north texas kids february 2010

North TexasYour Family Guide to Raising Happy, Healthy Kids

In this issue: Understanding Toddler Development / Help! My Baby is Now a Terrible Toddler! Ready, Set, Go to the Theater! / Love is an Action Word / February Calendar of Events

February 2010 FREE www.northtexaskids.com

Sreeniketan, First Grade

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3 North Texas Kids • February 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com

Every child deservesgreat theater!

D A L L A S C H I L D R E N ’ S T H E A T E RA N D T A C A P R E S E N T

a musical byalyN caRDaRElli & sTEVE GOERsbasED ON ThE bOOk by mEliNDa lONG

illusTRaTED by DaViD shaNNON

JAN 22 - FEB 21Fri - 7:30 pm / Sat - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm / Sun - 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm

rosEwood cENtEr5938 Skillman • DallaS, TX 75231

TickETs & iNfORmaTiON

214-740-0051 / www.dct.orgTexT CopyrighT 2003 by Melinda long illusTraTions CopyrighT 2003 by david shannon

perforMed by arrangeMenT wiTh houghTon Mifflin harCourT and The sandra dijksTra liTerary agenCyoriginally produCed in 2007 by eMerald CiTy TheaTre in ChiCago, il.

SEASON SPONSORS

Supported, in part, by the CITy of DALLASand the TExAS CommISSIoN oN THE ARTS

tArgEt timE FAmily sEriEsPerformance Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 1:30 pm

TARGET TImE FAmILY SERIES TICKETS ARE HALF-pRICED


February l Volume 8 No. 2

Contents

6 Love is an Action Word

8 Understanding Toddler Development

10 Ready, Set, Go to the Theater!

12 Help! My Baby is Now a Terrible Toddler!!

13 Adventures with Living Well Dallas

14 School Enrichment Guide

18 February Calendar of Events

21 Family Resource Guide

22 Alexandria’s Book Review

22 Emma's Restaurant Review

7 Craft: Valentine's Hanging Art

11 Valentine Cookie Pops

11 Find 7 Differences Challenge

17 Animals at the Zoo Word Search

21 Silly Valentine's Riddles

16 A League of Their Own

8 12 16

Happy 8th

Birthday toNorth TexasWe're celebrating 8 years of bringing you the best family resources!

We wouldn't be here without all of your support. Thank You!!


Sreeniketan

Sreeniketan "Sai" enjoys going to 1st grade at Pink Elemen-tary School in Frisco. He exhibited amazing drawing and painting skills at age 2 and won several contests by age 4. He has great passion for drawing trains, especially antique steam engines. He also enjoys playing piano, basketball, biking and spending time with his little brother.

Your child will receive $50 when we use his/her artwork

on the cover of NTK.

North Texas Kids loves kids’ art. Feel free to send us your child’s Masterpiece.

We are looking for covers that are unique, bright and colorful. Each child

that appears on our cover receives $50.00 along with his/her picture and

story in the paper. Submissions may be digital or print. Email pictures to

[email protected] or mail them to Scissortail Publishing, LLC. 700 E.

Park Blvd., Suite 110, Plano, Texas 75074.

Note from the Publisher

Cover Artist...

Minette Riordan, Ph.D.

Did you know that a lady by the name of Esther Howland is considered to be the "mother" of the commercial Valentine card industry in the United States? She received a Valentine's card from England, liked it so much she imported the lace and paper to make her own and eventually built a business that was making $100,000 annually in the 1800's, at a time when women were not encouraged to work outside the home. Wow! What an inspirational story of entrepreneurship, creativity and ingenuity that should give hope to all of us women who want to do what we love and get paid well for it! I encourage you to read more about her life online at http://www.victoriantreasury.com/howland.htm.

The photo here is a classic image of one of her elaborate cards that had a tremendous impact on Valentine's Day in the United States.

I love homemade cards and gifts but I can't remember the last

time I sat down and made cards for Valentine's Day. Maybe I will get inspired this month to carve out time to be creative. My daughter, our graphic designer Brittany and I had a ton of fun making the Valentine's cookies featured on pg. 11. Brittany and I have agreed that we need more fun in our life this year! This week decorating cookies, next week bowling! We were at a Halloween party last fall and ended up giggling hysterically while bouncing on a trampoline. It felt so good to be silly and we both realized how rarely we make the time to do what comes so naturally to our children! When was the last time you allowed yourself to just be silly? I love some of the relaxed moments around the dinner table when someone (usually my husband) will make a joke and we all end up laughing uncontrollably and it feels so good. It brings us closer together at that moment than some of the serious conversations we have around the dinner table and makes me realize that I need both the serious and the silly in my life.

Speaking of the contrast between silly and serious, this month's issue has several great articles on toddlers. That 18-36 month old period can be a whirlwind of emotions, tantrums, silliness, joy and frustration. Did I capture it all? While my own children are well past that age, I

remember it well and have coached several parents through the terrible twos and threes. Our babies have suddenly become independent little people trying to find their own way in the world, oh no! Read Adina Rich's article on pg. 12 to see what our toddlers are up to at this precious age.

And finally, if you read the January issue, you know that my husband and I were so excited to be leaping into a new year of health and wellness with a fabulous program at Living Well Dallas. You can follow my blog on www.northtexaskids.com to read about some of my progress and I say some, because I just spent the first two weeks of January focused on taking care of a parent who was unexpectedly hospitalized and mostly abandoning any thought of taking care of myself. Typical! I am hoping to get back on track and refocused this month and not let this one setback be an excuse to abandon the program altogether. You can read my husband's version of his experience with the Living Well team on pg. 13. Thanks to those of you who have sent words of encouragement and support! Keep them coming!

Happy Reading-

Publisher/Editor Minette Riordan [email protected]

Web/Media Designer Brad Dobson

[email protected]

Editor of Sports Scoop Mike Kravik [email protected]

Office/Sales Manager Heidi Schlabs [email protected]

Account Executives Cindy Johnson Nancy Luttinger

Creative Dir. /Designer Brittany Allen 2nd Story Design [email protected]

Printed by Midway Press, Dallas Tx

Mailing Address Scissortail Publishing

700 E. Park Blvd. #110

Plano, Texas 75074

Phone 972-516-9070

Fax 972-516-9048

North Texas Kids is a Division of Scissortail Publishing

LLC. North Texas Kids is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2010 by North Texas Kids©. All rights

reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without

written permission prohibited. North Texas Kids

encourages your submission of articles, children’s

artwork, photographs and ideas. We reserve the

right to edit all submitted material. All submissions

will be considered for publication. Recommended

article length is 500 to 800 words. Viewpoints of

the articles are not necessarily the viewpoints of

North Texas Kids. Materials will not be returned.

Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the

Publisher. Advertisers assume all liability for the

content of their printed advertisements and agree

to indemnify North Texas Kids and its publisher for

any and all claims and expenses arising therefrom.

The Mother of the American Valentine


LOVE is an Action Word:Tangible Ways to Connect to Your Child

While saying “I love you” expresses how you feel to your child, when you’re able to clearly communicate your love in a tangible way that your child understands, there’s no chance your child will miss the message. Considering your child’s interactive style when showing expressions of love helps assure that your child, without a doubt, feels love, cared for and connected.

Many parents, especially those of multiples, recognize that each child has his or her way of learning about the world. During the toddler years, for example, a parent may recognize that one child has more success learning a new skill when he tackles it on his own, while another has more success when modeling the activity after mom or dad.

This is because each child interacts with their world differently. In fact, there are four separate and distinct categories of interactive styles. These groups include achievers, thinkers, harmonizers and influencers. While there are bits and pieces of each interactive style in all of our children, children typically exhibit one or two dominant styles that direct how they interact with their world.

For this reason, it should be no surprise that a child’s interactive style also influences how they feel and receive love. Once you understand what your child’s interactive style is, you clearly speak their love language, connect with them on a deeper level and tangibly demonstrate your love for them in a way they’ll understand and appreciate.

Achievers tend to be children who have a great need for freedom and

self-expression. These children shy away from talking about their problems and feelings, and instead love the challenge of trying something new and achieving a goal. Achievers tend to be independent and appreciate all that is concrete. They often don’t like to show or receive much affection. Parents of achievers can tangibly show their child by love by giving gifts, offering positive, purposeful praise and by acknowledging and recognizing their child’s achievements. Also don’t be afraid to challenge them to something new. They thrive on learning experientially.

