Parents 04.2022

S E RIOU S LY CUTE E ASTE R GREEN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS NO-PRESSURE WAYS
EGGS AND DESSERTS THAT SPARKLE TO HANDLE PICKY EATING

THE BEAUTY OF A Entrepreneur and
TikTok star
FRESH
NABELA
START
NOOR
PLAY IN NATURE
EVERY DAY CAN’T WAIT TO MEET
ORGANIZE HER BABY GIRL
YOUR

DIGITAL LIFE
TAKE A

STAND FOR THE
PLANET

(AND BRING THE KIDS!)

APRIL 2022 PARENTS.COM

Mixes Well

RAISING THE FUTURE CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE APRIL.

5 Editor’s Note
7 Playbook
48 Animal House!
104 Giggles

71

KIDS bunny motifs—will have 38 / Health News welcome excuse to throw
even your smallest Protect sniffly family a party the whole family
17 / Eggs-citing Play! chefs hopping to join in members from outdoor will enjoy. Plus, we offer
These egg-decorating the fun. allergens that may enter ways to let the kids take
activities are designed for your home, subscribe to charge of the event!
little hands and double as 34 / How to Raise an magazines made especially
sensory play. Intuitive Eater for young readers, and 44 / The Book Nook
Learn to let go of toddler know the benefits of your The new picture book from
26 / Happily Go Down food negotiations, and gain milk options. Grammy winner Kelly
the Rabbit Hole a new perspective on why Rowland; civil rights
Cookies, cakes, and mealtime policing isn’t 40 / Let Every Dog advocate and former Super
other delicious baked necessary, with helpful Have Its Day Bowl quarterback Colin
goods—all with adorable insights from a registered A celebration in your Kaepernick writes about
dietitian. mutt’s honor offers a adoption and race.

1P A R E N T S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

CONTENTS RAISING THE FUTURE

APRIL.

48 17 51

YOU taming tech life, whether without using ingredients 102 / 3–4 Years
it’s the family calendar that harm the globe Handle their whining.
51 / Blush Is Magic or the gazillion phone 102 / 5–6 Years
Powder, liquid, or cream: photos of the kids. 90 / The Call of the Wild Address bedwetting.
Blush does wonders for any Despite living in an urban 103 / 7+ Years
parent wanting to look a 66 / No Longer Alone jungle, one mom and her Prepare them for early
little more revived. With Autism family found a natural signs of puberty.
For memoirist Kate opportunity to bond by
54 / The Beauty of Less* Swenson, a preschool watching birds and On the Cover
(*Packaging) teacher made all the backyard bugs.
When it comes to low-waste difference for her son. Nabela Noor. Photograph by
shampoos, toothpastes, 94 / Spring Is on the Table Vanessa Granda. Wardrobe styling
and all the other grooming LIFE Dishes that are easy peasy
essentials that fill in every sense! This by Sachiko Clyde. Prop and set
your cabinets, the variety Special Section plant-forward, crowd- styling by Marguerite Wade.
and quality have never 71 / Renovate Your House pleasing menu can be made
been better. the Green Way ahead for Passover or Hairstyling by Charles McNair for
Nail home improvements Easter celebrations. See Management using Oribe.
58 / Unapologetically with eco-conscious Makeup by Maya Rene for The
Nabela upgrades in flooring, AGES + STAGES
Nabela Noor burst on the heating, and more. Canvas Agency. Manicure by Yukie
social-media scene with 100 / Pregnancy Miyakawa for See Management
welcome messages about 76 / Coping With Climate Manage unexpected using Chanel. Tailoring by Emma
body positivity. Now Change Anxiety prenatal symptoms. Sienkiewycz. On Nabela: Dress,
pregnant after an extended The state of the world is Osei-Duro. Shoes, Zara.
fertility journey, the scary, but parents on the 100 / 0–6 Months
Bangladeshi American environmental front lines Soothe the baby during the
entrepreneur is feeling the say having hope is possible. dreaded witching hour.
self-love—and advocating
for it—more than ever. 82 / The Eco-Friendly 101 / 6–12 Months
Cleaners You Need Treat their eczema.
62 / Tech Yes! Our third annual awards
Digital experts who also for the best disinfecting 101 / 1–2 Years
happen to be moms and products that tackle grime Set kids up to reach
dads share their tips for playtime milestones.

2P A R E N T S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

PLAY FAVORITES WITH YOUR HAIR.

NOURISH. SHINE. VOLUME.

LOVE IS IN THE HAIR

WHAT DO
YOUR PET AND

KIDS HAVE
IN COMMON?

“My dog and JULIA EDELSTEIN MARK JOSEPHSON “When I’m on the
my teenager Editor-in-Chief Senior Vice President, Group Publisher phone, my

could Executive Creative Director AGNETHE GLATVED Sales Manager, Meredith Parents Network DONNA LINDSKOG kids and my bird,
nap anytime.” Executive Editor MIRANDA VAN GELDER Lucky, bug me.
Managing Editor PATRICK MOFFITT ADVERTISING SALES
“They Deputy Editor DIANE DEBROVNER He comes to
always just want West Coast Director JULIE BANFIELD my shoulder and
Food and Lifestyle Director YOLANDA WIKIEL Advertising Sales Staff ALYSSA CRAMER COHEN,
snacks.” Beauty Director KATE SANDOVAL BOX CATHERINE DAUN, ANNE GILHOOL, bites me until
MOLLY THOMPSON, MARIA TOCCO TORRES, I pay attention
Senior Editor, Features KATIE ARNOLD-RATLIFF NADINE WAXENBERG
Senior Editor, Books and Travel KAREN CICERO Business Development Manager BREANA TOLLA to him!”
National Travel Manager KATY HILDMAN
Entertainment Editor JESSICA HARTSHORN Senior Research Manager ALISON JAYE

