the baby guide and kids too! 2014

50+ WAYS TOPLAYAn A to Z guide of cool activities around town

GASP! MOMMIES

CONFESS

and kids too!

LOCAL CHEFS COOK WITH

THEIR KIDS

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513.770.6730 www.becomingmom.comDEERFIELD TOWNE CENTER • MASON, OH 45040

Share your opinions with us to help make our diapers, wipes, and

consumer products even better.If you live in the Cincinnati Tri-State area, we’d love to have you and your family register at the P&G Discovery Center as panelists and join our consumer testing program. You’ll

be compensated for each study you complete.

To join our panelist databaseor for more information:

Register:Pampers.com/diaperstudies

Call:(513) 945–0001

Or Email at:[email protected]

6280 Center Hill Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45224

(Finneytown Area)

6 • THE BABYGUIDE 2 0 1 4

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

COVER & THIS PAGE: Photograph by Ryan Kurtz. Styling by Tamia Stinson. Hair by Kendall Stolz. Lilly Pulitzer “The Little Lilly Shift” dress, $48, Castle House. Blue beaded neck-lace, $18.50, The Spotted Goose Co.

PATTERN PLAYFrom graphic prints to cool stripes to classic plaid, these pint-sized fashions keep Cincinnati kids in style.

56

FUN & GAMESFrom A to Z, we give you the inside scoop on 52 ways to have an awesome time with your kids.

46

PLAYING WITH FOODFive noted Cincinnati chefs talk about how they balance work and family life, and share their secrets for raising healthy eaters.

64

MIXING ACCOMP-LISHEDThe Pramuk family puts a happy face on the post-earthquake adoption of two Haitian children.

72

FEATURES

P H O T O G R A P H B Y R Y A N K U R T Z


T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

THE FIRST WORD 18 Baby Talk

22 Ask Dr. Mom

26 Real Mama

28 Play

30 Gear

34 Let’s Party

38 Spaces

40 Style Mama

42 Good Ideas

44 All About Mom

17

DEPARTMENTS

THE A TO Z GUIDE 80 Pregnancy

82 Infant

88 Toddler

94 School Age

96 Health & Wellness

100 Childcare & Education

79

THE LIST104 Childcare

& Education

122 Medical Care

126 Photography

132 Party Places

104

MOMMY CONFESSIONS

136

22

34

2830

EDITOR LETTER12

PREPARINGPPSTUDENTS TO

THRIVE• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit 7hills.org or call 513.728.2400.

Hillsdale CampusCincinnati, Ohio45227

Doherty CampusCincinnati, Ohio45206

At Seven Hills, child-centered teaching is at the head of our Program, a warm and nurturing atmosphere is at its heart—and children experience the joy of learning.

7hills.org Age two through grade 12


Carew Tower • 441 Vine Street, Suite 200Cincinnati, OH 45202-2039

(513) 421-4300BABYGUIDECINCINNATI.COM

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER John Lunn

EDITOR Kara Renee Hagerman

ART DIRECTORS Brittany Dexter, Danielle Johnson

ART ASSISTANT & STYLIST Tamia Stinson

DESIGN CONSULTANT Grace E. Saunders

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sarah Mullins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Aaron M. Conway/OMS Photography,

Jeremy Kramer, Ryan Kurtz, William Manning, Annette Navarro,

Jonathan Willis

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jenny Dapper

CUSTOM PUBLISHING & SPECIAL SECTIONS INTERNS

Miranda Carney, Abigail Hofrichter

MARKETING DIRECTOR Chris Ohmer

DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR Amy Brownlee

SALES

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Ivy Bayer

SENIOR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Maggie Wint Goecke, Matt Reis

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Christie Goetz, Lisa Lawrence, Jenny Swain

SENIOR OUTSIDE ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Laura Bowling

ADVERTISING & MARKETING DESIGNER Jen Kawanari

BUSINESS

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Missy Beiting

BUSINESS COORDINATOR Erica Birkle

EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS

CHAIRMAN/CEO Jeffrey H. Smulyan

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Patrick M. Walsh

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/ GENERAL COUNSEL J. Scott Enright

EMMIS PUBLISHING LP

PRESIDENT Gregory T. Loewen

VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mary Melton

VICE PRESIDENT/NATIONAL SALES Marian Conicella

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE Melinda Marshall

SENIOR MANAGER, DIGITAL MEDIA Craig Bowen

PUBLISHING ACCOUNTANT Marianne Isaacs

The Baby Guide & Kids Too is a registered trademark of Emmis Publishing L.P.

Active Play to Inspire the Child Inside

• Safe, secure environment with unique wrist band security system

• 20,000 sq. ft. fully remodeled facility with 6,400 sq. ft. Ultimate Playground

• Toddler room equipped with age appropriate toys and books for 6

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And much more!

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Let your child blossom through creative play at

Pogo Play!

Photo by Leigh Taylor


E D I T O R L E T T E R

PARENTS, WELCOME TO THE BABY GUIDE. We are thrilled to deliver a magazine for the modern Cincinnati parent, with lifestyle-driven content you can relate to and a look you’ll love. When you get a chance to dig in, like when the kids fi nally fall asleep, you’ll read about real local parents and cool kid spaces and stuff , and you’ll get top-notch advice from medical experts. The Q&A with the director of the sleep center at Cincinnati Children’s might be a good place to start.

Ever since I moved to Cincinnati with my now 4-year-old son Liam, we’ve been on a quest to uncover every fun-fi lled kid adventure, from the tried-and-true—the Cincinnati Zoo, where he once petted a giant cockroach in a class about bugs (and Mom did not)—to the unexpected, like the hidden and beautiful Highfi eld Discovery Garden at Glenwood Gardens, which has become one of our favorite spots. We are so fortunate to have endless ways to keep the kids entertained—and ourselves sane—in Southwest Ohio. As you look for creative, imaginative, and enriching experiences for your kids, turn to “Fun & Games” for some golden ideas.

Parenting, of course, is not all fun and games. It comes with challenges, and we address some of those too, from discipline tips to helping your child transition into new settings. When you’re feeling sleep-deprived and less than stellar (because we all do sometimes), you’ll appreciate the “Mommy Confessions” we compiled on the back page. They’re funny, yes. But they’re also honest and revealing in an age when being the best parent can feel like a competition. It’s a reminder we all need—no parent is perfect. We do the best we can, taking each challenge as it comes and showing our kids loads of love every step of the way. And that’s what this journey is all about.

Enjoy!

Kara Renee Hagerman

LOVE & LAUGHS

P H O T O G R A P H B Y A M A N D A B A R B O S A - P H O T O G R A P H E R

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6400 Thornberry Court, Suite 610Mason, OH 45040(513) 398-3900www.muddycreekpeds.com

Discoverall Cincinnati Museum Center has to offer!

cincymuseum.org/join

Touch it, Climb it, Splash in it, Build it, Explore it, Master it. Fill your child’s early years with learning through play!

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THE BABYGUIDE 2 0 1 4 • 17

THE ADORABLE Ruthie Dewald is sure to grow up loving style as much as her fashionable mama Lindsay, cofounder of The City Flea. Lindsay dishes about her baby’s beautiful blues and how she looks put together with a toddler that keeps her on her toes. Ruthie isn’t the only pint-sized fashionista in town; there’s also 3-year-old Sydney Keiser, an Internet sensation known as Mayhem who designs dresses inspired by runway looks using paper and tape. Learn about these little style stars, get the goods on baby gear, gift ideas, and toys, and find advice to make your crazy life just a little bit sim-pler. — SA R A H M U L L I N S

SNEAK PEEK

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LIFE WITH A LITTLE

P H O T O G R A P H B Y R Y A N K U R T Z


dress-up. It didn’t take long for Keiser to recog-nize that Sydney’s interest in clothes—and serious knack for design—was more than a passing phase. “Each time she dressed up, she was assuming a new ‘character,’ and her imag-ination went wild.”

The ladies craft their creations from every-day materials they find around the house—tis-sue paper, bubble wrap, gift bags, wrapping paper. “We use her very favorite thing—packing tape—to put it all together,” Keiser says. The mother-daugh-ter team chronicles theirincreasingly impressive creations via Instagram and an associated blog. (Search #fashionbyMay-hem; Mayhem is Sydney’s online nickname.) This digital presence recently surged in popularity af-ter Mayhem was featured by The Huffi ngton Post, BuzzFeed, and The Cut. “The creativity and in-genuity that poured out of her the more I encour-aged her self-expression was pretty amazing to see,” Keiser says. “That’s something I don’t want anyone to stifle, ever.” Fashionbymayhem.com, @2sisters_angie (Insta-gram), @fashionbymay hem (Twitter)

ANGIE KEISER HAD NO IDEA WHAT SHE WAS GETTING herself into. When the Miami Township mom fi rst suggested making a construction paper dress, her then-3-year-old, Sydney, immediately took the reins. Hands on hips, the wide-eyed, pint-sized ball of fi re dictated which colors of construction paper to use as her mother pieced together a rainbow frock with masking tape. “Take a picture, Mom!” Sydney demanded. And Keiser, who is a professional pho-tographer, did. That was May 2013, and a homemade “fashion line” was born. More than a year and hundreds of dresses later, this exercise in creativity has become a daily routine.

Not long before the dress experiment, Sydney was diag-nosed with a number of life-altering allergies, including pea-nuts and soy. “Honestly, it’s exhausting to explain her allergies everywhere we go,” Keiser says. “I’m not a fan of asking for special treatment, so we’re simply designing a life based on what she can do with as little discussion as possible.” That meant encouraging an already developed sense of playing

The construction paper couture this mother-daugh-ter duo creates will make you rethink craft time. — K R I ST I N L U N A

MADE BY MAYHEM

MAKER’S CHOICE“I like the green one best be-cause it’s really springy!” says an ebullient, dancing Sydney. We agree.

P H O T O G R A P H S B Y : ( L E F T ) J O N A T H A N W I L L I S ( R I G H T ) A N N E T T E N A V A R R O

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BABY TALK


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BABY TALK

THAT MOMENTCapture your wee one’s first days with some sweet portraits.

EVERY NEW PARENT KNOWS THOSE first few weeks with your little one are a total blur. “Our babies grow so fast,” says Melanie Pace of Loft 3 Photography. “It’s hard to remember when their tootsies were as long as our thumbs and their heads fit perfectly in our palms.”

Pace, who has two little ones of her own, suggests families invest in a professional session with a photogra-pher who has the equipment to high-light baby’s features. If that’s not in the new-baby budget, schedule a one-year session or find a yearly package that of-fers mini sessions during the year.

As the co-owner of Beautiful Be-ginnings Birth Photography, Pace also photographs births. “Pure vulnerability in those first moments always radiates a special kind of intensity that can’t be staged later. It’s pure bliss.”

— SA R A H M U L L I N S loft3photography.com

DON’T DRESS the baby in orange, pink, or red. It reflects onto their skin and babies are already red enough.

DON’T EXPECT the session to be one quick hour, nice and smooth. “In nine years, I have had one of those,” Pace says. “Newborns are high-maintenance and need a lot of attention. We stop to feed, change, soothe, and feed some more.”

DON’T GET irritated during a session when your infant cries. “It’s okay, I promise,” Pace says.

DON’T DRESS baby in a collared shirt or zip-up styles. The zippers always bunch up and irritate the neck and the collars end up covering half

the face. DO BOOK THE

photo shoot when you’re 4–5 months pregnant. Don’t wait until the baby has arrived; most photog-raphers do not offer walk-ins.

DO BE OPEN TO anything. Trust the photographer is get-ting a good angle and don’t nitpick yourself. Let life happen.

DO CLIP THE baby’s finer nails a few days before the session. “I often show up to a baby with a scratched-up face and those could be pre-vented,” Pace says.

DO RAISE THE temperature of the house the night before.

“It’s easier for a baby to relax and calm down when it’s warm,” Pace says.

Local singer/song-writer Jennifer Ellis has made a mother’s dream of not repeat-ing herself a reality with an app she cre-ated called Mommy Buttons.

Ellis, of Kenwood, says she realized she was repeating the same points to her boys, Eli and Tyler. Ellis, who also sings jazz music to

children, reached out to a friend to help her develop Mommy Buttons, which lets you record reminders and sayings like “eat your vegetables” or

“go brush your teeth.” It’s a fun way to get kids to listen, and it allows kids to hear their parent’s voice when they’re away. The early feedback has been all positive.

“For us, Mommy Buttons has helped to turn my repetitive daily parent mo-ments into a ‘wow’ moment that has us all stop and giggle,” she says.

Up next: Daddy Buttons, of course.

— S . M .

99 cents, Apple and Android, mommy buttons.com

PACE PROVIDES DOS AND DON’TS FOR YOUR BABY’S FIRST PHOTO SHOOT.

ON REPEATA LOCAL MOM CREATES AN APP TO HELP YOU GIVE YOUR BREATH A REST.

P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y L O F T 3 P H O T O G R A P H Y


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ASK DR. MOM

Q:

A:Pediatricians have the best insight as to what can be seen in the office and what needs to

be seen at either an urgent care or ER. Unfortunately, people do not

call their doctor before they seek care in an urgent care or ER, and sometimes the concern could be handled in the office.

If your child has an arm defor-mity from an injury and you think you will need a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, go to the ER. If your child sticks something in the ear, it’s actually not an emergency, unless it’s a living organism. If your child sticks something in the nose, we need to evaluate her in an urgent care or ER because she could choke in the middle of the night.

AND TO URGENT CARE?

A:Urgent care handles minor complaints such as ear pain and sore throat and minor

procedures such as suturing , splinting, or X-rays. Think of it as your after-hours pediatrician’s of-fice. If your child develops ear pain and wakes up screaming and crying and nothing is helping, that would be an appropriate urgent care visit.

Parents are some-times faced with a situation where their child is sick or injured and they’re not sure what to do. In some cases, an ER visit may not be necessary. When should you head to the ER?

IN 2010, PERCENTAGE OF CHILDREN

TREATED IN THE ER WHO WERE

RELEASED.

96%

OF ER VISITS IN 2010, PERCENT-AGE OF INFANTS YOUNGER THAN 1 ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL.

22.8%

S T A T S

I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y T U E S D A Y B A S S E N


Pleasant Ridge PresbyterianNursery School

• Preschool for 2½ years - 5 years

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• Degreed staff, excellent ratios

• Summer Camp for ages 3-8

• Parent and Child Classes alsoavailable for infants and toddlers

Megan Sprigg, M.S.Ed., Director5950 Montgomery Road • 513.631.0170

www.prpc.org

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We teach comfort & confidence in the water

Corinne Bria, M.D., treats young patients every day at the Emergency Department at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS YOU SEE IN THE ER?

A:During wintertime, we see more respiratory illness, viral bron-chiolitis, pneumonia, asthma,

and reactive airway disease. In the summer, it’s playground injuries like arm fractures and lacerations. Ab-scesses, dog bites, falls, burns, belly pain, and various respiratory illness-es—we see these year round.

WHAT DO YOU TYPICALLY SEE THAT IS NOT AN EMERGENCY?

A:Fever phobia. Fever is not some-thing to be afraid of, especially if your child is fully immunized.

Just be vigilant. Fevers are most com-mon in the middle of the night. If there is nothing else going on—no evidence of pneumonia or skin infec-tion—then you can probably wait.

YOU ARE A MOM OF THREE. WHEN DO YOU GET WORRIED ABOUT YOUR OWN KIDS?

A:Things I thought would scare me—really high fevers or bad vomiting illness—those situa-

tions scare me less than choking and motor vehicle accidents. The things that you can’t predict scare me. Also, anything involving the eyes. My son’s eyes got infected and the ER doctor in me was saying “He has to go to the ER!” The pediatrician put him on Augmentin and he was doing great in two days.

HOW SHOULD PARENTS REACT IN SERIOUS SITUATIONS?

A:Be calm and realize there are people trained to help you. When you come to the ER, this

is what we live for. Stay calm and think to yourself, “If I freak out, my kid is really going to freak out.” So as bad as that laceration looks and as aw-fully deformed as that arm is, you have to roll with it. Freak out after help arrives. — J E N N I F E R H O GA N R E D M O N D

Model & Talent Agency

model management

Wings Model & Talent Management602 Main Street, Suite 485 • Cincinnati, OH 45202

513-929-9464 • www.wingsmodels.com

For more info, visit our facebook page and website.

Does your child dream of becoming the next big TV or film star? If so, we’d love to meet them! Wings has the connections and 16 years of experience to make their dreams a reality!

Carlon JefferyA.N.T. Farm, Disney

Livvy StubenrauchFrozen, Disney

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Do you want your child

to be an actor or actress?

Dr. Murray Dock says:

Murray Dock, DDS, MSD Lisa Rudolph, DMD, MPH

(513) 891-06609505 Montgomery Road

Cincinnati, OH 45242MontgomeryPediatricDentistry.com

First Tooth = First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental visit for children by age 1.


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REALMAMA

THIS IS HOW HELL DAY START-ed: me, my husband, and our two wild banshees attempting the most audacious act ever—tak-ing a family vacation. And here I am, 11 hours, two flights, and 30 layovers later, crawling across the creepiest carpet ever as I follow the crazed path of my delirious toddler who has licked every square inch of this travel pit while we wait for a flight that will 100 percent never come.

No, I am not finishing a novel or training for a 26.2 or drinking kale smoothies or handcrafting something fabulous—I am on my hands and knees with antibacte-rial products and probiotics and pepper spray while my 1-year-old licks an entire airport and I scurry to offset any disease he might be accumulating—until I convince myself that all this precaution is getting us nowhere. If I just let down my guard, I will actually be hailed as the mom who thought outside the box. I will be the mom who denied popular lore that germs equal sick, and Tommy’s immune system will, in fact, sky-rocket. Locker Room MRSA? Not in my house. Mono? Scurvy? Easy breezy. I am SO under control, so imaginative, so unconventional! And that lady we just crawled past? No, she is not giving me the stink eye because I am the world’s worst mother. It is out of mere habit, little Miss Stinky Face, and when you get scurvy, you will remember that mom who braved the road less taken.

I swore, of course, this would not happen. Not the crawling part, oh no. I adore children and it’s all I wanted to just have my

MAGIC AND MUFFIN TOPS

BY LIZ BELL YOUNG

I L L U S T R A T I O N B Y R Y A N S N O O K


Baby Boon!Maternity Concierge & Baby Planner

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own. But the immersion. The full-on sacrifice. The muffin top.

I was set on being the mother who didn’t fall prey to Crocs, to pajama pants at noon, to chaos and frenzy and flab. I was going to stay exceptionally current and keep my husband wildly excited and never miss a cultural beat because how scary is that? How scary to get lost in the world of play dates and mom bobs? How terrifying to lose rele-vance—disappearing inside the bowels of a home where all you do is scrub and tend and wait—and fall into the world’s peripheral view?

I’ll tell you what is not in peripheral view. Me strolling that same travel-de-lirious toddler down a lakeside street after those hellish airport hours when I still haven’t changed out of the Crocs and pajama pants that I promised my-self looked structured enough to pass for, say, yoga pants. And as I strolled down that street with my grease-stained, 1990s neon orange umbrella stroller, I cross the path of some very current, very childless progressives. I know she drinks kale and has the best Instagram feed ever. I know he just cranked out a web platform and drafted a witty manifesto in one night. I imag-ine they have no clue what it means to sacrifice and disappear, as I squish my stomach back into my pants.

But just before I bust into the next liquor store, this happens: my little guy reaches his hand into the air. And it is that simple.

We’ve all had moments like this. When that hand in the air or on your cheek takes your breath away. One hand that shows you what you were part of creating, what you dreamed and dreamed to get. Because this is the splendor, mamas. No matter how ugly our fears of becoming irrelevant, no matter how many times we feel over-looked or overspent or overweight, we have this hand. We have this child, this wonder. A child so absolutely worth crawling the creepy carpets for, forego-ing endless amounts of sleep for, losing a few worldly achievements for.

Before the hipsters fall out of view, I give them my truest smile. They pause, and the girl leans down and puts her sweet hand on Tommy’s knee, and she tells me how beautiful. How lucky.

Stay bright, sweet mamas. The real treasure is right in front of you.

Liz Bell Young is the author of In the Wide Country of Love, for sale at lizbell young.com


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CALL OF THE WILDVenture from the playroom and into the wilderness

with these animal-themed toys and accessories.

PLAY

3

4

1

2

1HOPPITY HOP Kidorable frog

umbrella, King Arthur’s

Toys, kingarthurstoys.com,

$14.99

2PUT ON A SHOW Folkmanis mini

alpaca fi nger puppet, Blue

Manatee Children’s Bookstore,

bluemanateebooks.com,

$8.50

3SPIKY SKINS Mad Pax Later Gator

backpack, madpax.com,

$60

5


9

7

6

8

4BUTTERFLY EFFECT Earth Divas Fair Trade

felt purse, Joseph-Beth

Booksellers, josephbeth.com,

$19.99

5ANIMAL HOUSEKikkerland Design

Endangered Wildlife rhino eraser, Poeme, poeme-online.

com, $11

6HORSE PLAYToymarketing

Rody horse, King Arthur’s

Toys, kingarthurstoys.com,

$49.99

7MONKEY BUSINESS Hat to Toe knit hat,

Pomegranate & Lime, (513)

271-1012, $25

8READY TO ROARHaba lion clutching

toy, Blue Manatee Children’s

Bookstore, bluemanateebooks.

com, $15

9STANDING TALLMelissa & Doug giant

plush giraffe, Treehouse Kids

Co., treehousekidsco.com, $99


1

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G E A R

TEAM PLAYER Diaper Dude Cincinnati Reds diaper bag, Target, target.com, $78.99

DADS, WE KNOW you don’t want to lug around your wife’s bright, colorful fl oral tote. You’d prefer to carry the kid’s diapers and wipes in a bag that refl ects your style. Whether you’re a sports fan looking for a bag that supports your favorite team (go Redlegs!) or a rugged guy who wants a sleek, leather messenger, we’ve got the goods. Sport your daddy bag with pride—a diaper change has never looked this good.

Five guy-friendly options for toting the little one’s stuff.

IN THE BAG


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We Make Frugal Look Fabulous

We pay you CASH

on-the-spot!

Clothes Mentor is a totally new kind of RESALE store for women! We buy & sell “gently used,” current style women’s apparel (sizes 0-26), maternity, shoes, purses and accessories! Find all your favorite brands under one roof for up to 70% off original retail!

Anderson • 8556 Beechmont Ave • (513) 388-9800Fields Ertel • 12151 Royal Pointe Drive • (513) 677-1600

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G E A R

32

COOL BLUE DadGear Retro Stripe backpack diaper bag,

DadGear, dadgear.com, $89

IN THE POCKET Diaper Dude Messenger II diaper bag,

Nordstrom, nordstrom.com, $98


clothing toys equipment

Once Upon A Child is the nation’s leading resale shop. We buy & sell sizes Newborn-14/16, toys, shoes, toys, equipment & furniture. We pay cash-on-the-spot and you never need an ap-pointment! Plus, find all of your favorite brands under one roof for up to 70% off retail prices!