Thinkers tend to be children who thoroughly examine issues. These children tend to be non-competitive with others, but set high standards for themselves. They are great team members, and loved to be involved in family activities. Thinkers tend to be perfectionists and value relationships, intimacy and trust. Parents of thinkers can tangibly show their child love by spending time with their child, discussing issues of interest, read books and magazines together, demonstrating understanding and speaking lots of positive words of affirmation to their child.

Harmonizers tend to be children who are the peacemakers of the family. These children tend to internalize their feelings and worry about those close to them. Harmonizers crave stability and value relationships. Parents of harmonizers can tangibly show their child love by setting up a weekly “date night” where they spend time doing something special together, by giving gifts, by demonstrating trust, and by modeling open and honest communication.

Inƒluencers tend to be children who are creative and artistic. These children tend to be dreamers and love being the center of attention. Influencers tend to be affectionate and like to be around others. Parents of influencers can tangibly show their child love by supporting and fostering their creative spirit, by sharing an interest in the arts, by doing something creative together, like an art project or writing a song, by showing lots of affection and by actively engaging their child in doing things of interest to him.

by Dr. Caron Goode

If you have questions about your child’s development, Our Children’s

House at Baylor can help. Whether your child has a mild delay or serious

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For a physician referral or for more information about Our Children’s House at Baylor, call 1.800.4BAYLOR or visit us online at BaylorHealth.com/OCH.

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Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, Our Children’s House at Baylor, or Baylor Health Care System.

Photographs may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. ©2009 Baylor Health Care System CE 10.09

With specialized pediatric care throughout the DFW Metroplex — One smile fits all.


All children have a deep desire to feel loved, accepted and liked by their parents. When children experience a warm and loving parental relationship, they have increased self-esteem and confidence. Children who feel good about themselves are less likely to seek out negative attention or to engage in risky social behaviors. Considering your child’s interactive style when showing expression of love can help assure that your child, without a doubt, feels loved, cared for and connected.

Dr. Goode is a licensed counselor, author of a dozen books, speaker, and parent coach. She is the founder of and serves on the faculty of the Academy for Coaching Parents International (www.acpi.biz). She has recently co-authored (with Tara Paterson) the award-winning book, Raising Intuitive Children and Nurture Your Child’s Gift. Both are available at your local bookstore or on Amazon.com. © 2010 by Dr. Caron Goode. You may reprint this article, leaving as is without changes, unless you receive permission from Dr. Goode. Email:[email protected].

NOW HE LOVES TO READ AND IS READY TO LEARNBefore LearningRx, school was a struggle: low scores, poor self-esteem and doing

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Supplies:Clear contact paperTissue paperRibbon Hole Punch

Instructions:1. Cut 2 identical hearts from contact paper

2. Cut tissue paper into shapes (squares, hearts, etc.)

3. Peel backing from 1 contact paper heart

4. Place the tissue shapes onto contact paper heart

5. Peel backing from other contact paper heart, and place onto decorated heart with sticky sides together

6. Punch hole in the top and tie with ribbon

This beautiful hanging art will add festive decor to any room this February. Easy and fun to make for little kids & big kids!

Valentine's Hanging Art

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Understanding Toddler Development

Children are as unique as snowflakes, each developing at a different rate and having her own distinct personality. Development is not a race — there is a wide range of “average” development. Children achieve milestones at different ages depending on their physical, emotional and mental attributes, as well as exposure to different environments, parenting styles and activities. Developmental milestones can be impacted by vision, hearing, general health, medical history, genetics, nutrition and the emotional health of the family.

There are certain developmental milestones, however, that most

children reach within a specific timeframe. The age when your toddler laughs at your silliness, puts words together

to communicate, completes simple puzzles, starts to run and masters other tasks can give you and your pediatrician valuable information regarding how they are developing in relation to other toddlers.

There are three key areas in developmental milestones that your child should be achieving. These areas are motor development (using their hands, arms and legs in a coordinated manner), cognitive development (thinking, reasoning, using memory and problem solving) and language/social development (communicating and socializing appropriately).

Following you will find a list of developmental milestones. Under each developmental age, you will find specific milestones for that age. Following the milestones are “red flags” that you should probably bring to the attention of your pediatrician.

Around 12 months, your toddler should be able to:• Drink from a cup with help• Finger feed small items such as raisins or goldfish crackers• Stand alone and take a few steps• Copy sounds and actions that you make• Respond to music and body motions• Babble as if talking• Say first word• Raise arms to be picked up

Around 18 months, your toddler should be able to:• Turn pages in a book• Take several steps unassisted• Pull off hats, socks and mittens• Laugh at silly actions• Identify objects in a picture book• Put a round lid on a round pot• Say eight to ten words that you can understand• Ask specifically for their mother or father• Use “hi,” “bye” and “please”• Become anxious when separated from their parents

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Around 24 months, your toddler should be able to:• Drink from a straw• Feed him/herself with a spoon• Pick up a toy from the floor without holding on to something and not

falling• Run for short distances• Explore surroundings• Point to five or six parts of a doll when asked• Use two or three-word sentences• Say names of toys and people• Take turns while playing with other kids

Around 36 months, your toddler should be able to:• Put simple clothes on independently• Walk up steps, alternating feet• Jump in place• Match circle and square• Avoid dangers (like a hot stove)• Answer simple questions• Like to play with other children• Repeat simple songs• Use 3-5 word sentences• Talk about feelings

“Red Flags” for your Toddler who is between 1 and 2 years old.• Not cruising by 15 months• No words by 16 months• Not finger feeding by 18 months• No two-word phrases by 24 months• No pretend play by 24 months

“Red Flags” for your Toddler who is between 2 and 3 years old.• Moves tongue, feet or other body parts excessively when coloring,

cutting or tracing• Not using a spoon to feed him/herself (spilling is OK)• Loses balance, falls frequently or regularly runs into things• Speech is difficult to understand

“Red Flags” for your Toddler at any age after 18 months.• Motor skills are regressing (the child is losing skills previously

mastered)• Speech and Language skills are regressing (the child is talking less

instead of more)• Favors one side of the body or only uses one side of the body• Persistent rocking, hand flapping or head banging• Avoids eye contact• Excessive drooling• Difficulty eating• Unable to comfort self• No interest in others• Under/Over attachment to caregiver

THERAPY 2000 is a pediatric homecare agency that provides physical, occupational and speech

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A comprehensive hearing screening is administered to allchildren admitted for speech therapy services.

To obtain physical, occupational or speech therapy services for your child, call THERAPY 2000...214-467-9787 or 877-626-7003 • www.T2000.com


The NTK radio Show

You Can Now Find Us at

www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ntk

Stay Up-to-Date! Follow us:

www.twitter.com/ntkinfo

Hosted by Dr. Minette Riordan. Founder of North Texas Kids magazine, ACPI Certified Coach for Parents and 2009 Small Business Owner of the Year (Plano Chamber of Commerce.)

Want to suggest a topic or a guest:email us at [email protected]

www.northtexaskids.com

Ready, Set, Go to the theater!A parents’ guide to taking your child to the theater for the very first time

Whether you’re a devoted theater subscriber, a long lost arts patron eager to connect with your local theater, or a rookie wondering just when is the right time to introduce your little one to the stage, let Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) be your guide. DCT was rated by TIME Magazine as one of the top 5 professional theaters in the nation performing for youth.

PICK A PLAY – Selecting the best show for your child is easy because DCT provides great guidelines for age appropriateness. These guidelines, however, are merely suggestions; parents must choose a play like they would choose a good book – one that is suitable to the child’s intellectual and emotional levels. DCT offers a little something for everyone with musicals, puppet shows and plays for ages as young as 3.

SETTING THE STAGE – Preparing your child properly is the best way to ensure a terrific experience. Firstly, familiarize your child with the story. Books with pictures are ideal. If the play is an original story, parents can call the DCT box office and request a detailed summary from a staff member, which you can share with your child. Visit DCT’s website (www.dct.org) for a brief description, and search the web for other theaters across the country who might have already produced the show. Consider utilizing DCT’s free study guides posted at www.dct.org under “Education”. Study guides are designed specifically for teachers and students to stimulate lively responses and multi-sensory exploration, but parents will also find fun activities there.

