T h e M a g a z i n e Pa r e n T s l i v e b y i n d e n T o n c o u n T y

FASHION FLORAL

91

PARK YOUR DESK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MARy-FRANceS HuRt

meet coppell mom next door

APRILREASONS TO lOvE

april 2012

camp guide

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T h e M a g a z i n e Pa r e n T s l i v e b y i n d e n T o n c o u n T y

fedbottlehow children of alcoholics are faring as parents

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T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N D E N T O N C O U N T Y

FASHION FLORAL

91

PARK YOUR DESK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

MARY-FRANCES HURT

MEET COPPELL MOM NEXT DOOR

APRILREASONS TO LOVE

april 2012

camp guide

special advertising section:

T H E M A G A Z I N E PA R E N T S L I V E B Y I N D E N T O N C O U N T Y

fedbottlehow children of alcoholics are faring as parents

noted 5 Garden of Learning 6 Sound Advice / Sports Physicals 6 Say Cheese, Please 6 Stone Creek Park, Flower Mound

Real moms 9 Mom Next Door / Mary-Frances Hurt 10 Closet Case 10 So Clutch 10 Buttered Up 12 Mommy Diary / Holly Faske

Kid CultuRe 23 Agenda 24 Places / Peanuts & Cracker Jacks 27 EveryDay

CHiLDrEN ANoNyMoUSWhat happens to kids of alcoholics who grow up and become parents themselves? A look at one woman whose world unraveled and how, with help, she put it all back together. words Shelley Hawes Pate

features

columns

departments

We put together the latest flowery fashions from all over North Texas in Floral Story, p. 18.

page s / a p R i l 2 0 1 2

On the COver: 6-year-old Ava of Flower Mound exercized her flower power on our April cover. Photography: Steven Visneau Hair/Makeup: Shane Monden, Wallflower Management Clothes: Courtesy of Peek ... Aren’t You Curious?, Dallas. Necklace courtesy of Little Bean, Dallas.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEFJoylyn Niebes

EDITORIaLExecutive EditorJulie Lyons

Arts + Culture EditorElizabeth Smith

Editorial InternNicole Jordan

aRTCreative DirectorLauren Niebes

Graphic DesignerSusan Horn

DesignerMary Dunn

aDvERTISINgSales Development DirectorAlison Davis

Account ExecutivesSusan Hassel, Cynthia Henzl, Nancy McDaniel, Sandi McKean, Leanne Moye, Jenn Whiddon

Classified SalesJill Kelley

Ad CoordinatorLexy Davis

PROmOTIONSMarketing + Events DirectorKirk Turner

aDmINISTRaTIONOperationsLeah Wagner

NorthTexasChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. NorthTexasChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only NorthTexasChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of NorthTexasChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren Publications, Inc. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for the return of any unsolicited material. Subscriptions are $24 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NorthTexasChild. NorthTexasChild is ©2012 by Lauren Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without express written permission prohibited.

FLorAL Story Six flora-inspired outfits to celebrate the arrival of spring. photography Steven Visneaustyling Lauren Niebes

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kid will crouch in the lush grass, smell the freshly turned soil, watch a lizard scurry by, and write and write.

For the first time. Or a kid who didn’t fare well chained to a desk discovers a sudden ability to focus, and to be engaged in learning, all because the classroom is outside in a well-crafted school garden.

One fifth-grader wrote that she “felt like a chicken in a chicken coop” before the garden came to school. But absorbing lessons in science, math and even writing in the outdoors shifted her outlook on everything – especially learning.

The feedback for REAL School Gardens, a Fort Worth-based nonprofit that funds, plants and supports school gardens at high-poverty elementary schools throughout the area, sounds almost too good to be true. But there’s the proof, in raw survey

data from teachers who’ve become part of the program: “This is my favorite way to teach, and I can’t wait to start up again!” one teacher wrote in February.

Ellen Robinson trains teachers to use their REAL School Gardens, which vary in design but always include perennials, vegetables, composting and rainwater catchment. The former fourth-grade teacher found that school gardens help instructors teach the way they were taught to teach. “It does for them in a very simple and natural way everything they’re trying to create in the classroom,” she says. “It’s just good teaching – integrated, hands-on, authentic, engaging, real-world, higher-level thinking, asking questions. And all of that stuff happens naturally outside.”

Jeanne McCarty, executive director of REAL School Gardens, says, “When kids learn in hands-on ways and with real things, they really do understand the concepts more, because they’re real. The strength of our

program is that it started with the voice of teachers and what they thought they needed.”

REAL School Gardens has grown rapidly since it became a nonprofit in 2007, supporting 81 gardens in the region today. One thing they’ve found is that the more input the school and community have in the earliest stages, the more likely the garden will thrive. Typically, RSG – along with corporate partners – will fund the garden, which costs about $50,000 to design and install and another $25,000 spread over two years for support and teacher training. Schools are asked to raise a much smaller sum annually as their contribution. All of the schools RSG serves are “high-poverty,” meaning at least 70 percent of the students receive reduced or free school lunches.

Each school uses its garden differently, but RSG devises 45-minute lesson plans for teachers using their own curriculum. Robinson travels to school gardens

and models the lessons herself. “Science is outside,” she says. “If we want to learn about soil, dig a hole in the ground. See where erosion really exists in their world – so they have context for bigger-concept things, like erosion in the Grand Canyon.”

The garden’s application isn’t limited to science. While watching an anole change from green to brown before your very eyes hits home the concept of camouflage and adaptation to habitat, writing and social studies also come alive outside. Teachers often use the garden for real-world math lessons – such as applying the right amount of organic fertilizer to a certain space. Would that be perimeter or area? How do you calculate the square footage? And how do you convert the inches on your measuring tape to feet?

“Teachers are either disappointed or pleasantly surprised to see what their students do or don’t know in the real world,” Robinson says. ntc

W o r d s j u l i e l y o n s

School gardenS make Science, math and writing real – and teach leSSonS that Stick.

noted.

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ABOVE / science lessons hit home when you dig in the dirt to learn about soil and plant growth.

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noted / m i n o r d e t a i l S

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Truly nothing beats a grilled cheese made by Mom. Well, maybe a made-to-order gourmet grilled cheese delivered to your home could beat it. That’s the idea behind one of the latest entries in the food-truck trend, Ruthie’s Rolling Café, a grilled cheese diner on wheels. This souped-up blue truck is an eye-catcher and appetite-pleaser serving delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with select ingredients to satisfy any child’s “Mom, I’m hungry” moan. Owned by Any Event Dallas, you can call up Ruthie’s and they’ll bring the tables, chairs, lights and cheese to your

next birthday party or event. After all, their mantra is, “Ain’t no party like a grilled cheese party.” You can also put your crew into the minivan and follow your nose to where Ruthie’s has parked for the day to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in surrounding Dallas communities. Good news, there won’t be any crumbs left behind. Say cheese!

—Christi B. Steckel

say cheese, please

—Lisa Parisot is an Emmy Award-winning journal-ist. She lectures at the University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism.

Being a par-ent to a young athlete doesn’t require a medi-cal degree, but it might help.

Our son is playing his last season of ice hockey. He’ll be 20 in June. I hate to admit this, but I will breathe a deep sigh of relief when he finally hangs up his skates. He’s been concussed, dis-located his shoulder, suffered hip pointers and has a congenital heart defect.

The heart condi-tion was diagnosed during his sports physical. It could have gone undis-covered had I not pushed his doctor for one more test. I just wanted to know that his heart was functioning nor-mally, since there’s a history of heart dis-ease in our family.

I will always remember the look on the doctor’s face when he told us the results. For sev-eral months that fall, whenever he played, I stood near the glass and worried.

Most school dis-tricts and private schools require a simple sports physi-cal. It takes persis-tence to get a doctor to take it further and do an EKG and echocardiogram. I pushed, and I am glad I did.

You have to know your child, family history and the level of play involved. But if you want peace of mind, push for extra tests. Now when I enter an ice rink to watch our son play, I check for the defi-brillator. And won-der if the batteries have been charged.

sports physicals

sound advice

Flower Mound parks never cease to amaze me. A few months ago, I gave an awesome review of Wilkerson Park. Unbeknownst to me, Stone Creek Park is right next door. As my daughter and I were visiting we discovered yet another playscape. Surrounding this playscape (and beyond Wilkerson Park) were large trees, jogging/ biking trails, bridges, small waterfalls with a trickling creek and boulders. While I jogged circles around the playscape that my daughter gravitated to, I noticed a local photographer taking pictures of two babies. This is a wonderful park – open, beautifully landscaped and serene.

The playscape consists of a swing set – the ground cushioned in heavy rubber mulch – a rock climbing wall, three different sets of slides and rings. Though there was no nearby parking, families could easily make the walk from Wilkerson Park’s parking lot to this hidden gem. There were lampposts surrounding the playscape and a nearby pavilion, nestled in a quiet neighborhood. This park is my ideal place to jog while keeping the hubby and kids busy on the trails and playscape. Stone Creek Park earns an A on NorthTexasChild’s Safety Report Card. —Ausa Salem Faria

this review was distributed to the City of flower mound Parks and recreation for further review and/or action.

stone creek park, flower mound

a*

(23 points/24 points)

Park well maintained and trails ideal for joggers, bikers and

photographerslocated in a serene

neighborhood

Playscape targeted for older kids.no nearby parking, but you can easily park and walk from neigh-

boring Wilkerson Park.