Staff Beauty Editor SHANNON M. BAUER MARKETING
Assistant Lifestyle Editor CASSIE HURWITZ
Group Marketing Director KRISTEN STUCCHIO-SUAREZ
Editorial Assistant REBECCA RAKOWITZ Senior Marketing Manager JUDY SCHIFFMAN
Marketing Manager MARNIE DOWLER
ART & PRODUCTION Marketing Coordinator DIANA ZULUAGA
Art Director EMILY FURLANI Group Creative Director JEANETTE CHOW
Associate Art Director JAMIE LEE Art Director TRACY D’AGOSTINO
Senior Designer MARIA FERNANDEZ-DAVILA
Art Assistant OLIVIA LO SARDO ADMINISTRATION
Production Director VINCENT M. SPINA
Executive Business Director JANICE CROAT
PHOTO Business Manager MEGAN WOOD
Photo Director JOANNA MUENZ Advertising Business Manager BOB PARLAPIANO
Associate Photo Editor ERIKA THOMPSON Consumer Marketing Manager RACHEL BLACK
Production Director MELANIE STOLTENBERG
RESEARCH & COPY Production Manager COURTNEY PETERSON
Research Director BARBARA BRANDON-CROFT Director of Quality JOSEPH KOHLER
Quality Analyst BEN ANDERSON
Copy Chief JEAN RODIE Prepress Desktop Specialist GREG FAIRHOLM
Copy Editor SHELLEY WOLSON
Test Kitchen Project Manager LINDA BREWER, R.D.N. “Our 9-year-old
bloodhound
Deputy Managing Editor TARA LUSTBERG BOARD OF ADVISORS and two
Executive Operations Coordinator,
Pediatrics ARI BROWN, M.D., ANTWON CHAVIS, daughters love
Office of Editor-in-Chief ADRIENNE FARR M.D., DAVID L. HILL, M.D., YVONNE MALDONADO, to snuggle (with
Editorial Apprentice SIERRA HOEGER M.D., TERRI MCFADDEN, M.D., KIMBERLY MONTEZ, each other and
M.D., M.P.H., NATALIE D. MUTH, M.D., M.P.H., R.D.N., me) and delight
“Sometimes they Contributing Editors DAPHNE DE MARNEFFE, PH.D., CARA NATTERSON, M.D.,IRWIN REDLENER, M.D., in munching on
just stare CATHERINE HONG, JOY HOWARD, MICHAEL RICH, M.D., M.P.H., DARSHAK SANGHAVI,
M.D., JENNIFER SHU, M.D. treats.”
at us and we don’t LESLEY PORCELLI, TAMEKIA REECE, Nutrition JILL CASTLE, R.D.N., MAYA FELLER, R.D.,
know why. VIRGINIA SOLE-SMITH SALLY KUZEMCHAK, R.D., DALINA SOTO, R.D. “My kids
Mental Health and Behavior LISA DAMOUR, PH.D., and dog both
Plus, they can DIGITAL WAYNE FLEISIG, PH.D., BECKY KENNEDY, PH.D.,
be messy, EILEEN KENNEDY-MOORE, PH.D., HAROLD S. need me to
RACHEL BERMAN KOPLEWICZ, M.D., LAURA S. OLIVOS, PSY.D., SILVIA clean up their
demanding, and SVP & Group General Manager, PEREIRA-SMITH, M.D., ADIAHA SPINKS-FRANKLIN,
aloof.” M.D., TIMOTHY L. VERDUIN, PH.D. poop.”
Family & Wellness Environmental Health AARON BERNSTEIN, M.D.,
M.P.H., PHILIP LANDRIGAN, M.D.
General Manager EMILY ROSE Dentistry LEZLI LEVENE HARVELL, D.M.D., MARIA
Digital Content Director JULIA DENNISON VELASCO, D.M.D.
Executive Editor, Trends and Features MELISSA BYKOFSKY Education and Literacy PATRICIA EDWARDS, PH.D.,
Executive Editor, Kindred KELLY GLASS Deputy Editor MELISSA MILLS JENNIFER SERRAVALLO, COLBY SHARP
Senior Editor, Trends and Features SONA CHARAIPOTRA Women’s Health TAMIKA AUGUSTE, M.D., YAMEL
Senior Social Media Editor KATEY JOHNSON BELEN, R.N., C.L.C., MARJORIE GREENFIELD,
M.D., MARTA PEREZ, M.D., LAURA RILEY, M.D.,
Senior Editor, Kindred CELESTE LITTLE ALEXANDRA SACKS, M.D.
Features Editor ANNA HALKIDIS SEO Editor NICOLE HARRIS Emergency Medicine and Safety KHAMA ENNIS, M.D.,
M.P.H., MARK ANTHONY GRIFFITHS, M.D.,
Editor, News and Trends AMBER LEVENTRY WENDY L. HUNTER, M.D.
Visuals Editor, Multicultural Parenting JASMINE PURDIE Sleep MAIDA CHEN, M.D., JODI MINDELL, PH.D.,
JUDITH OWENS, M.D.
SEO Writer KIMBERLY ZAPATA Allergy MICHAEL PISTINER, M.D.,
Staff Writer, Kindred AMBREIA MEADOWS-FERNANDEZ HEMANT SHARMA, M.D.
Dermatology ANNA BRUCKNER, M.D., JODY ALPERT
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EDITOR’S NOTE