Make sure your child is wearing something comfortable, and bring a sweater in case the theater feels chilly. Children who have had a meal or some sort of snack prior to the performance will be better prepared to sit through the play. Inquire at the box office if there will be an intermission, and if so, visit the concessions stand for a light snack to eat in the lobby. Unlike the movies, however, there is no food or drink allowed in the theater.

Tell your child what to expect from live theater. Make sure they know that the theater gets dark. Explain that the people on stage, especially those playing villainous characters, are “actors”. Such distinctions between reality and fantasy can help. If they are particularly small for their age, consider bringing a booster seat or pillow for their chair. Explain good theater etiquette and that it’s ok to laugh, clap and have a good time, but unlike watching TV at home there should be no talking during the performance.

FOLLOW THROUGH – A live theater experience with your child is a fantastic springboard for conversation and play. Talk to your child after the show. Ask if they have any questions about the theater and performance. DCT has a unique “autographs” tradition so before leaving the theater, give your child an opportunity to meet the actors. Back at home, encourage your child to act out their favorite part. Save your ticket stubs, program or a poster from the DCT gift shop as a reminder of your experience so that you can talk about it again. Visit a bookstore or library to find more information on the subject, or any topic related to what your child experienced at the theater.

If your child is at least 3 ½ and shows special interest in acting, or could use a little help overcoming shyness, consider enrolling them in the DCT Academy for classes taught by theater professionals who know how to bring the wonder of drama to life for the youngest actors. You will see a difference in the creative growth of your child as they act, draw, move, create, discover and explore popular, classic stories. Many children have enrolled at 3 ½ and continued on with classes all the way through high school!

FINAL THOUGHTS – Live theater holds a very strong appeal for children, and DCT is proud to offer a truly delightful presentation of shows and classes all year round. For all of you out there wondering when to make your debut, grab your tickets before they sell out, and start preparing your child for the incomparable experience of live theater!

Lisa Schreiner fell in love with theater at age 4 and has been a passionate advocate of the art form ever since. She is PR Director for Dallas Children’s Theater.

by Lisa Schreiner

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Thanks to www.momsmenu.com for this super fun project!

Ingredients...20 vanilla wafer cookies1/2 cup peanut butter1 6-ounce bag white chocolate chips1 6-ounce bag semi sweet chocolate chipscolored candy sprinkles, red & whitepink and red gummy or sour patch bears

Directions...1. Spread peanut butter onto the flat side of the cookies. Place an ice cream stick into the peanut butter on half the cookies. Top with another cookie so the stick is sandwiched between the two cookies.

2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, one minute, then in 20 second increments, stirring until smooth. Seperate the white chips into two bowls, after melting, add a few drops of red food coloring to one of the bowls to make pink chocolate.

3. Dip cookie pops in the melted chips, covering completely. Roll pops in red and white

sprinkles and lay or stand on waxed paper or paper plates. Place in refrigerator to chill.

Fun Variations.... Drizzles - Alternating between white chocolate, pink chocolate and semi sweet, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookie to create a cool look!

. Writing - Write fun Valentine shorts on plain pops such as "Love" or "Hug".

. Hearts - Use the decorator gel to draw on hearts and hearts with arrows.

Kids in the kitchen

ValentineCookie Pops

1 tube each of white, red, and pink cake decorator frosting with flower tip

Cake decorating writer gelsred food coloringice cream or lollipop stickswax paper or paper plates

If you are looking for a fun and easy recipe to do with the kids, try these deliciously simple Valentine Cookie Pops. The kids will smile and giggle while making these treats, and will have something fun to give to family, friends, and classmates!

1. words are missing in heart 2. heart ruffle is green 3. basket poles are black 4. bow is pink5. basket has green trim 6. basket weave has white in it 7. dog is gray


Help! My beautiful baby has turned into a terrible toddler!!

For more information, contact Faith Retsky, Early Childhood Director at 972-473-7718 or [email protected]

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Loving • Learning • Laughing

by Adina Rich

When you are in the sleep deprivedstate of parenting a newborn, it inevitably leads to the wondrous imaginings of toddlerdom. Oh, they will be able to hold the milk themselves, you think. They will be able to entertain themselves long enough for me to take a shower or make a quick phonecall. I can’t wait until they are old enough to play with friends. I can’t wait to see how their personality will develop….However, as the old adage warns, be careful what you wish for. Not only do those sleeping babies begin to grow and change, there will be days that you do not even recognize them.

After about age one, babies begin to develop a fuller sense of self. They start to see that objects and people are still there even when he or she cannot see them. Therefore, toddlers’ separation anxiety generally begins to decrease. With that realization, toddlers begin to develop more confidence, and begin to develop independence. It is amazing for parents to see, that after months of doing everything for them, that toddlers can, and want to, do things on their own.

However, this desire inevitably leads to more anxiety and frustration on the part of both the parent and the child.

Motor skills are constantly changing. When your child takes

his or her first steps, it opens up new doors for everyone! Now your tot can get to what he or she needs without waiting for you to get it for them. Childproofing is a must for children of this age. Children at this age have enhanced fine motor skills. You will notice that they can find the minutest crumb on a beige carpet and get it to their mouth with unnerving ease.

Children begin to dress themselves, although you will soon see that the outfit combinations or seasonal items may not have been what you would have chosen for them. Although they can recognize the word NO, they often appear that they do not hear you when you say no to them. This has less to do with a hearing problem and more to do with testing limits.

Language explodes during the toddler years. Many times children are able to string words together such as "go park". Comprehension rises dramatically, so toddlers are often able to understand, for example, if parents talk about going to the park, what parents are referring to, and seem to get very distressed if it doesn’t happen immediately. Between 18-24 months, children learn as many as nine words per day!!

Toddlers have an enhanced use of creative or pretend play. When they are able to do this, it shows that they are beginning to understand the purpose of abstract thoughts and the fact that symbols can take the place of real objects. Parents can foster the development of pretend play by giving children things like pretend food, play telephones or computers, dolls, or dress-up clothes.

Toddlers begin to understand the skill of empathy and the fact that others have feelings. Parents are instrumental in modeling these skills for their children. Children take cues on how to act from their parents.

Remember that all development falls on a continuum, and not all children develop at the same rate. If your child’s skills and abilities do not follow these patterns within about 15-18 months and you are truly concerned, consult your pediatrician, Early Childhood Intervention provider, or a developmental specialist as soon as possible.

Toddler time is truly a time to explore, but parents need to understand that this is the perfect time for setting guidelines and boundaries for this new found freedom. With just a little bit of planning, you and your child will both celebrate and enjoy these independent days!!

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My first meetings with our new friends at Living Well Dallas were in December, just before the Christmas break. I was busy with work, and grouchy about making appointments in the middle of a work day all the way across town, but let's step back a bit .

I'm a man in his early forties with a beautiful family, a great paying job with benefits, a nice house, and a loving if not nearby extended family. Many would say I have it good and in many ways I do, but a closer look paints a different picture. Acid-reflux keeping me up at night, a limp from plantar fasciitis keeping me from running, house repairs building up, insane amounts of clutter in the house, stresses from the family

business and outside contracts I am working, overweight, and the list goes on. All of these things conspire to drag me down. And I let them. Go ahead, judge me - we all deal with things in different ways - 'let he who casts the first stone' and all that. For me these things trap me, throwing a blanket over my thoughts of moving forward and I generally become a giant, inertial mass. I get STUCK, both physically and emotionally.

Now back to Living Well Dallas. My first meeting was with Jenny Bair. She has lots of professional acronyms after her name, but I'll just go with 'Life Coach'. This session was about her drawing out of me what state I was in, and where I wanted to go. Having met with a life coach on a previous occasion I was prepared to put into the session as much as possible.

Jenny used a variety of visual and written guides to help with the process, and was open to holding the discussion in the context of my personal spiritual beliefs. We identified specific thought patterns and feelings I had built up that were keeping me from progressing and improving, and what I might do to avoid those traps.

As with most people, just having talked through this with an objective third party was cathartic, but then I had to go home and actually make the changes, that was the big step. It is difficult to remove and rewire the thinking patterns that we come to rely on. I was a little wobbly for awhile after that crutch was removed but soon I recognized that the crutch really was slowing me down.

The best part of the Living Well Dallas approach is that it looks

at all parts of your life: physical health, nutrition, emotional well-being, and your environment. My next big steps will be toward better physical health under the guidance of Betty, their nutritionist. It is nice to know that my head is in a better place to take her advice.

