does not make the worry go away. If the child feels it is real, it will influence them. Third, talk to your child about what is bothering them. Helping children give words to their wor-ries and fears helps empower them and gives them a sense of control. Expressing interest in what worries them provides a sense of security and helps them feel less alone. Lastly, assist the child in develop-ing coping strategies. Help the child prac-tice positive, rather than negative think-ing, such as, “This might be scary, but I can do this”. Additionally, helping a child develop relaxation strategies may reduce worry and fear. Encourage the child to focus on regulated and deep breathing (e.g., place a toy on their stomach and control how fast in moves up and down) or encourage them to visualize a fun and relaxing place, such as a vacation spot.

Although childhood anxiety may seem overwhelming, it can be managed and controlled so that it has little or no on-going influence on the child. With the help of a psychologist, it is important to identify the intensity of symptoms, how long the problem has persisted, and how to aid the child in learning ways to man-

age their anxiety. Everyone must learn to live with a certain amount of anxiety but we do not have to endure excessive anxiety. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Treatment can involve child-centered approaches including: cog-nitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management, and relax-ation training. Also, parent training is rec-ommended to teach parents how to help their child address concerns and causes. Depending on the severity of the anxiety, medication may be another option, and can be combined with therapy to provide an effective treatment for these problems.

Jeremy Novak Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in Brigh-ton. He specializes in services for children and adoles-cents, and offers treatment to adults, couples, and fami-lies. 810.225.1670 www.metropsychonline.com

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We Like Your Style!Surprises around every corner

will inspire you at theLansing Home & Garden Show!

Unique ideas, innovative solutions and expert information is what you will fi nd this winter at the Lansing Home & Garden Show at the MSU Pavilion. You’ll be able to shop for home products and services, including remodeling, new construction and interior design. Enjoy magnifi cent gardens, landscaping and retail garden centers. Free seminars on the Garden Stage, Home Stage & Cooking Stage!

Buy your tickets online and receive a BONUS subscription to Better Homes & Gardens Magazine with your purchase! Visit LansingHomeShow.com for more info on the free appraisals and a full seminar schedule.

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Dr. Lori

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THURSDAY March 14 3 pm – 9 pmFRIDAY March 15 12 noon – 9 pmSATURDAY* March 16 10 am – 9 pmSUNDAY* March 17 10 am – 5 pm*Coupon not valid Sat. & Sun.

$2.00 Off !Present this coupon at the Box Offi ce and get $2 Off 1 Regular Weekday Adult Admission. Coupon valid Thursday and Friday only. Not good with any other coupon.

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Home &Garden

ShowMSU PavilionMARCH 14-17, 2013

Lansing17th Annual

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