The All-Important Dog Question

JULIA: ZOE ADLERSBERG. WARDROBE STYLING BY CONNIE BERG. MAKEUP COURTESY OF MAKE UP FOR EVER. GABRIEL AND DOG: COURTESY OF JULIA EDELSTEIN. TH E BARKI N G at home has my dog dreams and became for it—34. My mother-in-law How Green Is Your
become so spirited lately that a cat person—one who now had to clean that tank well Parenting?
I worry the neighbors will has a spouse allergic to into her empty-nest years.
complain. Thankfully, it’s felines. So if we get a pet (to The canine equivalent, I fear, When it comes to
pretty easy to get it to stop. echo Dr. Seuss), it will be a dog. is the novelty wearing off for eco-friendly living, I know
Our puppies, brothers Shirley Which suggests it’s time to my kids, leaving me to take a
and Furley, who happen to be resurrect my puppy fantasy. dog down to the sidewalk five I need to set a better
my human sons channeling times a day. And if I’m honest example for my kids. If
their inner canines, usually And yet I delay the with myself, I worry I’ll be you’re in a similar boat,
respond to a stern, “Go back decision, in part because I’ve even worse at dog training
to being Gabriel and Joey!” seen how a pet’s care can than I am at sleep training, I hope you’ll read a
become more involved than and our family will resign special green edition of
They’re desperate for a dog, expected. Take my husband’s itself to a life of pee stains,
and this ongoing game (which childhood pet frog, George, real barking complaints, and our Life section,
involves a dramatic rescue who recently passed away at an inability to go on vacation. beginning on page 71.
from the shelter and fetching the miraculous age of—wait
balled-up socks) is a way of Eight years ago, I barely It delivers big and
coping with parents who are FETCH SOME paused to think before little ways to take better
waffling on a decision. PET TIPS! charging ahead with trying care of the planet, from
“Should we get a dog?” is a for a baby. But the experience having fun in nature to
seemingly unanswerable In this issue—our of motherhood has changed planning a plant-forward
question, one we bring up, annual ode to the creatures me. Now, just like my own
and table, on a weekly basis. parents, I’ve become a menu. Perhaps most
who make every day nervous second-guesser, important, the section
I wish I didn’t have this sillier, snugglier, and, yes, more concerned about takes on how to raise our
hesitation. Many families we burning out than the simple children with optimism
know hopped aboard the more poop-filled— joy of a wagging tail. in the age of climate
pandemic puppy train. My we’ve included seven crisis anxiety. There are
husband still pines for the But then I think about how no clear-cut solutions,
wheaten terrier from his special tips on a dog could help smooth the but one fact is clear: Even
adolescence (RIP, Barkley), taking care of cats and bumps of childhood, and how, our smallest eco-actions
and every single one of my as my boys get older and their make a difference—not
childhood birthday wish lists dogs. Look for this lives grow emotionally just to Mother Earth, but
started with the same item: paw-print icon throughout to our own capacity to
“Dog (real).” (No way were stay hopeful for our kids.
they buying me off with the magazine.
another stuffed animal.) fraught, I’d value that benefit
even more. I see my “pups”
Ultimately, when I was 15, cuddling on the couch, and
a cat showed up on our porch, faintly hear my inner child.
and I convinced my worn- I’m still not quite ready to
down parents to let me bring adopt an actual Shirley or
her inside. I bid goodbye to Furley, but I am inching
closer to yes.
My younger son,
Gabriel, bonding Visit Me on Instagram

with good boy Hover your phone’s
Dodger (who is,alas, camera over the smart code to

not our dog). catch my feed.

We’re here to help. Email [email protected] to tell me about the topics you’d like to see in future issues of Parents.

5P A R E N T S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

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Your guide to making the days easier
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LET THERE
BE

DELIGHT!

At Last, a Lucky Break Mistakes were
made, but you can
PROP STYLING BY VANESSA VAZQUEZ. So your kid used the living room as a fragments. All you need to do is puzzle mend them with a
kickball field or a cartwheel stage and the pieces back in place with a shiny
knocked over the heirloom bowl/vase/ new seam. The ritual celebrates life’s kintsugi kit.
pitcher. Enter kintsugi, the Japanese imperfections and reminds us that
art of repairing broken pottery with the mistakes can be beautiful (even when 7P A R E N T S A P R I L 2 0 2 2
help of metallic powder and epoxy we’re seething!). It’s also a sustainability
glue. Etsy sellers carry loads of kintsugi win; fixing a vase instead of tossing it
kits to choose from, all of which include means one less item in the landfill. And
powder and glue to mix together and when another thing crashes? Well,
paint onto the edges of the broken kintsugi is your gold or silver lining.