You can follow my progress along with my wife's - we're blogging as we go - look for updates at northtexaskids.com.

For more information on Living Well Dallas, please visit www.livingwelldallas.com.

Brad Dobson is a software engineer and does all the web work for North Texas Kids (because he's married to the publisher). He's the father of two kids, a buddhist, a parrothead, a musician and a runner. He's always open to really nice comments, ideas for other articles for Dads, or offers of web work at [email protected].

by Brad Dobson

14 North Texas Kids • February 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com14

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In January 2009 Lori Kahawaii, office administrator for the Plano Baseball Association (PBA), asked if I would like to coach in the new middle school league they were having that spring. She said the initial goal was to have a team from each Plano middle school with a 12 game schedule. Games would begin in late March and end with a post-season tournament in late April. Each team would have 13-14 players (necessary because kids were playing for other teams). All games would be played at the Enfield complex during the week and practice was optional.

It had been a few years since I'd coached but the more I thought about it, the more the decision became a no-brainer. I called a couple of friends (Charlie Boucher & Dan Rudkin) to see if they were interested in helping and the consensus seemed to be "Why not?"

At the coaches meeting before the season started, the rules were discussed. It was unspoken but understood by the coaches and PBA powers that be that this was not going to be the typical cut-throat select baseball scene that most of us had grown accustomed to over the years. This league was going to be different, a convergence of both rec and select baseball philosophies.

We played "54/80" (pitching mounds 54 feet from batter / bases 80 feet a part). Pitchers weren't allowed to throw more than four innings in a game or nine innings in a week. The entire line-up had to bat and there were free

The vibe I picked up from the kids is that they enjoyed every part of this baseball experience. Doing nothing with a team but playing games seemed to be a nice accessory to their season that not only helped their games but also expand their network of friends. Playing for this team quickly became the topic of lunch conversations and 7th and 8th graders who previously had nothing in common started giving knowing nods to each other in the hallways.

The experience of the Murphy Middle School baseball team in PBA last spring was nothing but positive. The boys played very well (went undefeated and won the championship) but the success they had on the field was only part of the equation. Representing their school and playing the game for fun while making new relationships with classmates is what cemented the experience.

PBA is filling a void with the middle school league and the best description I can give is that every facet of the league was professionally run. Communication from the league office was steady but not obnoxious. The fields were in excellent shape and the quality of umpires was never a problem.

The PBA middle school league starts up again this spring. Middle schools throughout the North Texas area are invited to play. The first twelve teams that sign up are in and there is a 9 game schedule with a post-season tournament. The cost is $ 130 per player. Caps and shirts are provided. Trophies are awarded to first and second place. Players from schools without enough players to form a team are welcome. Their school will either merge with another or they'll be reassigned randomly to teams that need players. The payment deadline for the league is February 27. Games begin on March 22 and the season ends on April 30.

Contact Lori Kahawaii at 972-517-5800 or go to planobaseball.org for more information.

be intimidated and that I needed them to make these players feel comfortable (but not comfortable enough to goof around).

Once the younger players were made to feel like they belonged on the same field, they relaxed and let their natural ability take over. In some cases (according to their parents), they started playing much better than they had in the past.

When it came to putting kids at positions and making out the line-up I tried to straddle the fence between select and rec ball. With the defense, I took a very socialist approach and let the kids play several different positions. The five run per inning rule is a nice safeguard for this strategy. If there's a disastrous inning a coach can shuffle the deck and move people around.

With the line-up, I was much more of a Gordon Gekko "Greed is good" capitalist that put the best players at the top of the order. If you want to torque off select players (and their parents) one of the best ways to do it is to move hitters of lesser ability up the line-up when they've done nothing to earn it.

Within the context of a game, the line-up is permanent and you can't make changes. If you get cute, the baseball gods will make sure one of your worst hitters comes to the plate with the game in the balance. I did hold out the caveat that nothing was permanent and that those players who hit well would move up the batting order.

A very alluring benefit to coaching this team was the minimal time commitment. From Monday through Thursday for six weeks we had two games. On game day my responsibility was to bring the bucket of balls, make out a line-up and get out of the way.

I made the decision (and told our players and parents up front) we weren't going to practice. It just didn't make sense because our team was filled players who were playing on other teams. We also had players who were involved in track meets as well.

substitutions. A team could not give up more than five runs in one inning. Games lasted 100 minutes or seven innings with various mercy rules depending on the innings left in the game.

We ended up with seven teams in the league. Some of the schools that didn't have enough players merged talent and Prince of Peace was brought on after they expressed an interest in fielding a team.

It's easy to see why some parents of select players would run away from the middle school league in fear because most of the rules above are exactly why they left rec baseball in the first place. I was skeptical myself but we found out that the positives of the league far outweighed any perceived negatives.

As opposed to the football experience shared by as many as a hundred students in a typical middle school, you generally aren't going to find more than three elite select baseball players in any grade. The middle school league gave several kids of various ages and talent levels from the same school a chance to play together and build relationships. The league gave the kids a glimpse of the future and let them know where they needed to take their game if they wanted to play in high school.

Given the talent levels involved, I knew making this work out could be dicey, so I pulled my best five players to the side before our first game. I told them the younger players were probably going to

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FebruaryMcKinney

Heard Photo Contest Submissions. For more information visit heardmuseum.org - Heard Museum, McKinney - Mon Feb 1 to Sat Feb 13 Frisco

Daddy Daughter Dance. $12 per person. Tickets may be purchased online or at the Frisco Athletic Center. Visit fisd.friscotexas.gov for complete dance and ticket information. Light refreshments will be served. - Frisco Conference Center (7600 John Q. Hammons Drive), Frisco - Mon Feb 1 2pm -9:30pm

2 TuesdayPlano

Congregation Anshai Torah preschool enroll-ment begins. Synagogue members February 2nd - 8th at 2pm, new members February 8th - 15th, general public on February 15th til 2pm www.anshaitorah.org - Plano - Tue Feb 2Fort Worth

Pictures and Pages-Why is Blue Dog Blue?: A Tale of Colors by George Rodrigue. Fort Worth. (Ages 4 - 6) Group conversations and simple art activities. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Maximum two children per adult. To register, call 817-332-8451, ext. 297. www.kimbellart.org - Kimbell Art Museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd Fort Worth - Tue Feb 2Dallas

Target First Saturdays. Event features free ad-mission from 10 am to 2 pm, NasherKids Live! performances, a Passport for kids, and monthly themes to encourage children to explore Big Ideas. www.nashersculpturecenter.org - Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas - Tue Feb 2 10am to 2pm Lewisville

La Leche League Meeting. Call Julie 214-929-8908, Bridget 972-317-1648, Laura 972-436-8383, or Fanny 972-535-5159 for more info. www.lllusa.org/web/LewisvilleTX.html - First Pres-byterian Church in Lewisville, 1002 Fox St - Tue Feb 2 7pm to 8pm

3 WednesdayGrand Prairie

Daddy / Daughter Dance. Cost: $10 per person. Information: 972-237-7529 www.gptx.org - Bowles Life Center 2750 Graham Street Grand Prairie - Wed Feb 3 7pm to 9pm

4 ThursdayIrving

JumpstART - Stories & Art: The Harlem Renais-sance. 3333 North MacArthur Blvd, Irving. FREE family story time with a hands-on art activity to follow. Open to children of all ages. (972) 252-7558 x1226. www.irvingartscenter.com - Irving - Thu Feb 4 10am to 11am Wylie

Moms & More Monthly Meeting. Please call for more info: 469-361-6468. www.wyliemomsand-more.org - Wylie - Thu Feb 4 10am to 11am

5 FridayIrving

2nd Annual Texas Thunder Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. Admission is Free. www.risead-

ventures.org - 901 S. Senter Road Irving - Fri Feb 5 to Sun Feb 7 Plano

Congregation Anshai Torah Preschool Open House. 9am. For further information & to regis-ter contact Faith Retsky, Early Childhood Direc-tor, 972-473-7712 [email protected] www.anshaitorah.org - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 W. Parker, Plano - Fri Feb 5Southlake

