Irving Parent - June 2014

48
Get more at suburbanparent.com Irving Parent Award Winning Publication A Magazine for the Irving, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch Family June 2014 | FREE the it all know Summer Safety Slip-ups 10 Must Ask Questions for Dad Choosing an Outstanding Pediatrician Irving Parent

description

Irving Parent - Irving, Las Colinas, Valley Ranch Family - June 2014

Transcript of Irving Parent - June 2014

Get

mo

re a

t su

bu

rban

par

ent.

com

Irving ParentAward Winning Publication

A Magazine for the Irving, Las Colinas,

Valley Ranch Family

June 2014 | FREE

the

it all

know

Summer Safety Slip-ups

10Must Ask Questions for Dad

Choosing an

Outstanding Pediatrician

Irving Parent

We CareAbout You & Your Family

Jack Ireland, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4215

Jeffrey Mason, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4375

Dennis Pangtay, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-2555

Christopher Shelton, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-2515

Ramon Negrete, DCPHYSICAL MEDICINE

972-253-2580

Timothy Thomason, MDOTOLARYNGOLOGY

972-253-4250

Constance Zhou, MDOTOLARYNGOLOGY

972-253-4280

Casey Fox, AuDAUDIOLOGY

972-253-4280

Mica Ingram, AuDAUDIOLOGY

972-253-4250

Sharon Cebik, MDINTERNAL MEDICINE

972-253-4265

Ty Maddox, DOINTERNAL MEDICINE

972-253-2500

Susan Heller, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Karen Holland, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Joan Kay, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Darlene Kurian, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Natalya Shannon, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Tammi Williams, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Susan Straten, DORADIOLOGY

972-253-4315

Rajiv Dattatreya, MDENDOCRINOLOGY

972-253-4380

Jayasree Grandhi, MDNEPHROLOGY

972-823-6422

William Smith, MDUROLOGY

972-253-4210

Renuka Basavaraju, MDALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY/

RHEUMATOLOGY

972-253-4370

Gerald Edelman, MDONCOLOGY

972-253-4245

Cristina Valdez, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-594-0100

3501 N. MacArthur Blvd #400

Jenny Olivo, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4395

3501 N. MacArthur Blvd #400

Roy Whitaker, MDOPHTHALMOLOGY

972-253-25202001 N. MacArthur Blvd #425

Alex Garcia, DPMPODIATRY

214-492-1970800 W. Airport Freeway #110

John D. Overbeck, MDCARDIOLOGY

972-253-2505701 Tuscan Drive #205

Jeffrey Fine, MDGASTROENTEROLOGY

972-253-4205

Karen Bontia, MDNEUROLOGY

972-253-4270

R. Bernard Rochon, MDSURGERY

972-401-3102

Allan Furman, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-401-2335

Henry Pham, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-401-2802

Patricia Marroquin, MDOB/GYN

972-253-2530

John Maxey, MDOB/GYN

972-406-3000

Allergy/ImmunologyAudiologyCardiology

EndocrinologyENT

Facial Plastic SurgeryFamily Practice

GastroenterologyInternal Medicine

NephrologyNeurologyOB/GYN

Oncology andHematology

OphthalmologyPediatrics

Physical MedicinePodiatry

RheumatologySurgeryUrology

On-site Lab &Radiology Services

Office Hours:Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

After-Hours Clinic:Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm

Sat & Sun 9am-4pmwith no appointment

Open most holidays9am-4pm

2 Main Locations:2021 N. MacArthur Blvd.6750 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, Texas

972-253-4200www.mscitx.com

ProvidingQuality

Medical Careto Irving

since 1953

2021 N. M

acArthur Blvd

6750 N. MacArthur Blvd

Visalakshi Vallury, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4343

Julia Hodge, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4260

We CareAbout You & Your Family

Jack Ireland, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4215

Jeffrey Mason, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4375

Dennis Pangtay, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-2555

Christopher Shelton, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-2515

Ramon Negrete, DCPHYSICAL MEDICINE

972-253-2580

Timothy Thomason, MDOTOLARYNGOLOGY

972-253-4250

Constance Zhou, MDOTOLARYNGOLOGY

972-253-4280

Casey Fox, AuDAUDIOLOGY

972-253-4280

Mica Ingram, AuDAUDIOLOGY

972-253-4250

Sharon Cebik, MDINTERNAL MEDICINE

972-253-4265

Ty Maddox, DOINTERNAL MEDICINE

972-253-2500

Susan Heller, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Karen Holland, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Joan Kay, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Darlene Kurian, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Natalya Shannon, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Tammi Williams, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4300

Susan Straten, DORADIOLOGY

972-253-4315

Rajiv Dattatreya, MDENDOCRINOLOGY

972-253-4380

Jayasree Grandhi, MDNEPHROLOGY

972-823-6422

William Smith, MDUROLOGY

972-253-4210

Renuka Basavaraju, MDALLERGY/IMMUNOLOGY/

RHEUMATOLOGY

972-253-4370

Gerald Edelman, MDONCOLOGY

972-253-4245

Cristina Valdez, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-594-0100

3501 N. MacArthur Blvd #400

Jenny Olivo, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4395

3501 N. MacArthur Blvd #400

Roy Whitaker, MDOPHTHALMOLOGY

972-253-25202001 N. MacArthur Blvd #425

Alex Garcia, DPMPODIATRY

214-492-1970800 W. Airport Freeway #110

John D. Overbeck, MDCARDIOLOGY

972-253-2505701 Tuscan Drive #205

Jeffrey Fine, MDGASTROENTEROLOGY

972-253-4205

Karen Bontia, MDNEUROLOGY

972-253-4270

R. Bernard Rochon, MDSURGERY

972-401-3102

Allan Furman, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-401-2335

Henry Pham, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-401-2802

Patricia Marroquin, MDOB/GYN

972-253-2530

John Maxey, MDOB/GYN

972-406-3000

Allergy/ImmunologyAudiologyCardiology

EndocrinologyENT

Facial Plastic SurgeryFamily Practice

GastroenterologyInternal Medicine

NephrologyNeurologyOB/GYN

Oncology andHematology

OphthalmologyPediatrics

Physical MedicinePodiatry

RheumatologySurgeryUrology

On-site Lab &Radiology Services

Office Hours:Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

After-Hours Clinic:Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm

Sat & Sun 9am-4pmwith no appointment

Open most holidays9am-4pm

2 Main Locations:2021 N. MacArthur Blvd.6750 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Irving, Texas

972-253-4200www.mscitx.com

ProvidingQuality

Medical Careto Irving

since 1953

2021 N. M

acArthur Blvd

6750 N. MacArthur Blvd

Visalakshi Vallury, MDFAMILY PRACTICE972-253-4343

Julia Hodge, MDPEDIATRICS

972-253-4260

4 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Irving Parent 8344 Sterling Street | Irving, Texas 75063 | [email protected] | [email protected]

Suburban Parent and Irving Parent are registered trademarks. Reader correspondence and editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit all submissions due to space. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited.

Suburban Parent magazines

J une this year is so much more than a typical June. You know

gardening, planning vacations, pool par-ties, camps and day trips. This year it’s a month of preparing for a transition from our son living at home to a young man preparing to leave for college. Have I taught him enough? Is he prepared to leave home?

I know he is prepared. He had a great role model. His father. What was his father to him? Available. His father was there for him; encouraging him, challenging him, embracing him and loving him. I can remember from the very beginning, their connection was strong; their bond was tight. I will forever have the images of them in matching team jerseys, talking about sport team stats, reading the very first Harry Potter book together while both donning the black, round glasses as they read page after page.

His dad supported all his interests with great fervor and admiration. He coached, he spent long hours on the golf course, he taught him to under-stand reason in difficult situations.

He modeled temperance when dealing with the

struggles of decision making. Especially, most recently with all the decisions of col-lege preparation! He allowed the challeng-

ing of ideas, wants and demands offered from our

son; and guided him to resolu-tion and finally a commitment.

What overall was the most important trait his father modeled, I recently asked myself. I have to go with fortitude. The moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obsta-cles in the moral life.

While away from the confines of his home, he has his faith and strong sense of reason to help him when faced with challenges. And, of course, he has his biggest fans, his family.

For me, I recognize that he has a good foundation, however, I just got off the phone with him and let me just say… “A mother’s love will never end and our work is never done!” SP

Mary Ellen

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

A Mothers Job is Never Done

Mary shares...

Misty Stagnone Photography, www.mistystagnonephotography.com

COVER MODEL Riggs K., 1 yr.

This lil’ guy is a happy, energetic baby. His big brother, Rett, 5 years, says, “he smiles at every lady in Dallas!” Yes, his mom admits, “he is charming!” And with all this, he has a boister-ous laugh that is contagious! He also shares a birthday with his daddy; hmmm, who will get all the attention on that day?