*based on the national Program for Playground safety’s report Card at

playgroundsafety.org

Ruthie’s Rolling Café grilled cheese, $7.50

DFW, 972/380-4233ruthiesrollingcafe.com

Hop on the cheese train and check their schedule online or follow them on Twitter

@ruthiesrolling

n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 7

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Gri�th Roo�ng OurGreatCity.com Baylor Medical Center of Grapevine

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Rock climbing

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Art in the Square

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April 27-29, 2012Southlake Town Square

WEB SITE NEWLY UPDATED!

Stephen Sebastian, Artist of the Year

Moms, tell other moms about your favorite doctor!

Go to northtexaschild.com and tell us.

n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 9

Wedding Planner & Owner of DFW Events

w o r d s s h e l l e y h a w e s p a t ep h o t o g r a p h y n i c k p r e n d e r g a s t

“I’m not going to lie, it’s crazy,” says Mary-Frances Hurt, owner of DFW Events, reflecting on her own happily-ever-after filled with three children, two businesses and one rescue dog named Latte. “I call it organized chaos.”

The sought-after wedding planner steers brides by day while husband Wyatt sears patties by night (the pair own Fat Daddy’s Burger House). In between long and odd work hours, they juggle three kids and a slate of karate, soccer, cheerleading, saxophone and lacrosse practices. “No day is ever the same in the Hurt

household,” says the Coppell mom better known as “MF.” “I’ve learned that I have to let go of control sometimes and rely on the people around me for help.”

It’s a concept she has built an empire around. Even before it was in vogue to hire a wedding planner, Hurt sensed a need for a young professional bride on a budget to find support on the most important day of her life. Today DFW Events handles 100 customized affairs of all types each year, including high-profile weddings for clients such as the daughters of Gary Kelly, CEO of Southwest Airlines.

Hurt admits the couple’s respective businesses require extensive hours, but they make it work with the help of a nanny who’s been with their family since 2000. She also credits her partnership with her husband, who “splits everything with me 50-50,” she says.

For a family in constant motion, Hurt clings to traditions, such as traveling to Chicago each year at Christmas. The Hurts, who, remarkably, have remained grounded in the same Coppell abode for 17 years, also make it a priority to attend church every weekend – “even though it can

be difficult for me to wake up on Sunday mornings after late wedding nights,” she says.

Reinforcement of a beloved nanny, grandparents and a husband who handles carpools and ponytails notwithstanding, Hurt admits she wrestles with mommy guilt – something she says comes with the territory. “But, I know the work I’m putting in now will benefit my children for years to come,” she says. “Work is very important to me, but without a doubt my children come first and they know that I will drop anything to be with them if they need me.” ntc

real moms.

ABOVE / Mary-Frances is reunited with her three l’s – london, 9; luke, 5; and libby, 12 – aFter a long day oFter a long day oF F work in dFw events’ uptown oFFice.

mary- frances hurt

mom next door /

10 n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

If Sarah Akhtar Smith has ever had a frazzled, sweats and flip-flops motherhood moment, we’ve never seen it. The North Texas mom to Holt, 7, and Wyeth, 4, and wife to artist John Holt Smith is the poster girl of effortlessly chic, understated style. It’s no surprise that she’s literally the go-to girl in town for closet editing and personal styling. We asked her to let us peek in her own closet and share some of her secrets of staying stylish and put-together while keeping up with two young boys. For more info about her company, Go to Girls’ Closet Edits, visit gotogirls3.com.

SArAH’S mUStS For SPrInG

1 / Colored denim 2 / Floral patterns 3 / Exotic prints: animal

prints; Asian- and Indian-inspired fabrics

4 / Pastel and sherbet-colored pieces

5 / Color-blocking

It’s easy to fall in love with a stylish frock or accessory here or there but less common to become enamored with an entire line. But that’s exactly

what happened when we laid eyes on the spring collection

of Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, an up-and-coming New

york City-based accessories company created by twin

sisters. the duo’s statement jewelry and exquisite leather

handbags and accessories are quickly making their way onto the pages of

major fashion magazines and into the best boutiques

worldwide. this season’s standouts are the collection’s leather tapestry clutches that double as ipad covers. what a genius idea: one bag, and you’re the chicest girl by day

and night.

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real moms / o b S e S S I o n S

closet case

Spring. Time to put aside your favorite boots and slip on your peep-toe heels, sandals and flip-flops. In other words, time to fit an occasional pedicure in your schedule. We’ve become big fans of London-based nail lacquer company Butter, whose high-glamour polish colors are literally created backstage at fashion week to accentuate the collections of designers such as Alexander Wang, Victoria Beckham and Calvin Klein. The color that has us collecting compliments all over town is Rosie Lee, a glitter-heavy rose. But there are so many enticing shades that the hardest part is choosing just one.

so clutch

BUTTERED UP

lizzie Fortunato ipad case, $450

V.O.D. 214/754-0644

lizziefortunatojewels.com

Butter london’s rosie lee polish, $14. Nordstrom, various locations. Ulta, various locations. butterlondon.com

n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 11©

Dentistry for Infants, Children & TeensDentistry for Infants, Children & Teens

Specialty Services for our Patients:Dental Team has Over 20 Years Experience in PediatricsEarly Morning AppointmentsDigital X-raysFluoride Varnish ApplicationsSealant ApplicationNitrous Oxide CertifiedInfant Oral Health Exams

Services for our Parents:Wireless Internet ConnectionE-mail ConfirmationsComplimentary Bottled WaterPEACE OF MIND

632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX 75019

Toothfrom Dr. Rozas& Dr. Blanton

ToothTooth& Dr. Blanton& Dr. Blanton

Tips

972-393-9779 www.rozasdds.com

Who says going to the dentist is no day at the beach ?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that the first dental visit start by the first birthday.

For our pediatric patients it is! Our office is designed especially for children and teens, not to mention our parents love the resort feel and the peaceful environment that each family experiences as they walk through our doors. Dr. Melissa Rozas and Dr. Carlla Blanton have over 20 years combined experience treating small infants, young children, adolescence and teenagers. In addition, their specialty training in residency gave them the necessary education to treat special needs patients, tooth trauma, orthodontic analysis and prevention of dental disease.

“no day at the beach ? ”

For Easter, follow our Candy Rule that we recommend at Halloween. Allow the Easter candy to stay for 3 days in the house and then discard what is left after that time period. The kids will get their treats and won’t feel cheated. Soft chocolates are the best bet for Easter Candy–it melts fast and doesn’t stick to teeth!

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5aM I dream of this annoying, unending sound … finally wake up to realize it’s my alarm going off. I hit snooze.5:15aM turn my alarm off, put

socks on (we have cold hardwood floors) and get out of bed.5:20aM press the “on” button on the coffee-maker first thing!5:30aM get dressed in my workout clothes.5:35aM drink my coffee while checking email and looking at any new houses just listed on the market, and trying to wake up.5:50aM Leave to go to the gym.6aM work out (treadmill and weights).7aM I feed our cat, Cider, and then have my quiet time with the Lord, praying and reading my Bible.7:40aM aiven wakes up talking … I don’t get him immediately, because I love hearing his sweet voice.7:45aM I go in to get aiven and am greeted by a sweet smile and laugh. I change his dia-per, then we go and tell daddy good morning while he’s getting ready for work.7:50aM I kiss James goodbye, let our dog (aka first son) hudson outside and sit down to nurse aiven.8:10aM I put aiven down to play by himself, and I vacuum, feed the dog, do the dishes, start laundry and eat some breakfast.

holly Faske is 24 and has been

married to husband James for three years. their son aiven was born

on June 23, 2011. her husband

works full-time as a programmer, and

holly stays at home in denton with

their son.

Holly FASke

8:30aM aiven and I play together or take a morning bath.9aM I put aiven down for a nap. I take a shower (if need be) and then I spend some time reading and doing my home-work for the class I’m taking at church or spend some time on the Internet writing a post for my blog, myeverydayadventure.com, reading blogs that I follow, and, of course, checking Facebook and pinterest. But when the weather is nice, I will some-times go outside and work on some of my projects. as of now, I am redoing (paint-ing, staining and re-cushioning) my dining room table and chairs.10:30aM I start to prepare lunch. James comes home for lunch/brunch at 11am.11aM aiven wakes up; I change his diaper and then nurse him.11:10aM James gets home, we eat lunch and talk while I feed aiven some baby food.11:50aM James leaves to go back to work and aiven and I get ready to run errands, usu-ally grocery shopping.12pM we get to kroger, he rides in the cart because he’s big enough now, and about every other person we cross paths with com-ments on how incredibly cute aiven is.1pM we get home; I unload the groceries and put them away.1:15pM aiven and I play together. If it’s nice outside we’ll play outside.2pM aiven plays by himself while I work on the never-ending “to-do list” work (i.e. budget, making calls, cleaning, making baby food, etc.).3pM I change aiven’s diaper and put him down for a nap.3:05pM I have a friend come over, and we go through the Beautiful in God’s Eyes study.4:35pM I start thinking about what we’ll have for dinner and look up a paleo recipe.5pM aiven wakes up, and I nurse him and feed him baby food.5:25pM I start dinner while aiven plays on the kitchen floor.6pM James gets home from working out after work, and he immediately picks aiven up and kisses me.6:10pM we eat dinner together, talk about our days and sometimes watch a show on hulu or go to the dog park. and at least one day a week we drop aiven off at my parents’ house and James and I go on a date. Living about five minutes away from them is defi-nitely a wonderful thing!7pM I clean up the dishes from dinner while James has some down time.7:20pM I rock aiven because he’s getting cranky but isn’t ready for bed yet.8pM I nurse aiven, change his diaper and put his jammies on.