First Fridays Women’s Event. Harkins Theatre, Southlake Town Center. Admission is free. Arrive early to ensure seating. Childcare is provided through Harkins Theatre for a fee by reservation only. Contact the Play Center at 817-310-0245 two days prior to the event to reserve your child’s place. firstfridaywomen.com - Southlake - Fri Feb 5 11am to 12pm

6 SaturdayGrapevine

4th Annual Pampered Princess Party. Come join us for a Royal day of Fun and Pampering! $15 per “Participating” Princess. Parents FREE. Pre Registration Required www.letspretendteapar-ties.com - Grapevine Convention Center 1209 S Main St, Grapevine TX - Sat Feb 6 10am to 4pm Dallas

Junior League of Dallas’ Community Volunteer Fair. The agencies supported by the Junior League of Dallas in 2010-2011 includes organi-zations supporting arts and cultural enrich-ment, education, family preservation, health, poverty intervention and violence intervention. www.northparkcenter.com - NorthPark Center, Dallas - Sat Feb 6 10am to 4pm Frisco

Centennial Medical hosts First Saturday Q&A. Free question and answer session at Stonebriar Centre. On the lower level in the Dillard’s wing, near the Healthy Hometown Play Area. www.centennialmedicalcenter.com - Stonebriar, Frisco - Sat Feb 6 12pm to 2pm Dallas

SPCA Grief Counseling Group. The SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program is designed to help those who are grieving the loss of a be-loved companion animal. Free and open to the public. SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas, conference room. www.spca.org (214) 742-SPCA - Dallas - Sat Feb 6 1pm to 2pm Garland

Sweetheart Dance. Dads, grandads, and uncles, catch a shooting star with your little angel to a night of heavenly fun! www.garlandparks.com - The Atrium at the Granville Arts Center 300 North Fifth Street, Garland - Feb 6 5pm to 9:30pm North Richland Hills

Daddy/Daughter Valentine Dance. Join us for an evening of dancing, refreshments, photographs, limo rides and more. BISD Fine Arts Complex. $8 per person. Tickets on sale at the NRH Recreation Center. For more details, call 817-427-6600. Sign up before Feb 1 for a chance to win door prizes and limo rides! - 9200 Mid-Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills - Sat Feb 6 6pm to 9:30pm Arlington

Daddy Daughter Dance. www.arlingtontx.gov - Arlington Convention Center, Arlington - Sat Feb 6 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Carrollton

Daddy’s Little Angel Dance. Cost: $10 per per-son ($15 per person at the door). Come dance the night away with your little angel! For more information, please call Kim Bybee at 972-466-9835 or Officer Langston at 972-968-5438. To register sign up Online or in person at Rose-meade Recreation Center, 1330 E. Rosemeade Parkway. Sorry, no moms allowed and dinner will not be served. www.cityofcarrollton.com - Creekview High School 3201 Old Denton Road Carrollton - Sat Feb 6 6:30pm to 9:30pm Bedford

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Valen-tine’s Day Dance. $20.00 per couple | $15.00 per person. For more Information, please call (817)952-2323. www.ci.bedford.tx.us - Boys Ranch Activity Center, Bedford - Sat Feb 6 6:30pm to 9:30pm

7 SundayDallas

Big Game Watch Party. Watch Super Bowl XLIV with current and former Dallas Cowboys. Watching party in DFW and can watch the game with legendary athletes and help at-risk youth in the Dallas-Fort Worth area all at the same time. There will be door prizes, food, spirits, a pre-game Fan Fest and cheerleading clinics for children. www.dfwbiggame.com - Gilley’s Dallas - Sun Feb 7

9 TuesdayPlano

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano. SMU-in-Legacy, 5228 Tennyson Parkway, Plano. Look for our signs! (West of Preston Road on the SE Corner of Tennyson & Democracy) www.newcomer-friends.org - Plano - Tue Feb 9 9:30am to 11:30am Coppell

Preschool Information Fair. No charge, everyone welcome. www.cvrecpta.org - William T. Cozby Library, Coppell - Tue Feb 9 10:30am to 12pm

11 ThursdayDallas

NBA All Star Jam Session. Attend one of the “don’t miss” events - the NBA All-Star Jam Session. This family-fun event is one of the highlights of the NBA All-Star activities Feb. 11-13 at the Dallas Convention Center. www.nba.com/jamsession/ - Dallas Convention Center, Dallas - Thu Feb 11 4pm to 5pm

12 FridayPlano

Ticketstock 2010. Join Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket for two days of Sports, Love, & Fun! Free activi-ties for the kids! This is a free event for all! For more info contact Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket at 214-526-7400 or visit www.theticket.com - Plano Centre, Plano TX - Fri Feb 12 to Sat Feb 13 Dallas

Chinese New Year Celebration. Celebrate the ‘Year of the Tiger’ with an amazing Lion Dance performance presented by the Dance Team of Chin Woo, Inc. www.natureandscience.org - Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas - Fri Feb 12 11:30am to 12:30pm Frisco

Car Seat Fitting Station. Centennial Medical Center Frisco, 1-877-228-3628. 2nd Friday of the

month. Parents will be assisted with installation of the car seat and educated on proper securing of child. - Frisco - Fri Feb 12 12:30pm to 3:30pm Plano

Anshai Torah Tot Shabbat. Plano. Friday night services for kids, prayers, songs & stories, plus an art project or eatable craft. Info: Faith Retsky, 972-473-7712. [email protected] - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 W. Parker, Plano - Fri Feb 12 6:30pm to 7:30pm McKinney

Daddy Daughter Dance. $16-Residents/$20-non res. For ages 2 years and up - Daddy’s bring your daughter/s to the Daddy Daughter Dance at the McKinney Community Center! - McKin-ney Community Center, 2001 S. Central Express-way, McKinney - Fri Feb 12 6:30pm to 9pm

13 SaturdayFrisco

Trick-a-Trout Kid Fish. www.friscotexas.gov - Frisco Commons Park (8000 McKinney St.), Frisco - Sat Feb 13 8am to 11am Dallas

Mardi Gras Run. Grab your Mardi Gras mask, beads, running shoes and basketball? Benefit-ing Captain Hopes Kids. 214-821-0909 www.mardigrasrun.com/ - Convention Center, Dal-las - Sat Feb 13 11:15am to 12:15pm The Colony

Daddy & Daughter Dance. Recommended for ages 3-12. $30 per couple. Tickets at The Colony Rec. Center. For more info: Parks & Recreation at (972)625-1106. www.ci.the-colony.tx.us - Cascades Event Center @ Fairfield Inn & Suites 5909 Stone Creek Drive, The Colony. Feb 13 6pm to 8pm Plano

A Pajama Havdalah. Join us at Congregation Anshai Torah. Come dressed in your jammies and bring a stuffed animal friend if you like! The fun evening starts at 6:30. www.anshaito-rah.org - Plano - Sat Feb 13 6:30pm to 7:30pm

14 SundayMcKinney

8th Annual Krewe of Barkus - Fairy Tales & Love Stories. Participation in the costume contest is $5 per dog. To register contact AIM at 972.529.6872 or e-mail [email protected]. Please include dog’s name, owner’s name, address, phone and e-mail address. For more event info call 972.547.2661 or visit www.downtownmckinney.com. - Art Institute of McKinney -Feb 14 12:30pm to 4pm

15 MondayDallas

Engineers Week. Engineers make it work. Find out how. Join us for our annual celebration of National Engineers Week in which schoolchil-dren and other museum guests will participate in fun activities highlighting current and future technologies as well as potential careers. All activities Monday - Friday 10am-2pm. www.na-tureandscience.org/ - Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas - Mon Feb 15 to Fri Feb 19

20 SaturdayDallas

Children’s Consignment Sale. Consignment City dfw - 2010. www.consignmentcitydfw.com Dallas - Sat Feb 20

NTK Calendar of EventsLooking for Something to Do in Your Own Backyard or Around the Metroplex? You Will Find it Here!Find these events and more online at www.northtexaskids.com.