photograph by DAN E TAS H I MA

P L AY B O O K / TAKE 5 /

For more on RELAX WITH
simplifying
your tech life, see CACAO

page 62. A beverage break—not
the usual nitro cold brew—
/ IF YOU ASK ME / can do more for your state of
mind than you might think,
“I’m that mom who’s glued to her phone.
How do I step away?” says Florencia Fridman,
co-owner of the Cacao
Three parents, no wrong answers Laboratory, a ceremonial
cacao brand in Kingston,
“This is a huge issue “Phone addiction is “Set time limits for New York. Turning the
that I’ve dealt with real! My best apps and, if possible, making and drinking of a cup
myself. What’s helped have your partner hold of ceremonial cacao (the
advice is to leave your roasted, less processed form
me is having phone in another room you accountable. of chocolate, found at
noti�ications turned off Delete unnecessary grocery stores or online) into
at all times—no dings, when you’re apps so they’re not a small ritual can help you
doing a fun activity there to play with in slow down and take time to
buzzes, or alarms with your kids. That’s times of boredom. But be present. The prep
that pull my attention do allow yourself to demands a few minutes of
to the screen. I do get the best way I’ve check your phone focused whisking to mix the
found to cut myself off when you complete
crap from my other activities—like if I ground cacao paste
husband and friends and devote certain have a phone-free with water. Also in cacao’s
since I miss their text parts of our day to dinner, I can check my favor, Fridman points out:
phone for 15 minutes It’s a source of antioxidants
messages (500 quality time. afterward. It’s also
unread and counting), When you notice you’re important to think and magnesium.
but at least I’m more about the power of now
present now. Making on your phone too and live in the present Making a cup of cacao
much, don’t beat can be a whole mood.
this change really yourself up. Most of us moment; it helps
helped me realize how struggle with it. Simply alleviate the stress of 1. Cue up a song that always
put it away and try makes you feel good.
much time I used to again. You can do it.” social media.”
give to my phone 2. As you stir the water and
—Elsie Larson, —Reena B. Patel, chocolate, focus on your breath,
instead of my family. cofounder of the lifestyle a licensed educational
Still, I’m always which will help ground you.
site A Beautiful psychologist
working to do better.” Mess and mom of two and mom of three 3. Think about three things you
are grateful for.
—Katie Willcox, @elsielarson @reenabpatel
author of Healthy Is the New 4. Set an intention about how
—Caylin Harris you want your day to “IF YOU ASK ME”: COURTESY OF THE SUBJECTS. “TAKE 5”: EVA-KATALIN/GETTY.
Skinny, cofounder of
Natural Model Management, unfold (”I will conquer my
to-do list” or “I will take
and mom of one
a guilt-free rest”) and soak
@katiehwillcox in that image.

5. While you sip, thank
yourself for setting aside time

to take care of yourself.

SIMPLE JOY

My 7-year-old recently requested a journal, and I kept asking
her why she needed this specific kind of book. She had tons of
similar ones to write in at home. She wouldn’t answer, but
nevertheless, I found a cute option. When I asked again what she
needed it for, she said it was her “appointment book for my spa.”
Turns out she wanted to create a spa day for me because I “work
so hard” and am a “good Mami.” Sweetest moment ever.

—Yamel Belen, R.N., C.L.C., a Parents advisor and a doula at and owner of One Love Doula Services in Tampa
HAVE A SWEET STORY TO SHARE? Email it to [email protected].

8P A R E N T S A P R I L 2 0 2 2

DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF,
JUST NAIL THE BIG STUFF.

What’s another teeny, tiny stain? You’ve got more important
things to think about—like making sure your kids are

buckled correctly in the right seat for their age and size.

Check at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

P L AY B O O K

THE ESSENTIALS

REDUCE YOUR CARBON PAW PRINT

Dog-ear these eco-friendly finds to bring more
green into your pet’s routine.

4 1 2 APPROVED
6 5
3 2022
PETER ARDITO.
PET TIP 1. A Beco Classic Bamboo
Pet waste can be placed in the dog bowl brightens up
composter as long as the compost any room and the food dishes
is not going into a vegetable are made from a surprisingly
garden and will instead be used for durable mix of bamboo and
rice husks. Starting at $12.50;
lawns or flower beds. amazon.com

7 2. Swap plastic baggies for
plant-based Poop Bags. This
cornstarch version is extra
sturdy, so you don’t have to
worry about mess. $8 for 60;
wildone.com

3. The new Good Fur
Ultra Soothing Shampoo
is packaged in recyclable
aluminum and leaves your
dog smelling of honey and
vanilla. $15 for 16 �l. oz. ($13
for re�ill, shown); grove.co

4. You can clip the Infinity
Leash into different
configurations—extra long,
hands-free, collar/leash
combo—with the handy brass
clasps. The cord is made
from recycled polyester. $50;
awoopets.com

5. If you’ve wondered
whether sustainable pet beds
would be comfy enough,
you’ll be sold on the Chill
Pad, a soft, woven—and
machine-washable!—bed
made from recycled plastic
bottles. Starting at $35;
petplay.com

6. Made of sustainably
sourced wool, these Cat Toys
look good enough to eat,
and they actually clean your
kitty’s teeth during nibbles.
$9 each; thefoggydog.com

7. Set up a Kitty Poo Club
subscription to receive a
biodegradable and recyclable
litter box every month that’s
prefilled with odor-free litter.
Starting at $24 per month;
kittypooclub.com

1 0P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Cats gonna cat.

Keep your cat at
their uncooperative
best with IAMS™
tailored nutrition.

©2022 Mars or Affiliates.

P L AY B O O K

/ HIGHS AND LOWS /

Drew Barrymore

The actor hosts daytime’s The Drew Barrymore Show. But
her entrepreneurial mind is always whirring,

and in a quest to make her own kitchen prettier, she launched
a line of kitchenware and appliances at Walmart called

Beautiful. Barrymore and her ex, Will Kopelman, are raising
daughters Olive, 9, and Frankie, 7, in New York City.