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HAND CRAFTED Boutonné diaper bag,

Boutonné, shopboutonne.com, $285

CLASSIC LINES Ben Minkoff Indy dad bag,

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WOLFUM WOODEN RABBIT PUSH TOY, MiCA 12/v,

shopmica.com, $45

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kingarthurstoys.com, $69.99

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thespottedgoose.com, $50

BOGS RAIN BOOTS, Castle House, castlehouse.com, $52

PEARHEAD ALLIGATOR BANK, Poême,

poeme-online.com, $29

STEPHEN JOSEPH BACKPACK,Joseph-Beth Booksellers, josephbeth.com, $23.95

PETIT COLLAGE SAFARI JUMBLE WOODEN PUZZLE, The Spotted

Goose, thespottedgoose.com, $36

MELISSA & DOUG BLOSSOM BRIGHT TOTE SET, King Arthur’s Toys, kingarthurstoys.com, $14.99

GREEN TOYS DUMP TRUCK, Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, bluemanateebooks.com, $27.99

BLABLA KIDS KNIT DOLL,Gattle’s, gattlescincinnati.com, $44

JANOD ROCKET MAGNETIC STACKING TOY, MiCA 12/v,

shopmica.com, $22

TINY TREASURES DESIGNS OHIO BASEBALL BIB, Park + Vine, parkandvine.com, $12

FAT BRAIN TOY CO. TOBBLES NEO, Ted’s Toy Store,

tedstoystore.com, $27.99LITTLE GIRAFFE LITTLE G,

Gattle’s, gattlescincinnati.com, $44

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From boys to girls and babies to big kids, here are some great birthday gift ideas. — SA R A H M U L L I N S

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The place with a full range of birthing options was his mom’s choice.

Miami Valley HospitalMiami Valley Hospital South

Good Samaritan Hospital

Atrium Medical Center

Upper Valley Medical Center

Every baby is unique, and so is every birth. That’s why so many moms choose Premier Health. We provide comprehensive maternity services including prenatal care and specialists in high-risk pregnancies, the only accredited natural birthing center in the state of Ohio located within a hospital, four level II special care nurseries, and one of the state’s most experienced Level III neonatal intensive care units. Our highly trained physicians and experienced staff champion personal birthing plans that match the needs and expectations of mothers-to-be. So we have everything you need for your own unique bundle of joy. That’s how Premier Health is leading with care for moms and babies around the region.

To find a physician or to schedule a tour of a Premier maternity suite, visit PremierHealth.com/maternity.


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SPACES

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EVERY LIFE NEEDS MUSIC

Unique Curriculum45 Years of Experience

Trained Group Music Teachers

Family Discounts

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Erica KonyaCD(DONA), CLD, CCCE(CAPPA)

[email protected]

Give yourself the gift of time.

You have better things to take care ofon your To-do list.

[ p h o t o b y d a p h n e p h o t o s t u d i o ]

Playrooms can quickly become a mess of scattered toys and smeared surfaces. Store owner and mom Megan Strasser keeps hers simple to cut down on chaos. — A B I GA I L H O F R I C H T E R

CLEAN YOUR ROOM

MINIMALISM, SIMPLICITY, and function-ality might not be some of the words that come to mind when discussing parenthood, but Megan Strasser, own-er of the recently opened Fern Studio Cincinnati, doesn’t feel the need to compromise her sense of style for her 3-year-old daughter and 15-month-old son.

“My store is highly curated and the same goes for my house,” Strasser says.

So how does one incorporate min-imalism into a playroom? By stream-lining.

This space is far from your typical plastic-ridden playroom. The room is simple and clean, with black and white accents and functional features such as the 1 chalkboard closet doors and an 2 IKEA photo hanger for displaying

the kids’ art. The 3 children’s drawing table also

came from IKEA. Strasser mounted the roll of craft paper herself to create a coloring station.

As Strasser continues to grow with her College Hill studio, where she sells artfully designed flora and vertical gardens, she fi nds the same practices apply at home.

“What I notice in the studio is that it’s such a small space, so just moving things around brings them to people’s attention,” she says. “The same goes for the kids. They tend to forget about cer-tain toys and if you 4 slightly rearrange and bring it to their attention, they will discover and rediscover new things.”

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STYLEMAMA

LINDSAY& RUTHIEDEWALDCofounder of The City Flea and all the love behind the Little One Love blog, this darling duo is charming the socks off Cincinnati.

YOU ARE CLEARLY A MAMA WILDLY IN LOVE. This little monkey means everything to me and Nick. I do love style, the work I get to do for City Flea, and the blog.. .but Ruthie is defi-nitely our priority. SO HOW DO YOU STILL LOOK LIKE YOU FELL OUT OF A MADEWELL LOOK BOOK? Actually, I’ve learned to keep it really simple. Recently, we purged our house and closets—the best feeling. Now I have only a few well-made options, like five shirts that fit right and I feel good in. I’m never digging through my closet with a toddler at my feet. I MEAN THIS IN THE KINDEST WAY, BUT YOU DRESS A LITTLE BOYISH. I was definitely a tom-boy growing up! I still wear more masculine colors with a feminine fit. Same goes for Ruthie, really. Most of her clothes are from the boy’s section because I like the gender-neutral colors, the solids, the stripes. American Apparel’s a favorite. AND THOSE EYES! I know it. I’m clearly biased, but I see something special in those big blues. CITY FLEA. GIVE US THE LATEST. Cincinnati is so full of creative entrepreneurs and locally minded shoppers. We love that we get to be part of bringing a new experience to the urban core. — L I Z B E L L YO U N G

thecityflea.com, littleonelove.com

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GOODIDEAS

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TRIM THAT BUDGET These simple tricks can start saving some serious cash today.

— E L I Z A B E T H M I L L E R W O O D

RE-EVALUATE AUTOMATIC renewal charges. Old e-mail accounts, unread magazine subscriptions, an idle Netfl ix account, underutilized Ama-zon Prime. Little charges add up. The fi rst step is simply to be aware of these charges. Comb through credit card statements to make sure you aren’t paying for stuff you aren’t using.

EAT OUT WISELY. Brand new restaurants often have soft openings with discounted meals. Also, upon request, some restaurants do half portions for a reduced price. Plus, happy hour discounts, BYOB options, and family- style restaurants can save you a bundle on your bill.

INSTATE A QUARTERLY “PURGE the pantry” week. Instead of making your weekly grocery trip, cook from what you already have. You’ll be amazed at what’s been forgotten: frozen meats, shoved-to-the-back canned vegetables, quarter-full boxes of pasta and rice.

NEGOTIATE, NEGOTIATE,

negotiate. It’s not just used cars and mattresses. A quick call to your cell phone and cable providers can knock dollars off your monthly bill. Make lower-than-sticker-price offers on furniture, especially at mom-and-pop shops. Even medical bills can be negotiated under certain circumstances.

TOSS THE EXTRA REFRIGERA-tor. Your mom’s old fridge in the basement might come in handy at Thanksgiving, but the rest of the year it’s sucking up energy and potentially costing you hun-dreds of dollars each year.

REDUCE HOT WATER TEM-perature from the standard 140 degrees to 120 degrees, which is still plenty hot for a steamy shower. The U.S. Department of Energy (energy.gov) estimates that this 20-degree reduction can save up to $400 an-nually by reducing standby heat losses and demand losses.

ZIPLIST Home to recipes, meal planning, shopping lists, and grocery discounts. A sharing feature lets you delegate your list to others’ devices.

MOMMAPSCouple hours to kill? Use GPS to fi nd near-by parks, playgrounds, and museums.

SHOPSAVVY Before buying, scan a product’s barcode (with your phone’s camera) to potentially fi nd better deals on-line or at another store nearby.

SUNRISE Sched-uling made easy(er) with quick-add features, invite capa-

bility, and automatic pull-ins of RSVPs from Google Calendar and Facebook.

WEBMD Is it strep throat or sniffl es? Simple symptom checkers and helpful articles can help de-termine whether you need to call the doc.

— E . M . W .

KEEP IT SIMPLE

MOMS TELL US ABOUT APPS THEY USE TO KEEP LIFE UN-DER CONTROL.

UNIVERSIT Y OF CINCINNATI MEDIC AL CENTER

Baby on Board.At UC Medical Center, we take pride in the Bearcat babies we deliver

every day – from those healthy, full-term bundles of joy to those

pre-term babies full of fight and strength.

What does it mean to be a Bearcat baby?It means peace of mind and comfort in

knowing you are surrounded by our

world-class labor and delivery team. We are

here to make sure you have the healthiest

baby possible – whether you have a routine

delivery or need the most advanced care

available in the region.

To schedule a tour of our spacious, private labor and delivery suites,please call: (513) 584-BABY (2229)

UCHealth.com/BearcatBaby


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ALL ABOUT MOM

BOUNCE BACKIf the baby is here but that bump is lingering, and you aren’t quite

ready for marathon running, check out one of these workouts at gyms and studios all around the city. — C A I T L I N L A M B

FOR MOST MOMS, relaxation becomes a last priority. “Especial-ly after having a baby, it is so important to take care of your body,” says Natasha Burns, director of The Spa at 21c, inside the 21c Museum Hotel, named No. 1 Hotel in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Spa’s Express

Menu has facials, massages, and mani- pedis, all in 30-minute sessions. For a longer break, the Raindrop Ritual, which is designed to allevi-ate back pain and enhance the immune system, features the dropping of warm oils onto the spine. Take a dip in the hydro-therapy tub, enjoy a deep-tissue massage,

or try a detoxifying body wrap.

“When you’re a mom, you don’t always feel balanced and in control of your life,” Burns says. “We have treatments to help you find yourself again.”— C . L .

609 Walnut St., down-

town, (513) 578-6600,

21cmuseumhotels.com/

cincinnati

TIME TO UNWIND

MIND/TOTAL BODY/RELAXATIONRelax while you tone. Go it alone, or bring the little one and enjoy a Baby and Me, Little Sprouts, or Family Yoga class at Shine Yoga. (513) 533-9642,

shineyoga.com

BACK/SHOULDERSTake a break and sculpt your back and shoulders with a swim at the YMCA. Bonus: free childcare is provided. Various

locations; (513) 362-YMCA,

cincinnatiymca.org

BUTTTots live it up in the Children’s Center (free for members) while you try a Booty Barre or BODYPUMP class at the Cincinnati Sports Club. (513) 527-

4000, cincinnatisportsclub.com

CALVESThe programs at Pure Barre are based on ballet techniques and aim to build a long and lean physique. Two locations; (513)

321-5800, purebarre.com

THIGHSEnjoy river views while you tone your legs with a rental from the Cincinnati Bike Center. They even provide baby seats and wagons. (513)

282-4260, cincin

natibikecenter.

com

ARMSCincinnati Fitness Boxing has class-es to strengthen your arms, build your endurance, and help you knock out some stress. Sign up the older kids (ages 6 and up) for a class of their own. (513) 429-2766,

cfbfit.com

ABS The Reshape Re:Form pilates class at The Breathing Room will help you get back that flat tummy. (513) 321-4433,

thebreathingroom.com

S P A P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y 2 1 c H O T E L S

With the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility as our guide, we work every day to help children have fun while exploring their full potential.

With the Y, you can be assured that whatever activity your family or your child engages in - from child care to family time, sports to camp - you’ll have a safe, positive environment to play, learn, and grow.

Because the Y is for everyone, we bring together parents and kids like no other organization can.

Stop by for a tour or call your local YMCA of Greater Cincinnati branch to set up an appointment with our membership team to help you get started today!

A FUN PLACE

TO BE HEALTHY, UNPLUG, AND RECONNECT

(513) 362-YMCA MyY.org JOIN TODAY!


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PLAYING WITH GLASS AT BRAZEE STREET STUDIOS

I S F O R A N D E R S O N F E R RY This relic of the past is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been operating since 1817. In your car, in a stroller, or on foot, you and the kids can take an extra fun trip across the Ohio on one of three ferries named for Daniel Boone. A one-way trip costs $5 ($8 round-trip) and takes a breezy seven to eight minutes. Grab a kiddie cone on the Ohio side at UDF before heading back.

4030 River Rd., Hebron, (859) 586-5007, andersonferryoffi cial.com

I S F O R B E A U T Y A N D T H E B E AS T J R . Your preschoolers might not make it through a two-hour-long performance of The Nutcracker, but that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce them to professional theater. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is beloved for its one-hour performances for kids ages 4–12. Beauty and the Beast Jr. brings Belle and Gaston to the small stage on Oct. 17–19 and 25, complete with dancing fl atware and singing furniture.

The Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., downtown, (513) 569-8080, thechildrenstheatre.com

I S F O R C L A S S E S What’s more fun than crafting with recycled toy parts? Happen’s Toy Lab in Northside helps your little designers channel their inner creative genius for just $10. Or learn the magic of fused glass at Brazee Street Studios. Ready for something beyond finger paint and Play-Doh? On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, Funke Fired Arts offers family-friendly open wheel-throwing for young potters.

happeninc.com, brazeestreetstudios.com, funkefi redarts.com

F R O M a T O z , W E G I V E Y O U T H E I N S I D E S C O O P O N 5 2 W AY S T O H AV E A N A W E S O M E T I M E W I T H Y O U R K I D S .

photographs by A A R O N M . C O N W AY / O M S

by A LY S S A B R A N D T, A M Y B R O W N L E E ,J E N N Y B U R M A N , S A R A H M U L L I N S , E R I N P R U S , R J S M I T H , A M A N D A B O Y D W A LT E R S , and L I Z B E L L Y O U N G



IS FOR DISCOVERY GA R D E N Where can you peek into a fairy garden, bounce across a swinging bridge over a wild flower-filled ravine, and wander through a caterpillar tunnel of willow. How about Highfield Discovery Garden? This kid-focused, 12-acre attraction at Glenwood Gardens is actually s e v e n s m a l l e r g a r d e n s , including a Frog and Toad G a rd e n , G ra n d m a ’s s ce n t garden, and more. Kids will love the hidden secrets and fun activities—especially the 25-foot tree with an interactive tree house!

10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn, (513) 771-8733, greatparks.org

I S F O R E N G I N E E R Many a frustrated mom has wished to send her child to the moon, but the summer camps at iSPACE actually can—if you use your imagination. The nonprofit focuses on STEM skills (science, technology, e n g i n e e r i n g , a n d m a t h ) , creating a variety of programs for students year-round, but the week-long camps are the centerpiece. Younger k ids build machines with DUPLO blocks, middle-graders get an introduction to robotics, and those in grade 8 and above can launch rockets—and more. Sounds out-of-this-world.

3254 E. Kemper Rd., Sharonville, (513) 612-5786, ispacescience.org

I S F O R F I R E M U S E U M Ring the fire bell (but only once!), slide down the fire pole (as much as you want, but give your kid a chance too), and climb into the cab of a modern fire engine at the Fire Museum of Greater Cincinnati. In 1853, Cincinnati

THE JELLYFISH GALLERY AT NEWPORT AQUARIUM


had the first paid professional fire fighters in the country and the museum’s main floor is full of historic artifacts, including medieval-looking rescue tools and vintage fire trucks dating back to the 1880s. The museum has launched a Junior F i re Fighter’s Club; members can participate in exclusive activities like firefighter visits and Lego days. Need more? $150 gets you a birthday party for up to 40 kids.

315 W. Court St., downtown, (513) 621-5553, cincyfiremuseum.com

I S F O R G A R D E N I N G If you build it they will come. The Civic Garden Center offers youth programming in seven of its open-gate children’s gardens, including the newly renovated Race Street Community Garden in OTR. Kids get to sow, hoe, weed, and harvest vegetables while learning respect for nature and healthy eating habits. Says executive director Vickie Ciotti, “Things really get rolling once school is out, but kids come running as soon as they see one of our trucks pull up to the garden in the spring.”

2715 Reading Rd., Avondale, (513) 221-0981, civicgardencenter.org

IS FOR HORSEBACK RIDING When the little cowpoke is ready to move beyond pony rides, check out one of the riding centers around town—from Derbyshire Stables to Winton Woods Riding Center and Muddy Water Ranch. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one lessons in the ring, rides in the wide open, or horse therapy for a special needs child, there’s a bridle path.

Derbyshire Stables, 7730 Camp Rd., Camp Dennison, (513) 675-1547, derby shirestables.com; Winton Woods Riding Center, 10073 Daly Rd., Winton Woods, (513) 931-3057, greatparks.org; Muddy Water Ranch, 10129 Mill Rd., Mt. Healthy, (513) 522-8545, muddywaterranch.org

I S F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L STORY HOUR So maybe your heir isn’t ready for Mandarin Chinese. But how about some mild immersion-style language learning? On the first and second Saturday and third Friday of each month, Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore hosts an international story hour starting at 10:30 a.m., conducted in either German, Spanish, or French (in that order). It’s our favorite low-impact way to introduce monosyllabic munchkins to a whole new world of vocabularies, stories, and songs.

3054 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-2665, bluemanateebooks.com

I S F O R J E L LY F I S H After a while, any aquarium’s oversized fish tanks can start looking the same. The Newport Aquarium keeps things interesting by placing the Jellyfish Gallery right between the Shark Tank and the Coral Reef, which makes it a great spot to pause and refresh. The exhibit—the largest of its kind in the Midwest—is a dark room with glowing vertical glass tubes where more than a hundred jellyfish float, drift, and swim together in a trippy, sci-fi-style ballet. Find a seat, park your brood, and do some jelly-gazing.

1 Aquarium Way, Newport, (859) 491-3467, newportaquarium.com

I S F O R K I D S O N B I K E S Cyclocross for kids? Yep. Before you balk, just imagine the fun for a young cyclist. Off the paved city streets and into the wild blue yonder, riders learn how to brave bumpy terrain, jump fallen logs, and gain confidence on two wheels. Kids on Bikes provides all this with top-notch coaching by the Cincinnati Cyclocross crew. It’s best for the 7–14 crowd (although younger is OK, if they’re off training wheels). And parents are encouraged to ride right alongside.

cincinnaticyclocross.com/kob

THEY MAY NOT BE DRESSED FOR IT, BUT CYCLOCROSS IS IN THEIR FUTURE.

I S F O R L I B R A R Y Ohio is known nationwide for its well-funded and well-loved library systems, and Cincinnati is no slouch when it comes to cultivating our youngest readers with programs as diverse as Toddler Story Time, Tuesday Terror Comic Edition for teens, Lego Club, and Tween Lit Club, to name just a few in Hamilton and Clermont counties. When in doubt, try Family Story Time: Because when was the last time Mom and Dad got to snuggle up and have a story read to them? Bring your stuffies!

cincinnatilibrary.org, clermont.lib.oh.us

I S F O R M U S E U M Where to begin? The Queen City is well-stocked with museums and programming designed for hungry little minds. Consider the American Sign Museum, where there’s a working neon shop—a hoot for all ages; Duke Energy Children’s Museum at the Cincinnat i Museum Center, which is al l about hands-on; the UnMuseum at the Contemporary Arts Center (where children will enjoy the building itself); and don’t forget that the Cincinnati Art Museum is always free and has a long list of kid and family programming, l ike Wee Wednesdays and Culture Kids.

Signmuseum.org, cincymuseum.org, contemporaryartscenter.org, cincinnatiartmuseum.org

I S F O R N U R S E R Y Ta k e your wee ones to visit some new arrivals at the Cincinnati Zo o . M o s t o f t h e c u d d ly new additions will be found a lo n gs i d e t h e i r m o m m i es within their habitats throughout

the zoo. But the nursery, housed within the Spaulding Children’s Zoo, is for newborns that need extra TLC. You might also catch a glimpse of Blakely, the nursery’s resident companion dog.

3400 Vine St., Avondale, (513) 281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org

I S F O R O M N I M A X With its five-story curved screen and surround sound, the Omnimax Theater at Cincinnati Museum Center will take you and your kids around the world without leaving Cincinnati. Swing with exotic monkeys in Island of Lemurs: Madagascar (June through September), brave the blizzards in Shakelton’s Antarctic Adventure, journey from source to sea in Mystery of the Nile (July), face grizzly bears and geysers in Yellowstone (August), and climb to the summit in Everest (September). But i f this world just isn’t far enough, be sure to catch Hidden Universe (June through September) for a journey deep into outer space. All of that without leaving the tristate.

1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, (513) 287-7000, cincymuseum.org

I S F O R P L A Y S C A P E A beautiful pastiche of forest, stream, wetland, and field, the Marge and Charles Schott Nature PlayScape at Rowe Woods is well-kept and quite new, having opened in 2011. The 1.6-acre preserve is part of the Cincinnati Nature Center (which also offers a nature preschool), and was designed to give young ones a safe place to traipse, splash, run, and wallow in the great outdoors. Just like virtual reality, only it’s real.

4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, (513) 831-1711, cincynature.org


GET CREATIVE AT THE UNMUSEUM AT THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER.


I S F O R Q U I ET S P OT Quiet is as quiet does. That could mean a dreamy stroll through the Labyrinth at Smale Riverfront Park—a “walking meditation” spiral that has no walls—or a peaceful lunch in the almost-secret Children’s Garden at the Main Branch Library downtown. For more quiet fun, kids classes at Modo Yoga at the Columbia-Tu s c u l u m a n d N o r t h e r n Kentucky locations include crafts, yoga-themed games, and age-appropriate stretches.

mysmaleriverfrontpark.org, cincinnati library.org, cincinnati.modoyoga.com

I S F O R R A I N Y D AY P L AY F o u r p l a c e s t o b e a t t h e b a d - w e a t h e r d o l d r u m s : EnterTRAINment Junction, in West Chester, boasts “the world’s largest indoor model train display” as well as other train-themed displays and activities. There’s no need for indoor voices at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park in Springdale, where kiddos can literally bounce off the walls. Ozo Play Café is designed for 6-and-under, and

the price of admission covers the whole day. And at the Mad Potter (in Mason and Madeira), young ones get to glaze their own pre-made pottery—and it’s for keeps.

skyzone.com, entertrainmentjunction.com, ozoplaycafe.com, madpotter cincinnati.com, madpottermason.com

I S F O R S T O R Y T E L L I N G Wo rd P lay i s d ed i cated to helping kids ages 5–18 find their voices. The Northside organization offers after-school tutoring; weekday workshops on storytell ing, music, and movement; and writing groups. Junior and senior high school students can learn the art of bookbinding in the Monday afternoon Bookbinder’s Guild, or join local film critic TT Stern-Enzi and other budding movie buffs in the WatchRightNow film workshop. And if you’ve got a youngster who’s into cool gadgets, Wordplay’s fleet of vintage typewriters (maintained by Xavier professor and collector Richard Polt) is something to write home about.

4041 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 260-8129, wordplaycincy.org

I S F O R T E A PA R T Y Perk up a boring day with an afternoon cuppa at The BonBoner ie Tearoom. Or, when a special occasion strikes, round up a crew of friends for an outing. You’ll get a tiered cake stand stocked with treats sized for the little ones, from mini sandwiches and sliced fruit to fanciful sweets that are themed to shows at the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

2030 Madison Rd., O’Bryonville, (513) 321-3399, bonbonerie.com

I S F O R U N I V E R S E I t ’ s easy for kids to feel a sense of wonder—and far less so for their harried keepers. Get down on their level by looking up at the largest full moon of the year on August 9, 2014, from 7–10 p.m. for the annual Supermoon event. Or see the largest collection of meteorites in the tristate on November 1, 2014, ($10/adult, $5/child) at the Meet a Meteorite event.