6 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Rough & Ready!Mom doesn’t always like it, but the kids love it. And, come to find out, it’s actually good for them. Recent research claims that roughhousing “makes kids smart, emotionally intelligent, lovable and likeable, ethical, physically fit, and joyful.” How so? Roughhousing makes kids more resilient and rewires the brain for learning. It also builds social intelligence as they learn the difference between play and actual aggression. It teaches tak-ing turns and the appropriate use of strength and power. Plus, it promotes an active lifestyle and creates a strong father-child bond. Things to remember when roughhousing though, is to keep it safe of course, don’t roughhouse before bed, and don’t forget the girls – it’s good for them too. So get off the couch, dad, and get down on the carpet. Wrestle with them; tickle them; let them ride on your back. It’s good fun, good exercise and good for you too!

youshouldknow...WRITE IT DOWNKeeping a gratitude journal will make you happier. Psychologists often recommend doing so and research shows that those who do are up to 25 percent happier than those who don’t. You can do it in a notebook once a month or on your iPhone every day; it doesn’t matter. And once you start do-ing it, you can’t help but recognize the goodness in your life. And that can lead to long-term health payoffs too, like lower blood pressure, a stron-ger immune system, better sleep and fewer bouts of depression.

No Clarifying Shampoo? No Problem! While shampooing, massage 1 tablespoon of baking soda into your soaped-up hair. Rinse thoroughly. This should re-move any build-up of hair spray or other hair styling products.

lolLaughing isn’t just good for our emotions it’s good for our bodies too. The Bible already knew this, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22, NIV). Studies have shown that laughing relaxes the whole body for up to 45 minutes, boosts the immune system and releases endorphins. All of this helps to fill your emotional tank. You can’t feel anxious, upset or angry when you’re laughing! Find ways to fit laughter into your days to fill your emotional tank. It’s as easy as having a silly conversation with a child or reading a cartoon.

Tick-Tock To schedule or not to sched-ule, that is the question. And that will always be the question because no one, not even the experts, can agree on an answer. Wheth-er it’s your first child or your fourth, knowing exactly when your baby should eat, play and sleep can be a challenge. But that’s okay as long as it all gets done. The thing toremember, whether you follow a par-ent-led schedule, a baby-led schedule or a combination of both, is that your baby’s well-being comes first. So follow your doctor’s advice and your own gut feelings to determine what your baby needs when, no matter what the schedule says.

8 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

www.orthocaredfw.com

Bone and joint issues, at any age, can cause lasting complications. Finding the best solution requires

a multi-leveled approach from a team of experts.

At OrthoCare, our physicians work together with pain management experts and physical therapists to

understand the cause of your pain and to develop a plan to effectively treat it. You will feel confident

that you have made the right choice. When your pain is treated and your life is whole again, that’s

confidence you can feel.

With 10 clinic locations in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, you can find one nearest you by visiting www.

orthocaredfw.com or by calling 1-888-600-6474.

Confidence You Can Feel

questions...J. BROWN, MOM OF 2

asks...Q My husband and I just separated. How do I make this an easy transi-tion for our 1 and 2 year olds.

a Separation is a difficult time for the entire family and any big changes can often be difficult to deal with. I think the attention and focus on the children is an important first step as noted in the question. Spending the time taking care of the children’s needs by both parents is vital during this transition. However, remember that you too are going through a transition yourself and making sure you are taking care of your own needs is just as important. If you are not taking care of yourself it will be difficult to care for others. Communicate with your kids before and during the transition to see how the change is affecting them. Kids are very observant and have feelings and thoughts about life themselves.

JASON S. CARTER M.A. LPC

JAMIE, MOM OF TWIN BOYS

asks...Q I am the bread winner in our home and need to travel almost ev-ery week for at least 2 nights away from home. My husband has been resentful of this and I am not sure how to make our relationship better.

a My husband travels with his job often, so I know how your husband may feel. My suggestion is to sit down with him and have a talk about this. Let him know that you appreciate all the work he does for your family and the home. Make plans together and put into the calendar your “alone” time. It is important to maintain your relationship as a couple to keep it strong. When at home, pitch in with the home-chores and more im-portantly, never criticize how he does them! Try to rest before coming home, if possible, so you’re not too tired to be active with the kids and him.

LESI, MOM OF 2 AND WIFE TO 1

HEATHER, FIRST TIME MOM

asks...Q I am a first time mom and my pediatrician just recommended an infant dental exam. He has no teeth so I am curious about what to expect.

a Your child depends upon you to help establish the habits and environment that could otherwise lead to preventable prob-lems; therefore, the first visit, as well as subsequent ones, are designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills that will aid in the healthy development of your child. You’ll receive information about the proper care of your child’s teeth based upon risk assessment, dietary counseling, and anticipatory guidance about growth and development issues. So you see, as a new mother, there is a lot to learn! By making that first dental visit you will have a much greater chance of keeping your baby on a path to a healthy future!

MARK H. KOGUT, D.D.S., M.S.D.

a I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES. I AM 25 YEARS OLD AND IN GOOD SHAPE. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN, WILL

I ALWAYS BE DIABETIC AND WILL IT HURT MY BABY?

Diabetes affects 6-7% of pregnancies with 90% of these cases representing gestational diabetes. While certain ethnic groups as well as obesity and a seden tary lifestyle increase the risks for gestational dia-betes, any woman can have gestational diabetes. It is projected that up to 50% of women with gesta-tional diabetes will eventually develop diabetes later on in life. However, this figure is greatly influenced by risk factors such as ethnicity, obesity, family history and a sedentary lifestyle. Complications due to poor glucose control include larger babies which may increase the risks for birth trau ma. After delivery, babies born to women with poor glucose control may also be at risk for low blood sugars and other complications. The risks to the baby can be significantly decreased by good control of your blood sugars. It is important to have diabetic education and learn to monitor your blood glucose levels.

momsolvers

ask...theOB/GYN!JOSHUA L. WEISS, MDMaternal-Fetal Medicine SpecialistMedical City Hospital, Dallas

EMAIL YOUR QUESTIONS to [email protected], subject “questions” or SUBMIT QUESTIONS ON FACEBOOK.COM/MOMSOLVERS. Either way, we’ll find answers!

www.orthocaredfw.com

Bone and joint issues, at any age, can cause lasting complications. Finding the best solution requires

a multi-leveled approach from a team of experts.

At OrthoCare, our physicians work together with pain management experts and physical therapists to

understand the cause of your pain and to develop a plan to effectively treat it. You will feel confident

that you have made the right choice. When your pain is treated and your life is whole again, that’s

confidence you can feel.

With 10 clinic locations in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, you can find one nearest you by visiting www.

orthocaredfw.com or by calling 1-888-600-6474.

Confidence You Can Feel

10 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Designed with dad in mind, this diaper bag comes complete with changing pad, cell phone holder, key rings and no flower print. Perfect for dads (and moms) on the go, it’s compart-mentalized with enough space to hold all the baby essentials. Plus, it’s comfortable with its sporty messenger styling. And affordable too! All the cool dads should have one! www.diaperdude.com. $59.99

TACTILEEngagementHere’s a neat way to combine the tactile ex-perience of real toys with the iPad screen for your toddler. The Tiggly Shapes are rubber-ized toys shaped like a circle, square, triangle and star with silicon touch points for the iPad to recognize. Your kiddo can play with them using any of the 3 free Tiggly apps: Tiggly Sa-fari, Tiggly Stamps, and Tiggly Draw. Safe and durable enough for your kids ages 18 months to 3 years. Gentle enough for your iPad. www.tiggly.com. S30

Babies are so sweet and so small, so why does all their stuff have to be so big? Well, here’s an option for the kitchen that will save you a little space. This

high chair is a full-size high chair that straps to most kitchen or dining chairs, so it’s easy to store when not

in use. (It’d be great for grandma’s house!) It has a machine-washable cover and a dishwasher-safe tray

and holds up to 50lbs. It’s a great value too! Find this infant to toddler product at Babies R Us. $45

SPACE SAVER

highchair

Diaper Dude!

we love

HomeTeam APP! Here’s an app for Dads (and Moms) with multiple kids on multiple teams playing multiple sports. Whether he’s the coach or just the kids’ biggest fan, this app will help him organize those busy sports sched-ules, plus keep track of team rosters and contact info. He can send and receive emails or texts and auto-matically add games to his device calendar. But the best feature is being able to view an all-in-one schedule for all his teams’ games. Making it to all those games? Well, that’s a different story.iTunes. .99

subu

rban

par

ent.c

om

GO ONLINE

for a chance

to WIN!

WINTHIS!