GREEN YOUR ROUTINE Recent parenting win She’s a pet mom too. WOMAN WITH ONESIE: JOSE LUIS PELAEZ INC/GETTY. BARRYMORE: COURTESY OF THE SUBJECT.
Getting my daughter Olive Barrymore’s fam
RETHINK to help me load and unload
YOUR BABY the dishwasher. has four cats and a dog,
REGISTRY all rescues, plus an
Recent parenting miss adopted pup.
Cute onesies, it turns Losing it when Olive tried
out, aren’t exempt to tell me how to drive. if I’m a bad parent because
when it comes to fast I wonder if it’s bothering
fashion and its harm Upside to coparenting
to the planet. (The Both parents get a day off. other customers.
United Nations says
the fashion industry Hardest part of Great thing about
is responsible for coparenting You miss them raising strong women
more global carbon when you’re apart because I’ve never felt it wasn’t
emissions than that wasn’t the plan. okay to be one.
international flights
and maritime shipping Cooking success Challenge of raising
combined.) Felicity Olive and Frankie are both strong women We
Hernandez, founder using the Beautiful Blender live in a modern world,
of Encore Baby under my supervision to so it’s a challenge to
Registry, which make delicious smoothies. make sure we don’t
specializes in
secondhand items, Cooking failure We overexpose our kids
encourages green- failed pancakes really while allowing them
minded parents to hard the other day. autonomy.
steer loved ones this
way: “Place a note on Movie I’m in that I’ll I’m happiest
your registry and show my kids They’ve when Everything is
shower invitations already seen Ever After: flowing and the
saying, ‘Babies grow A Cinderella Story and girls are behaving
so fast! To reduce our 50 First Dates. and we’re just all really
footprint and use content.
some of the great Movie I’m in that
baby gear that’s I probably won’t show I’m aggravated when
already in circulation, my kids Scream (until They forget to be polite.
we’re requesting they’re old enough).
hand-me-down items I feel like a cool mom
along with new ones,’ ” Sweet sisterly when My kids and I are
Hernandez says. “This moment Them (and listening to great music,
takes the focus away me!) all listening to because they’re old
from the ‘used’ aspect the soundtrack from enough now. It’s a real
and brings it toward Sing 2 together. turning point when you go
the opportunity to from kiddie tunes to rock
give in a way that Crazy sisterly and roll. I just love listening
contributes to your moment Right as with them and singing and
goals and values.” I’m trying to do this dancing.
interview, they’re
play fighting all I feel like a dorky mom
over the grocery when I run to my
store. It’s cute daughter’s dance class
but making me right after I get off
question work and clap wildly for
her last number.

1 2P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Usar como se indica. ©JJCI 2021 TESTED BY
PEDIATRICIANS
DERMATOLOGISTS
OPHTHALMOLOGISTS

BECAUSE GENTLE IS ALWAYS IN.

SCAN TO
SHOP

P L AY B O O K

with

Pepperoni Pizza

Crescent Rolls

Prep Total Ingredients Servings

15 MIN 30 MIN 4 8

Ingredients / GOOD IDEA /

1 can (8 oz) HACK THE LAST-MINUTE HANGOUT
refrigerated
Pillsbury™ You somehow agreed to host an impromptu gathering for
Original Crescent other families ... tonight? Don’t panic. There are ways to do it up
Rolls (8 Count)
and roll out the snacks, even if the fridge is lacking.
24 slices (about
5 oz) pepperoni 1. Keep things chill. can hodgepodge any three D’s—décor, drinks,
leftover crackers, fruits, and dessert—rather than
2 oz shredded mozzarella Create a cozy area where nuts, and meat you have, fixating on the main meal.
cheese (1/2 cup) kids and grown-ups can even if it’s just a handful So consider ordering
sit back and relax, says of each. Try extra-sharp takeout from your favorite
1 cup tomato pasta or pizza Eden Passante, a mom of cheddar and prosciutto local restaurant and, while
sauce, heated two and the entertaining for adults, and for kids, waiting for the food to be
expert behind the blog add something mild like prepped, make a grocery
1 Heat oven to 375°F. Separate Sugar and Charm. If you Colby Jack and salami. run to grab a sweet that will
can handle the early-spring get the kids pumped—all
dough into 8 triangles; pat out weather, she suggests 3. Pasta and tacos the fixings for a sundae
each triangle slightly. setting up outside with a never fail. These are kid bar, for instance, or a build
bonfire, blankets, and your own ice cream
2 Place 3 slices pepperoni, a warm drink. If you’re favorites that have sandwich station. At home,
confined to the indoors, grown-up appeal and can arrange everything on
slightly overlapping, on center bring nature in. “Clip cater to both appetites. pretty serving platters.
of each triangle. Top each with flowers, greenery, and Consider a simple pasta
about 1 tablespoon cheese. foliage that you can toss with lemon juice, olive 5. Remember why
into a vase for a quick oil, and Parm, or DIY tacos you’re there. “It’s really
3 Roll up, starting at shortest centerpiece,” she says. or nachos that adapt to
whatever toppings you about enjoying company
side of triangle and rolling to 2. Cheese plates are have (canned beans, and conversation,”
opposite point. Place rolls, your friend. Snack rotisserie chicken, Passante says. So pop on
point side down, on ungreased shredded vegetables). the feel-good playlist, and
cookie sheet. boards offer a way to work try to be present. Oh, and
with what you have in the 4. Highlight dessert. hold off on cleanup while
4 Bake at 375°F for 10 to 14 kitchen while keeping people are there. It’s your
families grazing. Passante When you’ve got the least party, too, and you deserve
minutes or until golden brown. is a fan of cheese and amount of time, Passante to live a little while it lasts.
Remove from cookie charcuterie platters—you advises focusing on the
sheet. Serve warm
crescents with / RELATABLE / OLIVER ROSSI/GETTY.
warm pasta
sauce for Me: You need to clean out the guinea pigs’ cage.
dipping. 9-year-old: They make a mess

all the time. You don’t know what it’s like.
Me: *looks directly at camera*

—@XplodingUnicorn

14P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Pizza Crescent Rolls

Find recipe
inspiration at
pillsbury.com

BE ONE ON

THE WATER.