3489 Observatory Pl., Mt. Lookout, (513) 321-5186, cincinnatiobservatory.org

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WHAT, YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO A GEOCACHING PARTY?


I S F O R V O L U N T E E R I N G There are plenty of opportunities to be of service to others in the community. Just keep in mind that most volunteer gigs require that participants younger than 13 or 14 be supervised by a parent. Outdoor explorers can connect with Great Parks of Hamilton County by participating in the Clean Sweep of the Great Miami River, collecting litter and debris along the river on October 25, 2014. Matthew 25: Ministries welcomes volunteers of all ages to help sort, count, and package donated goods. Nascent chefs can visit the Ronald McDonald House kitchen and prepare snacks for guest families. For more ideas, try the United Way’s Volunteer Connection website, uwgc.volunteermatch.org, or VolunteerMatch.org

greatparks.org/volunteer, M25M.org, rmhcincinnati.org

I S F O R WAT E R PA R K S If a seaside escape is on your mind but not your calendar, get away closer to home. Kiddies can splash in the wave pool without sand in their britches or channel their inner surfer on the Pipeline Paradise at Kings Island’s Soak City. Race down the Midwest’s only water coaster, the Big Kahuna, or take a plunge on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line at The Beach Waterpark. But don’t let your dreams of paradise end when the warm weather does; enjoy an indoor oasis with the water park at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, (513) 754-5700, visitkingsisland.com; The Beach Waterpark, 2590 Water Park Dr., Mason, (513) 398-7946, thebeachwaterpark.com; Great Wolf Lodge, 2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason, (513) 459-8885, greatwolf.com/mason

I S F O R X M A R K S T H E S P O T When you geocache, the whole world is a treasure hunt. By using a GPS device or a geocaching app like the one by Groundspeak ($9.99 on iTunes) you follow coordinates and clues to a hidden object (usually a small container holding a log list) or a natural feature. Geocaching g ives purpose to a hike, can be done anywhere, and combines nature, problem solving, and technology. “If you’re in one of our parks, I guarantee there’s a cache nearby,” says Amy Roell, outdoor education director for Great Parks of Hamilton County. Miami Whitewater Forest and Mitchell Memorial Forest are particularly rife with caches that range from easy finds to complex.

geocaching.com, greatparks.org

I S F O R Y A A A A A A A Y ! C i n c i n n a t i s p r i n g t i m e i s glorious, so get those young’uns outside for some old-fashioned frolicking: Situated on a former l imestone quarry, the Twin Lakes playground at Eden Park has equipment designed to look like logs and boulders.

Terrific fossil hunting on the hills surrounding the playground is the secret cherry on top. Upriver there’s California Woods Nature Preserve. Its shallow creek is dotted with pockets of smooth clay that’s oozy enough to squish yet dense enough for kids to form into small pots or shapes.

Eden Park Playground, 950 Eden Park Dr.; California Woods Nature Preserve, 5400 Kellogg Ave., cincinnatiparks.com

I S F O R ZO N E If your kids need a 7th inning stretch the next time you’re at a Reds game, head to the Kroger Fan Zone. Redesigned in 2012 and located on the Terrace level of the ballpark (along the first base side), the Zone lets children 14 and under get their big league on by using Wiffle balls and bats and rounding the bases on a new cushioned synthetic field. There’s also a playground and the Reds Heads Kids Club Clubhouse (membership is $25). Adjacent to the Fan Zone, at the south end of the Hall of Fame building, are the Hall of Fame Batting Cages. A $5 donation gets you a rental bat, helmet, and 10 swings.

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown, (513) 381-REDS, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

THE PLAYGROUND AT EDEN PARK IS INSPIRED BY NATIVE TREES.

photograph courtesy CINCIN

NAT

I PAR

K B

OA

RD

PLAYFrom graphic prints to cool stripes to classic

plaid, these pint-sized fashions keep

Cincinnati kids in style.

Photographs by RYAN KURTZHair by KENDALL STOLZ

Styling by TAMIA STINSONModels courtesy WINGS MODEL

MANAGEMENT


Left, top to bottom ON LIAM: Tea Casablanca mosaic polo, $29.50, and twill shorts, $32, The Spotted Goose Co. / ON TEAGAN: Tucker + Tate Oscar T-shirt, $22.50, and Lyle print cotton shorts, $22; Converse Chuck Taylor double-strap sneakers, $27; Loose Leaf Eyewear Retro sunglasses, $10; Nordstrom. / ON AMYAH: Tea Rabat tile wrap neck dress, $29.50; Everbloom headband, $16; The Spotted Goose Co. / This page ON JULIE: Tucker + Tate geo-print dress and bloomers, $36, Nordstrom.

G O I N G G R A P H I C


ON TEAGAN: Mini Boden Reverse Applique T-shirt, $20; Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, $31.95; Nordstrom. Tea Seaport Stripe beach shorts, $28.50, The Spotted Goose Co. Cotton cap, $5.95, H&M. / ON LIAM: Mini Boden Stripy T-shirt, $18; Tucker + Tate ribbed waistband jeans, $36; Converse Chuck Taylor double-strap sneakers, $27; Nordstrom.

W A L K T H E L I N E


ON AMYAH: Bit’z Kids stripe jersey dress, $29, The Spotted Goose Co. / ON JULIE: Tucker + Tate peplum top, $22, and print leggings, $16, Nordstrom. Almirah fi ve-tassel necklace, $12, The Spotted Goose Co.

C A N D Y S T R I P E R S


This page ON AMYAH: Florence Eiseman pique dress with anchor, $70, Castle House. / ON JULIE: Florence Eiseman pique knit tennis dress, $82, Castle House. White shoes, $9.95, H&M. / ON TEAGAN: Ralph Lauren striped oxford shirt, $39.50; Kitestrings plaid shorts, $44; Urban Sunday suspenders, $18; brown Sperry top-siders, $62; Castle House. Fedora, $7.95, H&M. / Right ON LIAM: E-Land seersucker blazer with sailboats, $84, Castle House. White shirt, $12.95, H&M. Urban Sunday Norfolk bow tie, $25, The Spotted Goose Co.

S E T T O S A I L


Left ON AMYAH: Peek Collette plaid cotton dress, $38, Nordstrom. / This page ON TEAGAN: Mini Boden Washed Summer sport shirt, $32, and Summer cargo shorts, $32; Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, $31.95; Nordstrom. / ON LIAM: Tea Madras plaid shirt, $32, Simple Stripe cardigan, $45, and twill shorts, $32, The Spotted Goose Co. Shoes, $19.95, H&M.

P L A I D T I D I N G S



FOOD• P L AY I N G W I T H •

FIVE NOTED CINCINNATI CHEFS TALK ABOUT HOW THEY BALANCE WORK AND FAMILY LIFE, AND SHARE

THEIR SECRETS FOR RAISING HEALTHY EATERS. BY BRYN MOOTH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY AARON M. CONWAY / OMS


CRISTIAN PIETOSO UPHOLDING AN ITALIAN HERITAGE

“Food is such a big part of our culture in Italy, even the simple stuff,” says Cristian Pietoso, co-owner and executive chef of Via Vite down-town. “What’s seasonal? What’s good? I want my children to have that experience.”

Pietoso was born in Italy and is the son of another successful Cincinnati restaurateur, Nicola Pietoso of Nicola’s in Over-the-Rhine. He and his wife, Amanda, partner to manage the restaurant and to raise two daughters: Ilaria, 3½, and Valentina, 1½. Because time as a family is always a challenge, the four of them eat an early dinner together three or four days a week, sitting at the restaurant’s chef’s table while the cooks bustle about prepping for the night’s service.

The girls eat what their parents eat. “We don’t give them chicken fingers or French fries,”

Pietoso says. “Amanda is very interested in eating healthful food. My children were eating chicken parmigiana and drinking Pellegrino; we made their baby formula with Pellegrino.

“Parents tend to make [separate] things to please their children because it’s easy,” he continues. “But you’re leading them away from what they’ll like to eat at some point.”

Feeding young children grown-up food doesn’t have to be complicated. For the Pietoso girls, dinner might be something as easy as pas-ta with sauce or a little garlic and olive oil. “Val-entina eats like an adult,” Pietoso says. “When she wakes up, she’s cranky until she eats—lit-erally, you see her blooming as she eats. She gets smiley, softer. When llaria eats, she gets distracted easily. She eats like my mother does; her meals are like 2½ hours long.”

By enjoying leisurely meals, speaking Ital-ian at home, and introducing their daughters to simple, seasonal dishes, the Pietosos are re- creating a bit of Cristian’s own upbringing.


JACKSON ROUSE PACKING GOURMET LUNCHES

Jackson Rouse has worked in professional kitch-ens for more than 20 years, and he played in a punk rock band for nearly that long. Until, that is, Quinn came along. Quinn is the 2½-year-old daughter of Rouse and his wife, Meg (who, at the time of this writing, was eight months pregnant with their second child). The late-night lifestyle of a rock musician/chef gave way to early morn-ing wake-ups once fatherhood rolled around. “Staying out late makes the morning rough when a kid gets up at 6:30,” he says.

With Jackson working late nights at The Rookwood, where he’s been executive chef for about 18 months, and Meg pulling shifts of three days on and four days off at Mercy Health Anderson Hospital, finding time when both of their schedules overlap for a family dinner with

Quinn takes planning. “I want to make the ab-solute most of the time I spend with my daugh-ter,” Rouse says.

Rouse manages Quinn’s morning routine: getting her up, fixing breakfast, and packing lunch to take to the sitter. “The first meal of the day is when she eats the most,” he says. “She loves eggs any way. She gets Blue Oven Bakery toast, a whole avocado, some sort of fruit. She eats that every day, and she always asks for it.” You’ve got to admire a dad who slices artisanal Blue Oven Bakery bread for his kid’s toast. “If I was raised on Blue Oven bread, I’d be a much better person,” Rouse jokes.

While Quinn usually eats a healthy and hearty breakfast, Rouse says, the other meals of the day are unpredictable. “At 2½, eating is so secondary for her, and we have good days and bad days,” he says. “But getting her into a routine is key. You can expose them to anything right when they start eating solid food.”


DAN WRIGHT KEEPING IT FRESH

The Wrights are a three- restaurant, two-kid family. Dan and Lana Wright run a growing local food enterprise with the popular Over-the-Rhine spots Abigail Street and Senate (the third, Pontiac, is coming soon), and they parent 2-year-old twin boys Oliver and Knox.

Both Dan and Lana work in the business (she’s direc-tor of operations, he’s execu-tive chef), so they essentially trade off shifts, with Lana working afternoons and Dan nights. Dan’s “dad time” is in the morning. The daily routine includes one of the boys “help-ing” to make coffee: grinding the beans, pouring the water, and pushing the button on the machine.

Oliver and Knox chow down on mostly fruit for breakfast, but their prefer-ences differ. “One of the boys likes crazy stuff,” Wright says. “He’ll eat sheets of nori, he’ll eat everything. The other likes pretzels, avocados, hummus—and that’s pretty much it.”

L ike the Rouses , the Wrights prepared homemade baby food: “Lana made purees of roasted fruit and vegetables like kohlrabi,” Wright says. “If you get them accustomed to trying things early, they can make their own decisions about what they like. I don’t want my kids to be the ones who eat only cheese pizza and chicken nuggets.”

Wright, who says his par-ents were great cooks and who cooked for his family as a youngster, says his preference for feeding his boys whole, or-ganic, homemade foods comes from his background as much as his profession. “Being in the industry did influence what we give our kids,” he says. “But I’m not about eating crap. I don’t eat food out of a jar, so why would I make my kids eat food out of a jar? I want to make stuff from scratch.”


JOSE SALAZAR A BUSY FAMILY AND A NEW RESTAURANT

For Jose Salazar, the newborn in his family is his restau-rant, Salazar, which opened in Over-the-Rhine in December 2013. Salazar isn’t new to the business, though; he worked at Per Se and Jean-Georges in New York, and then moved to Cincinnati as executive chef at The Palace before opening his namesake spot.

Not surprisingly, this latest Salazar addition is consuming much of his attention these days, so spending time with his wife, Ann, and their 6-year-old son, Jonathan, takes planning. Like the other chefs, Salazar enjoys his “dad time” in the morning and on Sunday, when the restaurant’s closed.

Despite having a foodie father, Jonathan isn’t super interested at mealtime. “He’s 6, so he’s picky,” Salazar says. “He likes salad, he likes vege-tables a lot, and loves grilled chicken or steak—he’s not a fish eater, to my chagrin—and he eats a lot of yogurt and healthy grains. But he’s not very adventurous; he has his favorites.”

While Jonathan is only marginally aware of what his dad does for a living, he is interested in playing in the kitchen at home. He loves making pasta dough and bak-ing cookies with his grand-mother, Salazar says, anything where he can get his fingers into the bowl. In fact, that’s a great way to introduce kids to cooking: having them help stir or mix with their hands.

Like the Pietosos, the Salazars don’t prepare a sep-arate meal for Jonathan when they sit down to dinner. “He’s seen us eat good food, and he’s grown up with that, so he asks for about 25 percent of what we eat on a normal basis,” Sala-zar says. And that’s shaping his eating habits in a positive way, he says.


JIM CORNWELL SHIFTING GEARS FOR FAMILY

Jim Cornwell routinely bikes to work as exec-utive chef and co-owner of Dutch’s Bar, Bottle Shop, and Larder in East Hyde Park. Cornwell shifted his career path in order to make time to be a parent (with his wife, Nina), to 9-year-old Isa and 7-year-old James. He left the restaurant scene and partnered with Dutch’s co-owners Pam and Jay Ashmore. “It’s 100 percent the reason I wanted to do a butcher shop and be open from 10 to 6,” he says. “I couldn’t pass up this golden opportunity.”

While Dutch’s has evolved into more than just a daytime retail operation (the kitchen serves the adjacent bar with cured meats, burg-ers, soups, and appetizers), Cornwell continues to put family first. He and his chef de cuisine alternate weeks of working days and nights.

The day shift means Cornwell can bike home at 3 p.m. and take James and Isa to sports.

Isa and James like to help out in the kitchen, and of course it doesn’t hurt that they get to eat the products that dad brings home from work. Given the family’s busy schedule, Cornwell tries to prepare a week’s worth of meals at a time. “I do a lot of big-batch stuff, so I’ll make five gallons of bolognese, and we’ll portion it out and freeze it. I bring home the good Parmi-giano-Reggiano. They love it.”

Cornwell is passionate about teaching his kids about food—where it comes from, why ingredients matter, and how meals fuel their bodies. “My kids know a lot about food,” he says. “I tell them what this food will do and what the nutrients will do in their bodies. I talk to them about why it’s important to buy the kind of stuff we sell [at Dutch’s], and why we shop farmers’ markets.”


CHEFRECIPES

WEEKEND SOUR CREAM WAFFLES

FROM JIM CORNWELL

THE CORNWELL KIDS HELP STIR THE BATTER AND MAKE

THE WAFFLES, AND THEY CUT UP FRUIT TO PUT ON TOP.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup all-purpose fl our, sifted 5 times

1 tsp. baking powder 1/8 tsp. salt1 ½ tsp. sugar

1 tsp. baking soda3 eggs, separated2 cups sour cream3 Tbsp. butter, melted

PREPARATION

In a large bowl, sift together the fl our, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks until pale, then add the sour cream and melted butter. Stir the yolk mixture quickly into the dry ingredients. Whip egg whites to stiff peaks and very gently fold into the batter. Preheat and spray vegetable oil onto waffl e iron. Put about 1 cup of batter onto the iron for about 2–3 minutes. Serves 4–6.

GARDEN BURGERSFROM JACKSON ROUSE

“THIS MAKES A LOT, AROUND 20 TO 25 PATTIES AT ABOUT 6 TO 7 OUNCES,” ROUSE SAYS.

“FOR THE KIDS, WE MAKE THEM AROUND 3 OUNCES. WE FREEZE AND COOK AS

NEEDED. YOU CAN COOK THEM FROM FROZEN, OR WE THAW

THEM OUT AND COOK THEM IN A CAST-IRON SKILLET.”

INGREDIENTS

6½ cups chickpeas6 cups cooked

wheat berries1 cup parsley,

stems removed1 cup roasted garlic1½ cups caramelized

onion½ cup tahini¾ cup soy sauce 1/8 cup sherry vinegar1 Tbsp. black pepper

2 Tbsp. sriracha sauce3.5 eggs (or sub silken

tofu, see below)*6 cups panko, plus more

if neededfi ne sea salt and freshly

ground black pepper

*To substitute for eggs we

recommend using pureed

soft (silken) tofu. One egg

equals ¼ cup tofu.

PREPARATION

Combine all ingredients except panko. Puree in batches in a food processor, adding panko at the end. Burgers should be fi rm, easily forming into balls and not sticky. If sticky, add more panko. Let sit 24 hours. Form into patties or links, using wax paper between patties. Freeze until ready to cook. To cook, warm a bit of olive or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sauté patties until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes per side.


SPAGHETTI WITH ARTICHOKES

FROM ANN AND JOSE SALAZAR

THIS RECIPE IS ONE OF 6-YEAR-OLD

JONATHAN SALAZAR’S FAVORITE DINNERS.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound dried spaghetti1 small-medium Spanish

onion, diced2–3 cloves garlic, minced1 14-oz. jar artichokes,

cut into chunks, liquid reserved

3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil2 Tbsp. fresh parsley2 Tbsp. salt, plus more to

tastefresh ground black pepper

to tasteparmesan, grated to taste

PREPARATION

In a large pot, bring about 6 quarts of water with 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Place pasta in the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes or until al dente. Meanwhile, cook the onions and garlic over medium heat in a large skillet. Season with a little salt and fresh ground pepper. After 4–5 minutes, add the artichokes, the liquid reserved from the jar, and about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Reduce heat to low. Transfer the pasta to the artichoke mixture and raise heat to medium. Cook the pasta and artichokes together for about 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add some more of the cooking water if it is a bit thick. Fold in the fresh parsley. Grate fresh Parmesan and a small drizzle of virgin olive oil and serve. Serves 6.

SPINACH FRITTATAFROM CRISTIAN PIETOSO

“THIS IS A SUPER EASY WAY TO GET KIDS

TO EAT THEIR GREENS,” PIETOSO SAYS.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz., fresh baby spinach6 eggspinch of saltextra virgin olive oil

prosciutto cotto (Italian ham)grated Parmesan cheesepepper to taste for adults

PREPARATION

Puree egg and spinach in blender. Add salt to taste. Heat a little olive oil in a nonstick skillet; add the egg-spinach mixture and cook until the eggs are still a little jiggly (they’ll continue to cook as you take the skillet off the stove). In another pan, sauté a couple slices of prosciutto in a little olive oil until they’re crispy. Lay the prosciutto over a frittata and top it with grated Parmesan cheese. For the adults, add pepper and a little shaved truffl e.

ROASTED BANANA & BLUEBERRY PUREE

FROM DAN AND LANA WRIGHT

“BOTH MY KIDS WENT NUTS FOR THIS,” WRIGHT SAYS.

INGREDIENTS

1 pint blueberries4 bananasapple or orange juice

PREPARATION

Rinse 1 pint of blueberries; peel 4 bananas and cut them into large chunks. Place the fruit in a roasting pan and bake at 350° for 15–20 minutes, until the fruit is soft and juicy. Let the fruit cool before combining it in a blender or Vitamix. Puree until smooth. Add a little apple or orange juice if the mixture needs sweetening or thinning. The puree will keep in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and can be frozen. For older kids, combine the roasted fruit puree with vanilla yogurt and top with crumbled granola.


AcMixing


complished

THE PRAMUK FAMILY HAS

PUT A HAPPY FACE ON

THE POST-EARTHQUAKE ADOPTION OF TWO HAITIAN

CHILDREN.BY BRENT COLEMAN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEREMY KRAMER


AIsaiah, 16, and Grace, 10, are the “mini-

mes,” named for the dwarf sidekick who looks just like Dr. Evil in the Austin Powers movies. Isaiah takes after his father, Xavier University associate professor of theology Chris Pramuk, 49. Both are articulate red-heads who choose their words with great care and deliver them with conviction. Grace is blue-eyed, blond, and outgoing like her mother, Lauri Pramuk, 43, a pedia-trician at Group Health in Kenwood. They are the talkers, the energizers in the family.

The Pramuks’ “chocolate chips” are who make the family’s story unique. Sophia, 11, and Henry, 5, are from Haiti, one-time orphans who were whisked away from their impoverished homeland just 12 days after surviving an earthquake that devastated their Caribbean island on Jan. 12, 2010.

They were among about 55 Haitian chil-dren fl own to Denver 12 days later, where their new families anxiously waited to hold them, photograph them, and love them forever more, through sickness at fi rst, but then in health thereafter.

For Chris, Lauri, Isaiah, and Grace Pramuk, along with about 20 of Lauri’s Colorado family members, “It’s going to be a favorite memory forever,” says Lauri, who grew up in Grand Junction. First to be found in the chaotic crowd that night was Sophia. Lauri recalls that she was big-eyed and appeared shell-shocked. She was dressed in an oversized sweatshirt, tights, and a funny hat she had been given by volunteers during a stopover in Orlando. “She still wears that hat every January 24th,” Lauri says. “It’s her ‘gotcha’ hat.”

A small sign tacked above the back porch of Chris and Lauri Pramuk’s house in St. Bernard reads: “The Abbey.” It is not a traditional abbey, the kind with nuns and priests. But it is a community of faithful people, a family of six bound by shared experiences and the love of two special parents and their four individualistic children the couple calls “the mini-mes and the chocolate chips.”


Almost 7-year-old Sophia looked fairly well on the outside, but inside she was malnourished and infected with parasites. She had scars on her eyebrow and chin, permanent reminders of her falling off the three-stack bunk beds at the Port-au-Prince orphanage where she lived for three years after her father died. She had no memories of her mother, but before those she had of Haiti faded, she shared with her new family what she remembered of her father—that he always had a smile on his face and wore a straw hat, and that they had a mud fl oor, and one time he killed a rat. That hard life, however, has become a good life, and Sophia is quick to confi rm just how happy she is to be a Pramuk and share a big bedroom with her “mini-me” sister.

The second “chocolate chip” is Henry, whose adjustment to America has been smoother and faster than Sophia’s, pos-sibly because he was a cleaner slate, so to speak, at just shy of 1 year old the day he came to the States. That meeting took a nerve-racking hour to occur after the plane landed because Henry was hard to fi nd in the airport crowd. But fi nally, there he was in the arms of a Frenchman who had volunteered to chaperone him during the long fl ight from Florida. “He was so

dear,” Lauri recalls of the Frenchman. “He came over to me and asked ‘Is this your little kid?’ I was bawling. He was so sweet and said to me ‘Henry is such a neat kid that I fell in love with him.’ ” The Pra-muks did as well, but that love was tested immediately when Lauri realized how sick Henry was. She confi rmed with medical staff members on the fl ight—physicians she had trained with at Regis University in Denver where she fi rst met Chris—and they agreed: Henry had bronchiolitis and an obvious case of scabies, and needed emergency attention immediately. Chris and Lauri rushed off with Henry to the ER. It was a dramatic start to what has been an up-and-down—but mostly won-derful—international adoption experience.