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by NorthTexasChild. Send your diary to editorial@northtexaschild.com. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space.

the fine

real moms / m o m m y d I A r y

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8:15pM James and I put aiven in his crib, love on him, pray with him and tell him goodnight.8:20pM I pick up the house and get the coffeemaker ready to go for the morning.8:45pM I take a bubble bath and read and relax.9:10pM I get all my workout clothes laid out, ready for the early morning.9:15pM I get into bed and journal and make my to-do list for the next day.9:30pM I set my alarm for 5am, kiss James goodnight and turn out the lights. ntc

Favorite book: I read a lot of books at one time, but I’ll only read a chapter here and there of each book. so, right now I’m reading: Beautiful in God’s Eyes, Celebration of Discipline, A Woman of Influence, On Becoming Babywise: Parenting Your Pre-Toddler 5 to 12 Months and What to Expect the First Year. Favorite Indulgence: a bubble bath … which I indulge in frequently. oreo and reese’s Blizzard from dq. Nickname for the kid: aivey, Baby goo, Boogey head … the list goes on and on; I rarely call him aiven. Can’t-miss TV show: Modern Family Meal you’re known for: paleo crispy chicken legs (recipe on my blog) and asian green beans Favorite family out-ing: going to the dog park and then kids park What’s in your bag: wallet, Chapstick, gum, pen, cell phone, diapers, wipes, onesie and pacifier Favorite spot for girls’ night out: Jasmine’s (restaurant/hookah bar) or any cute coffee shop Store we might catch you brows-ing in: any thrift store, ross, hobby Lobby, world market or target (I like to browse). What’s on your iPod: seryn, mumford & sons, LeCrae

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w o r d s s h e l l e y h a w e s p a t e

i l l u s t r a t i o n s c h i l d r e n o f t h e b e t t y f o r d f i v e s t a r k i d s p r o g r a m

anonymous

w h a t h a p p e n s t o k i d s o f

a l c o h o l i c s w h o g r o w u p a n d b e c o m e

p a r e n t s t h e m s e l v e s ?

a l o o k a t o n e w o m a n

w h o s e w o r l d u n r a v e l e d

a n d h o w , w i t h h e l p , s h e p u t

i t a l l b a c k t o g e t h e r .

s she going to be OK, Daddy?” Mollie Kline recalls pleading as her father led her disoriented mother down the stairs and into bed.

The answer would come the next morning when the young girl woke up to her mother placating her with desolate eyes that betrayed crushing guilt. Only she really wasn’t OK. Tonight would be the same – more wine to numb the pain (from her broken childhood) and shame (of hurting her own family).

Kline’s mother was an alcoholic. And even though the family knew it, they kept it a secret.

Kline – not her real name – describes growing up in a loving nuclear family buoyed by the typical trappings of a comfortable life: nice house and new cars, two smart and active children shepherded by a dedicated stay-at-home mom and successful dad.

Early on Kline recalls her parents drinking socially with friends, but

by Kline’s late elementary years, her mom began to drink more frequently, and devastatingly, on the sly. One day while driving to an after-school activity, Kline realized her mom was intoxicated. “I screamed my first cuss word and told her to stop the car. I got out and walked,” she says.

Most of the time, however, Kline tiptoed on eggshells. She stopped asking her friends to sleep over in order to cover for her mom. “She wanted to keep up appearances that we were a sweet, all-American family,” Kline says.

It’s not to say that there weren’t moments of love and calm. Kline says her mom had a passion for volunteering and wanted to do things for people, especially her two daughters. “But she put alcohol in front of everything else,” Kline says of her mother’s disease. “It [an alcoholic] wasn’t who she wanted to be in her heart.”

One day, Kline’s mom didn’t show up for carpool. The preteen found a ride home and started calling her mom’s name. When she didn’t answer, Kline knew she’d have to search the closets – “and I

didn’t want to do that,” she says, the agony still raw. Sure enough, she found her mom balled up in a closet with a bottle in a paper bag. “I told her, ‘You’re not having any more,’” Kline says.

She began to feel “if I could just make things right, everything would be fine.” In essence, Kline took on the role of parent, pleaser, fixer – common traits for the codependent of an alcoholic.

She felt fearful and alone, but she isn’t.

“holes in their souls”Almost one in four children

in America lives in a home where addiction to alcohol and other drugs produces a strong negative impact on their childhood development, according to the Betty Ford Institute. They literally develop “holes in their souls,” creating an environment that all too often gets passed on through the generations, says Jerry Moe, vice president and national director of the Betty Ford Center Children’s Program.

The consequences for children living with an alcoholic

parent can include anxiety and depression, mental, physical and behavioral problems and poor academic performance, according to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA). It’s not the alcoholism itself causing the issues but the resulting social and psychological dysfunction in the family.

Cole Adams, a North Texas psychotherapist and licensed social worker who specializes in codependency and addictions, says children of alcoholics (COAs) are four times more likely to become alcoholics themselves. They are also prone to develop codependency, which Adams describes as a “psychological state leading one person to become hyper-focused on fixing, controlling or rescuing another person to the detriment of their own physical, mental and spiritual well-being.”

These are kids living in high-risk situations, says Kelly Wierzbinski, director of Children, Youth and Family Services Family Connection at Rainbow Days, Inc., a nonprofit curriculum-based support and intervention

i

16 n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

effectively and identify ways to live a healthy and substance-free life.

Moe has been working with COAs since 1977. The author, lecturer and trainer on issues for young children from addicted families leads the Betty Ford Center Children’s Program, a unique prevention and education catalyst to address the special needs of children ages 7–12 who love someone who suffers from addiction to alcohol and/or other drugs, whether in recovery or living with an active addiction. Betty Ford Five Star Kids for Texas, launched in Las Colinas in 1998, uses art, games, role-playing, journaling and recreation during a three-day retreat to empower children with the necessary skills to grow, learn and heal. “It offers the child the gift of recovery too, as little ones are often left out of the recovery process,” says Lance Hughes, program manager of Five Star Kids.

The first day is all about teaching children the family’s big secret – addiction – in an age-appropriate way. “Children are often confused about what’s going on, but they know something is wrong,” Moe says. “Oftentimes they try to make it better

themselves by taking on adult responsibilities like preparing meals, taking care of siblings and giving emotional support to parents. It’s role reversal.”

From the outside, COAs might seem fine, and even display unusual leadership skills, but inside they harbor a tremendous amount of guilt and a sense that no matter what they do it’s never enough, Moe explains. They can become obsessed with perfectionism and have difficulty just being a kid.

The Children’s Program strives to reclaim childhood. “We let them know, ‘The good news is, it’s not your fault. The tough news is, no matter what we do, we can’t make it better,’” Moe says. “It’s not our problem to fix.”

By day two, children are beginning to talk and release their feelings in a room filled with other kids who’ve been through the same traumatic home life. Day three focuses on building resilience with tools and strategies children can employ going forward, no matter what happens.

Five Star Kids requires a parent or guardian to enroll the child and then attend an orientation and the final day of the workshop – an act Moe defines as “courageous.” Even for families in recovery, parents might be burdened with shame and guilt in admitting they’ve hurt their children. It’s the biggest obstacle the facilitators face in getting kids into the program, where no one is ever turned away because of finances.

Rainbow Days faces many similar challenges in reaching children. “We still haven’t come around that far in terms of overcoming the stigma,” Wierzbinski says. The organization provides transportation and administers its award-winning curricula directly in schools, homeless shelters and community centers.

“if one person in the family is sick, everyone is sick.”

Mollie Kline looks back and wishes she could have tapped into counseling much sooner. She grew up to become an adult child of an alcoholic; her mom finally got sober during Kline’s 20s.

Her own relationship to alcohol is sensitive. Though Kline doesn’t have the urge to drink excessively,

she admits to overindulging a handful of times. “I’m checking myself all the time,” she says. “Sometimes I wonder if people see me with a glass of wine and think, ‘Oh, geez, she’s going to be just like her mom.’”

Kline did, however, develop a pattern of passive behavior. Early in her marriage she put all of her efforts into keeping her husband happy, eschewing her opinions for his, “because I didn’t feel like I had the right to be assertive,” she says. And, when she did disagree, she would bottle it up and divert her attention to something else in order to avoid confrontation.

Many treatment plans approach codependency as an addiction to control or caretaking – putting someone else’s needs before your own. Kline’s codependent tendencies began to unravel after she gave birth to her first child. “Having a baby stripped me of any security,” she says, referring to her anxiety and need to control situations. “I could no longer rely on my unhealthy coping mechanisms [such as conflict avoidance].”