THE GULF COAST CAPITAL JUST PLAIN BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER.
THAT‘S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COAST LIKE A TEXAN. ONCE YOU‘RE
HERE, THE GOOD VIBES SETTLE IN AND WORK THEIR WAY INTO EVERY
ACTIVITY, FROM EXPLORING THE USS LEXINGTON TO PADDLING A KAYAK

WITH MOM. COME COAST AND YOU‘LL SEE WHAT WE MEAN.
VISITCORPUSCHRISTI.COM

KIDS.

HELP THEM THR I V E IN EV ERY WAY

Sugar &
Sprinkle Eggs

(FOR INSTRUCTIONS,
SEE PAGE 24.)

PROP STYLING BY VANESSA VAZQUEZ. Eggs-citing

Play! 1 7P A R E N T S

Your hunt for an
Easter craft the
kids can actually
do is over. These
decorating ideas
keep little hands
in mind and turn
up the sensory
fun.

crafts by B L A K E R A M S E Y

photographs by
DANE TASHIMA

APRIL 2022

KIDSÑ Cra f ts

Whipped Cream Eggs

Kids won’t be able to resist
digging their hands into a dish
of rainbow-hued fluffy stuff
to make these marbleized
beauties. And unlike shaving
cream—another sensory-play
favorite—whipped cream is
edible, so the eggs will be too.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Spoon

Whipped cream (such as
Cool Whip)

Glass or plastic high-sided dish

Food coloring in several colors

Fork

Plain hard-cooked eggs (see
page 23 for Easter egg prep)

Paper towels

MAKE IT

1. Spoon 2 dollops of whipped
cream into a dish and smooth
them into a pancake shape. (You
can add several “pancakes”
to the dish 2 in. apart or use
separate bowls for each color.)

2. You can use 1 or more colors
of food coloring. Scatter 4 
or 5 drops on each pancake of
whipped cream. Run a fork
through the food coloring just
enough to create streaks.

3. Roll 1 egg through the cream
until coated. Place on a paper
towel to rest for 3 to 5 minutes,
then gently pat clean with another
paper towel. Continue coloring
eggs in the dyed cream, adding
more color for varied results.

1 8P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Rice Bag Eggs

You know how kids go nuts
for a rice sensory bin? This
method delivers similar thrills,
thanks to baggies of rice
tinted with food coloring that
create cool speckled eggs.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Uncooked rice
Resealable plastic sandwich bags
Food coloring in several colors
Plain hard-cooked eggs
Paper towels

MAKE IT

1. Pour about 1 cup uncooked
rice into a plastic sandwich bag.
Add 4 to 6 drops of food coloring
and seal bag closed. Shake
and squeeze bag until dye is well
distributed in rice.

2. Place 1 egg in the bag and
reseal shut. Then shake and/or
gently squish bag until egg is
speckled. Remove egg and
place on a paper towel to dry for
30 minutes. Repeat with more
eggs, adding a different color
dye to another bag of rice.

Ready, Set, Bloom

A Family Guide to Cherry Blossom Festivals

Nothing beats the fresh scent and vibrant hue of cherry blossoms during springtime.
Born in Japan, cherry blossom festivals are now popping up in cities across the U.S.—

including Washington, D.C., Seattle, New York, and beyond. These lively festivals
represent renewal, optimism, and the fleeting nature of life. So, grab your family

and indulge your senses at this not-to-be-missed annual tradition.

1 demonstrations, Japanese 4
culinary delights, and even
When to go. festive parades to mark the How to keep the
start of spring. vibe going.
Don’t blink! Cherry blossom
season runs from mid-March 3 Infuse a cherry blossom scent
to mid-April, and their beauty into your everyday life with
peaks about two weeks in. What to bring. fragrant shampoos, lotions,
Try to go first thing in the and even kitchen trash bags!
morning, if possible, to avoid Your camera—and your Glad® ForceFlexPlus
the inevitable crowds. best smile! Lush blooms in Cherry Blossom Tall Kitchen
vibrant shades of pink make Drawstring trash bags offer a
2 a stunning backdrop for long-lasting, blooming cherry
family photos. Consider blossom scent with Febreze
What to expect. keeping your smartphone Freshness, and add a pop of
low and angle up to maximize pink color to your kitchen.
In addition to the main the blooms in your frame.
attraction, these lively And go easy on the photo
festivals often include music editing. This is definitely a
performances, martial arts #nofilter moment!

*Compared to a standard 13-gallon Glad Kitchen Bag; Certain trademarks used under license from the Procter & Gamble Company or its affiliates.



KIDSÑ Cra f ts

3-D Eggs

Bust out the stickers—the puffier,
the better for small fingers to
peel and adhere by themselves.
Plus, stickers will give the
egg designs a groovy tactile
dimension. Kids can also cut
out their own pig, chick, and
bunny shapes.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Scissors
Adhesive foam sheets

in several colors
Dyed or plain hard-cooked eggs
Puffy scrapbooking stickers like

dots and hearts (see sidebar on
page 24 for supplies)
Edible marker

MAKE IT

1. For patterns, cut adhesive foam
into geometric shapes and adhere
to eggs, or use puffy stickers.

2. To make animals, cut adhesive
foam into small triangles and ovals
to make ears, noses, and wings,
and adhere to eggs. Draw other
features with an edible marker.