Chris Pramuk is from Lexington, Ken-tucky, where his parents, Jack and Glad-ys, still live. One of six siblings, he was studying to be a priest when he met Lauri at Regis. She stole his heart, he changed his path, and they were married 20 years ago this June. He had 12 years of parenting experience when he and his pediatrician wife decided to adopt. He recalls that his parents were concerned about their son taking in two Haitian orphans. “They were nervous,” Chris says. “They asked if we knew what we were getting into because

SURVIVING THE STORM. Just 12 days after an earthquake devastated their homeland of Haiti in January 2010, Sophia and Henry Pramuk left for their new home in America.


it was a little exotic to have two Haitians come into our family. But from the very fi rst they’ve been very welcoming.” And Chris and Lauri had done their homework and felt prepared to tackle the psycholog-ical and physical demands of doubling the size of their brood and forming a biracial family with non-English-speaking kids.

Assimilating into a new culture has been a challenge for Sophia, as it has for Chris and Lauri. Just days before coming to America, Sophia resided in an orphanage of 133 kids where nannies

rubbed toothpaste under their noses to mask the smell of dead bodies. Yes, Sophia survived the 7.0 earthquake that killed more than 230,000 people, but she faced a huge hurdle to learn English, American customs, and the rules of her new home. The latter has been diffi cult at times, Lauri says. Sophia doesn’t like to be supervised. She tends to do what she wants to do and ends up learning right from wrong by experience. “She makes some bad choices and she’s mischievous,” Lauri says. “This is very common with adoption.” Sophia keeps her feelings to herself, but her body language—the way she looks at you or contorts her mouth—says a lot. Her teachers and her parents have found out, however, that she will express herself in writing, which is something she learned amazingly quickly, Lauri says. Sophia carries a B average and is well-adjusted socially at Nativity School in Pleasant Ridge, where she was considered a “rock star,” when she started there, Lauri says. She will be a fi fth-grader this fall, and like Grace, she plays the piano and with the family’s fl uff y cat, Rue.

Henry’s hurdles have been mostly physical, the Pramuks say. He was at the developmental level of a 6-month-old child when he arrived. He would sit and

PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY. Sophia, Isaiah, Grace, Lauri, Chris, and Henry Pramuk in the backyard of their home in St. Bernard.

“”

“Life as a biracial family…overall it has been very positive,” Chris says. “People are curious, and it has been endearing with people in the grocery store.”


watch and smile, but couldn’t crawl or roll. He wouldn’t eat solid food. He made no verbal sounds and failed four hearing tests. Oddly, he slept sitting up. It turns out, Henry’s doctor-mom says, that his ade-noids were so inflamed that they prevented him from breathing if he was not upright. They were removed and tubes were inserted in his ears to help his hearing. Henry also had lazy eyes that required surgery and have to be checked four times a year. He is at least a year behind developmentally and requires weekly speech and occupational therapy. The happy ending is that Henry initially feasted on the nourishment he got from the bottle. He ate his first solid food—club crackers—two months into his American experience and never looked back. He grew rapidly and began walking. Today, Henry is a healthy, happy 5-year-old boy who loves scrambled eggs (he can eat up to six in three minutes, his dad says), is the size of a kid three years his senior, and is an active playmate of Isaiah despite their 11-year age gap.

Isaiah, the Pramuks say, has been like a third parent for the past four and a half years. He understands what being from Haiti means and that energetic Henry needs someone to join him in mock sword fighting, ball games, or jumping on the backyard trampoline. His parents say Isaiah is very mature and responsible for his age. “We call him our recycled child because it seems like he has been on the planet forever,” Lauri says. “Isaiah has been very generous during the transition. We’ve really leaned on him a lot.” And that includes giving up some of his extracurricular activities to babysit. It has allowed the Pramuks to have date nights—a.k.a. “time to process,” Chris says—such as dinner over a bottle of wine at Betta’s Italian

Oven in Evanston, Gordo’s in Norwood, or Enoteca Emilia in O’Bryonville. Isaiah says he doesn’t mind babysitting because he earns money to spend doing things with his girlfriend, activities that will be easier when he gets his driver’s license this summer. “I can’t imagine my life without [Sophia and Henry]” Isaiah says. “It’s a lot busier around here, but other than that we’re a normal family.”

The Pramuks credit much of their international adoption success to the fact that one or the other of them is at home every day of the week and that they get a lot of help from their friends and outside resources. Lauri works Mondays, Wednes-days, and Fridays, while Chris teaches at Xavier on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They’ve never hired childcare. They prepare short-order breakfasts for their children every day, get them off to school by car, van, or carpool and have dinner together as a family. And they rely on a neighbor, Diana Schildmeyer, to watch Henry some days so Chris can grade papers in his office on the third floor of their brick American foursquare. And in addition to many family members, friends, physicians, therapists, and teachers, the family has received valuable assistance from the International Adoption Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Back in January 2010, the local media made the Pramuks the region’s “Haiti fami-ly,” Lauri says, but that attention from tele-vision stations, newspapers, and magazines has all but disappeared. In the meantime, their “mini-mes and chocolate chips” have encountered no outward racism, just a few scowls. “Life as a biracial family…overall it has been very positive,” Chris says. “People are curious, and it has been endearing with people in the grocery store.”

AS LAURI AND CHRIS PRAMUK WERE

preparing to take their first vacation

alone without their four children—a

week on the Central California coast to

celebrate their 20th anniversary—they

contemplated what they’ve learned

from adopting Sophia and Henry and

what advice they would have for other

couples considering international

adoption. Among their tips:

CHRIS: A sense of humor is crucial, and so is a willingness not to have it all figured out ahead of time. If you are a

control freak, international adoption will stretch you, perhaps in very good ways, as long as you know this about yourself and the process going in.

LAURI: Adopted kids, and especially internationally adopted kids, often come with complex issues. Domestic adoptions

can as well, just like biological children, but due to issues that are beyond your control such as early nutrition, genetics, pov-erty, potential violence; international adoptions often come with unique challenges.

An Ohio licensed adoption agency

Text us anytime at 937-974-1357 | www.adoptionlink.org

1-800-643-3356

Helpful. Confidential. Friendly.We’re here for you 24 hours a day.You choose the adoptive family.

If you wish, meet the adoptive family now and stay in touch with them and your child throughout your life.

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THE BABYGUIDE 2 0 1 4 • 79P H O T O G R A P H B Y R Y A N K U R T Z

A TO ZGUIDE

THE

Expert advice about each stage, from pregnancy to preschool,

and helpful resources including childcare and medical care.

EACH STAGE of parenting, from

pregnancy to school age and beyond,

has its unique challenges. In the

A to Z Guide, learn about great foods to eat when you’re

pregnant, how to make baby food, and how to help

your preschooler develop a love of

reading. This section also offers advice,

including discipline tips and an informa-

tive Q&A with the director of the sleep center at Cincinnati

Children’s.

ON JULIE: The World of

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STAGES: PREGNANCY

WE SPOKE TO A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE, both pas-sionate about assisting women to achieve normal, safe, healthy births. They want expectant parents to ignore the misconceptions that they only assist un-medicated and home births—and that they’re earthy hippies. Both partner with women, listening to their needs, providing info, and guiding them toward their ideal birth plan. Still, their roles are not the same. Here’s the difference.

MIDWIFEMichelle Zamudio is a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) at The Christ Hospital Family Medical Associates. Zamudio says many women don’t realize they can choose a midwife or family physician to deliver their babies instead of an obstetrician.

Delivery: A midwife is the healthcare provider leading the birth team, managing labor, and making medical decisions, but prescribing medication or interventions only as needed. If an emergency procedure is required, your hospital has an obstetrician available 24/7.

Why hire a midwife? Perhaps you want a gentler birth experience, such as dim lights or water labor. Some women, like victims of trauma, have labor fears or need extra emotional support. Midwives can have a more caring, compassionate approach.

DOULAErica Konya is a certified labor doula (CLD) and owner of Nurture, LLC. According to Konya, a doula’s job is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your pregnancy and labor.

Delivery: She provides nonmedical care and is your constant companion—like having an experienced, trained girlfriend with you. Her forte is providing comfort measures such as massage, position changes, and breathing and relaxation techniques. She plays a supportive role on the team, facilitat-ing communication with your healthcare provider.

Why hire a doula? Studies show women have shorter labor and fewer complications, interventions, and pain meds when they have a doula. Because the doula is there to focus on your support, it also allows your partner to relax and enjoy the experience with you.

BIRTH SUPPORTThe roles of doula and midwife. — K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

A TO ZGUIDE

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THESE SUPERSTAR foods not only pack a nutritional punch, they also boost baby’s brain and cell development.

Eggs are a nutritional bounty, includ-ing protein for cell develop-

ment and choline to prevent neural tube defects and promote baby’s brain health. The old egg is still a good egg.

Hummus yields protein and healthy fats to aid in neurological

development and vitamin absorption. It also has folate for brain and spinal cord de-velopment, iron for red blood cells, and fiber to prevent prenatal constipation.

Kale is chock full of the good stuff: carot-enoids, healthy fats, protein,

folate, and fiber. Make some kale chips or blend it with other fruits and veggies in a daily green juice drink.

Avocados are often called one of the world’s healthiest

foods. They’re rich in monounsaturated fat and loaded with antioxidants and folic acid.

Give your morning cereal a boost with a handful of blueberries,

which are full of antioxi-dants, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. — K . K .

5 PREGNANCY SUPERFOODS

For more information on our childbirth services, classes, physicians and nurse midwives or to schedule a tour of the center, please call

513-585-HUGS ( 4 8 4 7 )

TheChristHospital.com/BirthingCenter

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STAGES: INFANT

THE FIRST TIME YOU GAZE INTO THE FACEof your precious newborn, that moth-er-bear instinct automatically kicks in and you know you’ll do anything to keep her safe. Why not start with a free safety check to ensure your car seat is installed properly?

The National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration has determined that the majority of car seats are installed incor-rectly, putting a child at risk of serious in-jury—even death—during a collision. Visit

cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/car-seat-fi tting for a comprehensive list of fi tting stations in the Cincinnati region. Dayton Children’s Hospital also off ers monthly car-seat checks.

When you purchase your seat, it’s best to choose one that fi ts your car. The website safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats.htm pro-vides tips for choosing and installing a seat, as well as a signup for recall notifi cation.

To reduce the risk of serious injury, the American Academy of Pediatrics recom-mends your child face the rear of the car as long as possible, up to age 2. Never place a child under 12 in the front seat, as air-bag deployment can be deadly.

If you’re fuzzy on the guidelines or need to know when it’s safe to move your child into a new seat, we have the info.

PRECIOUS CARGOMake sure your baby is buckled in safely when you hit the road. — K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

Type of Seat Age/Height/Weight Guidelines

INFANT CARRIER

Faces rear, with fi ve-point harness; snaps in and out of base, which stays in car.

Infant up to 22 lbs.

CONVERTIBLE SEAT

Faces rear and front, with fi ve-point harness. Infant and toddler up to 70 lbs.

BOOSTER SEAT

High-back uses fi ve-point harness; backless uses car’s shoulder restraint. Lap belt must lie across upper thighs, not stomach. Shoulder belt should lie across shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.

40 lbs. and up must use booster until: Ohio: age 8 and 4'9"Kentucky: age 7 and 50"Indiana: age 8

A TO ZGUIDE

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A TO ZGUIDE

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M A K I N G YO U R O W N B A B Y

food is simpler than you think. It saves money, and your baby’s food is fresh, with no fillers. Plus, your little one can eat what you do. We love BabyCenter’s in-formative video primer (bcove.me/7iukhomm). Here are some other tips to help get you started. Bon appétit, baby!

MAKING BABY FOODGadgets: You’ll need food storage bags, ice cube trays, and a blender or food processor.

Safety: Use separate cutting boards for meat and produce. Wash supplies in hot water; it’s not necessary to sterilize because your baby is now mouthing toys.

Prep: Remove skin and/or fat. Cook food, chop, and puree with a little water. Pour 1–2 ounces into storage bags. Or pour into ice-cube trays, cover with plastic and once frozen, dump into freezer bags. Label and date ev-erything. To thaw, place sealed bag in tepid water. — K . K .

When your little one is ready for solids, keep meals fresh by preparing baby food at home. We help you get started.

Bathe your baby every other day with lukewarm water.

Clean your new-born’s bottom with a fresh, damp cloth instead of baby wipes.

For diaper rash, Ronna Schneider, M.D., owner of Suburban Pediatric Associates, recommends applying a barrier layer of diaper cream. Then the next soiling won’t cause more irritation.

Pat your baby dry after a bath. Apply cream or ointment (not baby oil) to seal in moisture, Schnei-der says.

Choose natural products with few ingredients, prefer-ably hypoallergenic and dye- and fra-grance-free, monitor-ing skin for reactions.

No sunscreen or direct sun for the first six months.

Use hats for older babies, and apply a PABA-free, broad- spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Early sun damage is linked to skin cancer; take care so that your little one’s precious skin lasts a lifetime. — K . K .

SAFE SKIN

YOUR BABY’S SKIN IS SO DELICATE. TREAT IT WITH LOTS OF TLC.

STAGES: INFANT

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A TO ZGUIDE

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Are you in your 25th week of pregnancy?

Want to learn about labor and birth choices, coping skills, and much more?

It’s time to think about registering for childbirth classes!

Childbirth Education Association

in childbirth education. RD’s (registered dietitians) teach nutrition.

Classes offered:

• Basic 5 week • Unmedicated 6 week • One-Day childbirth • Breastfeeding

• Cesarean Birth

To learn more about us or to register for a class:

childbirthclassesofcincinnati.comor trihealthclasses.com

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TIPS FOR KEEPING THE PEACE WHEN PARENTING STYLES COLLIDE.

ONCE YOU HAVE A BABY, EVERYONE seems to think you need their oh-so-wise parenting advice. Or worse yet, they can’t help but tell you that you’re doing it all wrong. That can be problematic when it’s coming from the grandparents, especially your mother-in-law. Here are some tips to help you keep a handle on the friction.

Remember the big picture. The goal should be to preserve the relationships, fi rst between you and your parents but especially between your children and their grandparents. All of you want what is best for your children because of the love you share for them.

Set boundaries respectfully. Try your own version of Dr. Phil’s classic line: “Thank you for caring enough to share, and I promise to weigh it carefully.” If you disagree, express your feelings respectfully with “I” statements like, “I feel I’m being undermined when you let Sam play with my tablet when I said no.”

Before grandparents babysit, discuss what’s non-negotiable, like naptimes or discipline preferences, and let go of the rest. Mom’s priorities get met, but Grandma’s style gets respected.

Think before reacting. The fact is, there will be things you disagree about (like when to potty train). Before you fi re back, consider their input. Do they have ideas worth trying or some validity to their perspective?

Be flexible. Are there things you could let go of? Will things that seem important now be ridiculous in four years? Does it matter if Grandma gives Sarah three cook-ies instead of two?

It’s also good to occasionally solicit their perspective so they feel valued. — K . K .

BECAUSE GRANDMA SAYS SO

STAGES: INFANT

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12 DISCIPLINE TIPSA TO ZGUIDE

THE

No one ever said disciplining your kids would be a walk in the park. In fact, it can feel like an uphill climb. Your approach during those challenging situations may make all the difference. — K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

IT ALL STARTS WHEN YOUR INFANT grabs your earrings and you say “no.” You’re teaching respect for other peo-ple’s boundaries. “Discipline teaches kids that there are principles and pa-rameters they must learn to successfully negotiate life,” says Scott Osterfeld, par-enting expert and community outreach coordinator for the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We pres-ent some helpful tips to make disciplining less difficult for you and your child.

1 Be consistent. “Kids feel safe and secure when there

are limits and structure,” Osterfeld says. His analogy is a night security guard: He tests the doors and is relieved when they’re locked. “Kids test a parent, and when the parent con-sistently maintains the rule, kids feel secure and safe because they cannot control their behavior on their own,” he says.

2 Be calm when disciplining. Osterfeld says parents can talk too much

and get too emotional. Be matter-of-fact, but even-keeled.

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A TO ZGUIDE

THE

SO YOU THINK YOU’VE got the lowdown on making your home childproof? Part of that process is properly storing and disposing of haz-ardous materials. Many peo-ple don’t know that compact fl uorescent bulbs contain mercury, or an open fl ame can ignite vapors from solvents. Consider these items:

• Paints, solvents, cleaners, automotive liquids, lawn chemicals

• Flammables, like propane and kerosene

• Medications (70,000 chil-dren visit emergency rooms each year for medication overdoses)

• Electronics duster spray, which can cause instant death if inhaled

• Fluorescent lightbulbs, ther-mostats, and thermometers containing mercury

• Batteries

• Electronics and TVs, which contain heavy metals and toxic minerals (recycling reclaims these resources)

Make sure all chemicals and medications are tightly sealed, preferably in locked cabinets. Improperly disposed haz-ardous materials have a big environmental impact.

DROP-OFF SITES:• Environmental Enter-

prises, Inc., 10163 Cincin-nati-Dayton Rd., West End, eeienv.com; accepts every-thing except for electronics and TVs, for a small fee.

• Dayton Computer Recycling, 144 E. Third St., downtown, daytoncomputerrecycling.com; electronics and TVs.

• Check with your city and county offi ces for medica-tion take-back locations.

— K . K .

3 Use time-out effectively. No toys or distractions. Don’t engage your child.

One minute for each year of age, and they may not come out until calm. Have them apologize for the infraction.

4 Use natural consequences. Meaning, the punishment fi ts the crime. An exam-

ple: “For every put-down you give your sister, you have to say two build-ups [compliments].”

5 Model the behavior you expect. This also means avoiding corporal punishment, as

adults don’t settle disputes with physical aggression.

6 Use distraction effectively, redirecting or defusing with humor.

Baby is throwing blocks at the cat? Show her how to build. Brandon won’t brush his teeth? Make up a song about tickling his teeth with a toothbrush.

7 Tell them what TO do—not just what NOT to do.

Your 2-year-old constantly interrupts while you’re talking to her teacher. Instead of saying “stop interrupt-ing,” say, “Please wait until Mommy is fi nished.”

8 Give them the words to say. When Brandon has trouble with his zipper, you can

say: “Instead of stomping feet and yelling, say, ‘Daddy, I need help with my zipper.’” This is an under-utilized but effective tool.

9 Catch them being good. “Notice when they are behaving the way you want,”

Osterfeld says, “and then enthusiastically give it your attention.” An example: “Awesome job putting your dirty clothes in the hamper!”

10 Build a strong relationship. Keep interactions positive as much as possible and

give your kids one-on-one time every day. The emotional bond you build will deter bad behavior.

11 Be a parent first, friend second. Otherwise, you may hesitate to discipline and

risk your child learning no respect for other people’s boundaries.

12 Don’t punish temper tantrums. Tune in to your child’s needs. Are they hungry?

Tired? Overtaxed by too many activities? Providing what they need might solve the problem.

HELLO HAZARDS

STAGES: TODDLER

“My 3 children all wanted to play a different instrument. There are so many instructors at West Chester Academy that they were able to fi nd a time that all 3 could take lessons at the same time. With our busy schedule, that is just what we need. The teachers have always been very positive and encouraging to my children!” – Candy T.

Music, Acting & Dance Classes For All Ages

Tired of running between activities? We can help!

Music PupsAges birth to 4 with a caregiver

Dance ClassesAll Ages Acting Classes

Summer Camps

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Private Music LessonsAll Ages

piano • voice • guitar • cello • violin/viola drums • fl ute • saxophone • clarinet • brass

• Parent & Tot Dance, ages 2-3• Angelina Ballerina, ages 3-6• Kinderjazz, ages 4-6• Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre,

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OCTOBER 17-19 & 25, 2014

DECEMBER 5-7 & 13, 2014

FEBRUARY 13-15 & 21, 2015

APRIL 10-12 & 18, 2015

www.thechildrenstheatre.com

Since 1924, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has been telling tales as old as time, creating world-premiere musicals, bringing childhood favorites to life and making imaginations soar!

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From introducing children to the world of musical theater (drama, vocal music and dance) to honing the skills of accomplished student performers, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati teaching artists instill the techniques and principles behind the art of musical theater. We offer group classes and private lessons for students ages 6 through 18 at our facility in Madisonville.

Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com to view the class schedule and get registered today.

Contact us at 513.569.8080 ext.20 or www.thechildrenstheatre.com/artreach.

September 15, 2014 – November 14, 2014 September 15, 2014 – November 14, 2014

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2014-2015 ARTREACH TOURING SEASON


SURE, YOUR KIDS would stare at the iPad for hours if they could. And some of those apps are educational. So how do you make sure they don’t end up on technology overload?

1 Be a good role model. Unplug now and then,

and focus on your child when she is talking with you.

2 Set daily time limits. Tip the scale toward

more playtime than screen time. Use timers. Cell phones and TVs count. E-media is easier to monitor if it’s in a common area. Don’t cave when kids say, “But it’s edu-cational!”

3 Post unplugged times, like bedtime,

mealtime, one day per week, and every other car ride.

4 Steer kids toward activities you value,

like music, art, games, read-ing, and biking. Start a family game night!

5 Teach them ways to entertain them-

selves without e-media. Give them three ideas of other things they can do, and tell them to choose one.

6 Avoid arguing; keep discussions positive.

Remind your kids that our bodies and brains need exercise! — K . K .

MAKING THE GRADE

E-MEDIA: FIND THE RIGHT BALANCE FOR YOUR FAMILY

STAGES: SCHOOL AGE

WHO DIDN’T LOVE KINDERGARTEN? There was finger painting and story time, Duck Duck Goose and naptime, blocks and make-believe play. But today, those activities take place in preschool. So what’s left for kindergarten? “More academics and higher expectations,” says Anne Keen, veteran kindergarten teacher for Wyoming City Schools.

YESTERDAY“We learned how to be at school, how to sit still and listen to a story,” Keen says. “It was more about socialization.” Students learned ABCs and numbers, a little writing, and basic math.

TODAYStill snacks, but no naps! A major shift is that 76 percent of kindergarteners now attend full-day programs. Pressure to test well in upper grades has driven the increase in literacy and math education. Kids are expected to read and write by year end. Keen notes there is more help available now for struggling kids.

Keen builds up students’ attention spans by do-ing shorter activities that support the main content, such as listening to a story, drawing a picture, or playing a game. Keen encourages make-believe play, pointing out her “zoo nursery,” where children care for stuffed animals.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY?Keen echoes the concerns of child development experts that many classrooms are taking away art, music, gym, or toys. “Everyone who teaches kinder-garten knows that kids learn best through play,” Keen says. And research supports this. “It’s not develop-mentally appropriate for 5-year-olds to sit at desks all day doing papers. They need to be up and moving, to be learning in lots of different ways, to be playing and having time to socialize.”

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What’s trending in kindergarten. — K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

Have someone cook for you!

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GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

A TO ZGUIDE

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Q: HOW MIGHT A SLEEP ISSUE BE UNDIAGNOSED OR MISDIAGNOSED?Parents may not pay much attention to snoring. It is not just an annoying symptom, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. Certain sleep disorders may have day-time consequences that mimic medical conditions, like ADHD. Sleep disorders like Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) are under-diagnosed. The kid may have nighttime awakenings, but the parents may not observe the leg jerking during sleep. Kids are not able to express what bothers them at night.