Kline and her husband turned to couple’s counseling, and eventually she went to Celebrate Recovery, a program designed to address hurts, habits and hang-ups – not just addiction – through Biblical understanding.

“It was a painful process … to see yourself for all the ugliness inside,” acknowledges Kline. “But it also gave me peace and confidence in who I am. It changed my entire view of things.”

According to Lisa Neumann, author of the recently penned Sober Identity: Tools for Reprogramming the Addictive Mind, “It’s not a matter of if the child [of an alcoholic] needs help, it’s they do need help and direction from a safe third party – no matter what their age. If one person in the family is sick, everyone is sick.”

Moe grants that for little ones, the Children’s Program – now available to agencies nationwide through a Betty Ford training academy – is just the first, but important, step in a long journey toward emotional healing. Families leave with referrals for additional assistance, and the center uses a variety of creative methods to stay

program for disadvantaged youths ages 4–15. COAs are the “least likely to possess essential coping and social skills or the emotional and social support necessary to overcome traumatic stress and succeed in spite of adversity,” Wierzbinski says.

Since its inception, the Betty Ford Center has regarded addiction to alcohol and other drugs as a family disease. Besides the patient, an average of eight other people are unwittingly affected. While many programs target loved ones of alcoholics ages 13 and up, such as Al-Anon and Alateen, Betty Ford’s Moe and Cathey Brown, founder and CEO of Rainbow Days, Inc., wondered what the result would be if little ones got help sooner – before they even thought about taking a drink or drugs.

Brown started the first support group in Dallas for young COAs nearly 30 years ago. Today the organization has expanded to serve more than 14,200 youth and 1,000 parents a year who are living in a wide variety of adverse family situations. Through free activities and supportive services, children learn how to set and achieve goals, deal with problems and emotions

“She wanted to keep up appearances that we were a sweet, all-American family.

But she put alcohol in front of everything else.”

—Mollie Kline, child of an alcoholic

n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 17

in touch with alumni. Children can also return later to Five Star Kids 2, a deeper exploration that is especially helpful in the event of a parent relapse.

“i had been checking out of my life”

Moe says it is common for a child of an alcoholic to grow up without a sense of how to relax. And how do they unwind? They often turn to alcohol.

Neumann also grew up in an alcoholic home and, like Kline, didn’t want the same fate to happen to her. She didn’t realize at first that her drinking had gotten out of hand, because she could sip a certain amount and stop. “I wasn’t that far gone,” she notes wryly.

But she was always thinking about her next cocktail and organizing her social life around alcohol. “When I was pregnant, it killed me to not drink,” she says. “Not even that was a clue for me.”

Like many moms, Neumann would pour a glass of wine at 5pm to help her cope with the demands of mothering small children. One led to two or three glasses, and sometimes a black-out. She didn’t imbibe during the day, though. And she had plenty of mom friends who drank. “If they don’t have a problem, neither do I,” she’d tell herself. She assumed she could stop altogether at any time.

In the morning, after a rough evening, she’d vow not to have a drink. By 2pm she’d loosen her resolve and say, maybe just one more night. And by 3pm she was on the way to the market to buy more wine. This went on for three years. “I just thought I had a little wine problem,” she says. “How wrong I was.”

One day while at the park with her kids, ages 3 and 1, Neumann spiked her soda with vodka. Her daughter fell and hurt herself, and the first thing Neumann worried about was how to take her to the hospital with breath smelling like alcohol. “It was a turning point for me,” she says. “I had been checking out of my life, and my children were entitled to a mom who was here and present.”

In addition to the Twelve-Step program, Neumann credits a regimen of life coaching, spiritual healing and therapy for saving her

and giving her a new purpose in life. After four years of sobriety, at age 44, Neumann went back to school and received her leadership coaching credentials from the International Coaching Academy. She now coaches recovered addicts. “That great feeling I chased with alcohol? I get to feel that way all day long,” says a jubilant Neumann. “It requires discipline and training of your mind, but it’s doable.”

Recovery is possible: Despite sordid news about the latest celebrity succumbing to drugs and alcohol, a survey released last month by The Partnership at Drugfree.org and The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) shows that 10 percent of all American adults, ages 18 and older, consider themselves to be in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse problems. These groundbreaking findings serve as a reminder that addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery can be a reality.

There is hope for codependents as well. Adams says often the codependent person finds an inner strength and becomes far stronger than someone who hasn’t faced the same adversity. “It’s very freeing for them,” he says.

It’s also something that requires diligence and patience. “It took a long time to create the damage,” says Neumann, who recently put her 12-year-old son into counseling. “Process is not an event on the calendar.”

One of the tenets of Twelve Step recovery programs is that both addicts and codependents make amends. Kline says she hasn’t had a problem in that department. “The pain I went through is nothing compared to the pain my mom has been through,” she says. “As a child I was always seeking her approval, and now I have it. She’s my best friend.”

Neumann notes that “We don’t forgive for the other person; we do it for ourselves so our hearts are clean.”

The new author and life coach has been able to take her childhood perspective of an alcoholic dad, who was sober the last 15 years of his life, and reframe that time as an adult: “Now I see his alcoholism as a gift that I am going to hand my children as a sober mom.” ntc

the council on alcohol & drug abuse hotline

Get connected to local, diverse community resources including education classes, treatment and support groups.214/522-8600 or 800/246-HOPE (4673)

alcoholics anonymous (aa)

Provides information about AA and gives contact information for local meetings. Dallas area: aadallas.orgFort Worth area: fortworthaa.orgNational: alcoholics-anonymous.org

greater dallas area al-anon

214/363-0461dallasal-anon.org

fort worth al-anonFor families and friends of alcoholics recovering from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. 817/336-2492texas-al-anon.org/ftworth

dallas alateenFellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking.dallasal-anon.org/alateen.php

betty ford center children’s program

Resources for children of alcoholics and addicts. Children’s Program offers intensive prevention and education groups for children ages 7-12. 972/751-0363bettyfordcenter.org

rainbow daysAn array of alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention programs serving children in a four-county Dallas area.rdikids.org

substance abuse resource center at unt

Provides evidence-based individual, group and environmental level education regarding alcohol and other drug use through services and strategies that encourage healthy decision-making. sarc.unt.edu

co-dependents anonymous (coda) texas

Fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships. codatexas.org

celebrate recoveryGroup finder for Christ-centered recovery program. celebraterecovery.com

adult children of alcoholics (acoa)

Local meeting lists and resources. adultchildren.org

competency coachingInspiration, motivation, information about life coaching and tips on sobriety.competencycoaching.com

national association for children of alcoholics (nacoa)

nacoa.org

children of alcoholics foundation (coaf)

www.coaf.org

national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism (niaaa)

www.niaaa.nih.gov

get help and get helpsupportsupport

18 n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

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n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2 23

giveLooking for ways for

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involved in the com-

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makeAfter you’ve heard

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11pm Sat. and 11am-

9pm Sun. Free.Denton

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seeBallet Ensemble of

Texas presents George

Skibine’s Coppelia, a

three-act comedy and

classical ballet that tells

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terious Dr. Coppelius

and his life-like balle-

rina doll, Coppelia. On

April 6 at 7:30pm and

April 7 at 2:30pm and

7:30pm. At the Irving

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eatParty like it’s 1896 and

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ride on the Wells Fargo

stagecoach. Free. Ice

cream will be available

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10am-4pm on April 14.Denton

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doDust off your sleep-

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culture.kid

W O R D S e l i z a b e t h s m i t h

I L L u S T R A T I O n m a g n i f i c e n t b e a r d

24 n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

drive to bricktown park in oklahoma city, or catch a game

at fenway park in boston

W O R D S j e s s i c a b o w e r s

by plane:boston, ma

What to DoAs the oldest operating park in the country, there is perhaps no other stadium that knows the history of baseball quite like Fenway Park. Fenway is celebrating its 100th year in 2012, which includes big celebrations all season long. Of course, you’ll want to catch a game to see the Red Sox take the field, but you can also schedule a tour to catch the behind-the-scenes action. It seems that every part of Fenway is steeped in folklore and tradition – from the famous Green Monster to the lone red stadium seat that marks Ted Williams’ home run – and baseball lovers will want to be a part of it all.877/733-7699; boston.redsox.mlb.com

Where to stayWhen it comes to luxury accommodations that fit the whole family, Marriott’s Custom House hits it out of the park. Way more than just a standard hotel, the Custom House towers high above Boston Harbor, offering stunning views of the city and a fascinating history of more than 200 years. Families will find the hotel located right in the heart of the city with spacious rooms

and tons of family-oriented amenities. Don’t miss the 26th-floor observatory, where you can see the splendor of the city and tour the clock tower mechanism. Families can relax in the game room with air hockey and pool or in the activity center outfitted for little ones with miniature jungle gyms and basketball goals. The whole family can relax at the end of the day in a luxury theater, where you can even schedule a private showing of the movie of your choice.617/310-6300; marriott.com