12 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Ask Your Friends! You can trust their opinion and experiences. Make sure to ask several so you can have a few pediatricians to look into further. What did they like and dislike about their doctor? How does the doctor interact with their children?

Board Certified? You have every right to ask about their credentials. Being board-certified in pediatrics would be import-ant criteria for you to consider. Being board certified would ensure that they are current on the latest medical advances and treatment policies. This is mandatory to maintain their board certifica-tion. Especially important if your child has special needs.

Are They Covered?If you have to choose within a network of doctors approved by your insurance company, it’s important to confirm their affiliation prior to

the interview process. You wouldn’t want to find the perfect doctor only to realize that you can’t use them.

Location, Location, Location. Keep in mind that between immunizations and well-baby check-ups you will have many visits to your pediatrician during your child’s first year. Chances are you’ll make a few extra trips with a sick baby as well; so if your child has a high fever and is crying, you won’t want to drive very far to get there.

Where do you stand on important issues? What are your views on important areas of your child’s care? Are you going to breastfeed? Do you support co-sleeping? You would want to choose a pediatrician that can help you with your wants and needs for taking care of your little one. Keep in mind, you do not need to have everything figured out, but

Choosing an

Outstanding Pediatrician

SO YOU’RE NOW IN YOUR 12TH WEEK OF PREGNANCY AND YOU ARE BUSY WITH ALL THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE NEW

ARRIVAL TO YOUR LIFE AND HOME. I BET YOU HAVE DONE YOUR RESEARCH ABOUT THE SAFETY OF CRIBS, WHICH CAR

SEAT IS THE SAFEST, BABY MONITORS, AND MAYBE EVEN A NAME. BUT HAVE YOU CONSIDERED WHO YOUR PEDIATRICIAN

WILL BE? HERE ARE SOME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED WITH CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN.

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 13

knowing a bit of what you have in mind would help you discuss caring for your baby with your pediatrician.

The Interview.Meet them at their office. While deciding on a pediatrician, wheth-

er you found them in a local parenting magazine or received a referral from a friend, go and visit them at their office. You will be able to see first-hand how their office is run.

At this meeting ask the important questions. Are they available by phone or email? Do they have an after-hour call center? How about a nurse practitioner? What about a lactation specialist? And a very important question is their hospital affiliations. You may want them at the hospital when you deliver your baby.

Is the atmosphere kid friendly? If there are some fun things there, you can remind them about the positives. “We’re going to see Dr. Williams today. Remember that fun slide he has in the waiting room? Maybe he will have more of those stickers you like to collect.”

Is the environment clean and professional? Pay attention to patients waiting while you are there and observe how they are treated by the office staff. Are they seen by the doctor in a timely manner? Is there a separate waiting area for well babies?

Your own instincts matter. You want to feel comfortable with your pediatrician because they will be the person you turn to when you have questions and concerns about your baby. Choosing someone to care for your precious child can be a difficult decision. You should choose the doctor that best suits your needs at this time. Should you discover later that you are not happy with the care your child is receiving, you can always switch. SP

4 Ways to Improve Parent-Doctor Communication During After Hour Calls

Although it’s important to reserve routine questions you may have for normal business hours, you should feel comfortable calling your doctor 24/7 if there is a real concern.

CHECKLIST FOR CALLING THE DOCTOR:

Have a list of your child’s symptoms, so that you don’t leave anything out. Take their temperature prior to calling the doctor.

Have a pen & paper ready to record any instruc-tions. It‘s easy to forget details when you are worried about your child.

Make sure to remind your doctor of any medical problems your child has now or has had in the past. If you are calling after hours they won’t have your child’s chart in front of them.

Be respectful and show appreciation for your doctor’s time. Yes, it is their job, but keep in mind that you may be interrupting their family time. By being efficient with your questions for the doctor, it allows for both of you to get back to your families quicker.

1

2

3

4

14 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

This morning, my nine-year-old daugh-

ter, Jessie, and I sat in her pediatri-

cian’s office. As we waited for the

doctor, she sat beside me reading,

“I Funny: A Middle School Story.” I don’t know

anything about the book, but noticed the gram-

matically incorrect title. If I had written a story

based on my mood at the time, I would have

titled it, “I Grouchy: A Tired Dad’s Story.”

My grouchiness surfaced at the same time

as the tiny red spots on Jessie’s abdomen,

which she scratched fiercely. A similar thing

happened about ten months ago and her doc-

tor had diagnosed it as scabies.

According to About.com Pediatrics, “Sca-

bies is a skin infection caused by an infestation

with the microscopic Sarcoptes scabei parasitic

mite. Although distressing for parents, who

associate conditions like scabies and head lice

with poor hygiene, scabies is actually fairly

common.” WebMD adds, “Scabies can affect

people of all ages and from all incomes and

social levels. Even people who keep themselves

very clean can get scabies.” I can confirm the

“distressing for parents” part and, for the re-

cord, we shower daily.

During our visit ten months ago, Jessie’s

pediatrician had recommended that the whole

family use a lotion to kill the mites. Prior to

bedtime that evening, my wife, Mattie, applied

the lotion to Jessie’s entire body. How I felt as

I crawled into bed, smothered in insecticide

lotion, next to Mattie who was similarly covered,

could best be described as, “I miserable.”

The anti-mite lotion was only one step. We

also needed to kill the mites not on our bodies. I

vacuumed the entire house and everything in it

(chairs, sofas, carpet, even the dog), plus both

cars. I washed twenty loads of laundry, which

took three days. I even put Jessie’s stuffed

animals in the freezer to kill the mites. If some-

one had opened my freezer and discovered

a stuffed monkey staring at them, they might

have thought, “I crazy.”

Today, as we drove to Jessie’s pediatrician,

my feelings could be described as, “I sad.” Before

the doctor’s office opened, I had already stripped

both beds and had the washer and dryer running.

The day is young and already, “I tired.”

I don’t know what made me say this during

the 15-minute drive, as I know how much Jessie

hates shots, but I mentioned that at around age

ten, children get more vaccinations. This caught

Jessie’s attention, since her tenth birthday is

only eight months away. She whined, “I don’t

want to get a shot.” I clutched the steering

wheel, thinking, “I stupid.”

So, as I sit in the pediatrician’s waiting room, “I

grouchy, I sad, I tired, I stupid.” Then, I notice a girl

a year or two younger than Jessie who is clearly

sick. I hear a baby with a bad cough. I look over

at Jessie; she’s focused on her book. Except for a

little itch on her belly, all is well. Gratitude comes

rushing in. “I lucky.” Since her belly began to itch,

I’ve probably not been the most pleasant person

to be around. Mattie would agree. When I get

home, I will tell her, “I sorry.”

The pediatrician’s diagnosis is that Jessie’s

itch is due to mites from a pet she visited. But

this mite is different from the kind she had

before; it doesn’t survive on humans and goes

away without treatment. “I happy.”

Reflecting on this day, and another exciting

parenting experience, I reach the following

conclusions: As parents, we feel lots of intense

emotions – I grouchy, I sad, I stupid, I lucky, I

sorry, and I happy. Yet, in the pediatrician’s wait-

ing room I was reminded, “I blessed.”

Jessie just finished reading her book. She

told me there’s another book in the series titled,

“I Even Funnier.” I’m not sure what lies ahead

in my parenting days, but I’m going to strive

for “I Even Smarter,” which will be helpful when

Jessie becomes a teenager.

But whether I’m going through a joyous

parenting moment (I proud) or a challenging

time (I worried), one fact remains unchanged. “I

Dad,” and that’s a great feeling.