North Texas Kids • February 2010 • www.NorthTexasKids.com 19

Lewisville

Kayak Power River Trip. Time: 9 a.m. Phone: 972.669.1663. Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome. Contact Kayak Power at 214-669-1663 for schedule and fee information. www.ias.unt.edu [email protected] - Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area, Lewisville - Sat Feb 20Dallas

Tech Fest. Engineers make it work. Find out how. Join us for hands-on activities, crafts and more! www.natureandscience.org - Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas - Sat Feb 20 to Sun Feb 21 Plano

Anshai Torah Saturday Mini Minyan. Saturday morning services for kids, prayers, songs & stories, plus an art project or eatable craft. Info: Faith Retsky, 972-473-7712. [email protected] - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 W. Parker, Plano - Sat Feb 20 11:15am to 12:15pm Irving

Saturday School: Basic Clay. Saturdays, Art Lab. Led by VET, a local mixed media artist. Open to students ages 6-12. $75 www.irvingartscenter.com - Irving - Sat Feb 20 2pm to 4pm

21 SundayDallas

Summer Opportunities Fair. TIPS ON TRIPS & CAMPS FAIR, Featuring sleep away camps and teen experiences. Free. Come by any time or con-tact Helene Abrams at 214-484-8141 or [email protected] or www.TipsonTrip-sandCamps.com - Episcopal School of Dallas 4100 Merrell Road Dallas - Sun Feb 21 1pm to 4pm Carrollton

Chinese New Year Celebration. Carrollton Sun Ray Chinese School Youth Organization will be leading a variety of activities celebrating the Chinese culture. For all ages. Please register by calling 972-466-4800. www.cityofcarrollton.com - Carrollton Public Library, 4220 N. Josey Lane Carrollton - Sun Feb 21 3pm to 4pm

Dallas

World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions. The Lipiz-zaner Stallions are on their 40th Anniversary Tour. www.americanairlinescenter.com - Ameri-can Airlines Ctr, Dallas - Sun Feb 21 3pm to 4pm

23 TuesdayPlano

Congregation Anshai Torah Preschool Open House. 7pm. 972-473-7712 [email protected] www.anshaitorah.org - Congregation Anshai Torah 5501 W. Parker, Plano - Tue Feb 23

24 WednesdayIrving

King of Pop(s). Billy Jean never said anything to me about Offenbach! Concert featuring the Lone Star Youth Orchestra. Price: $5-10. Box Office Phone: (972) 252-2787 (ARTS) www.irvingartscenter.com - Irving Arts Center, Irving - Wed Feb 24 7pm to 8pm

25 ThursdayGrand Prairie

Sesame Street Live: 1-2-3 Imagine! With Elmo & Friends. All Ages. Ticket Prices: $12-$34 sesa-mestreetlive.com - NOKIA Theatre at Grand Prairie, 1001 NextStage Drive Grand Prairie - Thu Feb 25 to Sun Feb 28

26 FridayLewisville

“Snow White” presented by The Actors Con-servatory Theatre. 7:00 pm Friday & Saturday Nights. Matinees 2:00 pm Saturday & Sunday. 972.353.2720. Tickets go on sale at the box office 1/2 hour before the show. Adults - $10,

Students and Seniors - $8, Kids under 10 - $7. www.getintotheact.org - 1720 S. Edmonds Lane, Lewisville - Fri Feb 26 to Sun Mar 7 Dallas

Hansel and Gretel. Striking German puppets, an enchanting forest, and the familiar and melodic music of Engelbert Humperdinck. En-joyed by ages 4 years and above. www.dct.org - ROSEWOOD CENTER FOR FAMILY ARTS, 5938 Skillman, Dallas - Fri Feb 26 to Sun Mar 21 McKinney

Noah & The Ark. Word of Mouth Productions presents: Noah & The Ark. www.womproduc-tions.com - McKinney Performing Arts, 111 N. Tennessee, McKinney - Fri Feb 26 to Sat Feb 27

27 Saturday Dallas

Beal Bank Dallas Regional Science & Engineer-ing Fair. Open to 7-12th graders from public and private schools in TEA region 10 who have won a school or district fair. www.drsef.org/ - Centennial Hall, Dallas - Sat Feb 27Richardson

Parenting with Love and Logic. Join America’s Parenting Experts, Jim Fay and Dr. Charles Fay, for an entertaining day and learn easy-to-use techniques for parenting kids of all ages. $30 per person per session. For registration & more info, call 800-338-4065 or www.loveandlogic.com. - Richardson Civic Center 411 West Arapa-ho Road, Suite 102 Richardson - Sat Feb 27Plano

PBA registration deadline. Deadline for PBA Premier, early start and middle school is Febru-ary 27th. www.planobaseball.orgPlano

Allen Special Olympics - Special Angels Among Us. 12th Annual Dinner, Live and Silent Auction. Admission is $40 per person. For more informa-tion contact Lisa Grantham at 972.727.0570 ext. 135 or 972.359.7531 or email [email protected] or [email protected] - Plano Centre, Plano - Sat Feb 27 6pm to 11pm

28 SundayDallas

Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas “Cause for Song” Benefit Gala and Concert. Gala tickets include an orchestra seat. www.thechildren-schorus.org/gala - Dallas - Sun Feb 28 5:45pm to Sun Feb 28 10pm

Ongoing Fun Classesand Activities

Arlington

Everyday. Stay at Home Moms in the South Arlington area!! Looking to get out with your kid or kids? Come hang out with us. We offer friendship, activities, and support! Our families would love to meet yours! [email protected] www.momsclub.orgArlington

Every Friday Night Open Skate-on going event.Come have fun hangin with your friends. Games, music, friends, concessions & much more! Elzie Odom Recreation Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd. 76006. 7 pm - 10 pm $10 entree fee. For ages 13 and under, parents must sign child in at the door and verify their age. For more info call 817-459-6434. www.naturallyfun.orgCarrollton

AW Perry Homestead Museum 1509 N. Perry Rd 972-466-6380. Free Admission and Tours, Mon - Sat 10 - 12 & 1 - 5 www.cityofcarrollton.comCarrollton

Parents love the ease of having a private party at BounceU, while kids can’t wait to steal the spotlight in our jaw-droppingly cool bounce stadiums. 2nd Friday of each month - 6-10

pm - Kids Nite Out is hosted by Bounce U Car-rollton. Take some time to reconnect with your spouse & drop off your kids for Kids Nite Out which includes dinner. Carrollton 3050 N. Josey Ln, Ste 110, 75007. 972-939-5000 www.bounceu.com/cities/carrollton.txDallas

Lakeshore has FREE crafts for kids on Sat-urdays. Located just north of the Galleria on Dallas Pkwy (13846 Dallas Pkwy ) 972-934-8866 for more information.Dallas

Dallas Arboretum. Mommy & Me Mondays - 10am - 2pm. 10am - 2pm: Tiny Tots Tuesdays presented by Children’s Medical Center. www.dallasarboretum.orgDallas

Outstanding family entertainment is abundant at Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse. Marionette Show Times: Fridays - 10:30 AM, Saturdays - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM, Sundays - 2:00 PM. Variety Show Times: Saturdays - 4:00 PM www.slappysplayhouse.comDallas

Every Friday 6 - 10 Parents’ Night Out hosted by The Gymnastics Place. Kids will enjoy pizza, drinks, entertainment, and special kid fun. RSVP preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Sibling discounts available. Check schedule for dates and times. www.thegymnasticsplace.com 972-248-2805 www.thegymnasticsplace.comDallas/Casa Linda

Glaze Days! Saturday & Sundays. Pottery Paint-ing for all ages. Drop in Saturdays 10:00 am to 2:00 pm & Sundays 1:00 pm to 4 pm. Cost is price of items chosen plus tax! www.artisticgatherings.comDFW

Playin’ Around Town hosts events throughout the Dallas metroplex during the mid-day hours Monday through Friday. All events are open for parents and their immediate family to attend, at NO CHARGE. www.playinaroundtown.com/Flower Mound

Story/Reading times for all ages. Located at 3030 Broadmoor Ln, Flower Mound 75022. Visit the Town of Flower Mound Web Site for more information. Registration not required.Flower Mound

Color Me Mine is a paint it yourself ceramic studio. Kids Pizza Night is held every Friday night from 6:30-9 for kids ages 6 . Drop off your kids for a night of pizza, painting, movies, and more! www.dfw.colormemine.comFlower Mound/Highland Village

Friday - Flower Mound 6 - 10 pm Saturday - Highland Village 6 - 10 pm Excite! holds par-ents night out so that your children can enjoy their evening with friends and activities. Open Gym, foam pit, games, music and Pizza dinner. Visit www.excitegymandcheer.com or call 972-874-9663 Flower Mound 972-874-8500 Highland Village for more information and reservations (Ages 3 - 11) www.excitegymandcheer.comFrisco