Where to eatFull Moon, a renowned urban café, was founded on a simple principle: Parents deserve to get to eat great food in a family-friendly atmosphere. The menu changes seasonally and includes delicacies from all over the world, from Moroccan chicken tagine to mussels and Portuguese chorizo. Standard kid-approved fare is also available on the menu, but the restaurant is best loved for the extras that appeal to all ages. Baskets of toys, sippy cups and even a play space tucked into the corner of the restaurant give parents the opportunity to enjoy their meal with a moment of delicious silence.617/354-6699; fullmoonrestaurant.com

kid culture / p l a c e s

Batter up! Spring is in full swing, and nothing beats sitting at the ballpark, holding a hot dog smothered with all the goods in one hand and a cold drink in

the other. America’s favorite pastime is a great way to bring families together for a weekend getaway. Pack the car with peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and head for Bricktown Park in the heart of Oklahoma City, or take off for Boston and relive

the past at Fenway Park.

peanuts & cracker jacks

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What to DoEven a minor-league park can pack a major punch, especially when it has everything for family fun. AT&T Bricktown Ballpark, home of the Oklahoma City Redhawks, is located in the heart of Bricktown, making it the perfect place to enjoy a game and the best of the city. Built in the shape of home plate with an old baseball-stadium feel, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. When the kids need to stretch their legs, take them out to the playground located at centerfield, where you can still keep your eye on the action.405/218-1000; bricktownokc.com

Where to stayIn the center of lively Bricktown you’ll find the Skirvin Hilton Hotel, a historic icon that has delivered elegance and comfort for more than 100 years. Kids will be thrilled by the welcome backpack filled with games and treats, while parents will love the spacious

rooms with antique details and modern amenities. No matter the weather, you can chill in the indoor heated pool or enjoy the live music in the piano lounge. 405/272-5160; skirvinhilton.com

Where to eatJust across from the Bricktown Ballpark, you have two great dining options with a fun sports atmosphere. In the mood for an upscale meal? Enjoy the legend of a baseball great as you dig into a gourmet meal at Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse. The steaks here are so tender you can cut them with a fork, and baseball lovers will be thrilled to check out the memorabilia from Mickey Mantle’s personal collection. If you are looking for a more casual dining option, check out Coach’s Restaurant, where you can grab a pre-game burger or pizza. mickeymantlesteakhouse.com, coachsrestaurants.com ntc

1 / Play ball! Enjoy 100 1 / Play ball! Enjoy 100 1 /years of history as the Red Sox take the field at Fenway. 2 / The Marriott Custom House stands at attention above historic Boston. 3 / A loading dock just outside the ballpark provides continual watertaxi service to the Bricktown area. 4 / N icknamed “The 4 / N icknamed “The 4 /Brick,” Bricktown Plaza is home to the minor-league Redhawks and major family fun.

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04/04 octopus garden exhibit @ sea life grapevine aquarium

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kid culture

easter spring egg-stravaganza the shops at Willow Bend, 6121 W. park Blvd., plano. 972/202-7110. shopwillowbend.com. 11am–8pm mon–sat; 12–6pm sun.

through apr 7. meet the easter Bunny and enjoy face painting and balloons

from select retailers. visits are free.on stage

The Cat and the Canary irving arts Center, 3333 n. macarthur Blvd., irving. 972/252-2787. irvingartscenter.

com. 8pm thu–sat; 2:30pm sun. through apr 7. in this mystery thriller, a family tries to drive annabelle West mad to acquire her fortune. for ages 10 and older. tickets start at $19.

on stage Young King Arthur Dallas Children’s theater, 5938 skillman st., Dallas. 214/740-0051. dct.org. 1:30pm and 4:30pm. Discover the story of a boy with a destiny to become king. for ages 5 and older. tickets start at $12.

continuing:see northtexaschild.com for more events.

2 MondayMusic

Kindermusik with heidi Brilliant sky toys & Books, 1101 shoal Crk., ste. 110, highland village. 972/966-2321. hvbstb.com. 10:30–11am. Children ages 3 and younger can explore instruments and dance to music. free.

special event Mommy and Me Monday Dallas arboretum, 8525 garland rd., Dallas. 214/515-6500. dallasarboretum.org. 10am–2pm. enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and mu-sic with Kindermusik. $15 adults; $12 seniors; $9 children; free for children 2 and younger.

story tiMe Mother goose time Flower Mound flower mound public library, 3030 Broadmoor ln., flower mound. 972/874-6167. fmlibrary.net. 11:15am mon–tue. enjoy 20 minutes of stories, music and movements. for new parents and babies under 18 months. registration required. free.

1 Sundayon stage

Alice in Wonderland Casa mañana theatre, 3101 W. lancaster ave., fort Worth. 817/332-2272. casamanana.org. 7pm fri; 1pm and 5pm sat; 2pm sun. through apr 15. Watch the musical version of the classic fairy tale. tickets start at $16.

on stage Anne of Green Gables Dallas Children’s theater, 5938 skillman st., Dallas. 214/740-0051. dct.org. 1:30pm and 4:30pm. travel to prince edward island in Canada with one of the most loved literary characters. $16–$24.

Festival dallas blooms Festival Dallas arboretum, 8525 garland rd., Dallas. 214/515-6500. dallasarboretum.org. 9am–5pm daily. Walk through the gardens and enjoy the thousands of spring-blooming bulbs, cherry blossom trees and azaleas. through apr 8. $15 adults; $9 children 3–12; free for members and children 2 and younger. on-site parking is $10.

special event Dare to Dream american airlines Center, 2500 victory ave., Dallas. 469/385-7300. americanairlinescenter.com. 1:30pm and 5:30pm. the all-new show features rapunzel, princess tiana and Cinderella. Dallas skater Jonny harris will portray frog naveen and Captain shang. tickets start at $15.

arts & craFts drawing from the collection for children the modern art mu-seum of fort Worth, 3200 Darnell st., fort Worth. 817/738-9215. themodern.org. 2–3:30pm. Kids ages 5–12 can bring a sketchbook and pencils to learn about art through informal drawing exercises. attendance is limited. free.

nature sharky sundays – nature trackers museum of nature & science, 1318 s. second ave., Dallas. 214/428-5555. nature-andscience.org. 1–3pm. learn about tracking, collecting and conserving with hands-on activities. free with admis-sion: $10 adults; $7 kids 2–11; free for kids under 2.

story tiMe preschool story time irving Central library, 801 W. irving Blvd., irving. 972/721-2458. cityofirving.org/library. 7:30pm mon; 10:30am tue. Children ages 3–6 can enjoy stories, finger plays, music and more. free.

story tiMe preschool time lewisville lewisville public library, 1197 W. main st., lewisville. 972/219-3570. cityoflewisville.com. 10:30am mon; 4pm and 7pm tue. Children ages 3–6 can enjoy stories, songs, finger plays and movement and take home an activity. free.

story tiMe story time Flower Mound flower mound public library, 3030 Broadmoor ln., flower mound. 972/874-6167. fmlibrary.net. 10am and 2pm mon–tue. Children ages 3–6 can enjoy stories, music and rhymes. Kids can attend alone but caregivers must remain in the library. free.

continuing:dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1.

3 TueSdaystory tiMe

Mother goose time Denton public library, various locations, Denton. dentonlibrary.com. 9:30am tue south Branch library; 9:30am fri north Branch library. participate in an interactive program with songs, stories and rhymes. for ages birth–18 months. free.

story tiMe pottery barn Kids – peter rabbit story time stonebriar Centre mall, 2601 preston rd., frisco. 972/731-8912. shopstonebriar.com. 11am–12pm. listen to the classic Beatrix potter story of peter rabbit and enjoy activities at pottery Barn Kids.

story tiMe story and activity time Brilliant sky toys & Books, 1101 shoal Crk. ste. 110, highland village. 972/966-2321. hvbstb.com. 10:30–11am tue. listen to a story, make a craft and play a game. for children ages 2–5, but all ages are welcome. free.

special event tiny tot tuesdays Dallas arboretum, 8525 garland rd., Dallas. 214/515-6500. dallasarboretum.org. 10am–2pm. enjoy

04

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face painting, a petting zoo, arts and crafts and music with Kindermusik. $15 adults; $12 seniors; $9 children; free for children 2 and younger.

story tiMe toddler story time irving Central library, 801 W. irving Blvd., irving. 972/721-2458. cityofirving.org/library. 7pm tue; 10:30am Wed. Children ages 18 months to 3 years can engage through stories, finger plays and music. free.

story tiMe toddler time Denton public library, various locations, Denton. dentonlibrary.com. 10:30am tue south Branch library; 9:30am Wed emily fowler Central library. enjoy 20 minutes of stories, puppets and activities. for ages 12–36 months. free.

story tiMe toddler time lewisville lewisville public library, 1197 W. main st., lewisville. 972/219-3570. cityoflewisville.com. 10:30am tue–thu; 11am tue. Walking toddlers ages 15–36 months can participate in a story time and do a take-home activity. free.

continuing:dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1. Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewis-ville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2.

4 WedneSdayexhibit

octopus garden exhibit sea life grapevine aquarium, 3000 grapevine mills pkwy., grapevine. 877/819-7677. visitsealife.com. 10am–9:30pm. last admission at 7:30pm. Discover cephalopods at the opening day for this new exhibit. enjoy hands-on activities and games. free with admission: $19 adults; $15 kids; free for kids ages 2 and younger.

story tiMe story time denton emily fowler library, 502 oakland st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 11am Wed. Children ages 1–5 can enjoy interactive preschool classes that use stories, songs and puppets to build early literacy skills. free.

story tiMe toddler time coppell William t. Cozby public library, 177 n. heartz rd., Coppell. 972/304-3658. coppelltx.gov. 11am Wed. Children ages 2–3 can enjoy interactive stories, songs and games. free.

story tiMe toddler time Flower Mound flower mound public library, 3030 Broadmoor ln., flower mound. 972/874-6167. fmlibrary.net. 10am and 11am Wed–thu. Children ages 18–36 months can enjoy 30 minutes of stories, music and rhymes. free.

continuing:dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1. toddler time see apr 3. toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3.