Until next month, remember to cherish the

moments. SP

BY PATRICK HEMPFING

Feelings

blessed

i

grouchy

miserable

crazytiredstupid sorry

16 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

sun 1Lemonade on the porch of the Heritage House, Election, Installation and Tours2-5pm. The Irving Heritage Society invites members and guests to enjoy lemonade on the porch of the Heritage House. The annual election of officers will be held and former Heritage Society President Chris Wallace will conduct the installation of the new board. Patty Landers Caperton heads the nominated slate of officers. At 3pm, the monthly tours of the Heritage House will begin, with docent led tours at 3pm and 4pm. Admission is Free. The Heritage House is a Re-corded Texas Historic Landmark and was built in 1912. The Heritage House, 303 S. O’Connor, Irving, 972-252-3838 www.irvingheritage.com

Going to the Dogs2-3pm. Going to the Dogs is a dog therapy program designed for participants five years and older with an adult caregiver. Activity centers in-clude Certified Therapy Dogs, toys, stories, crafts, and computers. Irving Public Library’s “Reach Out” programs are designed for individuals with special needs and their peers. An adult caregiver must attend. Space is limited and registration is required. Please call 972-721-2691 with ques-tions or to register. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, Irving

Fritz Park Petting ZooBring your children to visit a variety of animals including cows, horses, goats, sheep, chick-ens, deer, turkeys, rabbits and peacocks at the city’s petting farm. Visitors will observe eggs hatching in the incubator and chicks in various stages of development. Come watch the ducks and geese play as they swim and dive in their pond. The petting farm provides a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy the animals in a clean, well-shaded environment. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat & Sun 2-6pm. Fritz Park, 312 E. Vilbig Rd, Irving, 972-721-2640 www.ci.irving.tx.us/parks-and-recreation/fritz.asp

Exhibit - A David Small World Through Aug 16. See this exhibition in the Car-penter Hall Lobby showcasing 70 original works by award-winning children’s book illustrator and

author, David Small. Organized and toured by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Litera-ture in Abilene. His droll wit shines through his art and writing in books like George Washington’s Cows and Fenwick’s Suit. In 2001, he received the Caldecott Medal for So You Want to Be President? written by Judith St. George. Many of his books have been created in partnership with his wife Sarah Stewart, a native of Texas. Gallery Hours are Mon- Fri, 9 am to 5pm, Thurs evenings, 5-8pm, Sat 10am to 5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm. Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-252-2787. www.irvingartscenter.com

The World’s Largest Dinosaurs at the Perot Museum of Nature and ScienceThrough Aug 31. This innovative, interactive exhi-bition includes a life-sized, fleshed-out model of a 60-foot-long, 11-foot-tall female Mamenchisaurus, known for its remarkable 30-foot neck. An inter-active excavation will show visitors how dinosaurs are discovered in the field through a replicated dig site. See website for more details. Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, 214-428-5555 www.perotmuseum.org

Dallas Farmers Market8am-6pm. With about 100 vendors, visitors will find a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, flowers and sweets. Produce vendors are located in Shed 3 and have a variety of seasonal and non-seasonal produce to satisfy every visitor’s needs. The farmers are located in Shed 1 and have seasonal produce. Over the past six decades, the Dallas Farmers Market has matured into the year-round area attraction that it is today. Dallas Farmers Market, 1010 S Pearl Expwy, Dallas, 214-664-9110 www.dallasfarmersmarket.org

mon 2Studio Movie Grill Children’s Summer Series11am. See a different family-friendly movie each week of the summer for just $2 per ticket! Check the website for a location close to you! Here is the schedule for the summer: June 2-5: Horton Hears a Who; June 9-13: Ice Age 4: Continental

Drift; June 16–20: The Croods; June 23–27: Epic; June 30–July 4: Turbo; July 7–11: Rio; July 14–18: Shrek Forever After; July 21–25: Charlotte’s Web; July 28–August 1: Kung Fu Panda 2; August 4–8: Puss In Boots; August 11–15: Madagascar 3; Au-gust 18–22: Rugrats Movie. Studio Movie Grill, All D/FW Locations, 10110 Technology Blvd, Dallas, Texas, www.studiomoviegrill.com

Duct Tape Creations3-4pm. Join us for our first teen program of the summer, when we make fun duct tape creations. FREE. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, Irving, 972-721-2691 www.cityofirving.org/rooms/portal/page/24724_Events_and_Classes

Inaugural Winspear Opera House Recital Series7:30-9:30pm. The series concludes on June 2, 2014 with the internationally acclaimed pianist André Watts. Admission: $60 to $175. Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora St., Dallas, 214.880-0202 www.attpac.org

tue 3Bilingual Storytime11am. Join this story time with crafts and puppet shows in English and Spanish each Tuesday. For groups, please call (972) 721-3722 for details. Central Library Irving, 801 W Irving Blvd, Irving, 972-721-4669

Free LEGO Mini Build5:00-6:30pm. Children ages 6-15 ONLY can cele-brate every month with a free mini build at LEGO stores at Stonebriar Mall & Northpark Center. First Tuesdays beginning at 5:00pm until all the kits are gone. LEGO stores in Dallas & Frisco. www.lego.com

wed 4American Sign Language Conversation Tables4-5pm. All ages and levels of experience are wel-come. No registration is required. The Library’s

knowthe

it all

{ Your Community Calendar } June 2014

SP = Advertisers

18 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Reach Out programs are designed for individuals with special needs and their peers. If you have questions about accessibility or adaptations, please call (972) 721-2457. Central Library Irving, 801 W Irving Blvd, Irving, (972) 721-2457

Conversaciones @ Your Library6:30-7:30pm. Conversation tables will be available weekly for English language learners to practice conversational English skills in an informal, friendly environment. East Irving Library, 440 S Nursery Rd., Irving, (972) 721-3722

thu 5Shakespeare in Hollywood8-10pm. MainStage Irving-Las Colinas presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious take on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” set in Hollywood in 1934. he story is a comic romp with divas, donkeys and loopy love triangles galore. There are multiple dates/times, please check website for details. Tickets are $16-$21. Irving Arts Center, Dupree Theater, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, 972-252-4403 www.irvingartscenter.com/Home.aspx

Cool Thursdays Concert Series Through Oct 30, 6-9:30. Cool Thursdays are back with new and exciting national cover bands, some of the Metroplex’s best food trucks, and weekly prizes. The 2014 series will feature new national acts like Bruce in the USA, a Springsteen tribute, The Official Blues Brothers Revue – produced by Judy Belushi Pisano and Dan Aykroyd and returning favorites such as Emerald City, Asleep at the Wheel and the Molly Ringwalds. Full Series, 22 Concerts - $298 (Members $198); Spring Series, 13 concerts - $156 (Mem-bers $130); Fall Series, 9 concerts - $144 (Members $108); 2014 Parking Pass- $110. Parking on concert evenings is free. The 2014 Parking Pass is for premium access to the Children’s Garden parking lot. Only valid during evening concerts. Limited quantity available. Guests are permitted to bring picnic baskets, food, coolers and beverages. Alcohol is permitted, but will not available for sale. Food trucks will also be on-site. Concerts are held on the Martin Rutchik Concert Lawn, which is a five minute walk from the front gate. Please plan accordingly. You may bring blankets and low backed, sand chairs (four inches from the ground) for the main concert area. All chairs with legs longer than four inches are only permitted in the back and sides of the concert lawn. This will be enforced for 2014 Concerts. Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, www.dallasarboretum.org

fri 6HIMPROV, Improv Comedy for the Whole FamilyThrough Dec 5, 7:30-9:15pm. This improv comedy troupe is composed of Christ-believing comedians whose mission is to bring joy and laughter to people of all ages. Free, but they are collecting food and household good to donate to Food 4 Hunger. Check the website for suggested donation items. Bent Tree Bible Fellowship, 4141 International Pkwy., Carrollton, www.himprov.com

sat 7Le Theatre de Marionette Presents: Silly Strings Variety Show2:30-4pm. All ages. Join us for “Silly Strings”: A Variety Show from Le Theatre de Marionette!” We will start the fun with puppet and marionette crafts suitable for younger and older children plus a SRC folder decorating activity. This program is partially funded by Texas Commission on the Arts and Friends of Irving Public Library Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606

Family Movie Matinee2-4pm.Enjoy a family movie and light snacks. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving, 972-721-4669

knowthe it all

20 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Shrek the MusicalJun 7-Jul 12. SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Oscar® winning Dream-Works film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won’t shut up, a bad guy with a SHORT temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand…and his name is Shrek. Full of all-new songs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone! Check website for exact dates and show times. Artie’s Playhouse (Artisan Center Theater), 444 E. Pipline Rd., Hurst, 817-284-1200 www.artisanct.com

Mamma Mia!Jun 7-15, show times vary per date so check the website. Content warning: MAMMA MIA! Contains some adult humor and situations, recommended for ages 11 and up. Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First Ave., Dallas, 214-565-1116 www.dallassummermusicals.org/shows_mammamia.shtm

sun 8Adaptive and Inclusive Dance Workshop for Instructors and Healthcare Workers9:00am-5:00pm. The Dance Council of North Texas (DCNT) announces an Adaptive and Inclusive Dance Workshop for Instructors and Healthcare Workers. Cost of the one-day workshop is $65.00 for non-members and $55.00 for current DCNT members. Lunch is included in the fee. Contact DCNT Adaptive Dance Committee Chair Misty Owens at [email protected] for more information and registration. Group discussions and sharing sessions will be included in this workshop. Sammons Center for the Arts, Meadows Hall, 3630 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, 214-219-2290 www.thedancecouncil.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=752324&mod-ule_id=33014

mon 9SP Summer Chess Camp at UT Dallas

Jun 9-13. Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for ages 7-13. 9am-noon or 1-4pm and extended playing classes available. Other sessions June 16-20, July 14-18 and July 21-25. Register at www.utdallas.edu/chess. For more info, call 972-883-4899 or email [email protected]. See ad in this issue.