Another category is children who have behavioral sleep issues, like diffi-culty falling or staying asleep, but with-out an organic sleep disorder. One of the most common is when every time the child wakes up, the parent goes to com-fort them. That will lead to maladaptive behavior, where children cannot go to sleep by themselves. Normally, children have short nighttime awakenings, and they are not even aware of it. Parents need to allow children to learn how to go back to sleep by themselves; they can use a certain object for a comfort measure.

Good sleep is essential for children, promoting daytime alertness and concentration as well as tissue growth and repair that is important for development. Dr. Narong Simakajornboon, director of the sleep center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, talks about how sleep can affect your child’s health. — K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

Give your baby the friendliest welcome in town

Mercy Health – Anderson Hospital and Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital are

certified “Baby Friendly” by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

They are the area’s only hospitals that hold this distinction, which is bestowed on

hospitals that meet WHO and UNICEF criteria, including educating mothers about

breastfeeding. The new Mercy Health – West Hospital recently applied for this

honor as well.

Welcome your new bundle of joy, right in your neighborhood, at your nearest Mercy Health hospital.

Find a Mercy Health doctor near youVisit e-mercy.com or call 513-981-2222.

268CINADV (4/14)


Q: WHAT ARE SIGNS OF POOR SLEEP?You may want to talk to your pediatrician about snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, restless sleep, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, or the opposite, which is hyperactivity or attention and behavior problems.

Children with ADHD tend to have higher inci-dence of sleep issues, and treating the sleep issue leads to overall improvement. Also, kids who have a chronic medical condition or chronic pain, like fibromyalgia, tend to have some coexisting sleep issue that may worsen their condition.

Q: DO PARENTS OFTEN UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP HYGIENE?Yes! This can make a big difference in a child’s life. Have a consistent bedtime; avoid caffeine, sugar, and large meals within a few hours of bedtime; get plenty of exercise and exposure to sunlight during the day; avoid emotional upsets or stimulating ac-tivities before sleep; establish a relaxing routine, such as a warm bath and bedtime story in a dimly lit room.

Q: WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR ELECTRONIC MEDIA BEFORE BED?Studies show that the light intensity coming off these gadgets can interfere with your child’s sleep. We emphasize avoiding those bright lights late at night; it suppresses release of melatonin. It can also shift the release of melatonin to later on, therefore the kid will have difficulty falling asleep and waking up early. Bright light early in the morning will shift your clock to an earlier hour, allowing you to go to bed earlier.

My recommendation is to sit farther away from the television, put a screen on the computer or tablet, turn the light intensity down, or avoid electronic media altogether within an hour or two before bedtime. Parents and kids don’t think this will make a big difference, but they will be amazed!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

A TO ZGUIDE

THE

EPIPENS MAY SOON BE STOCKED AT YOUR SCHOOL.

New federal legislation gives financial incentives to states that mandate schools stock EpiPens (epinephrine auto-injec-tors) to treat anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction to antigens like insect stings, peanuts, or latex. Recent legislation in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana allows but does not require schools to stock them, and Ohio includes camps and coaches. In most cases it will not be a medical pro-fessional administering the EpiPen, so the legislation addresses concerns about staff training, financial bar-riers, restocking, and liability.

“EpiPens undoubtedly save lives and in trained hands, it is the right thing to do” says Kathy Strasser, district nurse at Norwood City Schools. Strasser feels it’s not necessary to mandate schools stock EpiPens; if stocking them becomes a best practice, schools will be encouraged to follow suit.

Although most children who have an anaphylactic event at school have a his-tory of allergies, a quarter of them have no known allergies. It’s serious for the child, frightening for the adults, and comforting to know you have medication available to reverse it, says Belinda Huffman, pulmo-nary health manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Her concern is that schools won’t make stocking EpiPens a priority if it isn’t mandated. If you have a concern, voice your opinion to legislators and school administrators. — K . K .

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www.goc.md • (513) 792-5800We look forward to welcoming you to our practice!

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AN OPEN BOOK4 ways to develop a love of reading in your kids.

— K I M B E R LY K E N N E DY

THE EXPERTS AT Blue Marble Books in Ft. Thomas recommend these titles for your bookshelf.

1 This Little Piggy and Other Rhymes

to Sing and Play, by Jane Yolen with Will Hillenbrand, illustrator

Finger plays, clapping games, and pantomime rhymes (with instructions) introduce little people to the wonder of words.

2 Otis, by Loren LongWhen his friend is in

trouble, this forlorn, aban-doned tractor discovers there’s still a place for his talents.

3 One, by Kathryn Otoshi

A deceptively simple lesson on color and count-ing becomes a message about bullying and the power of one.

4 The Monster at the End of This Book,

by Jon Stone with Mike Smollin, illustrator Our beloved Sesame Street friend Grover warns us not to turn the page—a mon-ster is coming! — K . K .

4 MUST-HAVE BOOKS

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

A TO ZGUIDE

THE

1. CREATE A TRADITION. Valerie Tanner, mother of two, started reading Mir-acle by Connie Willis to her daughter at Christmas-time. When her daughter became a teenager, she asked if she could invite a few friends over to hear the story. Days later, the Tanner house was strewn wall-to-wall with bodies of kids (and their pillows) who stayed to hear the three-hour reading! This same family waited outside the bookstore each time a Harry Potter novel was to be released, reading the fi rst chapter on the curb out front.

2. MAKE BOOKS AVAILABLE. Visit the library religiously. Give books as gifts and rewards for good behavior. Place baskets of books around the house and in the car. Say no to e-media regularly, steering your child to a book instead.

3. BE A READING ROLE MODEL.“Studies show that children with positive mem-ories of reading and who grow up in households where it is valued are more likely to be successful readers,” says John Hutton, author and owner of Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore in Oakley.

4. READ WITH YOUR CHILD EARLY.“Even newborn infants enjoy the soothing sound of a parent’s voice, bold images, and a cozy lap,” Hut-ton says. “So much of the reading experience is that bonding experience with the parent or caregiver.”

5. MAKE IT A CHERISHED RITUAL. In today’s fast-paced world, sharing a book is a really important oasis for a child, Hutton says. “And then as they get older and learn to read, they will seek a sanc-tuary within books on their own.”

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School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.


A TO ZGUIDE

THE

TRANSITION TROUBLEIt can be so baffl ing: You drop your child off at an exciting new learning situation, like a classroom, sport, or activity, and the little guy or gal is glued to your leg. Some kids have trouble adjusting to new situations. We give you some tips to help build their social confi dence.

THERE’S SMART, and then there’s gifted. Here are some common characteris-tics of giftedness.

IS YOUR CHILD GIFTED?

• Early language development and reading; advanced lan-guage usage

• Advanced understanding, intense curiosity, and long attention span for subjects of interest

• Intensity and sensitivity

• Perfectionism

• Intense concern for morality and justice

• Unusually creative or inventive

• Faster rate of learning

If you believe your child is gifted, seek a professional evalua-tion by a psychologist. Formal identifi cation can open the door to services to meet your child’s educational, social, and emotional needs. And that’s an important step toward reach-ing their full potential. “Gifted children are one of our society’s greatest natural resources,” says Sandra Kelly-Schilling, head of the Schilling School for Gifted Children. — K . K .

1 Model confidence.“Our kids absorb much of what

they learn by watching us,” says Kristy Fritz-Bosse, licensed clinical psy-chologist at Viewpoint Psychological Services. Nix the negative self-talk and demonstrate willingness to face fears.

2 Recognize your child’s unique temperament.

For example, an outgoing parent may feel frustrated if their child is slow to warm, says Fritz-Bosse, because they think transitioning should be easy. But it’s normal to be cautious, watching and listening before joining.

3 Prepare!Orient your child by telling them

what to expect. Whenever possible, visit the space beforehand and meet the instructor, sharing your child’s in-terests with those in charge so they can effectively engage him or her. Arrive early to the event so your child has time to adjust.

Fritz-Bosse recommends a transi-tional object, like a small toy, keepsake, photo in a pillbox, or even matching stickers for Mom and child.

4 Say the magic words. Validate your child’s feelings—don’t dismiss them, Fritz-Bosse advises. Then,

shift the focus from negative thinking to positive thinking and start to get them in-volved. Say, “It’s OK to be nervous. Look at these nice kids you’re going to play with!” Don’t perpetuate your child’s anxiety by lingering too long.

Check in with your child afterward to see how it went. Before long, they will be navigating new situations like a pro. — K . K .

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

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Cincinnati Country Day School, founded in 1926, is a co-educational,

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(513) 979-0220 6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 www.CountryDay.net

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VISIONS EARLY LEARNING CENTER/CHILDREN, INC.425 Ezzard Charles Dr.,

downtown/West End, (513)

651-2229, childreninc.org

Serving young families and children from economically disadvantaged neighbor-hoods, VISIONS/Children, Inc. is dedicated to helping children achieve success through innovative educa-tional excellence, compas-sionate family support, and collective community lead-ership. Ages: 6 weeks–5

years Capacity: 125, wait-

ing list Hours: 7 a.m.–5:15

p.m. Meals: Breakfast,

lunch, and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants,

7:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool

DOWNTOWN

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (CHCA) OTTO ARMLEDER CAMPUS140 W. Ninth St., down-

town, (513) 721-2422, ch-

ca-oh.org CHCA creates a classroom environment that is safe, joyful, commu-nity-oriented, productive, and academically engag-ing. The curriculum empha-sizes social, emotional, and academic learning as well as spiritual development. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 26, waiting list Hours: 8

a.m.–2:45 p.m. Extended care: Yes, 3:10–5:30 p.m.

Style of teaching: Chris-

tian; Thematic Units with

Responsive Classroom

Approach, guided by

NAEYC and OELCS Meals: Breakfast, morning/after-

noon/after-school snacks,

hot or boxed lunches avail-

able Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 ages 3–4, 7:1 ages 4–5

Awards or designations: ISACS accredited Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Case by case Cost: $6,495–$12,495; call for

endowment information

(See also CHCA North

Campus)

GO CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER400 New St., downtown,

(513) 381-3111, bright

horizons.com/pgcincinnati

Open to all current Procter

& Gamble employees, this Bright Horizons childcare facility has developmental-ly appropriate educational environments to empower children to become lifelong learners. Ages: 6 weeks–5

years Capacity: 196, spots

available Hours: Mon–Fri,

7 a.m.–6:30 p.m., two to

five days a week Style of teaching: Developmen-

tally appropriate practic-

es Meals: Full-time cook

provides breakfast, lunch,

and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 5:2 tod-

dlers, 10:1 preschool and

pre-K Awards or desig-nations: NAEYC accredit-

ed Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: Call

for information

the LISTFrom preschool to party places, we provide resources for Cincinnati parents.

A TO ZGUIDE

THE

CHILDCARE & EDUCATION When you need childcare or early education, the Cincinnati region offers many top-notch facilities. Our list is just a sampling. Some of these schools provide additional programs, however, our list is tailored to include information up to preschool age.


Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $185–$240/week, United Way and state funding available

UPTOWN/CENTRAL

ARLITT CHILD AND FAMILY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER 47 Corry Blvd., Clifton, (513) 556-3802, cech.uc.edu/centers/arlitt/preschool-information In thoughtfully designed class-rooms with various learning centers, Arlitt offers several opportunities for children to explore materials to construct and extend their knowledge. Arlitt is one of the most culturally diverse and inclusive preschools in the country, and is one of two preschools in the area with a nature playscape. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 119, waiting list Hours: Mon–Thurs, 8:15–11:45 a.m. or 12:45–4:15 p.m.; or full day Mon–Fri, 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Ex-tended care: No Style of teaching: Constructivist Meals: Nutritionally bal-anced snacks and lunch, breakfast available with full-day enrollment Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes Cost: $2,400/year or $226/week for full-day care; serves children through Head Start

THE CHILDREN’S HOME OF CINCINNATI PRESCHOOL PROGRAM5014 Madison Rd., Madi-sonville, (513) 272-2800, thechildrenshomecinti.org/preschool With a 40-acre campus featuring walking trails and a water play area, The Children’s Home maintains family-ori-ented spaces to provide a nurturing environment, ensuring comfort and a foundation for success. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 20, spots available Hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and af-ternoon snack provided Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality; aligned with OELCS En-rolls students with dis-abilities: Yes Cost: Ac-

cepts child care vouchers through Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services

CINCINNATI EARLY LEARNING CENTER (CELC): EAST WALNUT HILLS1301 E. McMillan, East Walnut Hills, (513) 961-2690, celcinc.org/east- walnut-hills.aspx CELC is a nonprofit, nationally accredited United Way agency managing six childcare centers in the Greater Cincinnati region. By partnering with the family and providing low child-to-staff rations, CELC offers a high-quality early learning experience. Ages: 12 weeks–5 years Capaci-ty: 115, waiting list Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Devel-opmental and construc-tivist approach Meals: Breakfast, lunch, snacks Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 infants, 6:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: NAEYC ac-credited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $190–$275/week

CINCINNATI EARLY LEARNING CENTER (CELC): FUTURE ENVIRONMENTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER/EPA123 W. Nixon St., Clifton, (513) 487-2730, celcinc.org/future.aspx CELC is a nonprofit, nationally ac-credited United Way agency managing six childcare cen-ters in the Greater Cincinna-ti region. By partnering with the family and providing low child-to-staff rations, CELC offers a high-quality early learning experience. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 53; waiting list for infants is 3–6 months, for toddler and preschool classes 0–2 months Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Developmen-tal and constructivist approach Meals: Break-fast, lunch, snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 6:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $181–$271/week

COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI 4900 Babson Place,

Oakley, (513) 271-2808, chmschools.com/oakley/ Country Hills Montessori has seven locations in the Greater Cincinnati area, each within healthcare cen-ters to facilitate intergener-ational learning, promoting inclusiveness and collabo-ration across generations. Other locations: West Ches-ter, Eastgate, Montgomery, Harrison, Springboro, and Ft. Thomas. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 20, spots available Hours: 3- or 5-day programs, morning 9–11:30 a.m., extended day 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for ages 4–6 Extended care: No Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks provided, parents pack lunch for extended program Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 or low-er Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $2,900–$4,500

HYDE PARK PLAY SCHOOL 3846 Drake Ave., Hyde Park, (513) 631-2095, thehydeparkplayschool.com Degreed staff in a se-cure residential area foster creative and educational experiences, including introductions to Spanish, signing, yoga, computers, and on-site field trips. Ages: Infant, toddler, preschool Capacity: 132; waiting list, 2–3 months for toddlers, 1 year for infants Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Tra-ditional Meals: Morning and afternoon snacks, hot lunch Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 5:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: Members of NAEYC and CAEYC Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Case by case Cost: $240–$279/week

KENNEDY HEIGHTS MONTESSORI CENTER (KHMC)6120 Ridge Ave., Pleas-ant Ridge, (513) 631- 8135, kennedyheights montessori.org KHMC is a not-for-profit parent co-operative school teaching respect, peace, relation-ships, honesty, and com-passion to an economically and racially diverse student body. Ages: 3–6, expanding to include 2-year-olds in the 2015–16 school year Capacity: 72, spots avail-able Hours: Morning and afternoon classes Mon–Fri, 2½ hours Extended

ABBREVIATIONS/ ACRONYMS

ACSI Association of Christian Schools International

AMS American Montessori Society

AWSNA Association of Waldorf Schools of North America

CMS Cincinnati Montessori Society

CPS Cincinnati Public Schools

ISACS Independent Schools Association of the Central States

NAC National Accredi-tation Commission

NAEYC National Association for the Education of Young Children

NAIS National Associ-ation of Independent Schools

NCA CASI North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement

NECPA The National Early Childhood Pro-gram Accreditation

OAIS Ohio Association of Independent Schools

ODE Ohio Department of Education

OELCS/OELDS Ohio Early Learning Content/Development Standards

PEJE Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education

RAVSAK Jewish Community Day School Network

SACS CASI Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accredita-tion and School Im-provement (NCA CASI and SACS CASI are the accrediting bodies of AdvancED)

WECAN Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America


A TO ZGUIDE

THEinfants, 5:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool, 15:1 school-aged children Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited since 1993; 4 stars, Ohio Step up to Qual-ity Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $188 (preschooler)–$264 (infant)/week; discounted rates for UC students and employees

THE WILLOW TREE HOUSE DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL 2651 Highland Ave., Cor-ryville, (513) 281-8733, thewillowtreehouse.com An independently-owned -and-operated daycare and preschool, Willow Tree House offers an aca-demic all-day preschool setting with play-based curriculum and low child/teacher ratios. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 68, spots available Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Play-based cur-riculum Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided Child/teacher ratio: 12:1 older children, 4:1 infants Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $106–$220/week

XAVIER UNIVERSITY MONTESSORI LAB SCHOOL3800 Victory Pkwy., Evanston, (513) 745-3424, xavier.edu/montessori- lab-school Established in 1966, the Lab School educates children from many cultures and diverse communities, using a rich curriculum based on methods and philosophy of the Montessori Teacher Education Program. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 48, wait-ing list Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., multiage groupings; all-day kin-dergarten 9 a.m.–3 p.m. except Friday afternoons Extended care: 12–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Both school and parents provide healthy, nutritious snacks; nut-free environment Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited, AMI elementary certification, fully affiliated member of AMS since 1968, early childhood classrooms led by two certified Montessori teachers with Master’s de-grees Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $4,483–$5,232

care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Morning and af-ternoon snacks, hot lunch Child/teacher ratio: 9:1 Awards or designations: 3 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality; United Way agen-cy and Head Start partner Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: Tiered income scale, half-day program $375–$439/month; accepts daycare vouchers and Unit-ed Way scholarships

MERCY MONTESSORI2335 Grandview Ave., East Walnut Hills, (513) 475-6700, mercymontessori.org Mercy Montessori is a private, independent, Cath-olic Montessori school that builds on a child’s innate in-stinct to learn through one’s senses, to help each child fall in love with learning at the child’s own pace. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 96, spots available Hours: Mon–Fri 8:45–11:45 a.m. Extended care: Yes, 11:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Morn-ing and afternoon snacks, hot lunch available or brown bag for extended care Child/teacher ra-tio: 10:1 Awards or des-ignations: Accredited by OCSAA, ODE, and AMA Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: Sliding scale, $2,781–$9,158

THE NEW SCHOOL MONTESSORI3 Burton Woods Lane, North Avondale, (513) 281-7999, newschool montessori.com Central-ly located, the historic Mitchell mansion provides the backdrop for a holistic education. Surrounded by wooded play yards and gar-dens, students benefit from a nurturing environment where Montessori-cre-dentialed staff support high academic and per-sonal achievement. Ages: 3–4 Capacity: 48, spots available Hours: Part-time, 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; full-time, 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Extended care: Yes, until 6 p.m. Style of teach-ing: Montessori Meals: Healthy chef-prepared lunch with vegetarian op-

tions, extended day snack Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Awards or designations: The only Montessori school in Cincinnati accredited by the American Montessori Society; additional ISACS accreditation as well Enrolls students with disabilities: No Cost: $4,750–$11,950

PLEASANT RIDGE PRESBYTERIAN NURSERY SCHOOL5950 Montgomery Rd., Pleasant Ridge, (513) 631-0170, prpc.org/nursery school.php PRPNS is an early childhood education program designed to en-hance each child’s growth in developmentally appropri-ate ways. Teachers respect each child’s different gifts and learning styles and emphasize active learning experiences. Ages: 2–5 Ca-pacity: 75, spots available Hours: Preschool classes 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week: 9:15–11:45 a.m., 12:20–2:50 p.m., or full day, 9:15 a.m.–2:50 p.m. (Fridays: 9:15–11:45 a.m.) Extend-ed care: Early drop-off 8:30 a.m., no afternoon extended care Style of teaching: Constructivist Meals: Lunch provided for full-day students, as an op-tion for part-day students Child/teacher ratio: 12:3 toddlers, 18:3 preschool, 20:3 pre-K Awards or designations: 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $1,250-$5,390 with scholarship opportunities

THE SEVEN HILLS SCHOOLHillsdale campus: 5400 Red Bank Rd., Madison-ville; Doherty campus: 2726 Johnstone Place, East Walnut Hills, (513) 728-2400, 7hills.org Through carefully designed play and exploration, Seven Hills encourages children to experience and express talents in a comfortable, fa-milial environment, thereby instilling confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Ages: 2–4 Capacity: 74; limited spots available for pre-K, waiting list for oth-ers; contact admissions of-fice for availability Hours: 8:30–11:30 a.m. 3 days/week for 2-year-olds, 5 days/week 3–4-year-olds Extended care: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching:

Child-centered Meals: Lunches and snacks in-clude healthy options such as whole grains, organic milk, veggie burgers, fresh whole fruits Child/teach-er ratio: 5:1 2-year-olds, 10:1 3- and 4-year-olds Awards or designations: NAIS, ISACS, OAIS, State of Ohio Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $6,174–$10,568

THE SUMMIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL2161 Grandin Rd., Hyde Park, (513) 871-4700, summitcds.org A private, Catholic, and independent school, The Summit’s Mon-tessori program fosters a child’s independence, un-derstanding, and academic achievement through ob-servation, preparation, and support of individual liberty. Ages: 2–6 Capacity: More than 200 children in Mon-tessori program, including kindergartners; rolling ad-mission based on availabili-ty Hours: Multiple program options; 2, 3, or 5 half-day programs, 8:15–11:15 a.m. or 12:15–3:15 p.m.; or full day, 8:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Extend-ed care: Yes, 6:45 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Lunch provided for all-day Mon-tessori Child/teacher ra-tio: 12:1, ages 3–6 Awards or designations: 50th year of Montessori education, AMS-certified teachers Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $3,925–$16,125 depending on class

UC EARLY LEARNING CENTER (ELC)3310 Ruther Ave., Clifton, (513) 961-2825, uc.edu/elc Serving UC and the community, ELC focuses on the physical and cognitive development of children through self-directed play. Planned environments expose children to math, literacy, art, music, and science. Ages: 3 months–age 5 during school year (ages 5–8 summertime) Capacity: 149; waiting list, typically 6–12 months for children under 3 Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Ex-tended care: Yes Style of teaching: Constructivist Meals: Catered lunch with full menu that varies quarterly, including fruits and vegetables; also of-fers breakfast and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1

Licensed by State of Ohio and affiliated by the American Montessori Society

Each classroom has two full-time, Montessori-credentialed teachers

Offers half-day and full-day preschool, and full-day kindergarten

Integrates nature studies at all class levels featuring an extraordinary, 8-acre natural environment and a full-time naturalist

Provides classes with Spanish, music, fitness, and yoga specialists, as well as a full library

Utilizes technology for research, presentation and accompaniment to curriculum in grades 1 through 6

Enriches curriculum with a variety of optional extracurricular programs

Offers before- and after-school childcare

927 O’Bannonville Road (1 mile east of downtown Loveland)

www.cmhschool.com

Seeing is believing! Schedule a tour by calling (513) 683-4757

Giving children

Preschool through 6th grade

purpose and passionfor learning

Open House DatesOct. 19, 2014 and Jan. 25, 2015


TO SEE MORE OF WHAT OUR CREATIVE TOTS DO IN THE CLASSROOM, VISIT OUR BLOG: CREATIVETOTSMASON.WORDPRESS.COM

MASON • 6408 THORNBERRY COURT • (513) 770-6776 • WWW.CREATIVETOTS.COM

INSPIRING YOUNG MINDSOur holistic approach nourishes young minds and allows children the opportunity to learn, explore, play & grow in a unique environment.