5 ThurSdaystory tiMe

all by Myself William t. Cozby public library, 177 n. heartz rd., Coppell. 972/304-3658. coppelltx.gov. 10:30am thu. have fun with songs, rhymes, finger plays and more. Children ages 3–5 can attend inde-pendently. Caregivers must remain in the library. free.

easter brunch with the bunny lee park recreation Center, 3000 pamela Dr., irving. 972/721-2508. cityofirving.org. 10:30am–12pm. Children ages 6 and younger can eat brunch with the easter Bunny. registration is required. $5.

arts & craFts Jumpstart – it’s rhyming time irving arts Center, 3333 n. macarthur Blvd., irving. 972/252-2787. irvingartscen-ter.com. 10am. read stories and make art projects in celebration of national poetry month. for children ages 2 and older. free.

easter preschool easter egg hunt northwest park recreation Center, 2800 Cheyenne st., irving. 972/721-2529.

cityofirving.org. 10–11am. Children ages 3–5 can hunt for eggs in the park. Bring your own basket. register by apr 3. $5.

continuing:dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1. The Cat and the Canary see apr 1. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. story time denton see apr 4. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4.

6 Fridayspecial event

good Friday concert Dallas arboretum, 8525 garland rd., Dallas. 214/515-6500. dallasarboretum.org. Concert 11am–12pm and 2–3pm; children’s activities 10am–2pm. Children’s singer eddie Coker will perform on the martin rutchik Concert stage sponsored by DallasChild. Kids can enjoy face painting, a petting zoo and arts and crafts. $15 adults; $9 children; free for children 2 and younger.

on stage Little Women Campus theatre, 214 W. hickory st., Denton. 940/382-1915. campustheatre.com. 7:30pm fri–sat; 2pm sun. through apr 15. Watch the stage adaptation of the classical novel by louisa may alcott. $20 adults; $10 students and children.

story tiMe raising readers story time Barnes & noble Booksell-ers, golden triangle mall, 2201 i-35 e. south space n01B, Denton. 940/383-9261. bn.com. 10:30am fri. preschoolers can enjoy a story time and craft. free.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1. The Cat and the Canary see apr 1. Mother goose time see apr 3. story time denton see apr 4.

7 SaTurdayeducational

aunt Mikki’s Kid Fish Bass pro shop, 2501 Bass pro Dr., grapevine. 972/724-2018. basspro.com. 11am every sat, weather permitting. learn to fish at the outdoor pond. for kids 4–12. free.

easter easter eggstravaganza Denton Civic Center, 321 e. mcK-inney st., Denton. 940/349-7275. dentonparks.com. 9:30am. enjoy bounce houses, crafts and a magic show. hunt for eggs at nearby quakertown park. for toddlers through fifth grade. free.

story tiMe Family story time lewisville lewisville public library, 1197 W. main st., lewisville. 972/219-3570. cityoflewis-ville.com. 11:15am sat. Children of all ages can enjoy a story time with songs and movement pieces. free.

FilM planetarium show – Natural Selection unt sky theater, 1704 W. mulberry, Denton. 940/369-8213. skytheater.unt.edu. 2pm and 8pm sat. Watch a film about Charles Darwin’s journey to the galapagos islands on the planetarium’s high-definition projection system. for children in grades 5 and up. $5 adults; $3 unt students and children 12 and younger.

special event play and read with puppets north Branch library, 3020 n. locust st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 10–11am. play with puppets and read stories to them. for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers. free.

easter preschool egg hunt georgia farrow recreation Center, 530 Davis Dr., irving. 972/721-2519. cityo-firving.org/parks-and-recreation. 11am–12pm. hunt for eggs and enjoy refreshments. registra-tion deadline is apr 5. for ages 3–6. Children need an adult in attendance. $4.

story tiMe saturday story time Barnes & noble Booksellers, high-land village, 4100 Deer Crk., highland village. 972/966-0099. bn.com. 11am. Children can enjoy a story time and related take-home craft. free.

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nature shark dissections museum of nature & science, 1318 s. second ave., Dallas. 214/428-5555. natureand-science.org. 1pm every sat. through sep 15. Watch a live dissection of a shark while learning about its anatomy. free with admission: $10 adults; $7 kids 2–11; kids under 2 free.

easter spring eggstravaganza Wagon Wheel park, 345 free-port pkwy., Coppell. 972/462-5100. coppelltx.gov. 11am. Kids can hunt for eggs in groups according to age. for kids 10 and younger. free.

nature star party rafes urban astronomy Center, 2350 tom Cole rd., Denton. 940/369-8213. astronomy.unt.edu/starparties. 30 minutes after sunset, weather permitting. first sat monthly. gaze at celestial objects through telescopes and learn about the night sky from university of north texas staff members and students. free.

easter underwater easter egg hunt flower mound Com-munity activity Center, 1200 gerault rd., flower mound. 972/874-7275. flower-mound.com/cac. 10am. search for eggs in an indoor pool and enjoy games, arts and crafts, and a visit from the easter Bunny. registration is required. $10 for center members; $11 for nonmembers.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. spring egg-stravaganza see apr 1. The Cat and the Canary see apr 1. story time denton see apr 4. Little Women see apr 6.

8 Sundayeaster

easter bunny Fun run grapevine vintage railroad, 705 s. main st., grapevine. 817/410-8136. grape-vinetexasusa.com. 3pm. enjoy an hour trip on the vintage railcar with the easter Bunny. $10 adults; $8 children; free for children 2 and younger.

exhibit butterflies in the garden fort Worth Botanic garden, 3220 Botanic garden Blvd., fort Worth. 817/871-7686. fwbg.org. 10am–4pm. this is the last day to see the more than 12,000 butterflies that flutter in the conservatory. $10 adults; $8 seniors 65 and older; $6 kids 3–12; free for kids 2 and younger.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. dallas blooms Festival see apr 1. Little Women see apr 6.

9 Mondayeducational

snake talk irving public library – east Branch, 440 s. nursery rd., irving. 972/721-3722. cityofirving.org/library. 2:30–3:30pm. Watch a live snake demonstration and learn about their anatomy, skin patterns and color and how they survive in the wild. free.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2.

10 TueSdaystory tiMe

pottery barn Kids stonebriar Centre mall, 2601 preston rd., frisco. 972/731-8912. shopstonebriar.com. 11am. listen to a story and enjoy children’s activities at pottery Barn. free.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2. Mother goose time see apr 3. story and activity time see apr 3. toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3.

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kid culture / e v e r y d a y

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11 WedneSdayhistory

history explorers – the titanic north Branch library, 3020 n. locust st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 4:30pm. learn about the ship’s historic sinking with related activities and crafts. for grades K–3. free.

special event truck rodeo flower mound public library, 3030 Broadmoor ln., flower mound. 972/874-6167. fmlibrary.net. 3–4:30pm. see city vehicles from animal control, parks, streets, fire and police departments up close in the library parking lot. operators will be available to answer questions and let children sit in the driver’s seat. all ages are welcome. free.

arts & craFts Wonderful Wednesdays the modern art museum of fort Worth, 3200 Darnell st., fort Worth. 817/738-9215. themodern.org. 4–4:45pm apr 11 and 18. visit the work of artist robert rauschenberg and make a gallery project reflecting his work. free.

continuing:toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. Mother goose story time irving see apr 4. story time denton see apr 4. toddler time coppell see apr 4. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4.

12 ThurSdayMusic

sufi hand drumming Banter Bistro, 219 W. oak st., Denton. 940/565-1638. dentonbanter.com. 6–7:30pm. listen and dance to the music of the band it is What it is as musicians perform sufi hand drumming on various types of drums and chimes. for all ages. free.

continuing:toddler time lewisville see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4. all by Myself see apr 5. story time denton see apr 4.

13 Fridayspecial event

day out with thomas grapevine vintage railroad, 705 s. main st., grapevine. 214/428-0101. historictrains.org. 9am–6pm fri–sun. through apr 22. enjoy a 25-minute train ride and a day full of fun including magic shows and a treasure dig. $18.

dance Selections for Spring irving arts Center, 3333 n. macarthur Blvd., irving. 972/252-2787. irvingartscenter.com. 7:30pm fri and sat. Watch a range of dance styles and a performance of peter and the Wolf with narration. tickets start at $13.50.

educational up, up and away south Branch library, 3228 teasley ln., Denton. 940/349-8752. den-tonlibrary.com. 4pm. learn to make a balloon hovercraft and perform other balloon experiments. for kids ages 6–11. free.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. Little Women see apr 6. Mother goose time see apr 3. rais-ing readers story time see apr 6. story time denton see apr 4.