SP Raiders of the Lost Arts Summer Camps at Irving Arts CenterJun 9-Aug 15. Explore ancient mysteries & discover “lost” treasure in 14

camps jammed with adventures in art, theater, music and history. For ages 4-18. 3333 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving 972-252-ARTS IrvingArtsCenter.com. See ad in this issue.

F.A.M.E (Fine Arts Music Experience)Jun 9-13, 9am-12pm. F.A.M.E (Fine Arts Music Experience) at First United Methodist ChurchFor kids going into 3rd-6th grade. 972-253-3531 First Unit-ed Methodist Church, 211 West 3rd St, Irving, www.fumcirving.org

SP Vacation Bible School at Plymouth Park Baptist ChurchJun 9-12, 9am-12:30 pm. Vacation Bible School at Plymouth Park Bap-

tist Church For completed K–5th grade. Free lunch for all kids who attend. 972-986-7729. Plymouth Park Baptist Church, 1714 North Story Road, Irving, plymouthpark.org. See ad in this issue.

Dallas Mavericks Hoop CampJun 9-Aug 15, 9am-4pm. Boys and girls ages 8-18 of all skill levels learn the game from the best camp coaching staff in Texas. Professional coaches are

knowthe it all

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 21

Irving Parks & Recreation

Your Aquatics Experts!Different Strokes Swim School

differentstrokesswimschool.com

New!M-W-F: 8:30am ($29), Tu-Th: 7pm ($29)Eliminates extra pounds and inches!!

M-W-F: 9:20am ($39)Is at the top of the charts for burning calories!

Call 972-262-0621~ CLASSES START WEEK OF JUNE 2ND! ~

M-W-F: 8:30am ($29), Tu-Th: 7pm ($29)Eliminates extra pounds and inches!!

M-W-F: 9:20am ($39)Is at the top of the charts for burning calories!

Call 972-262-0621

Water AerobicsWellness & Weight Management

Deep Water Dynamics

AQUATIC CLASSES FOR THE FAMILY Summer SWIM for KIDS & ADULTS :: Water EXERCISE for YOU!

Morning &EveningSwim Lessons

Eight 30 Minute Classes$50 per Child!

Drop off registration availableat North Lake Pool.

Call 972-264-2774

Summer Swimbegins

June 9th!

NEW!! Evening & Saturday Swim

Lessons for ADULTS!

Aqua Pilates +Power Sculpting

Saturdays 11 - 11:45 am • Beginning June 7thONGOING ENROLLMENT

Increase your core strength and balance!

22 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

handpicked for their basketball knowledge and ability to work well with kids. Combining excellent coaching and a proven program focused on each camper, Dallas Mavericks Hoop Camp delivers valuable lessons and plenty of fun! Find more details and register online! Hoop Camp runs Mon–Fri. $240. Various sites-visit website for a location near you and to register. 214-747-MAVS(6287) www.mavs.com/community/hoop-camp

Kid’s Golf Classic, Golf Clinic & Splash Bash9am-4pm. The coolest kid’s golf tournament in DFW! All kids ages 7-17 with any skill level are invited to play in the 4 person, 9 Hole Classic and then join celebration at the Las Colinas pool for the Splash Bash and Awards Celebra-tion. Teach your child the value of helping children less fortunate who are dying of cancer by helping them fundraise for Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer. Time: Golf Classic9am Check-In,11am Shotgun Start. Golf Clinic12pm Start. Splash Bash 1pm Start. Cost: Golf Clasic $200 per player, Golf Clinic $100 per child, Splash Bash $50 per guest. Las Colinas Country Club, 4400 N. O’Connor Rd, Irving, Texas, 214-361-2600 www.clay-tondabney.org/event_kids_golf.php

tue 10Le Theatre de Marionette Presents: Silly Strings Variety Show2:30-3:15 pm. All ages. Le Theatre de Marionette will be presenting their fab-ulous variety show, “Silly Strings!” Clap and sing along to all your favorites as the giant marionettes dance and entertain. Kick off your summer of fun at the West Irving Library with puppets! This program is partially funded by Texas Commission on the Arts and Friends of Irving Public Library. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, Irving, 972-721-2691

Youth Ropes Course Day 10am-2pm. Kids ages 7 through 14 will have the opportunity to help plan their own ropes course adventure! This program will allow adventuresome participants to choose from several of the low and high ropes course elements…including the widely-popular zip line. The fee for this three-hour program is $45 per person. Kids are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration required. Size requirement: Our minimum and maximum sizes are based on whether or not the participant can fit into harnesses provided. The AVERAGE minimum age is about 8-9 years old. All participants must fit in a harness properly. This is a family friendly event and non-participating family members can be on site for no charge. Non-participating children must be supervised by an adult at all times. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, Mckinney, 972-832-0670 www.heard-museum.org/default.aspx?p=117914&evtid=188827:6/10/2014

Discovey Wall11:00am-12:00pm. Take a trip to famous museums, aquariums, zoos and more without leaving Dallas! Children will interact with people around the world through a video-conference system on a high definition 14x14 flat screen in the library’s Children Center. Dallas Library, Central Branch, Chil-dren’s Center, 1515 Young St, Dallas, 214-670-1671 National Tap Dance Celebration6:30-7:15pm. The Dance Council of North together with the Dallas Summer Musicals, present the exciting “Before-the-Show Show” of energetic tap dancing. Prior to the big show at the Music Hall in Fair Park, see 45 minutes of fast-paced, enthusiastic dancing from tappers throughout the Metroplex. The free “TAP-Sational Pre-Show” is like a Red Carpet entry for dancers and audience to enjoy some delightful entertainment on their way to the Music Hall. You will see some of the finest tap dancing Texas has to offer. Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave, Dallas, 214-219-2290 www.thedancecouncil.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=752324&module_id=32933

wed 11Le Theatre de Marionette Presents: Silly Strings Variety Show2:30-3:15pm. Join in on all the fun at the Valley Ranch Library this summer, starting with this fun filled “strings-attached” performance by Le Theatre

knowthe it all

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 23

24 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

de Marionette. Space is limited, and children will be given preference at this event, in a first come, first serve basis. This program is partially funded by Texas Commission on the Arts and Friends of Irving Public Library. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving, 972-721-4669

thu 12Jules Verne Scavenger Hunt2-3pm. Teens in grades 6 and up. Take a voyage extraordinaire through the Central Library, travelling 20,000 leagues beneath the stacks and taking a journey to the center of information in a Jules Verne inspired scavenger hunt. 1st place team wins iPod Shuffles, 2nd and 3rd place wins iTunes gift cards. Part of the Lit’s Alive! series. Sponsored by YAAC. Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606 Chill Out: Frozen Event3-5pm. Tweens and teens grade 7 and up. Chill out with a sing-along view-ing of the new movie classic and enjoy some chilly treats while you’re at it! Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving, 972-721-4669

fri 13Irving International Concert Series7-8:30pm. Group Performing: The Killdares Genre: Scotland/Ireland-CelticThe Irving International Concert Series is free and family-friendly. All concerts are held outdoors; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for seating. Come early to enjoy area shopping and sightseeing. In the event of severe weather, concerts may be rescheduled. Whistlestop Plaza, 100 N. Main Street, Irving, (972) 721-2501

Stuart Little at the Dallas Children’s TheaterJun 13-Jul 13. Another E. B. White classic! It’s big excitement for a little mouse when Stuart leaves his human family in New York and travels across the coun-try in search of the bird that helped save his life. A charming story that proves great things can come in small packages. Enjoyed by ages 5 and up. Matinee & Evening Performances, visit the website for specific dates/show times. Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman, Dallas, 214.740-0051 www.dct.org

sat 14KIXPO 20142-7pm. KIXPO, the world’s largest sneaker and street wear expo, is back for 2014. Lock in your spot early and witness some the best sneaker collections, sneaker customizers, sneaker vendors, and apparel brands in the country.

knowthe it all

All Storytimes are FREE. Listed are the regularly scheduled storytimes. Call to confirm as schedules are subject to change.