2 2P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

5 Tips for
Perfect Dyed
Easter Eggs

Whether you’re
decorating them the

old-fashioned way
or trying something
new, some pointers

for success

1

BOIL BEFOREHAND

Cook the eggs the day before
so they’ll have time to cool
(and so the kids won’t get
antsy waiting). Aim for four
to six eggs per child. For
eggs less prone to cracking
and that are easier to peel,
hard-cook them instead of
hard-boiling. (Hard-cooking
eggs will still kill salmonella
bacteria.) Place a single layer
of eggs in a saucepan and
cover them with water. Cover
and bring water to a boil, then
turn off the heat. Let the eggs
sit covered in the hot water
for 12 minutes for medium
eggs, 15 minutes for large eggs,
and 18 minutes for extra-large
eggs. Drain, then run cold
water over eggs until cool.
Drain, dry, and refrigerate
until ready to use.

2 3 4 Be careful not to leave the
eggs out of the refrigerator
PREPARE FOR A MESS ORGANIZE MIX THE COLORS for more than 2 hours if you
THE SETUP plan on eating them later.
Protect the table with a plastic In each container, combine
tablecloth, making sure to You’ll need a container for 1 cup hot water with 1 Tbs. 5
take the extra step of taping each dye color. Glasses white vinegar, and add 2 to
down the ends underneath or mugs will be deep enough 10 drops of food coloring of COLLECT THE RIGHT TOOLS
the table so everything doesn’t and less likely to tip than 1 color to achieve the desired
get pulled off accidentally. plastic cups (but word to the saturation; mix well. (You It can be tough for kids to
Keep a roll of paper towels at wise: light-colored ceramic can test the color by dipping balance an egg on a spoon
the ready to wipe up spills or porcelain may stain). Place a paper towel into the or wield those wire holders
quickly (once dye dries, them all on a rimmed baking mixture.) When ready to that come with dye kits.
it’s harder to remove). Have sheet to catch drips and for begin dyeing, submerge 1 egg Instead, slip the egg inside
kids wear old clothes or easy cleanup. Then lay layers at a time for about 1 minute, the wires of a metal whisk
a smock—and it’s not a bad of paper towels on a separate stirring as it soaks for even so kids can dunk the egg in
idea to spring for some rimmed baking sheet to act coloring. Remove the egg and the dye and lift it out without
kid-size disposable gloves. as a post-dip drying station. place it in the drying area. dropping it.

KIDSÑ Cra f ts

Stickers Galore—and More

Do up your eggs with the help of some crafty supplies.

Sugar & Sprinkle Eggs Glossy Spots Edible Adhesive

Sparkly sugars and colorful With eight colors, two sizes, and You need to paint only a
sprinkles can offer as much 120 pieces, the Multicolor bit of food-safe Wilton Dab-N-Hold
unbridled joy as glitter. Instead
of glue, opt for edible adhesive, Enamel Dot Stickers by Recollections onto an egg for sprinkles and
a product bakers use to attach packs a whole lot of punch. sugar to stick well. $6.50 for 2 oz.;
fondant flowers to cakes; $4; michaels.com
this way, you won’t worry when wilton.com
your kid licks their fingers.
Food-Safe Markers
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Shallow bowls The Cake Craft 5-Pack Edible
Sanding sugar and/or sprinkles in Markers, Primary Colors is
several colors and designs
Clean (food-safe) paintbrush perfect for drawing faces, writing
Edible adhesive (see sidebar names, or general scribbling—and
at right)
Dyed or plain hard-cooked eggs the eggs will still be okay
Paper towels to eat. $9.50; surlatable.com

MAKE IT DIY Shapes Tiny Hearts PRODUCTS: COURTESY OF THE BRANDS.

1. Fill several shallow bowls with Cut the Baker Ross Self-Adhesive Everything is better in rainbow,
different types of sanding sugar Foam Sheets into whatever including these stickers:
and/or sprinkles.
design you want, then simply peel Doodlebug Design Inc. Sprinkles
2. Use a paintbrush to apply off the backing and stick it on. Hey Cupcake Heart-Fetti
edible adhesive to an egg in the $11.50 for 20; amazon.com Adhesive Enamel Shapes.
design of your choice—for $9; michaels.com
instance, a letter, polka dots, or
bands. Dip or roll egg in sugar
or sprinkles until adhesive
is coated.

3. Place egg on a paper towel to
dry for 30 minutes. (If coating
an entire egg, brush adhesive
over half the egg and coat with
sugar or sprinkles. Let dry
on a paper towel; repeat on the
other side.)

More Easter Egg Ideas

Hover your phone’s camera
over the smart code for additional

creative ways to decorate.

2 4P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

©2018 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. STARBURST and all affiliated designs are trademarks of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.

UNEXPLAINABLY JUICY¨

KIDSÑFun Food

Happily Go Down
the Rabbit Hole

Easy to whip up in less than an hour, these bunny-centric
baking projects are a treat for you and the kids.

recipes by K AR E N TAC K / photographs by J E N N I F E R CAU S E Y

Bunny
Linzer
Cookies

For recipe, see
page 32.

2 6P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Peeps
Crispy Bunny

Treat

For recipe, see
page 32.

KIDSÑFun Food

Bunny Ears
Cupcakes

For recipe, see
page 32.

PROP STYLING BY AUDREY DAVIS. FOOD STYLING BY MARGARET DICKEY.

2 8P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

This Easter, put all your
eggs in one cheesecake.

YOU DON’T

J U ST TAST E I T.