14 SaTurdayrecreation

bird Walk lewisville lake environmental learning area, 201 e. Jones st., lewisville. 972/219-7980. ias.unt.edu/llela. 7:30–10:30am. Watch for hundreds of bird species in llela’s forests, prairies and marshes. for children ages 10 and older. $2 plus $5 gate fee; registration is requested but not required.

recreation nature Walk lewisville lake environmental learning area, 201 e. Jones st., lewisville. 972/219-7980. ias.unt.edu/llela. 10am. explore the trails of llela and look for wildlife. notice the season changes in the natural scenery. $2 plus $5 gate fee; registration is requested but not required.

story tiMe second saturday story time William t. Cozby public library, 177 n. heartz rd., Coppell. 972/304-3658. coppelltx.gov. 11am. listen to songs and stories at this weekend program designed specially for parents who work during the week. free.

special event teddy bear picnic a.W. perry homestead museum, 1509 n. perry rd., Carrollton. 972/466-6380. cityofcarrollton.com/museum. 3pm. Bring your teddy bear and a picnic lunch and enjoy a best-dressed bear contest and teddy bear first aid station. $11 per family for residents. $12.10 per family for nonresidents.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. story time denton see apr 4. Little Women see apr 6. aunt Mikki’s Kid Fish see apr 7. Family story time lewisville see apr 7. planetarium show – Natu-ral Selection see apr 7. saturday story time see apr 7. shark dissections see apr 7. day out with thomas see apr 13. Selections for Spring see apr 13.

15 Sundaynature

sharky sundays museum of nature & science, 1318 s. second ave., Dallas. 214/428-5555. natureandscience.org. 1–3pm. meet author roger farish, learn about historic sea creatures that lived in texas and see fossilized shark teeth. free with admission: $10 adults; $7 kids 2–11; free for kids under 2.

continuing:Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. Little Women see apr 6. day out with thomas see apr 13.

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kid culture / e v e r y d a y

32 n o r t h t e x a s c h i l d . c o m / a p r i l 2 0 1 2

16 Mondayspecial event

home school day at dallas Zoo Dallas Zoo, 650 s. rl thornton frwy., Dallas. 469/554-7300. dallaszoo.com. 10am–3pm. enjoy interactive education booths, dis-covery carts and keeper talks throughout the day. $15 adults; $12 children; free for children 2 and younger. $5 per person if registered by apr 9.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2.

17 TueSdaynature

bluebells grapevine Botanical gardens, 411 Ball st., grapevine. 817/410-3450. playgrapevine.com. 4–4:45pm. Create a plant rooter complete with plants to root at home and listen to a related story. $5.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2. Mother goose time see apr 3. story and activity time see apr 3. toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. pottery barn Kids see apr 10.

18 WedneSdaystory tiMe

Family story time Flower Mound flower mound public library, 3030 Broadmoor ln., flower mound. 972/874-6167. fmlibrary.net. 7–8pm. families with young children can enjoy stories, music, rhymes, crafts and a snack. free.

on stage Stuart Little irving arts Center, 3333 n. macarthur Blvd., irving. 972/252-2787. irvingartscenter.com. 9:30am and 11:30am. see the play based on the story by e.B. White. the production features actors who will simul-taneously speak and sign american sign language. for children in fourth grade and younger. $6.

continuing:toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. Mother goose story time irving see apr 4. story time denton see apr 4. toddler time coppell see apr 4. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4. Wonderful Wednesdays see apr 11.

19 ThurSdaycontinuing:

toddler time lewisville see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4. all by Myself see apr 5. story time denton see apr 4.

20 Fridayrecreation

Family camping and Fishing northwest park recreation Center, 2800 Cheyenne st., irving. 972/721-2529. cityofirving.org. 7pm–7am apr 21–22. go night fish-ing, watch movies and play games on an overnight camping trip. for families with children 5 and older. register by apr 13. $2.

on stage Fiddler on the Roof studio B performing arts Center, 2400 fm 407, highland village. 972/966-2787. studiobthe-ater.info. 7:30pm fri–sat; 2:30pm sun. through apr 29. Watch a production of the classic musical of a Jewish dairyman and his five daughters. $15 adults; $12 seniors and students; $10 for children 10 and younger.

special event late night at the dMa Dallas museum of art, 1717 n. harwood st., Dallas. 214/922-1803. dallasmuseumofart.org. 6pm–12am. enjoy concerts, tours and family activi-ties inspired by the youth & Beauty exhibit. Watch the movie midnight in paris and listen to paula mclain, au-thor of the paris Wife. free with admission: $10 adults; $5 students; free for children 12 and younger.

arts & craFts lego builders emily fowler library, 502 oakland st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com.

4pm. Children ages 6 and older can build with the library’s legos. free.

FilM Movie in the park – Smurfs pilot Knoll park, 218 orchid hill ln., argyle. 972/317-7430. hvparks.com. 7pm. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for an outdoor screen-ing of smurfs by the lake. free.

continuing:Mother goose time see apr 3. raising readers story time see apr 6. story time denton see apr 4. day out with thomas see apr 13.

21 SaTurdayrecreation

15th annual Zoo run fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial pkwy., fort Worth. 817/759-7555. fortworthzoo.org. 6–10am. run or walk a 10K, 5K or 1K fun run through the zoo and surrounding neighborhoods. preregistra-tion fee starts at $23; $33 on race day.

saFety bumbles the Magic bumblebee north Branch library, 3020 n. locust st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 10am. Bumbles and Denton County friends of the family will present an informational program to teach children in pre-K through second grade about stranger safety. free.

special event denton redbud Festival Denton Civic Center, 321 e. mcK-inney st., Denton. 940/349-8738. kdb.org. 10am–4pm. Celebrate arbor Day with live music, a bounce house, tree-related crafts and environmental education activities. free.

arts & craFts Family Festival – adventures in impressionism Kimbell art museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort Worth. 817/332-8451. kimbellart.org. 1–4pm. enjoy art-making activities and live performances inspired by the special exhibit, Age of Impressionism. free.

special event Flash Mob vista ridge mall, 2401 s. stemmons fwy., lewisville. 972/315-3641. vistaridgemall.com. 1pm. Watch as more than 100 girl scouts ages 5–18 perform a flash mob dance to celebrate the organiza-tion’s 100th anniversary. free.

recreation great outdoor days Bob Jones nature Center and pre-serve, 355 e. Bob Jones rd., southlake. 817/491-6333. bjnc.org. 9am–5pm sat; 10am–3pm sun. spend a night camping with the whole family, go fishing at the pavilion and enjoy activities including rock climb-ing, outdoor crafts, golf demonstrations and a park cleanup. $12 for campout; free for all other activities.

nature homestead open house lewisville lake environmental learning area, 201 e. Jones st., lewisville. 972/219-7980. ias.unt.edu/llela. 12–3pm. explore frontier life and discover Denton County history on guided tours of several historic structures. free with admission: $5; free for children 5 and younger.

nature spring into nash Farm nash farm, 626 Ball st., grapevine. 817/410-3585. grapevinetexasusa.com. 10am–2pm. enjoy the 11th annual spring event with heritage toys, kitchen gardening, wagon rides, jump rope making and woodcarving demonstrations. free.

continuing:story time denton see apr 4. aunt Mikki’s Kid Fish see apr 7. Family story time lewisville see apr 7. planetarium show – Natural Selection see apr 7. saturday story time see apr 7. shark dissections see apr 7. day out with thomas see apr 13. Fiddler on the Roof see apr 20.

22 Sundayarts & craFts

Family Funday – young Masters amon Carter museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort Worth. 817/738-1933. cartermuseum.org. 1–4pm. Discover now-famous artists who began when they were young and make your own art project. free.

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continuing:day out with thomas see apr 13. Fiddler on the Roof see apr 20. great outdoor days see apr 21.

23 Mondayarts & craFts

earth day crafts irving public library – east Branch, 440 s. nursery rd., irving. 972/721-3722. cityofirving.org/library. 4–5pm. Celebrate earth Day with a make-and-take craft. for all ages. free.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2.

24 TueSdayspecial event

secrets of the ninja south Branch library, 3228 teasley ln., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 3:30pm. read stories about ninjas, make masks, and learn how to make and throw ninja stars. for ages 5–10. free.

continuing:Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2. Mother goose time see apr 3. story and activity time see apr 3. toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. pottery barn Kids see apr 10.

25 WedneSdayspecial event

bubbles of love day Central park, 1221 e. southlake Blvd., southlake. 817/991-6058. bubblesofloveday.com. 11am–2pm. Blow bubbles with the whole family at the second annual Bubbles of love Day. the event is pet-friendly and open to all ages. free.

continuing:toddler story time irving see apr 3. toddler time lewisville see apr 3. Mother goose story time irving see apr 4. story time denton see apr 4. toddler time coppell see apr 4. toddler time see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4.

26 ThurSdaynature

home school natural science lewisville lake environmen-tal learning area, 201 e. Jones st., lewisville. 972/219-7980. ias.unt.edu/llela. 10am–2pm. Discover the plants and animals in Beaver pond and learn about how living things depend on water. for children in second grade and up. $10.

continuing:toddler time lewisville see apr 3. toddler time Flower Mound see apr 4. all by Myself see apr 5. story time denton see apr 4. sufi hand drumming see apr 12.