Central Branch801 W. Irving Blvd, 972-721-2606Mon - Preschool Story Time 7:30pm, ages 3-6. Tue - Preschool Story Time 10:30am, ages 3-6; Family Story Time 7pm. Wed - Toddler Story Time 10:30am, 18 mos - 2yrs. Thur - Bilingual Story Time 7:30pm

East Branch440 S. Nursery Rd, 972-721-3722Tue - Bilingual Story Time 11am, all ages

Valley Ranch Branch401 Cimarron Trail, 972-721-4669Mon - Mother Goose Story Time 10:30am, ages 4mo-18mo, registration required. Tue - Family Story Time 7pm, all ages, regis-tration requited Wed - Family Story Time 10:30am, all ages, registration required

West Irving Branch4444 W. Rochelle Rd, 972-721-2691Wed - Mother Goose Story Time 10:30am, ages 6mos-18mos. Thur - Family Story Time 7pm, all ages. Fri - Family Story Time 11am, all ages

Your Community Story Times

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 25

New Hours for Your Convenience7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

MONDAY – FRIDAY

8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSATURDAY

Call now for your appointment

26 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Doors open at 2pm. Tickets available online. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, www.eventbrite.com/e/kixpo-dal-las-2014-tickets-10680663151?aff=eac2

Southwest Dairy Farmers Presents: Mobile Dairy Classroom2:30-3:30pm. All ages. Join us for a milking demonstration with a live cow, a presentation on how milk goes from the farm to the consumer and a butter churning demonstration and sampling. Both children and adults will find this fascinating and fun. Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606

Irving Chautauqua Performance SeriesJun 14-Dec 13, 2-2:30pm. The Irving Chautauqua series offers free, monthly performances on the second Saturday of each month in the Central Li-brary’s Auditorium. Call 972-721-2606 for more information. Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd, Irving

sun 15American Girl - Date with Dad11:00am-4:30pm. Spend a special day with your daughter! You’ll enjoy a de-lightful meal, make a paper craft, and even sign a “father-daughter promise” to keep having fun together. Includes a keepsake photo and frame, plus an American Girl book to take home. $38 per person, reservations are required. American Girl, Dallas Galleria, 13464 Dallas Parkway, Dallas. 877-247-5223 www.americangirl.com

mon 16SP Workshop of Wonders Vacation Bible School at Woodhaven

Presbyterian ChurchJun 16-20. Children 4 years old though 5th grade will enjoy music, inter-active Bible fun, super science, cool crafts, snacks, games and more. 3650 N. O’Connor Rd, Irving 972-541-0747 http://www.2014.cokesburyvbs.com/woodhavenpres/register/

SP Summer Chess Camp at UT DallasJun 16-20. Join beginner, intermediate or advanced chess classes for

ages 7-13. 9am-noon or 1-4pm and extended playing classes available. Other sessions July 14-18 and July 21-25. Register at www.utdallas.edu/chess. For more info, call 972-883-4899 or email [email protected]. See ad in this issue.

DSM Summer Musical-Theater ClassesMon-Fri 1:15-4:15pm, Ages 7-12. Selections from THE PIED PIPER OF POS-SUM KINGDOM- Performance June 28, 12:45pm Hall of State Theatre, Fair Park, 909 First Ave., Dallas 75210 Town North YMCA, 4332 Northaven Rd., Dallas, 214-969-7469 www.dsmschool.org/dsmschool/2010/calendar.html

DSM Summer Musical-Theater ClassesMon-Fri, 9:00am-12:00pm, Ages 7-12. Selections from SEUSSICAL. Perfor-mance will be June 28, Noon Hall of State Theatre, Fair Park, 3939 Grand Ave., Dallas 75210 Park Cities YMCA, 6000 Preston Road, Dallas, 214-969-7469 www.dsmschool.org/dsmschool/2010/calendar.html

thu 19The Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra Presents: KidsNotes2:30-3pm. All ages. Enjoy an afternoon of music and fun as members of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra give children a chance to listen and learn about symphonic musical instruments. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, Irving, 972-721-2691

fri 20Irving International Concert Series7-8:30pm. Group Performing: WatusiGenre: Caribbean-Reggae. The Irving International Concert Series is free and family-friendly. All concerts are held

knowthe it all

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 27

28 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

outdoors; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for seating. Come early to enjoy area shopping and sightseeing. In the event of severe weather, concerts may be rescheduled. Cimarron Park, 100 Cimar-ron Trail, Irving, (972) 721-2501

Late Nights at the Dallas Museum of Art Jun 20-Nov 21, 6:00pm-12:00am. Free admission and special activities. Dal-las Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood, Dallas, www.dallasmuseumofart.org

sat 21Mad Science Presents: Spin! Pop! Boom!2:30-3:15pm. Children in grades K-6. Explore a thrilling combination of chemistry and physics with the Spin! Pop! Boom! show. You will be pulled in by our cool, centrifugal force platform and bungee jumping pet. See our awesome CO2 launcher and incredible, booming balloons! Watch as we create a rainbow right before your eyes with our amazing Mad Science rainbow maker! We will wrap it all up with a boom as we fire up our flaming Didgeridoo! Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606 dallas.madscience.org

Shoelace Tying Story Time at Bookmarks9-9:30am. Join us for our special shoelace-tying story time as part of Nordstrom’s monthly shoelace-tying workshop!! This class is designed for little ones learning this important skill, complete with a free lacing card with which to practice and a special certificate!!!!The monthly classes take place at 9:00 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month, in Nordstrom Northpark Kids’ Shoe Department (3rd floor). Bookmarks in NorthPark Center, 8687 North Central Expressway, Dallas, www.dallaslibrary2.org

knowthe it all

mecaldwell.tsfl.com

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 29

30 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Climb Out of the Darkness10:30am-1:30pm. Climb Out of the Darkness is the annual awareness raising and fundraising event for Postpartum Progress, a nonprofit focused on supporting pregnant and new moms with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum psychosis and pregnancy depression. It’s free to join our climb, but there is a $6 admission fee to the trails. There is a 1/2 mile ADA approved hike that we will be starting with. This trail allows strollers and is a good walk for anyone who doesn’t want to join or can’t join the longer 1 2/3 hike that will come next. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, 1206 F.M. 1382, Cedar Hill, 214-801-5899 www.crowdrise.com/kohnigonzalez-cotd2014/fundraiser/kohnigonzalez

mon 23Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Party4:30-6pm. Tweens in grades 6-8. Come celebrate your favorite time-trav-elling British alien on his golden anniversary as we party with Daleks, make sonic screwdrivers and watch the Doctor’s biggest adventure yet! Irving Central Library, 801 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606

tue 24Music and Stories with KidsWorks11:00am-12:00pm. Grab the kiddos for a storytelling session in the park! Cute stories and fun tunes for little ones presented by Miss Kimberly. Klyde War-ren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Frwy, Dallas, www.klydewarrenpark.org

knowthe it all

www.facebook.com/mistystagnonephotography • 214.934.1184

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 31

Exp. 6/30/14

32 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Summer Youth SportsStarts in June - Sign Up Now!

INDOOR BASKETBALL & CHEERLEADING

Venue centrally located in Irving

Fun, Safe & ConvenientSports Leagues

Online: www.i9sports.comCall: 972-514-GAME

wed 25Brett Roberts Presents: Dr. Flake-N-Stein’s Magic Laboratory2:30-3:15pm. Come to the library for puppets, fun and magic in a show that only Brett Roberts could dream up: Flake-N-Stein! What is it? You are going to have to show up in order to find out! Space is limited but children will be given preferential admission in this first come first serve event. Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving, 972-721-4669

thu 26Spark Your Imagination Party2-3:30pm. Tweens in grades 6-8. Explore your imagination through fun

crafts while hanging out with special guests and authors Karen Harrington,

Polly Holyoke, Jeramey Kraatz and Claire Legrand. Irving Central Library, 801

W. Irving Blvd., Irving, 972-721-2606

fri 27Irving International Concert Series7-8:30pm. Group Performing: Los Texas WranglersGenre: Mexico-TejanoThe

Irving International Concert Series is free and family-friendly. All concerts

are held outdoors; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn

chairs for seating. Come early to enjoy area shopping and sightseeing. In

the event of severe weather, concerts may be rescheduled. Whistlestop

Plaza, 100 N. Main Street, Irving, 972-721-2501

sat 28Science Movie Time!2:30-4:30pm. All ages. Movies this summer are out of this world! Our first

showing features a lonely waste management robot who finds a new

purpose in his (artificial) life. West Irving Library, 4444 W. Rochelle, Irving,

972-721-2691

mon 30Zookeeper Lewis Presents: Creepy Critters2:30-3:30pm. Children in grades K-6. Meet some creepy reptiles, amphib-

ians, and invertebrates, and learn about them from zookeeper Mike Lewis.