18 Months - 5 yearsArtMusicYogaSpanishScienceMonthly visits from the Cincinnati Zoo!

Here are a few of our Tots’ masterpieces replicating Andy Warhol, Picasso,

Henri Matisse, Eric Carle, Van Gogh, Monet & more!

NORTH

BLUE ASH EDUCATIONAL BUILDING10149 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 891-1723, blueashchildcare.com Children of all ages enjoy 11,000 square feet of indoor space and seven acres of out-door play areas, including a Discovery Forest and Children’s Garden. Staff has combined 346 years of experience at this lo-cation. Ages: 6 weeks–K, up to age 10 for before- and after-school care Capacity: 334; waiting list for 6 months–2 years, spots available for others Hours: 6 a.m.–6:45 p.m. Extended care: Before- and after-school care available for school-aged kids Style of teaching: NAEYC-aligned, follows Erik Erikson’s theories of psychosocial develop-ment Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks include fresh fruit and vegeta-bles, whole-wheat or whole-grain pastas and breads Child/teacher

A TO ZGUIDE

THE


Schedule yourcampus tour today!

the villavaluesexplore

EDUCATION FAITH COMMUNITY

Learn more at stursulavilla.org (513) 871-7218

ratio: Follows state ratios Awards or designations: Hamilton County Public Health Department Clean Kitchen Award since 2011, fully compliant with ODE, advanced level in Ohio’s Drug Free Safety Program Enrolls students with disabilities: No Cost: $165–$234/week

THE CAMPUS AT KIDS FIRST7900 E. Kemper Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 629-5437, thecampuskf.com Along with indoor and outdoor discovery and fun, chil-dren of all ages participate in physical education class-es every day to help instill a healthy fi tness habit and mind-body connections. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 96, limited spots available Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Emergent curriculum with themed study units Meals: Lunch-es catered by The Veg Head with natural, organic, and gluten-free options; break-fast and snacks provided Child/teacher ratio: 4:1

infants, 7:1 toddlers, 9:1 preschool and pre-K, 12:1 kindergarten Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $112–$308/week

CENTRAL MONTESSORI ACADEMY1904 Springdale Rd., Springfi eld Twp., (513) 742-5800, centralmontessoriacademy.com CMA off ers an integrated curriculum plus an education of the heart, nurturing each child’s self-confi dence, cre-ativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. This authentic Mon-tessori experience includes self-correcting materials and a natural playground. Ages: 2½–6 Capaci-ty: 100, spots available Hours: Mixed-age class-es 3, 4, or 5 days a week; half-day mornings 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., full day 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Nutritious snacks, parents provide lunch Child/teacher ratio: 12:1 Awards or designations: Affi liated with AMS, mem-

ber of OAIS, AMS, CMS, and IMC Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $4,705–$9,320

CHAI TOTS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 7587 Central Parke Blvd., Mason, (513) 234-0777, chaitots.com The only Jewish Montessori in Ohio, Chai Tots provides small, family-like classes that encourage inquisitiveness and self-expression so chil-dren can feel comfortable exploring and learning. Ages: 6 weeks–6 years Capacity: 47; waiting list for infants, spots available for other ages Hours: 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 12:30–3:30 p.m. Extended care: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks including fresh fruit provided, par-ents provide packed lunch Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 infants, 7:1 toddlers and preschool Awards or des-ignations: Member of IMC, JEAMS Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $4,160–$8,860

CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN COUGAR CUBS PRESCHOOL7350 Dixie Hwy., Fairfi eld, (513) 874-8500, cincinnatichristian.org CCS is a nondenominational, inde-pendent Christian school with fl exible class options. Teachers follow a Hough-ton-Mifflin curriculum with thematic units, plus include weekly Bible les-sons. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 20 preschool, 24 Transi-tional Kindergarten; spots available Hours: Preschool Tues and Thurs, 8:15–11:45 a.m.; Transitional Kinder-garten Mon, Wed, and Fri or Mon–Fri, 8:15–11:45 a.m. Extended care: Yes, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Christian-based with Montessori approach Meals: Hot lunch available for full-day preschool, nutritious snacks each session Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 preschool, 12:1 Transitional Kindergarten Awards or designations: AdvancED, ACSI, ODE Enrolls students with disabilities? Yes, case by case Cost: $2,496–$7,416


A TO ZGUIDE

THEdemic preschool experience where students focus, de-velop, practice, and reflect on developmentally appro-priate activities, including infant sign language and computers for ages 3 and older. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 210, spots available for some classes Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Traditional and Montessori blend Meals: Well-balanced lunch and two nutritious snacks daily Child/teach-er ratio: 5:1 infants, 6:1 toddlers, 7:1 2-year-olds, 12:1 3-year-olds, 14:1 4 and up Awards or des-ignations: Cincinnati Family Best of Parenting 2010–2011 Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $243–$315/week

GINGERBREAD ACADEMY4215 Malsbary Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 793-4122, gingerbreadacademy.net Through hands-on learning experiences in a nurturing and enriching environment, children’s growth is fostered with benefiting the whole child in mind, especially promot-ing a positive self-concept. Ages: 6 weeks–K Capaci-ty: 180; waiting list of 10–12 weeks, depending on age group Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. with open door policy for drop off and pick up Style of teaching: Constructivist curricu-lum, aligned with OELC standards Meals: Tuition includes hot lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks Child/teacher ratio: Follows state stan-dards for child/teacher ratios; additional staff includes full-time floaters to classrooms; 4:1 infants Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: Available upon request

GOOD SHEPHERD NURSERY SCHOOL 7701 Kenwood Rd., Ken-wood, (513) 891-1733, gsns.info Acting as a bridge be-tween home and school, GSNS offers concerned and experienced teachers who help encourage your child’s strengths and guide their overall development. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 150, contact for availability Hours: 2-day, 3-day, or

CINCINNATI EARLY LEARNING CENTER (CELC), HARRISON498 S. State St., Harrison, (513) 367-2129, celcinc.org/harrison.aspx CELC is a nonprofit, nationally ac-credited United Way agency managing six childcare cen-ters in the Greater Cincinna-ti region. By partnering with the family and providing low child-to-staff rations, CELC offers a high-quality early learning experience. Ages: 18 months–12 years Capacity: 52, spots avail-able Hours: Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Developmen-tal and constructivist approach Meals: Break-fast, lunch, snacks Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 infants/toddlers, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited; 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $170–$195/week

CINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMYCHCA North Campus: 11312 Snider Rd., Symmes Twp., (513) 247-0900, ch-ca-oh.org CHCA creates a classroom environment that is safe, joyful, com-munity-oriented, produc-tive, and academically engaging. The curriculum emphasizes social, emo-tional, and academic learning as well as spiritu-al development. Ages: 3-5 Capacity: 48, limited spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m. or 12–3 p.m. Extended care: Yes, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Christian; Thematic Units with Re-sponsive Classroom Ap-proach, guided by NAEYC and OELCS Meals: Break-fast, snacks, hot or boxed lunches available Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Awards or designations: ISACS ac-credited Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $6,495–$12,495 (See also CHCA Otto Arm-leder Campus)

THE COMPASS SCHOOL9370 Waterstone Blvd., Montgomery, (513) 683-8833, thecompassschool.com As partners in learn-

ing, teachers follow an emergent curriculum based on the children’s interests, allowing them to experience a particular interest in great detail and thus build an enthusiasm for knowledge. Ages: In-fant–6 years Capacity: 156; waiting list for infant/toddler programs, spots available for others Hours: 2-, 3-, or 5-day programs, full or half days, infants full-day only Extended care: Yes, up to age 12, 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Reggio Emil-ia–inspired, project-based approach Meals: Morning and afternoon snacks, catered lunches Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 7:1 toddlers, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes Cost: $350–$1,300/month

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL7600 Princeton Glendale Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 874-7870, cornerstonechurch.org /preschool CCP’s committed and long-term staff provide enrichment opportunities for children through a developmental-ly appropriate curriculum, along with an involved parent auxiliary. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 224, spots available Hours: 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day class-es, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. or 12:45–3:15 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teach-ing: Child and teacher-di-rected Meals: Snacks, peanut-free school Child/teacher ratio: 12:2 3-year-olds, 14:2 4-year-olds, 15:2 5-year-olds Awards or designations: 3 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $1,080–$1,665

CREATIVE TOTS Two locations: 6408 Thornberry Court, Suite 210, Mason, (513) 770-6776, creativetotsmason.com; 7803 Laurel Ave., Madeira, (513) 272-2223, creativetots.com Balanc-ing the traditional and innovative, Creative Tots is a private, nine-month pre-school program embrac-ing the fine arts, following a child’s natural interests to inspire success and in-creased self-confidence. Ages: 18 months–5 years

Capacity: 66–120; in Ma-son, spots available in tod-dler and pre-K programs, waiting list for preschool; in Madeira, spots avail-able in toddler afternoon classes, waiting list for all other programs Hours: Toddler and pre-K class-es Mon–Fri 9–11:30 a.m., pre-K Mon–Fri 12–2:30 p.m. Extended care: Yes, enrichment programs in-cluding music, art, soccer, Spanish, and yoga until 1 p.m. Style of teaching: Constructivist approach with Montessori activities, aligned with Howard Gard-ner’s approach to multiple intelligences Meals: Par-ents provide lunch and snacks Child/teacher ra-tio: 6:1 toddlers, 7:1 early 3s, 8:1 preschool and pre-K Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $2,100–$11,000

CRÈME DE LA CRÈME PRESCHOOL5324 Natorp Blvd., Mason, (513) 459-4300, creme delacreme.com With 24 centers throughout the nation, Crème offers a spa-cious learning center with separate novel enrichment rooms featuring unique programs such as music, theater, library, TV studio, and gym. Your child rotates activities throughout the day, balancing learning with movement. Ages: 6 weeks–6 years, up to 12 for after care Capacity: 300, spots available in some classes Hours: Half-day program 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., or full-day Extend-ed care: 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Team teaching, primary and enrichment teachers Meals: Well-balanced meals prepared fresh daily; snacks offered throughout the day, including a Travel Treat for the road Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, up to 10:1 kindergarten, always exceeds state guidelines Awards or designations: AdvancED accredited, NAEYC affiliat-ed Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $470–$1,494/month

THE GARDNER SCHOOL OF BLUE ASH9920 Carver Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 985-9444, thegardnerschool.com This private, franchise school offers a safe aca-


4-day classes, 9–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–3 p.m. Extended care: No Meals: Nutritious snack served daily Child/teacher ratio: 7:1–9:1 En-rolls students with dis-abilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $120–$180/month

KIDDIE ACADEMY OF MASON 6202 Snider Rd., Mason, (513) 457-4932, kiddie academy10.reachlocal.net/academies/mason A national franchise, Kid-die Academy conflates character education and standards-based learn-ing curriculum, enabling children the opportunity to make decisions and explore at their own pace, empowering them to learn and grow. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years (up to age 12 during summer) Capacity: 186, spots available Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Ex-tended care: Yes Style of teaching: Trademark Life Essentials program Meals: Family-style dining; food made on location Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 infants, 7:1 toddlers, 12:1 preschool, 18:1 school-age Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $240–$286/week

KINDER GARDEN SCHOOLTwo locations: 10969 Reed Hartman Hwy., Blue Ash, (513) 791-4300; 5900 West Chester Rd., West Chester, (513) 874-3100; kindergardenschool.com With a focus on holistic ed-ucation involving the child, staff, and family, local and family-owned Kinder Gar-den Schools offer a fully supportive, fertile, and fun setting to cultivate curios-ity and grow the complete child. Ages: 6 weeks–school age (including pri-vate grades 1, 2, and 3 at West Chester location) Ca-pacity: 156 Blue Ash, 155 West Chester, spots avail-able Hours: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Extended care: Yes Style of teaching: Montessori and traditional Meals: Morning and afternoon snacks provided; parents provide lunch, option for catered lunch at West Chester Child/teacher ra-tio: 15:2 Awards or desig-nations: Best of Parenting Preschool (2012 and 2013); 1 star, Ohio Step Up to Qual-ity Enrolls students with

disabilities: Yes Cost: $190–$280/week

KING OF KINGS PRESCHOOL AND KIN-DERGARTEN3621 Social-Fosterville Rd., Mason, (513) 398-6089, koklcms.org/ecem.php This Christian preschool program is designed to pro-vide a secure environment fostering responsible, car-ing, creative, spontaneous, happy, and independent children in a developmen-tally appropriate way. Ages: 2–5 Capacity: 86, spots available Hours: Morning, afternoon, or full-day options, 1 to 5 days per week Extended care: No Style of teaching: Christian-based tradition-al school Meals: Snacks provided, parents provide balanced lunch Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 2-year-olds, 6:1 3-year-olds, 7:1 4-year-olds, 8:1 5-year-olds Awards or designations: NLSA Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $875–$4,200

LADS AND LASSIES COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL 225 Wyoming Ave., Wy-oming, (513) 761-5211, ladsandlassiespreschool.org The project-based cur-riculum at Lads and Lassies creates authentic learning through student- led, in-depth investigations incorporating life skills, combined with daily writ-er’s and reader’s workshop and art studio time. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 40, waiting list Hours: Classes 9–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–3 p.m., 3 or 4 days/week Extended care: No Style of teach-ing: Project approach and Reggio Emilia Meals: Pre-K children pack lunch once a week, children bring snacks Child/teacher ra-tio: 10:1 Awards or desig-nations: 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $1,467–$2,079

LIBERTY BIBLE ACADEMY PRESCHOOL 4900 Old Irwin Simpson Rd., Mason, (513) 754-1234, libertybibleacademy. org LBAP provides a Christ-centered environ-ment which is socially and emotionally nurturing and intellectually engaging, giv-ing children the opportuni-ty to love God, love others,

and love learning. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 54, spots available, open enrollment Hours: 2-day, 3-day, or 5-day classes, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Extended care: Yes, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; also, after-noon enrichment program 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Traditional, teacher-created based on OELCS Meals: Hot lunch provided by Tano’s Bis-tro and Catering Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 pre-school, 12:1 3-year-olds, 14:1 4-year-olds Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes, case by case Cost: $285–$450/month

LIBERTY HEIGHTS PRESCHOOL 7904 Princeton Rd. , Liberty Township, (513) 759-8430, libertyheights.org/#/ministries/libertyheights-preschool At LHP, children experience a theme-based curriculum each month in a print-rich environment to facilitate reading readiness. Learn-ing includes dramatic play, science and nature, culture, and sign language. Ages: 12 weeks–5 years Capac-ity: 250, spots available depending on age and class Hours: September through May, Mon–Thurs 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; classes 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1–3:30 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teaching: Chris-tian-based kindergarten prep Meals: Parents pro-vide snacks Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 babies, 12:2 tod-dlers, 12:2 age 3, 14:2 ages 4–5 Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $100–$170/month

LITTLE SPROUTS LEARNING CENTER11177 Springfield Pike, Springdale, (513) 771-4444, littlesprouts.info A ministry of the Springdale Church of the Nazarene, Lit-tle Sprouts is a nine-month preschool offering learn-ing opportunities through active play and discovery, including reading, art, sci-ence, and health and safety. Ages: 2–5 Capacity: 60, spots available Hours: 2- or 3-day programs, 9:30–11:45 a.m. or 12:15–2:30 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teaching: Devel-opmental and hands-on Meals: Families provide class snacks on a 6-week rotation Child/teacher ra-

tio: 15:2 Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $100/month any program

MAPLE KNOLL MONTES-SORI CHILD CENTER1100 Springfield Pike, Springdale, (513) 782-2498, mapleknoll.org/childcenter.php A private Montessori preschool, Maple Knoll has helped children since 1977 learn through their senses while engendering respect, inde-pendence, self-motivation, and inner discipline. The intergenerational pro-gram provides beneficial interactions between the children and Maple Knoll nursing care facility resi-dents. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 33, spots available Hours: Multiage group classes Mon–Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m., 12:30–3:30 p.m., or full-day 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Extended care: Yes, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks provided, parents provide lunch Child/teacher ratio: 11:1 Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $4,428–$8,343

THE POTTER’S HOUSE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 6101 Princeton Glendale Rd., Liberty Twp., (513) 785-2855, ppcog.com/potters-house-chi ld- development-center For 20 years, Potter’s House has provided a motivating atmosphere and nurturing Christian environment to strengthen each child’s in-nate talents. Using devel-opmentally appropriate curriculum encourages maturity and growth for the whole child. Ages: 6 weeks–6 years Capac-ity: 267; waiting list for nursery, spots available in other classes Hours: Full-day childcare plus nine-month preschool 2, 3, or 4 days per week, morning and afternoon classes Extended care: 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m., also available for school-aged children Style of teach-ing: Christian Meals: Breakfast, hot lunch, and snack daily Child/teacher ratio: 5:1 infants, 6:1 12–18 months, 7:1 18–36 months, 8:1 3-year-olds, 12:1 4-year-olds, 14:1 5-year-olds Awards or designations:


A TO ZGUIDE

THE

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children to become confi -dent and successful learn-ers and decision makers. Ages: 2–5 Capacity: 220, waiting list for some class-es Hours: 2-day, 3-day, or 4-day programs depend-ing on child’s age, half-day programs 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 12:40–3:40 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teaching: Christian Meals: Snacks available Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 2-year-olds, 8:1 3-year-olds, 9:1 4-year-olds, 12:1 5-year-olds Awards or designations: 3 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $145–$226/month

SYCAMORE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: MAPLE DALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL6100 Hagewa Dr., Blue Ash/Montgomery, (513) 686-1720, sycamoreschools.org Children in mult iaged groupings are fostered within safe, challenging, and joyful environments to facilitate growth in pre-academic and social skills. Ages: 3–5

OELDS aligned Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Case by case Cost: $110–$215/week

PRIMROSE SCHOOLThree locations: 9175 Gov-ernors Way, Symmes Twp., (513) 697-6970; 8378 Princeton Glendale Rd., West Chester, (513) 870-0630; 5888 Snider Rd., Mason, (513) 336-6756; also has Dayton locations; primroseschools.com Primrose is an accredited private preschool franchise which provides an educa-tional, healthy, and happy childcare experience with enthusiastic teachers who promote integrity, fairness, and social responsibility. Ages: Infant–K Capacity: 160 Symmes, 182 West Chester, 193 Mason; spots available Hours: 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Extended care: After-school Ex-plorers Club for 5–12 year olds Style of teaching:

Conflation of child-initi-ated (Montessori, Gesell, Piaget), teacher-guided (Vygotsky), social-emo-tional (Erikson), and char-acter development Meals: Yes, nutritious meals and snacks featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 4:1 young tod-dler, 6:1 toddler and early preschool I, 8:1 early pre-school II, 11:1 preschool, 12:1 pre-K Awards or des-ignations: AdvancED ac-credited Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, on case-by-case basis Cost: $105–$290/week depend-ing on class and schedule

ROCKWERN ACADEMY’S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER (ECEC)8401 Montgomery Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-3770, rockwernacademy.org Rockwern Academy’s ECEC follows general develop-mental and Jewish curric-ulum to keep the youngest children wide-eyed with wonder and smiling, si-multaneously building

emergent literacy, expe-riential learning, physical development, and social skills. Ages: 18 months–K Capacity: 90; waiting list for 2-year-old program, spots available for others Hours: Classes Mon, Wed, Fri 8:15–11:15 a.m., or fi ve-day pre-K 8:15 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (Fri until 5 p.m.) Style of teaching: Child-centered, Jewish ed-ucation including Hebrew Meals: Hot lunch available Child/teacher ratio: 12:3 18-month class, 10:2 age 2, 11:1 age 3, 12:2 age 4 and up Awards or designations: RAVSAK and PEJE affi liat-ed Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $3,850–$9,750

SHARONVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WEEKDAY NURSERY 3751 Creek Rd., Sharon-ville, (513) 563-8278, sumcns.org By providing a positive, developmentally appropriate nine-month curriculum including hands-on enrichment ac-tivities, the program helps


Fairmont PreschoolProviding Positive, Early Childhood

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3705 Far Hills AvenueKettering, OH 45429www.fairmontchurch.org

Capacity: 60, waiting list Hours: Mon–Thurs, 9:15–11:45 a.m. or 1:15–3:45 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teaching: Follows OELCS guidelines Meals: Onsite kitchen serves breakfast and lunch daily, including whole grains, low-fat dairy, fresh pro-duce, and low-sodium products Child/teacher ratio: 12:1 Awards or designations: Finalist for Best Preschool, Best of the North by Cincy Magazine (September 2013) Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $2,600

TERRY’S MONTESSORI SCHOOL425 and 435 Crescent Ave., 209 Wyoming Ave., 415 Poplar Ave., Wyoming, (513) 761-3836, terrysmontessori.com Fami-ly-owned-and-operated, Terry’s offers a unique, homelike setting in four diff erent houses where chil-dren can fl oat freely from room to room following their interests, cultivating a healthy self-image for each child. Ages: 6 weeks–6

years Capacity: 14 infants, 40 2½–4 years olds, 45 3½–6 year olds; open en-rollment, waiting list when necessary Hours: Half day or full day (four or fi ve days a week) Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks Child/teach-er ratio: 3:1 infants and toddlers, 4:1 2½–4-year-olds, 7:1 3½–6-year-olds Awards or designations: Member of AMS and CMS Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $910–$1,285/month

EAST

CHILDREN’S MEETING HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL927 O’Bannonville Rd., Loveland, (513) 683-4757, cmhschool.com Through gentle guidance and care-fully prepared environ-ments, CMHM supports students in self-direction and independence to edu-cate the whole child phys-ically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Ages:

3–6 Capacity: 30 half-day preschool, 14 all-day preschool; spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, half-day 8:30–11:30 a.m. or full-day 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Children bring sack lunch following nutrition-al guidelines outlined in parent handbook Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 half-day preschool; 7:1 all-day preschool Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $6,460–$9,560

CHILDREN’S VILLA EARLY LEARNING CENTER1160 St. Rt. 131, Milford, (513) 831-8115, milfordpreschool.com For more than 30 years, Children’s Villa has provided a day-care and developmental preschool environment with varied opportunities for hands-on learning, supporting free expression and fostering age-appro-priate development. Ages: 3 months–6 years Capac-ity: 95; waiting list for in-fants (1–2 months), spots available in other classes

Hours: Year-round nurs-ery school Mon–Fri, 9–11:30 a.m., available as stand-alone program 2–5 days a week Extended care: 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Play-based, child-centered Meals: Nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meals and snacks prepared by on-site cook; incorporates weekly cooking days, off ering chil-dren nutritional education Child/teacher ratio: 3:1 infants, 6:1 toddlers and preschool, 8:1 pre-K Awards or designations: 2011 Clermont County Com-munity Choice Awards: #2 Daycare Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: Full day, $175–$225/week, 5 percent discount if paid monthly, discounts available for regular parent volunteers; two mornings a week, $180/month; three mornings a week, $200/month

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mary program focuses on child-centered activities allowing for exploration, investigation, communica-tion, and problem-solving. Parents can opt for an ex-periential environment with mixed ages or a structured environment with same-aged children. Ages: 18 months–5 years Capac-ity: 140, possible spots available Hours: Early Childhood Program 3 or 5 days, 8:30–11:45 a.m.; pre-K (Montessori or tra-ditional) 5 days, 8:30–11:45 a.m. Extended care: Yes, fl exible options 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching:Montessori or traditional pre-K available Meals: Yes Child/teacher ratio:6:1 younger children, 9:1 older children Awards or designations: Approved by AMS, ISACS, and ODE Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $6,150–$18,190

CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER PRESCHOOL4949 Tealtown Rd., Mil-ford, (513) 831-1711, cincynature.org/teacherschool

A TO ZGUIDE

THE


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programs Children explore diverse habitats outdoors during all seasons: mak-ing discoveries, practicing stewardship, and building self-confi dence. Observant teachers facilitate chil-dren in both collaborative learning opportunities and autonomous responsibility and decision-making. One of two preschools in the area with access to a na-ture playscape. Ages: 3–5, mixed-age groups Capac-ity: 45, waiting list Hours: Nine-month preschool; Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.; Tues, Thurs, 8:30–11:30 a.m.; or Tues, Thurs, 12:30–3:30 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teach-ing: Nature-driven, Inqui-ry and Montessori-based Meals: Healthy snacks provided Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Enroll students with disabilities? Yes Cost: $2,740–$4,110

CINCINNATI WALDORF SCHOOLMain Campus: 6743 Chest-nut St., Mariemont, (513) 541-0220; Mashewa Farm Campus: 7550 Given Rd.,

Indian Hill, (513) 271-0585, cinciwaldorf.org CWS is an independent school off ering both a classroom and outdoor preschool experience. Calm, warm, and loving environments ensure a child’s early ex-perience of school is joyful and engaging, providing a strong foundation for intellectual growth. Ages:3–4 years Capacity: 12 per day per campus, call for availability Hours: 2, 3, or 5 consecutive morning classes, 8:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Extended care: Available on main campus until 6 p.m. Style of teaching:Waldorf Meals: Nutritious and organic snacks provid-ed, parents provide lunch Child/teacher ratio: 6:1 Awards or designations:Member of AWSNA and WECAN Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, as long as CWS can meet the child’s needs Cost: $3,841–$7,107

GARDEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1318 Nagel Rd., Cherry Grove, (513) 474-4933,

gardenmontessorischool.com For 40 years, GMS has provided the foundation for a lifetime of learning, nur-turing a child’s curiosity, concentration, and sense of responsibility by providing structure, freedom, and action. Ages: 3–6 Capac-ity: 47, waiting list Hours:3- or 5-day program, 9:15 a.m.–12 p.m. Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Children pack lunch, morning and afternoon snacks provided for ex-tended care children Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Awards or designations: Member CMS Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost:$440–$895/month

MONTESSORI CENTER ROOM 2505 Riverside Dr., East End, (513) 321-3282, montessoricenterroom.com MCR is a parent-owned nonprofi t organization that has been off ering preschool education for 50 years. The child-centered environ-ment promotes indepen-dence and responsibility

for self while building con-fidence and self-esteem. Ages: 2½–6 Capacity:50, waiting list Hours: Half-day classes Mon–Fri, 8:45–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–3:15 p.m. Extended care:7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks provided, children pack lunches Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 Awards or designations: AMS accredited Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $4,765

ST. LOUIS SCHOOL 250 N. Broadway, Owens-ville, (513) 732-0636, saintlouisschool.catholicweb.com This Catholic parochial school supports the impor-tance of parents as the pri-mary infl uence in a child’s religious education. The program emphasizes the development of the whole person, recognizing the dignity, abilities, and gifts of every child. Ages: 3–4 Capacity: 44, spots avail-able Hours: Mon and Wed 8:30–11 a.m.; Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8:30–11 a.m. or 12:30–3 p.m. Extended care: No


A TO ZGUIDE

THEavailable Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Style of teaching: Constructivist, high-scope curriculum Meals: Nutritionally bal-anced meals and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 5:1 toddlers, 8:1 preschool Awards or des-ignations: NAC accredit-ed; 3 stars, Kentucky Stars for Kids Now Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $160-$165/week, United Way or state fund-ing available

IMAGINE TOMORROW CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER/CHILDREN, INC.1260 Pacific Ave., Er-langer, (859) 727-3575, childreninc.org Serving young families and chil-dren of Toyota employees only, Imagine Tomorrow/Children, Inc. is dedicated to helping children achieve success through innovative educational excellence, compassionate family sup-port, and collective commu-nity leadership. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 180; select spots available, call for availability Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Style of teaching: Tradi-tional (birth–3 years) and Montessori Meals: Nutri-tionally balanced meals and snacks Child/teach-er ratio: 4:1 infants, 5:1 1-year-olds, 7:1 2-year-olds, 10:1 preschool Awards or designations: NAC ac-credited; 4 stars, Kentucky Stars for Kids Now Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes Cost: Call for information

MONTESSORI EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY/CHILDREN, INC.419 Altamont Rd., Cov-ington, (859) 491-1455, childreninc.org Montessori Early Learning Academy/Children, Inc. is dedicated to helping children achieve success through innovative educational excellence, compassionate family sup-port, and collective com-munity leadership. Ages: 2–5 Capacity: 80, spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori and traditional Meals: Nutri-tionally balanced meals and snacks Child/teach-er ratio: 8:1 2-year-olds, 10:1 other ages Awards or designations: NAC ac-credited; 3 stars, Kentucky

Style of teaching: Cath-olic, traditional Meals: No Child/teacher ratio: 11:1 Awards or designations: Accredited by the Archdi-ocese Enrolls students with disabilities: Case by case Cost: $1,100–$1,600

ST. URSULA VILLA SCHOOL3660 Vineyard Place, Co-lumbia-Tusculum, (513) 871-7218, stursulavilla.org A coed Catholic elementa-ry school in the Ursuline tradition, St. Ursula Villa School fosters academic excellence by nurturing the whole child in a Christ-cen-tered commitment to soci-ety. Ages: 2–5 Capacity: Varies by program, total capacity 145; limited spots available in 3-year-old program Hours: Toddler class 2 mornings a week, 8:15–10:45 a.m.; half- or full-day options for 3–4 year-olds, 3 or 5 days a week Extended care: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m., preschool–grade 8 Style of teach-ing: Montessori or tradi-tional Meals: Students pack nut-free lunches Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 toddlers, 9:1 average for early childhood program Awards or designations: Recognized as a School of Contribution by Children, Inc. Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $2,046–$9,636

THE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL 6137 Salem Rd., Ander-son Twp., (513) 232-9966, thevillagepreschool.net Classes combine teach-er-directed learning with independent child-led ac-tivities to promote a child’s most important learning asset—curiosity. Ages: 2½–5 Capacity: 110, spots available Hours: Classes 1–3 days a week, 9–11:30 a.m. or 12:30–3 p.m., plus en-richment classes on Thurs and Fri Extended care: No Style of teaching: Tradi-tional play-based Meals: Children may pack lunch for Lunch Bunch twice a week and Lunch with Legos once a week Child/teacher ratio: 10:2 3-year-olds, 16:2 4- and 5-year-olds Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $577–$2,065

WEST

A CHILD’S GARDEN5427 Julmar Dr., Covedale, (513) 451-0330, achilds garden.us Located on the campus of St. Antoninus Church and School, A Child’s Garden is a nine-month pre-school program offering an integrated and interactive approach to learning, promoting self-discovery through touching, exper-imenting, and exploring. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 137, waiting list Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri or Tues, Thurs options, 9–11:30 a.m. (or 12:30 p.m.) or 12–2:30 p.m. Extended care: No Style of teaching: DAP (devel-opmentally appropriate practices) with Creative Curriculum, aligned with NAEYC Meals: Nutritious snacks provided Child/teacher ratio: 10:1 3-year-olds, 12:1 4- and 5-year-olds Awards or designa-tions: 4 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $155–$235/month

DATER MONTESSORI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2840 Boudinot Ave., West-wood, (513) 363-0900, datermontessori.cps-k12.org A magnet program within CPS, Dater Montes-sori is an inclusive, diverse, and supportive community where children learn to be-come independent think-ers and considerate citi-zens equipped to surpass academic expectations. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 168, waiting list Hours: Half-day program, 9:15–11:50 a.m.; or full-day program Extended care: Limited spots for after-school care from 12–3:45 p.m., early drop off 7–8:45 a.m. for small fee Style of teach-ing: Mixed-age Montes-sori Meals: Lunch served family-style, no charge for preschool Child/teacher ratio: 12:1 Awards or des-ignations: 5 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes, two classes through early childhood Cost: $3,100–$6,000 per year, paid monthly; sliding scale grants available

WINTON HILL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER6331 Center Hill Ave., Fin-neytown, (513) 634-5437, br ighthorizons.com/

pgwintonhill Open to all current Procter & Gamble employees, this Bright Horizons childcare facil-ity has developmentally appropriate educational environments to empower children to become lifelong learners. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 122, spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m., 2 to 5 days a week Style of teaching: Developmen-tally appropriate practic-es Meals: Full-time cook provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 5:2 tod-dlers, 10:1 preschool and pre-K Awards or desig-nations: NAEYC accredit-ed Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: Call for information

NORTHERN KENTUCKY

COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI 960 Highland Ave., Ft. Thomas, (859) 442-0500, chmschools.com/ft-thomas Country Hills Montessori has seven locations in the Greater Cincinnati area, each within healthcare cen-ters to facilitate intergener-ational learning, promoting inclusiveness and collabo-ration across generations. Other locations: West Ches-ter, Eastgate, Montgomery, Oakley, Springboro, Harri-son. Ages: 3–6 Capacity: 30, spots available Hours: 3- or 5-day programs; morning 9–11:30 a.m., afternoon 12:30–3 p.m., full-day kindergarten Extended care: No Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks provided, parents pack lunch for full-day program Child/teacher ratio: 7:1 Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Case by case Cost: $2,900–$5,650

GARDENS AT GREENUP CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER/CHILDREN, INC.133 E. 11th St., Covington, (859) 261-4282, children inc.org Serving young fam-ilies and children from eco-nomically disadvantaged neighborhoods, Gardens at Greenup/Children, Inc. is dedicated to helping children achieve success through innovative educa-tional excellence, compas-sionate family support, and collective community lead-ership. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 18, spots

Find other Mercy Health doctors near youVisit e-mercy.com or call 513-981-2222.

446CINADV (4/14)

Forest Park Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

1230 West Kemper Rd.Cincinnati, OH 45240

513-924-8200

Rookwood Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

4101 Edwards Road, Second FloorCincinnati, OH 45209

513-981-4646

Keep your whole family healthyAt every stage of lifeMercy Health has doctors who focus on family

medicine—for every age—in neighborhoods all

over Greater Cincinnati. For newborn through

adolescent care, you can find Mercy Health

pediatricians at Forest Park and Rookwood

Medical Center.


A TO ZGUIDE

THE

Protect your Family from Germs and Allergens!Cleaning your carpet once a year does much more than extend the life of your

-

We also care about your safety! We only hire professional techs that are thoroughly

-

VOTED CINCINNATI’S BEST!

teachers are AMS certi-fi ed Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $3,845–$4,885

TREASURE HOUSE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER/CHILDREN, INC.203 W. Rivercenter Blvd., Covington, (859) 669-2770, childreninc.org A federal center sponsored by the IRS and General Services Administration, Treasure House/Children, Inc. is open to government employees and the com-munity, and is dedicated to helping children achieve success through innovative educational excellence, compassionate family support, and collective community leadership. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 115; waiting list, some preschool spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:15 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching: Montessori and traditional Meals: Nu-tritionally balanced meals and snacks Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 infants, 6:1 tod-dlers, 10:1 2-year-olds, 12:1

Stars for Kids Now Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $155–$160/week, United Way or state funding available

NEWPORT PRESCHOOL CENTER/CHILDREN, INC.30 W. Eighth St., Newport, (859) 431-2075, childreninc.org Newport Preschool Center/Children, Inc. is ded-icated to helping children achieve success through innovative educational excellence, compassion-ate family support, and collective community leadership. Ages: 3–5 Ca-pacity: 40, spots available Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m., full- and half-day programs Style of teach-ing: Montessori and tradi-tional Meals: Nutrition-ally balanced meals and snacks Child/teacher ratio: Meets or exceeds state guidelines Awards or designations: NAC ac-credited; 4 stars, Kentucky

Stars for Kids Now Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Yes Cost: Sliding scale fees, United Way or state funding available

NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER147 Nunn Dr., Newport, (859) 572-6338, earlychildhoodcenter.nku/edu Serving children of stu-dents and faculty at NKU and the community, the ECC works collaboratively with parents and university departments to benefi t chil-dren as they experience the joys of childhood. Ages: 12 months–5 years Capacity: 15, ages 12–30 months; 30, ages 30 months–5 years; waiting list with priority given to NKU students Hours: Half-day, 7 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; full-day, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. for 2, 3, or 5 days a week Style of teaching: Play-based, Reggio Emilia Meals: Breakfast and af-ternoon snack provided, parents provide lunches Child/teacher ratio: 4:1 toddlers, 8:1 preschool

Awards or designations:NAEYC accredited; 2 stars, Kentucky Stars for Kids Now Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes, case by case Cost: $50–$250/week

PRINCE OF PEACE SCHOOL625 Pike St., Covington, (859) 431-5153, popcov.com Featuring small class-es, a diverse urban popula-tion, and an active parent association, POPS offers a nurturing atmosphere promoting self-respect, and respect of others and the environment. Ages: 3–5 Capacity: 40, spots available for 3- and 4-year-olds Hours: Half-day, 8–11 a.m. with after-care until dismissal; full-day, 7:50 a.m.–2:40 p.m. Extended care: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Catholic, Montessori Meals: Break-fast and hot lunch available daily; students can also pack lunch Child/teach-er ratio: 10:1 Awards or designations: Diocese of Covington, Montessori


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PhysiciansRichard B. Heyman, MD

Stephen I. Pleatman, MD

Ronna Y. Schneider, MD

Carla C. Barreau, MD

Jennifer F. Ringel, MD

Robert P. Wallace, MD

Melissa A. T. Wallace, DO

Tina M. DuMont, MD

Amanda S. Lee, MD

Kristin L. Kaltenstadler, MD

Karen H. Yeh, MD

Nurse PractitionersEileen M. Bens, RN, CPNP, IBCLC

Karen B. Pollitt, RN, CPNP

Shari M. Kehres, MSN, CNP, IBCLC

Lindsi M. Meek, RN, PNP-BC

3–6-year-olds Awards or designations: NAEYC ac-credited; 4 stars, Kentucky Stars for Kids Now Enrolls students with disabili-ties: Yes Cost: $160–$185/week, United Way or state funding available

TRENT MONTESSORI305 Park Ave., Newport, (859) 491-3223, trentmontessori.com Trent provides an authentic nine-month preschool Montessori experience to help children meet their developmental and social needs so they may reach their greatest potential and become successful members of the communi-ty. Ages: 3–6 years Capac-ity: 60; ongoing waiting list, parents can place child on waiting list when gender is known Hours:Mon–Fri, 9–11:45 a.m. or 12:45–3:30 p.m. Extend-ed care: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Style of teaching:Montessori Meals: Parents pack nutritious lunch and provide one week of nutri-tious, pre-packaged snacks Child/teacher ratio: 10:1

Awards or designations: NAEYC accredited Enrolls students with disabili-ties? Yes Cost: $4,050

DAYTON

BOMBECK FAMILY LEARNING CENTER941 Alberta St., Dayton, (937) 229-2158, udayton.e d u /e d u c a t i o n /c e l /bombeckcenter Provid-ing care and education for children through mutual respect, refl ective practice, and research, the Bombeck Center is a unique learning environment and demon-stration school for UD’s School of Education and Allied Professions. Space available for nursing moth-ers when visiting. Ages: 6 weeks–5 years Capacity: 126, waiting list with prior-ity given to UD family, stu-dents, and alumni Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Style of teaching: Child-directed, based on Montessori, Reggio, other childhood theorists, and Catholic Marianist teach-ings Meals: Nutritious snacks and lunches provid-

ed Child/teacher ratio:4:1 infants, 5:1 toddlers, 8:1 preschool Awards or des-ignations: NAEYC accred-ited; 5 stars, Ohio Step Up to Quality; Top Child Care Center, Dayton Business Journal Enrolls students with disabilities: Yes Cost: $213-$270/week

COUNTRY HILLS MONTESSORI 325 E . Central Ave. , Springboro, (937) 748-0868, chmschools.com/springboro Country Hills Montessori has seven lo-cations in the Greater Cin-cinnati area, each within healthcare centers to fa-cilitate intergenerational learning, promoting inclu-siveness and collaboration across generations. Other locations: West Chester, Eastgate, Montgomery, Oakley, Harrison, and Ft. Thomas. Ages: 3–6 Ca-pacity: 32, waiting list Hours: 3- or 5-day pro-grams; morning 9:15–11:45 a.m., afternoon 12:45–3:15 p.m.; full day 9:15 a.m.–3:15 p.m. for ages 4–6, three full days plus two mornings

Extended care: No Style of teaching: Montessori Meals: Snacks provided, parents pack lunch for full-day program Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 Enrolls students with disabil-ities: Case by case Cost:$3,000–$6,200

FAIRMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PRESCHOOL 3705 Far Hills Ave., Ket-tering, (937) 299-3539, fa irmontchurch.org /preschool.html A self-sup-porting nonprofi t preschool for 57 years, Fairmont Pres-byterian off ers a Christian atmosphere to provide enrichment and support as your child grows and gains independence. Ages: 3–4 Capacity: 46, spots available Hours:2- or 3-day classes Mon–Fri, 8:45–11:30 a.m. Ex-tended care: No Style of teaching: Christian-based Meals: Snacks offered Child/teacher ratio: 8:1 3-year-olds, 10:1 3- and 4-year-olds Enrolls stu-dents with disabilities: Yes Cost: $855–$1,125


PEDIATRICS

NANCY BAGAMERYPediatricians of Hyde Park,

3666 Paxton Ave., Cincin-

nati, OH 45208, (513) 871-

0684

JOSEPH BAILEYTriHealth: Queen City Phy-

sicians, 6350 Glenway Ave.,

Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH

45211, (513) 481-9700

CHRISTOPHER BOLLINGPediatric Associates of

Northern Kentucky, 2865

Chancellor Dr., Suites 225

and 120, Crestview Hills,

KY 41017, (859) 341-5400

First Time Moms and New Residents only.

ELIZABETH BROWNPediatricians of Hyde

Park, 3666 Paxton Ave.,

Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513)

871-0684 First Time Moms only.

CHRISTOPHER CUNHAPediatric Associates of

Northern Kentucky, 2865

Chancellor Dr., Suites 225,

Crestview Hills, KY 41017,

(859) 341-5400 First Time Moms and New Residents only.

NANCY DEBLASISTriHealth: Group Health,

8245 Northcreek Dr., Cin-

cinnati, OH 45236, (513)

246-7000

CINCINNATI/ NORTHERN KENTUCKY

These practitioners are listed on Cincinnati Magazine’s 2014 Top Doctors list. To see the complete list, go to cincinnatimagazine.com/topdoctors

OBSTETRICS

BRUCE ALLEN2752 Erie Ave., Suite 3, Cincinnati, OH 45208, (513) 871-0290

SARAH BARTLETTObstetrics & Gynecology Associates, 3050 Mack Rd., Suite 375, Fairfield, OH 45014, (513) 221-3800

KELLIE FLOOD-SHAFFERUC Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, 222 Pied-mont Ave., Suite 8000, Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513) 475-8588

KURT FROEHLICHKurt W. Froehlich, M.D., 140 W Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45246, (513) 671-0600

SANDY LYNN GARDNERTriHealth Women’s Ser-vices Samaritan Obstet-rics and Gynecology, 1149 Stone Dr., Harrison, OH 45030, (513) 367-6740

MARIA GERBERUC Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, 7675 Well-ness Way, Suite 400,

West Chester, OH 45069, (513) 475-8248

JOHN R. JACKSONOB/GYN Specialists of Northern Kentucky, 20 Medical Village Dr., Suite 302, Edgewood, KY 41017, (859) 341-2510

ELIZABETH KELLYUC Health Obstetrics & Gy-necology, 234 Goodman St., Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513) 584-3999

MEGAN KESSLER, For Women, Inc., 10475 Reading Rd., Suite 307, Cincinnati, OH 45241, (513) 563-2202

TARA KNIPPERTriHealth: Group Health, 7810 Five Mile Rd., Cin-cinnati, OH 45230, (513) 246-7000

SARAH LEWISTriHealth: Group Health, 8245 Northcreek Dr., Cin-cinnati, OH 45236, (513) 246-7000

MAMATA NARENDRANObstetrics & Gynecology Associates, 3050 Mack Rd., Suite 375, Fairfield, OH 45014, (513) 221-3800

ALLANA OAK, D.O.St . E l izabeth Phys i -cians Laborists Edgewood, 1 Medical Village Dr., Edge-

wood, KY 41018, (859) 301-2000

GERARD REILLYSeven Hills Women’s Health Centers, 9312 Winton Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45231, (513) 922-0009

MABLE ROBERTSMt. Auburn Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates, Inc., 2123 Auburn Ave., Suite 724, Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513) 241-4774

STEPHEN J. SCHUERMANNTriHealth Women’s Ser-vices Samaritan Obstet-rics and Gynecology, 1149 Stone Dr., Harrison, OH 45030, (513) 367-6740

GRAIG W. SMITHTriHealth Women’s Ser-vices Samaritan Obstet-rics and Gynecology, 1149 Stone Dr., Harrison, OH 45030, (513) 367-6740

ERIC STAMLERSeven Hil ls Women’s Health Centers, 5885 Harrison Ave., Suite 3100, Cincinnati, OH 45248, (513) 922-6666

JAMES WENDELMt. Auburn Obstetrics & Gynecologic Associates, Inc., 2123 Auburn Ave., Suite 724, Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513) 241-4774

A TO ZGUIDE

THE

MEDICAL CARE

Obstetrician and pediatrician groups to take care of you and your little one’s medical needs.

HealthSource of OhioHow Health Care Should Be

Eastgate Pediatrics & Adult Medicine559 Old SR 74513.753.2820

Anderson Ob/Gyn8074 Beechmont Ave.513.474.2870

2055 Hospital Drive Suite 130513.732.0870

How Health Care Should Be

We aWW ccept Medicaid,Medicare, private

discounted fee ff for ff

www.healthsourww ceofo ohio.ff com


A TO ZGUIDE

THE208-6810; 725 University

Blvd., Fairborn, OH 45324,

(937) 208-6810; wright

statephysicians.org

PEDIATRICS

CHILDREN’S HEALTH CLINIC AT DAYTON CHILDREN’S730-C Valley St., Dayton,

OH 45404, (937) 641-3500,

childrensdayton.org

OHIO PEDIATRICS7200 Poe Ave., Suite 201,

Dayton, OH 45414, (937)

236-5396; 1775 Delco Park

Dr., Kettering, OH 45420,

(937) 299-2339; ohiopedi

atrics.com

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES OF DAYTON5450 Far Hills Ave., Suite

110, Kettering, OH 45429,

(937) 436-2866; 9000 N.