27 FridayFestival

art in the square southlake town square, 1400 main st., southlake. 817/329-5566. artinthesquare.com. 4–10:30pm fri; 10am–10:30pm sat; 11am–6pm sun. Browse art displays and listen to music. Chil-dren can enjoy games, inflatables, crafts and face painting in two kids’ play areas. free admission; fees for food, drinks and select children’s activities.

on stage disney’s The Jungle Book ohlook performing arts Cen-ter, 1631 W. northwest hwy., grapevine. 817/421-2825. ohlookperform.com. 7:30pm fri; 2:30pm and 7:30pm sat; 2:30pm sun. Watch mowgli and Baloo on stage in the children’s production of the Jungle Book. $10.

MoM & dad new parents tour amon Carter museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., fort Worth. 817/738-1933. cartermuseum.org. 10:30am. enjoy an interactive tour designed to introduce grandparents and parents with babies to a variety of artworks. free.

on stage Phantom Tollbooth Crawford Center for the arts, 1720 s. edmonds, lewisville. 972/436-8228. getintotheact.org. 7pm fri; 2pm and 7pm sat; 2pm sun. through may 6. Watch the stage adaptation based on the award-winning children’s book by norton Juster. $12 adults; $10 students and seniors; $9 children 10 and younger.

continuing:Mother goose time see apr 3. raising readers story time see apr 6. story time denton see apr 4. Fiddler on the Roof see apr 20.

28 SaTurdayFestival

city of coppell earthFest town Center plaza, 255 parkway Blvd., Coppell. 972/462-5100. coppelltx.gov. 10am–2pm. enjoy educational booths, crafts and activities, and live music. free.

exhibit Magic school bus exhibit opening museum of nature & science, 1318 s. second ave., Dallas. 214/428-5555. natureandscience.org. 10am–5pm mon–sat; 12–5pm sun. through sep 9. visit the museum for the first day of the bilingual and hands-on exhibit based on the best-selling scholastic books. free with admission: $10 adults; $7 kids 2–11; free for kids under 2.

nature nature Walk with dallas trekkers lewisville lake envi-ronmental learning area, 201 e. Jones st., lewisville. 972/219-7980. ias.unt.edu/llela. 8:30am–3pm. guided walks leave trailhead at 8:30am and 11:30am. take a walk along the Cottonwood trail and visit the minor-porter log cabin. hikers will be given trail maps for a self-paced walk. $3; plus $5 entrance fee.

nature prairie Festx3 tandy hills natural area, 3400 view st., fort Worth. 817/731-2787. tandyhills.org. 4–8pm. take a guided hike through the trails and listen to live music at the second of three spring festivals at tandy hills. free.

educational preschool play and read north Branch library, 3020 n. locust st., Denton. 940/349-8752. dentonlibrary.com. 10–11am. improve early literacy skills with games, activities and crafts. for children ages 3–5. free.

continuing:story time denton see apr 4. aunt Mikki’s Kid Fish see apr 7. Family story time lewisville see apr 7. planetarium show – Natural Selection see apr 7. saturday story time see apr 7. shark dissections see apr 7. Fiddler on the Roof see apr 20. art in the square see apr 27. disney’s The Jungle Book see apr 27. Phantom Tollbooth see apr 27.

29 Sundaycontinuing:

Alice in Wonderland see apr 1. Fiddler on the Roof see apr 20. art in the square see apr 27. disney’s The Jungle Book see apr 27. Phantom Tollbooth see apr 27. Magic school bus exhibit opening see apr 28.

30 Mondaycontinuing:

Mother goose time Flower Mound see apr 2. preschool story time irving see apr 2. preschool time lewisville see apr 2. story time Flower Mound see apr 2. Magic school bus exhibit opening see apr 28.

Times, dates and locations are subject to change. Please call ahead before every event. If you have an event that you’d like us to consider for the next calendar, please go to northtexaschild.com and click on calendar to submit your event. Or fax to 972/447-0633 by the 10th of the month prior to the month of publication.

Want to see even more events? Search our up-to-the-minute online calendar by date, location and event type at northtexaschild.com.

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manife sto

How many of you work with people who describe themselves as Type A++? How often are these the people you want to eat lunch with or hang out with on the weekends?

Yeah, me neither. Type A++ is code for

obnoxious, self-promoting, egotistical, pain-in-the-rumpus maximus. Of course, these Type A++’s often do get ahead in the workplace no matter how evil they happen to be. Yeah, I hate that too. Nice guys and ladies often do get steamrolled by these Type A++ers. We tell our kids to play nice, be team players and treat others like you’d want to be treated. And then we go to work and observe just the opposite.

But while Type A++ is code for workplace bully, it’s by no means the only code that’s important to know these days. “Proactive” usu-ally means someone who proactively kisses the boss’ bottom before you even roll into work. In sales, when a client says they’re not going to spend money with you this year and then says, “It’s not about you guys, it’s re-ally our fault,” they actually mean it’s entirely your fault and never call me again or I’ll get a court injunction.

Code is everywhere. If someone says, “I don’t believe the polls,” their candidate is trailing in every poll known to man and has a snowball in hell’s chance of winning anything (see: Newt). If someone says,

“Oh, that’s a very interest-ing name,” when you tell them what you’ve named your daughter, it means they think the name you’ve chosen will scar your child for life and they’re about to start laughing the moment you get out of range.

“This tastes interesting. What’s in it?” is never a great indication that the cook hit it out of the park with that recipe. “Interesting” is an interesting code word.

On the youth sports fields every weekend, you’ll hear plenty of code … “Your boy really hustled today.” This, of course, means he’s not very good and we’re happy he can run, chew gum and not hurt anyone in the process. “He’s a great team player.” See the aforementioned.

“She’s got a great per-sonality.” Yes, she’s a woman of size and has a peg leg.

Then there’s the code that binds our cell phone-using kids. Just yesterday I found out that the ubiqui-tous “LOL” is about as cool as The Fonz to a 12-year-old girl with an iPhone. “Dad, no one uses that anymore. That’s just dorky.”

Thanks, honey. Love u 2.Keeping pace with the

code worlds of this preteen underworld is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meat loaf. Did you know “CD9” means parents are around? Did you know “CD8” became the new warning for parents being around when “CD9” became known by parents? Yeah, this ain’t easy.

Here’s what I do know and you should too:

MOS – Mom over shoulderP911 – Parent emergencyPAW – Parents are watchingPIR – Parent in roomTDTM – Talk dirty to me

I haven’t seen any of these on my daughter’s phone, but rest assured if any do pop up, especially the last one, the phone will be smashed with an Easton aluminum bat and the boy on the other end will need witness protection.

Trouble is, I’m pretty sure that every one of these

coded acronyms has been updated several times over. If you want to keep up with your kids and their con-stant text communication, you’ve got to learn their code. How else can you find out who’s got a crush on which knucklehead boy or which girl is stuck up? Riveting stuff, but it’s im-portant to stay close to this captivating conversation or you might miss something much more essential. That’s why I’ve bookmarked teenchatdecoder.com and noslang.com. Both help you navigate the ever-changing code of your kids.

Yes, I know, it sounds like I’m a real Type A++. Not even close. I just would like to limit my surprises in the coming months to the new set of Calloway irons I’ve had my eye on since last summer. And that’s not code for anything.

Seriously, I need those clubs. ASAP.

GTG (got to go). ntc

code talkers

Rudy lives in Flower Mound, works in Fort Worth and plays everywhere in between. He has one wife, one daughter, one son, one published book, one obsession with sports and 20 million observations on mar-riage and children. Follow him on Twitter: Manifesto10.

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locations so that you can enjoy one drop-off and pick-up location – it’s that easy!

Soccer AcademyEnhance soccer skills with After-School Sports and Fitness Academy* while increasing discipline, focus and confidence on and off the field.

Speed and Agility CampWork with After-School Sports and Fitness Academy* to improve quickness, coordination, body awareness, balance, and rhythm to develop self-esteem and make faster decisions for future sports and life.

Lacrosse SessionLearn the basics of lacrosse, such as throwing, catching, cradling and shooting, while enhancing motor development skills, practicing physical fitness and increasing self-confidence, with After-School Sports and Fitness Academy*.

Robotics WorkshopJoin Robots-4-U, who has been serving students across the nation for over 20 years, as we use kits and tools to learn how robots are used, designed, programmed, and con-trolled.

Chefs AcademyKids like to cook, too! And they can with world-class instruction by offering culinary expertise from our talented chefs as well as a diversity of local, regional and nationally known chefs and culinary instructors.

Creative Arts Explore works of art through images, discussion questions, and activities. Certified instructors will use materials that include information, images, discussion questions, and hands on activities to support children’s creative expression.

Call 877-807-5301 today!

Check Out Our Specialty Summer Workshops!

www.childrenscourtyard.comPrograms vary by school. See school for details. The Children’s Courtyard™ is an equal opportunity provider.

*After-School Sports and Fitness Academy was founded by Carl Bussey, a graduate of S.M.U. and former professional soccer player.

A heart-pounding new season continues.Continue on this journey behind the walls of one of the nation’s best and busiest children’s hospitals with a new season of Children’s Med Dallas. Get to know the doctors, parents and children who are fighting for their lives and their futures. You won’t want to miss this exciting, heart-pounding new season!

SATURDAYS 6:30PM facebook.com/childrensmedicalcenter