East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Rd., Irving, 972-721-3722

Please note: Although we strive to bring you the most current information available regarding event dates & times, confirm-ing with the event venue before going is always a good idea. SP

knowthe it all

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 33

34 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

benchbehind the

Globe Life Park, Arlingtontexas.rangers.mlb.com

June 3-5 7:05 Baltimore Orioles

June 6 7:05 Cleveland Indians

June 7 3:05 Cleveland Indians

June 8 2:05 Cleveland Indians

June 9 7:05 Cleveland Indians

June 10-11 7:05 Miami Marlins

June 24-26 7:05 Detroit Tigers

June 27 7:05 Minnesota Twins

June 28 3:05 Minnesota Twins

June 29 2:05 Minnesota Twins

Dr Pepper Ballpark, Frisco www.milb.com

June 3-6 7:05 San Antonio Missions

June 7 7:05 Midland Rockhounds

June 8 2:05 Midland Rockhounds

June 9 & 10 7:05 Midland Rockhounds

June 25-28 7:05 NW Arkansas Naturals

June 29 6:05 NW Arkansas Naturals

June 30 11:05 NW Arkansas Naturals

Toyota Stadium • Frisco • www.fcdallas.com

June 7 7:30 Colorado Rapids

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 35

36 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Jim Schmitt

[email protected]

Contact me for a FREE consultation 36 Ask How You Can

Lock in Your

Rates for up to

Months!

As A Licensed Agent, i cAn custom tAiLor your coverAge to fit your needs & your budget!

Confused About Healthcare?We Can Help

• 24-Hour Coverage, On & Off the Job

• Flexible, Affordable, Customizable Insurance Coverage

• Large network of Doctors/Hospitals

Let’s tALk AbOut yOur OptIOns!

Irena [email protected]

Upload your Birthday

Kids picture atsuburbanparent.com

Please submit by the 10th of the

month prior to the month of their

birthday to be included in our print

edition. No copyrighted photos.

GARRETT5 Years Old • June 26

SATVIK1 Year Old • June 26

BECKHAM8 Years Old • June 28

KAILYN8 Years Old • June 16

ARIEL5 Years Old • June 21

NATALIE8 Years Old • June 23

VICTORIA7 Years Old • June 13

AUSTIN2 Years Old • June 14

NATHAN6 Years Old • June 15

BRIANNA9 Years Old • June 4

JURNEE4 Years Old • June 11

FAITH9 Years Old • June 13

JOEL4 Years Old • June 2

JANELLE6 Years Old • June 3

LANDON9 Years Old • June 6

Wishing aHappy BelatedBirthday to...DEANNA10 Years OldMay 26

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 37

ELIZABETH JOSEPH, D.D.S.~Pediatric Dental Specialist~

We are committed to understanding your child’s unique emotional and dental needs and we support all parents in attaining excellent oral health for their children.

• Board Certified Pediatric Dentist• Now accepting most PPO, Chip and Medicaid• IV sedation and hospital privileges.

w w w . I r v i n g K i d s D e n t i s t . c o m

972-252-95573000 N. MacArthur Blvd (In Irving)

38 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Get Clippin- coupon pages -

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 39

FUN the page

How true Daddy’s words were when he said: all children must look after their own upbringing. Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.

— Anne Frank

LOL with James Estes!

SON: What did baby corn say to mama corn? DAD: Where’s popcorn?

SON: For $10, I’ll be good. DAD: Oh, yeah? When I was your age,

I was good for nothing.

DAD: You’ll never amount to anything ifyou always procrastinate.

SON: Oh yeah? Just you wait!

Let Dad Do What He Loves to Do...Grill!

1 In a small bowl, combine sliced avocado and lemon juice. Add

water to cover; set aside. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate.

2 Heat butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Sauté the onions until browned and caramelized; set aside.

What you’ll do:

One evening it took a good amount of time to get our son to bed. Once there, he yelled down, “Dad! Can you get me a glass of water?” My husband replied, “No son, you had your chance, now do not say another word or I will come up there and spank

you.” This is when our son yells down, “Dad, when you come up to spank me can you bring me a glass of water?” Reader, our son is 7 years old.

GOTTALOVE‘EM

What you’ll need:

- 1 ripe avocado, sliced- 1 tablespoon lemon juice- 1 large Vidalia onion, sliced into rings- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves- Salt and pepper to taste- 4 hamburger buns- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise- 4 slices provolone cheese

It’s great to be in the backyard grilling again. But don’t want another hamburger? Here’s an easy recipe

for your next cookout. Dad will be the hero again!

3 Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place on grill, and cook

until no longer pink and juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side. Place buns on grill just long enough to toast them.

4 Spread buns with mayonnaise to taste, then layer with chicken, cara-

melized onion, provolone and avocado.

40 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 41

www.TexasFootClinic.com

Jeffrey M. Radack DPM, FACFASBoard Certified, American Board of Podiatric SurgeryFellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons

Comprehensive Treatment of Adult and Pediatric Foot and Ankle Disorders

469-742-0406Same Day Appointments Available • Most Insurance Accepted

Coppell Foot & Ankle Center580 S. Denton Tap Rd., Suite 290

Coppell, TX 75019

Medical Center of Craig Ranch8080 Hwy. 121, Suite 200

McKinney, TX 75070

• Arthritis• Bone Spurs• Bunions• Fractures• Hammertoes• Heel Pain

• Ingrown Nails• Neuromas• Orthotics• Sprains• Warts• Wound Care

BEFORE AFTER

T E X A SFOOT & ANKLE CLINIC

the

42 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Summer Safety Slip-ups

No big deal, you think—so what if my child doesn’t want to wear his helmet. He can go for a bike ride without it just this once. Or you get caught up in

conversation at a pool party instead of keeping an eye on your toddler.

It’s no surprise that accidents happen, even when we’re trying to be careful. But because we’re outside more and the days are longer, summer can be an especially dangerous time. According to SafeKids Worldwide, there’s an 89 percent increase in children drowning in the summer months and a 45 percent surge in bike-riding deaths.

Fortunately, turning your child’s summer into a safety zone is a matter of making a few pre-cautionary tweaks. Here are some small risks you might be taking that can lead to big problems, and our top tips for avoiding them.

Slip-up: Leaving your child in the car. Each year, 38 children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in motor vehicles, according to Kidsandcars.org. The inside of a car can heat up quickly—to as high as 122 degrees F in less than 20 minutes on an especially hot day. Moreover, young children overheat faster than adults because they’re less able to regulate their body temperature.

Play it safe: Never leave your child in the car, even with the windows “cracked,” or even just for a few minutes. And keep in mind that a change in routine or a bad night’s sleep can easily lead to the unthinkable—driving to work with your sleeping baby in the car and forgetting that it’s your day to drop her off at daycare. To help you remember that your baby is in the car, put a soft toy in the front seat. Or

secure something you need, such as a purse or backpack, in the backseat near your baby. Also, get in the habit of checking to make sure that everyone has exited the car when you get to your destination and lock car doors when you leave so a curious toddler can’t climb in your car when you’re not looking. Keep your car keys out of your child’s reach too.

Slip-up: Keeping tiki oil within your child’s reach. Toddlers and older kids are drawn to any-thing that looks like juice. Tiki oil, which is used more in the summer to light tiki torches, comes in different colors, such as purple, blue and red, and can easily be upturned and ingested. In addition to being poisonous, “Kids can swallow it or breathe it into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonitis, which can be fatal,” says Rose Ann Soloway, R.N., a clinical toxicologist at the Na-tional Capital Poison Center in Washington, D.C.

Play it safe: Store tiki oil in its original container out of your child’s sight and reach, in a locked cabinet just like you do medicine and vitamins. The same goes for gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. These containers don’t have child-resis-tant caps. If you believe your child has ingested something potentially poisonous, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Do this instead of heading directly to a hospital emergency room or call 911—you’ll get the fastest advice on how to handle the situation.

Slip-up: Assuming someone else is watching the kids. “At pool parties, many parents assume somebody else is watching. Mom assumes Dad’s watching. Dad assumes Mom’s watching and it’s easy to get distracted,” says Phyllis F. Agran,

M.D., M.P.H., professor emeritus of pediatrics at the UCI School of Medicine, in Irvine, California. Even a few unsupervised minutes in the water can be deadly for a young child.

Play it safe: Assign a supervisor. One of you needs to be officially on duty and concentrating on your child. Don’t think it’s enough to make your older kids, who are having fun too, keep an eye on your younger ones. Make that supervisor your spouse or another adult.

Slip-up: Letting your older child ride his bike without a helmet. Studies show that kids ages 11 to 15 tend to wear helmets less often than younger ones.

Play it safe: Be on helmet patrol. A bike helmet can reduce the risk of bicycle-related traumatic brain injury by up to 88 percent. So, of course, you’ll want to make sure everyone—you included—are protected with a properly fitted helmet whenever you ride. Keep on your older child to always wear one.

Slip-up: Keeping the wading pool filled. “Young kids can drown in an inch of water or less,” says Dren-genberg, so don’t think the water in your child’s baby pool is harmless.