Tuesdays are Half Price Games - enjoy all mid-way games at half price! Wednesdays are Kids Eat Free (one free kid’s buffet* with the pur-chase of one adult buffet at regular price. *Kids 10 yrs. & under) www.gattitownfrisco.comFrisco

Preschool programs available at First Choice Emergency Room. Attention Mom’s groups and Preschools....First Choice Emergency Room at 4851 Legacy Dr. #301 Frisco. Call 214-618-6800 to schedule your tour of the ER. Frisco

Wiggly Play Center weekdays - Daily Activi-ties are at 11:30 am. Thursday - Dancing with

Dorothy, Friday - Wiggle with Wags. 4944 Preston Road, Suite 100 Frisco (469) 633-0676 www.wigglyplaycenter.com

Frisco

Frisco Public Library Youth Services Program-ming. For more information on all programs call 972-292-KNOW or visit www.friscolibrary.com

Frisco

Fridays at 1pm - Preschool storytime is hosted by Adventure Kids Playcare. Each week we will read stories from your childhood. Friday Nights - Parents’ Night Out & Kids Fun Night Out! Call 972.668.5990 to reserve your child’s spot or call with questions. Frisco location: 2831 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 110 (corner of FM 423 and Eldo-rado Parkway) www.adventurekidsplaycare.com

Grapevine

1st Wednesday of each month 4:30 p.m. Rain-forest Cafe is hosting the Grapevine Mills Mall Kids Club storytime. Contact 972-539-5001 for more information. No reservation required. www.rainforestcafe.com

Highland Village

Acting Classes for Kids. Studio B is offering a wide range of acting classes for ages 3 and up. 1 Nelson Parkway at 2400 FM 407 in Highland Village. 972-966-2787 www.studiobtheater.info

Highland Village

Join us for Storytime for Children every Wednesday and Saturday at 10:00 AM, Spanish Storytime for children, every Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Barnes & Noble - 4100 Deer Creek, Highland Village 972-966-0099 [email protected]

Irving

JumpSTART Stories and Art. The Irving Arts Center and Irving Public Library now offer FREE family storytimes at the Arts Center on the first Thursday of every month (through De-cember) at 10 a.m. Stories are followed by a fun craft. Call (972) 252-7558 x221 for more info.

Little Elm

Story/Reading times for all ages.Little Elm Li-brary. Located in the Town Hall building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy 75068. Contact 214-975-0430 or visit www.littleelm.com to verify changes. www.littleelm.com

Mansfield

Mansfield Public Library has weekly storytimes for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. www.mansfield-tx.gov/departments/library

McKinney

Second Saturdays Downtown McKinney. ‘Sec-ond Saturdays’ is a celebration of the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. 113 S Kentucky Street. 972-548-7830 7 PM - 10 PM www.artinstituteofmckinney.com

McKinney

Arani Bellydance is a mom duo teaching beginner classes to ladies of all ages and sizes in downtown McKinney. Have fun, rediscover your curves, and shimmy like you mean it! Weekly classes Mondays at 1pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8pm. Call Raena at 214-684-3966 for more info! www.aranibellydance.net

McKinney

Terrific Tuesdays, Every Tuesday. 2-for-1 Sup-ply Fee. Two painters pay for the price of one....an $8 savings! www.wallofclaymckinney.org

Plano

Story Times Plano Public Library System - Schedules are available at any PPLS library or on our website www.planolibrary.org.

Plano

Friday nights 7-10 pm. Plano Sports Author-ity brings Martial Arts Parents Night Out to Plano! Open to all PSA Families and you must rsvp in advance at 972-208-3817 or


NTK Family Resource GuideNorth Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need

to simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!

[email protected]. Classes available for all levels and ages with a specific curricu-lum for family training. 6500 Preston Meadow, Plano 75024. www.psaplano.org

Plano

EVERY Wed night at Jump Town is Wacky Wednesday! Each Wednesday will have a Wacky Theme. All you have to do is follow the Wacky Theme of the night and the kids will get to jump for only $4! To get the discount, child must participate in the Wacky Theme of the night. Offer not valid with other discounts or offers. Jump Town, 3045 W 15th Street 972-867-JUMP (5867) www.thejumptown.com

Princeton

Groove Kids, Every Sun & Wed. Absolutely free to kids newborn thru 6th grade - Groove Kids is the place to be to have fun, hang out with Christian friends, enjoy Bible stories, cool music, and more! Every Sunday 10:45-12:00 and Wednesday 7-8 at Family Wor-ship Center in Princeton, TX on Highway 380 @ Tickety Drive. (Call for directions 469.450.7437) www.groovekids.com

Southlake

Kids Night at Chick-fil-A Southlake. Every Tuesday evening, Chick-fil-A Southlake offers free kids activities & loads of fun! 5:30-7:30pm at Chick-fil-A Southlake, 2301 E. Southlake Blvd., 817-481-7152 www.cfarestaurant.com/southlake/home

Southlake

Monday - Friday 10am-7:30pm. Jump! Zone is hosting Summer Open Play hours for all families. Do you need to get out of the hot sun or just relax while your kids jump off some energy. Visit Jump! Zone this summer at 280 Commerce St, Ste 100 Southlake,76092 www.jumpzoneparty.com

Southlake

Third Friday of each month, 6pm - 10pm Kids Night Out - 280 BLOCK PARTY! Jump Zone is hosting a Kids Night Out for ages 3-14. Join Jump!Zone, Dollamur Martial Arts and South-lake Gymnastics Academy for a Kid’s Night Out! Children will be put in appropriate age groups (if needed). Children will spend time in Jump!Zone, Dollamur and Southlake Gymnas-tics Academy. Children will be fed Pizza and Drinks! Space is limited so call today to reserve your spot. Call to pre-register! 817-778-8870 #4. Check in begins at 5:45 at 280 Sports front doors. Must be potty trained in order to partici-pate. www.jumpzoneparty.com

University Park

Storytime for 4-5 year olds, Wednesdays at 3:45 pm, Story Time for Preschoolers, Thursdays @ 10:45 am - University Park Public Library - 6517 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 110. www.uplibrary.org

Various

REGISTER TODAY for Kids First Ice Hockey Program. A totally FREE, get-acquainted program that offers boys and girls, ages 4-8, the opportunity to ‘try’ the game of hockey at NO CHARGE. The first week each player is given a full set of hockey equipment to use during the program. Kids will skate (4) 45 minute on ice sessions designed to introduce kids to the excitement of the sport. (214) GO SKATE www.drpepperstarcenter.com

Various

Meetup Group for the Entire FAMILY. This is a fun and exciting meetup group for couples and families to fullfill all of their social needs! We have family nights, couple only nights, playdates for kids of all ages, mom’s night/day out, and of course daddy days! If your looking for the perfect meetup group to make new friends for yourself or for your family this

is the place to be! groups.yahoo.com/group/familiesonthego

Various

Baylor Medical Centers provide ongoing classes in Irving, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Classes include Baby Care Basics/Infant Safety and CPR, Prepared Childbirth Class, Infant/Child CPR, Car Seat Safety and SIDS Class, Breastfeeding Class, Sibling Class, Baby Care Basics, Cesarean Birth Class. 1-800-4-BAYLOR www.baylorhealth.edu/

Various

Drama Kids International is designed to develop students speaking skills, presenta-tion abilities, acting skills and confidence. Our developmental drama program includes speech training, creative movement, structured improvisation, character & script comprehen-sion, dialogue development, auditioning & performance techniques and theatre games and activities. We offer parent presentations, spring performances, spring break and summer camps and speech and drama trophies and awards. Visit our website www.dramakids.com or call 214.592.4066. www.dramakids.com

Various

Dallas / Fort Worth Cocker Spaniel Rescue Hosts special Meet & Greets scheduled in the area. All Saturday events at PETSMARTS ARE from 11 to 4 www.dfwcares.org

Wylie

Visit Rescued Exotic Cats. In-Sync Exotics is home to 43 exotic cats, including 3 rare white lions! We invite you to visit our sanctuary on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm. There is a requested donation of $10/adult and $7/child or senior (group rates available). Dona-tions are tax deductible and all proceeds benefit the cats of In-Sync. www.insyncexotics.com

Support GroupsAll

FREE divorce support emails www.functional-divorce.com

Allen

MOMS CLUB OF SE ALLEN www.allenmoms.com

MOMS club of Allen - West [email protected].