Main St., Suite 332, Dayton,

OH 45414, (937) 832-7337;

3140 Dayton Xenia Rd.,

Beavercreek, OH 45432,

(937) 320-1950; pediatric

associatesofdayton.com

PRIMED PEDIATRICS5250 Far Hills Ave., Ket-

tering, OH 45429, (937)

433-7991; 6520 Acro Ct.,

Centerville, OH 45459,

(937) 291-6850; other

area locations; primed

physicians.com

JEFF DRASNINESD Pediatric Group, 905 Main St., Milford, OH 45150, (513) 248-1210

CAMILLE GRAHAMMid-City Pediatrics, 8250 Kenwood Crossing Way, Cincinnati, OH 45236, (513) 948-8444 Not accepting new patients.

EVELYN JOSEPHPediatricians of Hyde Park, 3666 Paxton Ave., Cincin-nati, OH 45208, (513) 871-0684 Not accepting new patients.

ROBERT LACKERKenwood Pediatric Associ-ates Inc., 7835 Remington Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513) 984-1400

DAWN MANFROYTriHealth: Group Health, 7810 Five Mile Rd., Cin-cinnati, OH 45230, (513) 246-7000

PIERRE MANFROYNortheast Cincinnati Pe-diatric Associates, 11238 Cornell Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513) 530-0200

CAROLINE MUELLERUC Health Primary Care,

3130 Highland Ave. , Cincinnati, OH 45219, (513) 584-7425

JONATHAN MUMMATriHealth: Group Health, 7810 Five Mile Rd., Cin-cinnati, OH 45230, (513) 246-7000

JOHN JOSEPH ROBINSON JR.TriHealth: Group Health, 9070 Winton Rd., Cincin-nati, OH 45231, (513) 246-7000

ASIM SHABBIRWest Side Adult and Pediatric Care, 2450 Kipling Ave., Suite 206, Cincinnati, OH 45239, (513) 681-3500

LIBBEY SPIESSTriHealth: Queen City Phy-sicians, 6350 Glenway Ave., Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH 45211, (513) 481-9700

SHELLY VOETPediatric Associates of Northern Kentucky, 2865 Chancellor Dr., Suites 225 and 120, Crestview Hills, KY 41017, (859) 341-5400 First time moms and new residents only.

JOHN BARTSCHBeacon Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, 500 E-Business Way, Sharon-

ville, OH 45241, (513) 354-3700

DAYTON

Cincinnati Magazine’s Top Doc-tors list does not include Day-ton, Ohio, physicians, but these groups serve that area and are worth a look.

OBSTETRICS

KETTERING REPRODUC-TIVE MEDICINE3533 Southern Blvd., Suite 4100, Kettering, OH 45429, (937) 395-8444, khnet work.org/reproductive

OAK CREEK OB/GYN2510 Commons Blvd., Suite 270, Beavercreek, OH 45431, (937) 431-0200; 6438 Wilmington Pike, Suite 300, Centerville, OH 45459, (937) 848-4850; 10 Remick Blvd., Springboro, OH 45066, (937) 886-2705; oakcreekobgyn.com

PREMIER OB/GYN630 N. Main St., Suite 200, Springboro, OH 45066, (937) 748-8516; 1 Wyo-ming St., Suite 3140, Day-ton, OH 45409, (937) 748-8516; other area locations; premierhealthnet.com

WRIGHT STATE PHYSICIANS1 Wyoming St., Suite 4130, Dayton, OH 45409, (937)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

BECOMING MOM5685 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, OH 45040,

(513) 770-6730, becomingmomspa.com Be-coming Mom caters to expectant and trying mothers, offering spa services, ultrasounds, clothing, and pregnancy necessities.

BLUE COCOON9393 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, OH

45242, (513) 791-1089, bluecocoonbaby.

com Cincinnati’s premier lactation boutique, Blue Cocoon offers education, products, and events for nursing moms.

CASSINELLI AND SHANKER ORTHODONTICSWest Chester office: 7242 Tylers Corner Dr.,

West Chester, OH 45069, (513) 777-7060;

Cincinnati office: 9505 Montgomery Rd.,

Cincinnati, OH 45242, (513) 549-6982; west

chesterorthodontics.com Board-certified doctors provide orthodontic care to West Chester, Cincinnati, Mason, and surround-ing areas in Ohio.

CENTER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH AT SYMMES ROAD1020 Symmes Rd., Fairfield, OH 45014,

(513) 893-4107, tcfwh.com The Center for Women’s Health provides top health services for women by meeting individual physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

GYNECOLOGIC AND OBSTETRIC CONSULTANTS OF GREATER CINCINNATI 2123 Auburn Ave., Suite 528, Cincinnati, OH

45219, (513) 792-5800; 10506 Montgom-

ery Rd., Suite 204, Cincinnati, OH 45242,

(513) 792-5810; goc.md Physicians at GOC of Greater Cincinnati provide personalized healthcare to women with 24-hour service.

HEALTHSOURCE OF OHIO5400 DuPont Circle, Suite A, Milford, OH

45150, (513) 576-7700, healthsourceofohio.

com HealthSource of Ohio offers medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to people in Southwest Ohio.

MONTGOMERY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY9505 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH

45242, (513) 891-0660, montgomery

pediatricdentistry.com Montgomery Pedi-atric Dentistry offers first-rate dental care to children in Cincinnati and Montgomery, along with the surrounding area.

MUDDY CREEK PEDIATRICS 6400 Thornberry Ct., Suite 610, Mason,

OH 45040, (513) 398-3900, muddycreek

peds.com Muddy Creek Pediatrics provides top-notch pediatric care in a personal and comfortable setting.

NOURISH(513) 245-4224, nourishyourself.com Nour-ish is a personal cooking service helping families serve home-cooked and healthy meals that are prepared at the family’s home.

NURTURE BIRTHnurturebirth.com Nurture Birth offers doula services and childbirth education classes in Cincinnati, Dayton, and North-ern Kentucky.

REPRODUCTIVE SOLUTIONS(513) 325-0347, reproductivesolutionsllc.

com Reproductive Solutions helps prospec-tive parents find gestational carriers.

SUBURBAN PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES9600 Children’s Dr., Building D, Suite 100,

Mason, OH 45040, (513) 336-6700; 7335

Yankee Rd., Liberty Township, OH 45044,

(513) 336-6700; 752 Waycross Rd., Cincin-

nati, OH 45240, (513) 336-6700; suburban

pediatrics.org Through comprehensive care, Suburban Pediatric Associates offers pediatric services to infants, children, and adolescents.

Seeking Gestational Carriers Ages 21-36

History of successful and uncomplicated pregnancies

Appropriate height to weight ratio

Flexible schedule

Reliable transportation

Agree to undergo criminal background check

Complete psychological screening and testing

(513) 325-0347

reproductivesolutionsllc.com


in: Home births and hospi-tal births; on-location and in-home portrait sessions Cost: Starting at $599 for newborn package, $499 for family and child package

JUST KIDS PHOTOGRAPHY6464 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., Liberty Township, (513) 847-4417, justkids photography.com Session length: Varies Specializ-es in: Families, focusing on maternity, newborn, and young children Cost: Starting at $89 for print, $100 for digital

KELLY MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY 625 Main St., Covington, (859) 630-3377, kelly michellephotography.com Session length: Varies Cost: Starting at $100 for portrait sessions; packages from $295 to $995

KENDALL ROUDEBUSH PHOTOGRAPHY(513) 306-5865, kroude bushphotography.com Session length: Varies Specializes in: Natural

BD PHOTOGRAPHY (513) 349-7140, iwantbd photography.com Session length: Varies Specializ-es in: Love Experience, sessions for tired parents looking to reconnect Cost: Starting at $400 for all- inclusive package, includ-ing CD

BEN ELSASS PHOTOGRAPHY (773) 570-0457, benelsass photography.com Session length: 90 minutes Cost: Packages start at $200 for family sessions

BRITTANY BROWN PHOTOGRAPHYbrittanybrownphoto.com Session length: 1 hour Specializes in: Natural and strobe light photogra-phy Cost: Packages start at $230 for newborn session; first-year session packages also available

CARRIE LYNNE PHOTOGRAPHY Studio in Newtown, carrie lynnephotography.com Session length: Mini ses-sions, 20–30 minutes; full

sessions, 1 hour; newborn sessions, 2–4 hours Cost: Packages start at $250 (for mini sessions) and up to $650 for digital files

CHILDREN’S GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO 8809-B Cincinnati-Day-ton Rd., West Chester, (513) 759-5200, child rensgardenphoto.com Session length: Varies Specializes in: More than 20 years of professional ex-perience; full-service stu-dio with a variety of props, backgrounds, and floor-to-ceiling windows; studio situ-ated on one acre of beautiful scenery with dozens of sets Cost: Packages start at $125 for children’s sessions, $165 for newborn and maternity sessions, $375 for first-year plan sessions

DRAGONFLY STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY dragonflystudiosphoto graphy.com Session length: Varies Specializ-es in: Bump to Birthday packages; newborns and children under 2 can be photographed in home stu-

dio Cost: Packages start at $125 for full sessions, $250 for digital collections (with print release)

ESSENZA STUDIO AND GALLERY 746 St. Rt. 28, Milford, (513) 831-5351, essenzastudio.com Session length: Var-ies Specializes in: In-studio children and family Cost: Packages start at $350

HEZLEP PHOTOGRAPHY (513) 528-3778, hezlep photography.com Ses-sion length: Varies Spe-cializes in: Natural light; photojournalistic-styled photography; also offers professional studio light-ing Cost: Packages start at $100 for Newborn Essen-tials sessions; Milestone Baby plan starts at $575 and includes a full family session during the new-born session; full family sessions start at $150

JEN MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY(513) 580-4536, jenmoore photography.com Session length: Varies Specializes

PHOTOGRAPHY

Hire a pro to capture those timeless first photos.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH


Watch your performer grow leaps and bounds at The Studio for Dance.

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Ages 3 to Adult

light photography Cost:Starting at $100 for on-lo-cation session with up to four people

LAURA ELAINEPHOTOGRAPHY(513) 307-6594, lauraelainephotography.com Session length: Up to 3 hours Cost:Packages start at $375 for newborn session; DVD and print release included with all packages

LBV BABY BOUTIQUE PORTRAITS 4925 Hanley Rd., White Oak, (513) 257-5244, lbvbaby.com Session length: Varies Specializ-es in: Maternity, newborn, and baby photography through the fi rst year Cost: Packages start at $350

LOFT 3 PHOTOGRAPHY(513) 739-8811, loft3photography.com Ses-sion length: 90 minutes Specializes in: Natural light photography Cost:Starting at $450 for por-trait sessions, including USB with enhanced images

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LOVE IN REAL LIFEloveinreallife.com Session length: 1–2 hours (longer for birth and newborn ses-sions) Cost: Packages start at $350 for Family Life pho-tography sessions, $400 for birth photography sessions

MARK GARBER PHOTOGRAPHYSuite B, 405 N. Main St., Springboro, (937) 748-8445, markgarber.com Session length: Varies Cost: Packages start at $350 for children’s portrait sessions

MISCHIEF AND LAUGHS Studio In Springboro, (513) 300-7138, mischiefand laughs .com Session length: Varies; family sessions average 1 hour Specializes in: Newborn, child, and family photogra-phy Cost: Packages start at $400; $100 session fees

MOMENTS PHOTOGRAPHYmomentsfamilyphotogra phy.com Session length: 1

hour Cost: Packages start at $375

NIXON PHOTOGRAPHY31 Endress St., German-town, (937) 477-1576, nixon photography.com Ses-sion length: Varies Cost: Packages start at $245 for newborn session; à la carte and digital pricing also available

SHELBY STREET PHOTOGRAPHY15 W. Pike St., Covington, (859) 907-4343, shelby streetphotography.com Session length: 2–4 hours Cost: Packages start at $249 for newborn sessions

SNICKERDOODLES PHOTOGRAPHY(513) 919-6239, snicker doodlesphoto.com Ses-sion length: Varies Cost: Packages start at $225 for on-location session with families of five or less; prints 8x10 or larger begin at $50; packages, which include digital images on a CD and an album, start at $1,200

SONJA B. PHOTOGRAPHY7409 Ivy Hills Pl., New-town, (513) 300-9578, sonjabphotography.com Session length: 1–2 hours Specializes in: Family photography Cost: Start-ing at $350 for session, in-cluding 30-plus images on USB with copyrights

STUDIO N PHOTOGRAPHY 3028 Harrison Ave., West-wood, (513) 245-1097, studionphotography.com Session length: 1–2 hours Specializes in: Specialty products including heir-loom albums, custom cards and announcements, and custom-designed wall art Cost: Starting at $175 for creative session with styling and consultation, in-person viewing and or-dering session, and a cus-tom wall art creation; à la carte prints and products start at $50; print collec-tions start at $475

SWEET BLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY21 S. Main St., Waynesville,

(937) 241-8714, sweet bloomphotography.com Session length: Varies Specializes in: Newborn photography; also offers maternity, baby, birthday, and cake smash sessions Cost: Starting at $275 and including digital images

SWEET THINGS PHOTOGRAPHYsweetthingsphotos.com Session length: 30–90 minutes Specializes in: Lifestyle maternity, new-born, baby, children, and family portraits; full print-ing rights given with every session Cost: Starting at $100 for mini sessions, $175 for full sessions

TWINKLE STARS PHOTOGRAPHYtwinklestarsphotography.com Session length: Fam-ily sessions average 1 hour; newborn sessions average 2–3 hours; 20-minute mini sessions available Cost: Starting at $210 for new-born sessions with CD, $175 for family sessions with CD


PARTY PLACES

Want to plan the perfect birthday party? Here’s a list of a handful of spots around the region that can make your kid’s birthday dreams come true.

and games to explore na-ture at one of the six nature centers of your choice. Capacity: No limit Cost: $125/10 children, $10/ad-ditional child

CINCINNATI REDS HALL OF FAME100 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown, (513) 765-7923, reds.com Celebrate in the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Tour the museum, chow down on pizza, and even stay for a game. Ca-pacity: Please call Cost: $225–$325/10 children and 2 adults, $12–$20 each additional guest

CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN3400 Vine St., Clifton, (513) 559-7767, cincinnati zoo.org Our beloved zoo has more than 500 animal species, and party guests get a visit from two animal ambassadors. Capacity:

BEE ACTIVE ADVENTURE ZONE1050 Cincinnati Mills Dr., Forest Park, (513) 563-2600, beeactive.biz Bounce and play on Bee Active’s nine giant inflat-ables and in the gymnas-tics play center. Capacity: Maximum 20 guests Cost: $150–$200

BLUE MANATEE CHIL-DREN’S BOOKSTORE3054 Madison Rd., Oakley, (513) 731-2665, bluemana teebooks.com Kids enjoy readings and games ar-ranged by an art educator. Capacity: Maximum 12 guests Cost: $190/6 chil-dren, $15 each additional child

THE BONBONERIE2030 Madison Rd., O’Bry-onville, (513) 321-3399, bonbonerie.com Have a tea party with pinkies out, sip tea, and have a girly-fun

time. Capacity: Maximum

35 guests Cost: $25/adult,

$18/child

BOONSHOFT MUSEUM2600 DeWeese Pkwy.,

Dayton, Ohio, (937) 275-

7431, boonshoftmuseum.

org Boonshoft allows you to enter the world of dis-covery and release your inner scientist. Capacity: Maximum 24 guests Cost: $165 members, $195 non-

members/15 children, $10/

additional child

BRAZEE STREET STUDIOS4426 Brazee St., Oakley,

(513) 321-0206, brazee

streetstudios.com Calling all artsy and creative kids: you can enjoy a birthday filled with glass-fusing and art projects. Capacity: Maximum 16 guests Cost: $300/10 children, $30

each additional child

CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER1301 Western Ave., Queens-gate, (513) 287-7000, cincy museum.org It’s one of the top ranked children’s mu-seums in the United States. Climb, crawl, and interact within the museum’s gro-cery store, post office, and veterinary clinic. Capacity: Maximum 25 guests Cost: $200 members, $225 non-members

CINCINNATI NATURE CENTER4949 Tealtown Rd., Mil-ford, (513) 831-1711, cincy nature.org Take in the na-ture at the Nature Center; walk the trails and play in the play scape. Capacity: Maximum 15 guests Cost: $225–$250

CINCINNATI PARKS(513) 321-6070, cincinnati parks.com/explore-nature A naturalist brings fossils

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Maximum 50 guests Cost: $250 members, $275 non-members; $10 admission for nonmembers

COCO KEY WATER RESORT11320 Chester Rd., Sha-ronville, (513) 771-2080, cocokeycincinnati.com Splash around in the re-sort’s waterpark and score big in the arcade. Capacity: Maximum 23 guests Cost: $199–$699

CUPCAKE CRAZY7458 Montgomery Rd., Kenwood, (513) 984-1100, cupcakecrazyincincinnati. com Kids can get into the kitchen, baking cookies, cakes, and more at Cupcake Crazy. Capacity: Maximum 14 guests Cost: $300/10 guests, $15 each addition-al guest

DRAKE PLANETARIUM2060 Sherman Ave., Nor-wood, (513) 396-5578, drakeplanetarium.org Get creative by connecting and building in Drake’s Lego lab. Capacity: Maximum 25 guests Cost: $275/12

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children, $14 each addi-tional child

ENTERTRAINMENT JUNCTION7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, (513) 898-8000, entertrainmentjunction.com Trek through the world’s largest indoor model train display, oh and ah at the model trains, and run through the A-MAZ-N Funhouse. Capacity: Maximum 50 guests Cost: $149–$699

FIRE MUSEUM OF GREATER CINCINNATI315 W. Court Suite 1, down-town, (513) 621-5553, cincyfiremuseum.com Create an adventure through the museum’s exhibits and safe house, learn fi re safety tips, and explore fi refi ghting his-tory. Capacity: Maximum 40 guests Cost: $150

GREAT PARKS OF HAMILTON COUNTY(513) 521-7275, greatparks.org Hamilton County has various parks, among them Parky’s Farm and Sharon Woods, that can play host to

a party. Enjoy the activities each park has to off er. Ca-pacity: Varies Cost: Varies

KIDS FIRST SPORTS CENTER7900 E. Kemper Rd. (513) 489-7575, kidsfi rstsports.com Choose from a variety of party packages: swim, gym, or backyard. Have fun splashing, running, and playing at this facili-ty, which is also home to the Hubbard Family Swim School. Capacity: Max-imum 12 guests Cost: $239–$349

LASER WEB DAYTON533 Miamisburg-Center-ville Rd., Dayton, Ohio, (937) 435-2737, funat-theweb.com Rack up points in the arcade or play laser tag. Also has a location in West Chester, The Web Extreme Entertainment. Capacity: 30 Cost: $179–$239

NEWPORT AQUARIUMOne Aquarium Way, New-port, (859) 261-3300, newportaquarium.com The adventures at the aquar-

ium are endless. Guests enjoy the numerous aquat-ic exhibits and can head over to a party experience at GameWorks at Newport on the Levee. Capacity: Maximum 25 guests Cost: $24.74–$28.49/child

POGO PLAY10870 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash, (513) 432-5593, gopogoplay.com Run, jump, and play around in Pogo Play’s giant playground. Parties include private time in the infl atable rooms. Capacity: Maximum 20 guests Cost: $265–$430

PUMP IT UP7724 Service Center Dr., West Chester, (513) 829-7867, pumpitupparty.com Jump around in two rooms fi lled with massive infl at-ables, climb a rock wall and play ball. Capacity: Maximum 25 guests Cost: $199–$479

SKY ZONE11745 Commons Dr. , Springdale, (513) 671-1333, skyzone.com Bounce off the walls—literally!—in Sky-

zone’s endless trampoline arena. Capacity: 35 Cost: $18–$20/child

SUN ROCK FARMS103 Gibson Ln., Wilder, (859) 781-5502, sunrockfarm.org Milk goats, gath-er eggs, and visit with Sun-rock Farms’ many animals. Capacity: Maximum 20 guests Cost: $10 each child

TOTTER’S OTTERVILLE4314 Boron Dr., Covington, (859) 491-1441, tottersotterville.com At Totter’s, kids can pretend grocery shop, dig in a construction zone, and put on a puppet show. Capacity: Maximum 30 guests Cost: $12.99–$14.99/child

WEST CHESTER ACADEMY OF MUSIC8374 Princeton-Glendale Rd. Suite 5, West Chester, (513) 829-2345, musiclessonsinwestchesterohio.com Your group can sing, dance, and play instruments at West Chester Academy’s musical birthday parties. Capacity: Maximum 20 guests Cost: $150

7458 Montgomery Rd513-984-1100

Mon–Fri 10:30-6:30Sat: 9:00-4:00

www.cupcakecrazyincincinnati.com

Like us on

Cupcakes, Cake Pops, Cakes for All,p ,esp akeC Cca psP orakC AlesOccasions, Cookies, Cake Push Ups, O C kO C C UPk h

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Baby Gender Reveal Cakes • Baby Showers • Birthdays


LASTTHE

LAUGH

MOMS TELL ALL

Our last house backed up to a park with a playground. I would

bring the monitor during morning nap time, lock the doors, and let the

other two get their energy out while I kept one eye on the house and one on the playground. One day my toddler

asked, “Who is watching Jane?” I said, “Jesus.” That seemed

to suffice.

The iPad is the best babysitter I’ve ever found. If it weren’t for that, I’d never get a shower in the morn-

ing or dinner on the table at night!

MOMMY CONFESSIONS

Yes, I have a favorite.

When it’s been a really long day and my toddler wants me to read the longest book on his bookshelf, I skip pages.

Sometimes two or three at a time. He doesn’t seem

to notice.

In the evening my son will ask if he can have some candy. I tell

him no, that we don’t eat candy when it’s almost time for bed. I then proceed to shut myself

in the pantry where he can’t find me and devour

a chocolate bar.

I’m afraid to get my camera fixed because my 6-year-old son took about 30 pictures of his man parts right before

he broke it. I’d rather have a broken camera than go

to jail, I guess.

I know it’s been too long since I bathed my kids when I realize the bath toys are still

neatly put away from when the cleaning lady came.

Two weeks ago.

My son was misbehav-ing so I put him in time out,

then walked back upstairs to clean my bathroom. I remembered

he was in time out about an hour later, when I went looking for him be-cause he was being so quiet. He was still sitting in the hardwood “time

out chair” in the dining room… fast asleep.

I let my toddler chew on my husband’s

toothbrush. And then put it back.

I regularly take money out of my 5-year-old’s

piggy bank.

That’s because we’re here for you every step of the way,

from prenatal planning to delivery and beyond. At TriHealth,

our goal is to partner with you so we understand your

preferences for a happy and safe delivery. Maybe that’s

why we deliver more babies than any other health care

system in Greater Cincinnati.

Our skilled ob/gyn physicians, award-winning nurses,

midwives and breastfeeding experts, along with maternity

and parenting classes and birthing options, offer each

family the opportunity to create a personalized birthing

experience just right for them. It’s a promise we deliver.

To learn more, visit TriHealth.com.

We deliver more than just babies.

TriHealth.com | 513 475 4500

Bethesda North Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital

TriHealth Evendale Hospital

Bethesda Butler Hospital

Bethesda Arrow Springs

Good Samaritan Western Ridge

Good Samaritan Glenway

TriHealth Anderson

TriHealth Fitness & Health Pavilion

Group Health

TriHealth Physician Partners

TriHealth Priority Care

the baby guide and kids too! 2014

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