Play it safe: “Dump the wading pool when you’re done with it,” Drengenberg says. “And turn it upside down so it doesn’t catch rain water.” In fact, empty all outdoor containers of water after use, including five-gallon buckets and insulated coolers; they’re a formidable drowning hazard. SP

BY SANDRA GORDON

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 43

+ activity R E S O U R C E S

Above and Beyond Center for Children972-870-9282

Children’s Discovery Center214-755-5603972-253-1171www.firstirvingfamily.org/cdc.html

City of Irvingwww.cityofirving.org

Dana’s Dance Academy972-259-1258

Dinosaur World254-898-1526www.dinosaurworld.com

Engineering for Kidswww.engineeringforkids.net/great-erdallas

Figaro Academy of Music214-331-000www.figaroacademyofmusic.com

Holy Family of Nazareth972-255-0205www.hfns.com

Grapevine Faith Christian Schoolwww.GRAPEVINEFAITH.com

Greenhill Schoolwww.greenhill.org/summer

Huntington Learning Center972-745-4343

I College Prep972-401-4792214-287-0904

Irving Aquatics972-264-2774972-262-0621www.differentstrokesswimschool.com

Irving Gymnastics972-721-2344www.irvinggymnastics.net

Kiddin Aroundwww.kiddinaroundplaycare.com

Kids Day Out First Irving972-822-9034www.firstirvingfamily.org

Kid’s Palace Learning Centers972-554-4921972-252-4222

Kinwest Montessori Academy972-401-8311www.kinwestmontessoriacademy.com

Las Colinas Children’s Academy972-870-1616www.LCCATX.com

Mathnasium972-467-8577www.mathnasium.com/irving

Miss Bloomingdales Academy972-869-9145www.missbloomingdales.com

Momentum Dance972-252-ARTSwww.irvingartscenter.com

NRH2O817-427-6500www.nrh2o.com

NTA Taekwondo Coppell972-471-2333www.teamnta.com

Primrose School of Las Colinas972-831-1000www.primroselascolinas.com

Primrose School of Valley Ranch972-444-9500www.primrosevalleyranch.com

Rainbow Academy972-594-0005

Riverside Butterfly School972-745-0372

SeaLife Aquariumwww.visitsealife.com/grapevine

The Sloan School972-659-1199www.thesloanschool.com

St. Luke Catholic School972-253-8285www.stlukeschool.us

St. Mary’s Child Learning Center972-986-3656682-552-5633

Texas Karate Do972-258-8333www.TexasKarateDo.com

University of Dallas972-721-5181www.udallas.edu/dfwparent

UTD Chess Camp972-883-4899www.utdallas.edu/chess

Wesleyan Academé972-252-4733www.wesleyanacademe.org

West Park American Tae Kwon Do and Family Fitness214-708-4076214-441-9229www.getfittokick.com

44 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Father’s Day: Ten Things

You Should Ask Your Kids For

1. TimeIf you’re a dad, you’ve already done the math. You know

it’s going to be no time at all till they head off and live the

rest of their lives. Do what it takes to grab some memories

before they grab the car keys.

2. HonestyIt’s a fact that we can’t love what we don’t know. Make it

clear to your kids that your love wants to know more than it

wants to judge. It’s the love that heals, not the disapproval.

3. Advice (theirs)Father knows best? How’s that working for you? How about

asking for “Kids (might) know best?” Trust them enough to

let them in to your open-ends and loose-strings. You’ll be

surprised how much they already know.

4. A note of their favorite memoryGet the kids writing and sharing stories and remembering

good “Dad moments.” These are golden, and good for both

dad and the kids.

5. Hugs:

It doesn’t matter how old the children are, hugging dad

should never go out of style. Be proactive on this one. Ask if

you have to, but get it done.

6. Big ideas:

Ask the kids to share their vision with you. This is a little

different from advice, it’s “big picture” stuff. Ask your kids

things like, “How would you solve world hunger?” Ask them

what they think about big ideas such as space travel, world

peace, and racism. Then listen.

7. A gift with staying powerAsk your children to think about a Father’s Day gift that

won’t disappear in a day or two. Ask them (for example) for

one hour every Sunday afternoon for the next three months

so you can pick their brain. Ask them for the commitment to

walk a mile with you three times a week. Ask them to read

you their favorite comic strip every day for a month. Ask for

gifts that don’t end the moment they leave their hands.

8. A fresh startWe all need a little redemption. How about coming clean with

your kids and asking for a fresh start? Maybe you’ve been

harsh… Maybe they’ve been consistently disrespectful…

Maybe you’ve lost ground…. Whatever is going on, try to

model humility and see where the relationship goes.

9. A glimpse into their worldPrepare a list of ten “I’m too old, I don’t get this!”

questions and have a Q&A session with your kid(s).

Maybe they can respond with a list of their own. Who

knows, you may end up communicating!

10. A dinner dateYou may have to help pay for this one. But dinner out, one-

on-one with each child, can be the most fun and the most

productive parenting experience.

Huddle up with your kids tonight and say: “For Father’s Day,

I want ___________ .” SP

Reprinted with permission. This is where dads in any stage of father-

hood can find helpful resources to aid in their parenting. Fathers can

also sign up to start or attend one of our All Pro Dads chapters.

Most Dads think of Father’s Day one-dimensionally. We tend to look forward to kicking back, enjoying a few guilt-free

hours watching The US Open on television, a nice card or two, a needless tie, and maybe a day-off when it comes to

active parenting, policing the drama that goes on around the house. But the foundational idea of Father’s Day is that

of celebrating the relationship, not catering to the dad. We are dads so that we can do dad things that mean some-

thing, and we have the best celebrations when stuff happens that draw us closer to our kids. With that in mind, consider setting

the agenda for Father’s Day this year and actually putting some ideas out there that will help solidify what to get for father’s day.

Here are some suggestions, ten things you should ask your kids for this Dad’s Day.

To Advertise in Irving Parent, Call 972.887.7779 | Irving Parent | 45

Tax Inc.Telatnyk

Business Structure & Organization

Julie M Telatnyk, CPA

Imelda Castillo, Tax Specialist

~ 11 Years Experience

~ Business Federal Income Tax

~ Audit Representation

~ Payroll Services

~ Sales Tax Services

~ Bookkeeping Services

~ Financial Statement Preparation

930 N Belt Line Rd, Suite 110 | Irving, TX 75061

(972) 986-6300www.MiTierraTax.com

46 | Irving Parent | Don’t forget to tell our advertisers you saw them in Irving Parent!

Back on the Chain Gang

Do you want to know the difference be-tween me supervising my children doing yard work and prison guards supervising convicts working the chain gang? Prison

guards are armed. I, on the other hand, have only my Yelling Voice and what’s left of my sanity to protect me.

It’s another summer and I have the opportunity to teach my children the value of an honest days work. And they, of course, have the opportunity to take me down to my knees.

Each summer starts the same way. Roughly three days before school is out, I make a big speech about the family pulling together to keep the yard looking nice for the neighbors to enjoy. I say things like, “A family that weeds together, eats together.” And, “I don’t want to see anyone kicking the tops of the weeds off this year.”

It may not shock some of you, but my children could care less if their mom and I, the neighbors, or anyone else “enjoys” our yard this summer. In fact, my son wanted to send a flyer around the block announcing that the Swarner’s were going “environmental” this year and would let nature take it’s course. He even drew a picture of our house with brown grass and weeds large enough to shade small woodland animals.

Without their buy-in, I tend to play the role of grumpy foreman. My oldest son needs constant supervision. I’m forever sticking my head out the back door yelling: “Get back to work!”

“I am,” he’ll argue.“You are?” I’ll reply. “I can see you sun tanning on the roof of the shed you

know. It might be easier to pull the weeds if you were closer to the ground.”

My daughter is the opposite. She just cries. She also says I am unfair to

make her weed.“My friends don’t have to pull weeds like

me!” she’ll say.“That’s true,” I told her the other day. “That

would be weird if I made your friends pull our weeds.”When she does get to work, our conversations go like this.

Daughter: Dad, I’m done weeding my area.Me: (Inspecting) What about that weed?Daughter: What weed?! I don’t see any weeds. Where do you see a weed?Me: (Pointing) There - blocking the window. My youngest son is seven. I am lucky if I can keep him on task for five

minutes. I’ll send him out to do a quick and easy weeding job and a half hour later he walks into the house with a gob of doggie doo-doo on a stick. “Look what I found, dad. I think this dog ate a dish towel.”

I suppose I’d like my children to have had the experience of pulling to-gether as a family for a common goal. I want them to know that being part of a group requires everyone to do their fair share.

At least, that’s what I told my children yesterday when I found them in the backyard sitting in lawn chairs with a box of frozen treats and ten of the little neighborhood kids weeding our rose beds.

Son: But dad, they want to do our work in exchange for Otter Pops.Yep, it’s going to be another fun summer of supervising the children.

Whose kidding whom? I think I’ll hire a landscaper. <sigh> SP