Allen Early Childhood PTA www.aecpta.com

MOMS Offering Moms Support - Northeast Al-len Club [email protected]

Heart Link Network www.theheartlinknet-work.com

Anna Area

North Collin County Moms Group www.meetup.com/sahm-3053

Arlington

MOMS Club of North Central Arlington www.momsclub.org

Carrollton

Carrollton Early Childhood PTA www.cecpta.org

Collin County

Collin County Moms Meetup group moms.meetup.com/994/

Autism society of Collin County groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/join

Autism society of Collin County Self-Advocacy Group For Teens groups.yahoo.com/group/ascc2/join

Coppell/Valley Ranch

Coppell/Valley Ranch Early Childhood PTA www.cvrecpta.org

Dallas

Moms Club of Dallas: North Central Chapter

[email protected]

Dallas Dyslexia Information Group

La Leche League of Dallas www.lllofdallas.org/

Dallas/Collin County

Free Parent Helpline www.dallasparents.org

Dallas/Plano/Frisco

Far North Dallas Early Childhood PTA www.fndecpta.txpta.org

Denton

Denton Area Mothers of Multiples damoms.clubspaces.com/Default_css.aspx

Farmers Branch

My Place early intervention play & communi-cation groupno website given

My Place early intervention play & communica-tion group classes www.northdallasspeech.com

Fort Worth

Its My Heart Support Group www.itsmyheart.org

Frisco

Frisco Cares Children’s Clinic www.friscocares.org

Frisco Early Childhood PTA www.friscoecpta.org

Early Childhood Intervention of LifePath Systems

Garland

Garland Area Early Childhood PTA www.earlychildhoodpta.com

Grapevine/Colleyville

MOMS Club of Grapevine-S/Colleyville-S www.gscsmomsclub.com

Irving

Irving Homeschoolers www.irvinghomeschool-ers.com

irvingHOMEschoolers www.irvinghome-schoolers.com

Lake Highlands

Lake Highlands Area Early Childhood PTA www.lhaecpta.org

Lewisville

Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA www.lisdseptsa.txpta.org

First Baptist Church of Lewisville MOPS [email protected]

Lewisville, Flower Mound, Highland Village

Greater Lewisville Mothers & More www.mothersnmore.com

Little Elm

Little Elm Epilepsy Support Group

McKinney

DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids www.mcfbc.org

La Leche League of McKinney [email protected]

MOMS Club of McKinney East [email protected]

Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group www.academicsplus.com

MOMS Club of McKinney Central www.geoci-ties.com/mckinneymoms

Homemakers and CEOs www.homemaker-sandceos.com

Murphy/Sachse

MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse [email protected]

North Coppell

MOMs Club of Coppell - NORTH www.mom-sclubofcoppell.org

North Dallas

Mocha Moms of North Dallas www.mo-chamomsnorthdallas.com

N. Dallas Mothers of Twins Club www.ndmotc.org

North Richland Hills

Asperger’s Support Meeting www.featnt.org

Autism Support Meeting www.featnt.org

Plano

Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support Group www.spdnetwork.org/parentconnec-tion/us.html

Mothers and Others www.setonmothersan-dothers.net

Plano/Collin County branch of the AAUW www.aauwplanocc.org

CHILD & FAMILY Guidance Center www.childrenandfamilies.org

Collin County Early Childhood PTA

Plano Kiwanis Club www.kiwanis.org/club/plano

La Leche League of Plano www.lllusa.org/web/PlanoTX.html

MOMS Club of Plano North Central chapter www.planomomsclub.com/

MOMS Club of Plano-North www.momslub-planonorth.com

MOMS Club of Plano Central [email protected]

Collin County Homeschool Playgroup. geoci-ties.com/collincountyhomeschoolplaygroup/

Free diagnostic scoliosis screenings www.medi-calcenterofplano.com

Support and Activities for Food allergy Educa-tion www.safewithfoodallergies.com.

Plano Educational Association of Christian Homeschoolers www.peachonline.org

SAT Prep Course [email protected]

Richardson

MOMS Club of Richardson West [email protected]

Post Partum Depression Support Group www.dallasparents.org

Rockwall

Rockwallsahm www.rockwallsahm.com/

MOMS Club of Rockwall www.angelfire.com/tx5/rockwallmoms

Various

RISE Adventures www.riseadventures.org

Wylie

Moms & More www.wyliemomsandmore.org

Submitting Events

Our calendar of events is free to the commu-

nity. All events must be submitted online and

will appear in print and on our website. Go

to www.northtexaskids.com and click on the

submissions button to add your event to our cal-

endar. We reserve the right to edit submissions

and give priority to family-focused events.

Watchfor ourbirthdaypartyissuecoming next month!!

NTK Family Resource GuideNorth Texas Kids is committed to bringing you the resources you need

to simplify your life and raise happy, healthy kids!

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What did the boy elephant tell the girl elephant on Valentine’s Day?I like you a “Ton”!

What did the Valentine card say to the stamp?Stick with me and we’ll go places!

When does Valentine’s Day come after Easter?In the dictionary

What travels all around the world but stays in one corner?A stamp

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Just before Christmas, my mom and I were trying to decide where to take my friend, Emma, for her birthday lunch. Eventually we decided on the Black-Eyed Pea, and it was a good decision.

This restaurant is known for its home style cooking, and it is very family friendly. My mom had the lunch special, pot roast. It came with two veggies; she picked mashed potatoes and squash casserole. She said it was marvelous, “just like mom used to make.” They have a lot of lunch specials starting at just $5.99. Emma had the mini-corn dogs, which she loved. I will try these next time. I had the cheese pizza which was pretty good, except for the cheese. Probably the best part of the meal was the hot cornbread and rolls!

There are a lot of choices on the

by Emma Bonin

Black-Eyed Pea605 West 15th Street

Plano, TX 75075 • (972) 423-5565

Emma’s Kid Friendly Restaurant Review

kids’ menu and every meal comes with a drink and an ice cream sundae, which you can get with or without the whipped cream. We had great service. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. She even included a candle in Emma’s sundae, and we sang Happy Birthday to her.

I loved the food and the atmosphere. I’ll be back for sure. (I know I always say that, but it’s always true!)The restaurant we went to is conveniently located in Plano at 15th and Central Expressway. They have several locations throughout the metroplex.

Emma Bonin is a fifth-grader at Hughston Elementary. She lives in Plano with her mom, dad, and brother, Jack. She is an avid soccer player and enjoys swimming, computer games, baking, and getting together with friends.

Elizabeth Hall’s background is steeped in books—her grandparents were both librarians, and she taught herself to read by recognizing the words of the daily newspapers they read each night to her. She became an avid reader at an early age, and to this day is known to do extensive research into each of her stories; she has now written at least nine books for children. Child of the Wolves, the story she published in 1996, the focus of this month’s book review—I read it many years ago, and the tale still strikes a chord in me.

This story is told from the point of view of Granite, a Siberian husky born and raised in the wilds of Alaska. Granite is born into a simple life, where all that matters is the care of the humans, playing with his brothers

By Elizabeth Hall176 pages • Ages 9-12Random House (November 1997)

Child of the WolvesA Review by Alexandria Battle

Alexandria’s Book Review

and sister, and staying close to his mother, Seppala. This all changes when a strange new human comes and takes Granite’s sister away—and, after some thought, decides to take Granite too. In a panic, Granite manages to run away—straight into the forest, where he isn’t alone long before he runs straight into wolf territory.

Fortunately, one of the wolves, a mother who had just lost her children, takes pity on him and welcomes him into the pack. But Snowdrift, it seems to Granite, is the only one who really likes him. The other wolves see him as a dog, a clumsy animal who has intruded into their pack, and they will not forgive him easily for that.

Granite, still a puppy, must now learn the rules of pack life, how to deal

with the outright dislike of wolves like Strider and Roamer, try and win the favor of the pack leader, Ebony, and all in all learn how to hunt in the frozen lands of Alaska.

To find out whether Granite is accepted as a member of the pack, find this book and read for yourselves! It is a great journey, an awesome insight to how wolves live, and I still enjoy this book today. Other books by Elizabeth Hall include Venus Among the Fishes and Thunder Rolling in the Mountains, written with her husband Scott O’Dell.

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north texas kids february 2010

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