You feel it.

SCAN HERE FOR OUR Easter Egg Cheesecake RECIPE ©2022 Kraft Foods

KIDSÑFun Food

PET TIP
These sweets are
a no for your dog. Treat

it to a slice of
cheese or some peanut

butter instead.

Candy Pretzel
Snaps

For recipe, see
page 32.

3 0P A R E N T S APRIL 2022



KIDSÑFun Food

Bunny Linzer Cookies Licorice laces and gummy They’ve scissors, cut 1 marshmallow on PRODUCTS: COURTESY OF THE BRANDS.
heart, for decorating Got This the diagonal, from one �lat side
Active Time 15 minutes to the other. For each half, pinch
Total Time 45 minutes MAKE IT Some products to the base of the wide end together
Makes 10 sandwich cookies 1. Line a large baking sheet with help inspire to make a bunny ear, then dip the
wax paper. Combine the blue cut side of each marshmallow
INGREDIENTS Peeps with 1 Tbs. butter in a large independence in half into the sugar. Repeat with
1 16.5-oz. roll refrigerated sugar microwave-safe bowl. Microwave your mini bakers the remaining marshmallows and
cookie dough until melted, 30 to 45 seconds. sugar to make 24 sets of ears.
½ cup all-purpose flour, plus Stir until smooth, and fold in Made of bamboo �iber, the
more for sprinkling 2⅔ cups rice cereal. durable Aubin Melamine 4. Spread the top of each
⅓ cup seedless raspberry jam cupcake with frosting. Press the
2. Using buttered hands, shape Measuring Spoons �lat side of 2 marshmallow ears,
MAKE IT the mixture on the prepared pan are color coded. So even if pink side up, into the frosting,
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line into a bunny head: an 8-in. and press a pink jelly bean nose
two large baking sheets with circle for the face plus 2 tapered your kid can’t read, they in front of the ears.
parchment paper. ears about 7 in. long and 2 ½ in. can remember that, say,
wide at the widest point. the tablespoon measure is FROM PAGE 30
2. Knead cookie dough with �lour
on a clean work surface until 3. Repeat the process with the blue. $10; Candy Pretzel Snaps
smooth. Divide in half; cover and yellow bunny Peeps. When crateandbarrel.com
refrigerate half. Roll out �irst half spreading the yellow cereal Active Time 15 minutes
on a lightly �loured sheet of wax mixture on top of the blue The spring-loaded handles Total Time 40 minutes
paper to a scant ¼-in. thickness. mixture, leave a border of about on Williams Sonoma Makes 80 pieces
(If dough is too soft, refrigerate ¼ in. of blue. Repeat the process
until �irm, about 15 minutes.) with the pink bunny Peeps. Easter Thumbprint Cookie INGREDIENTS
Cutters make them easy for 3 oz. white chocolate, chopped
3. With a 3½x2⅛-in. metal cookie 4. Slightly mold and shape the
cutter, cut out as many egg shapes bunny face and ears with buttered kids to use. Pressing 4 oz. cream cheese, at room
as possible and transfer them hands, pressing to make smooth. down gives the dough cool temperature
to the prepared sheets. Repeat Decorate with licorice whiskers imprints (like ruf�led edges
with the refrigerated half of and a gummy-heart nose. 4 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room
dough and any remaining scraps. and zigzags). They’re temperature
(You should get about 20 egg Bunny Ears sold in a set of �ive,
shapes.) Use a 1½-in. bunny Cupcakes including bunny, chick, and 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
cookie cutter to cut a shape from egg shapes. $20;
the center of half the cookies. Active Time 20 minutes williams-sonoma.com 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Total Time 55 minutes
4. Bake until cookies are golden Makes 24 cupcakes Wilton’s Candy 80 pretzel snaps
brown, 9 to 12 minutes. Transfer Bunny Ears can be used
to a wire rack to cool completely, INGREDIENTS 240 M&M’s (from an 8-oz. or
about 20 minutes. (Bake bunny- 24 white paper cupcake liners in the cupcakes larger bag)
shaped cookies separately for an (above left) as a swap for
extra treat.) 1 15.25-oz. box yellow cake mix the marshmallows with Black edible candy marker
¼ cup pink decorating sugar pink sugar, or pushed into (Wilton FoodWriter, $4 for a
5. Spread an uncut egg-shaped 24 marshmallows the top of any soft cookie. two-pack; amazon.com)
cookie with a heaping 1 tsp. jam, 1 16-oz. can vanilla frosting
making sure not to spread it too 24 small pink jelly beans $4; wilton.com MAKE IT
close to the edge. Place a bunny-
cutout cookie on top. Repeat MAKE IT 1. Microwave the white chocolate
with remaining cookies. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line in a small bowl on high until
cupcake tins with the 24 white smooth, stirring every 10 seconds,
FROM PAGE 27 paper liners. Prepare the cake- about 1 minute total. Set aside to
mix batter according to package cool, about 10 minutes.
Peeps Crispy directions. Divide batter evenly
Bunny Treat among prepared cups, �illing two 2. Beat the cream cheese and
thirds of the way up. butter in a large bowl with an
Active Time 15 minutes electric mixer on high speed until
Total Time 15 minutes 2. Bake until golden and a wooden smooth, about 1 minute. Slowly
Makes 10 servings pick inserted in center comes out add the cooled melted white
clean, 14 to 17 minutes. Transfer to chocolate, scraping down
INGREDIENTS a wire rack, invert, and cool the sides, until blended, about
3 4.5-oz. pkgs. bunny Peeps completely, about 20 minutes. 1 minute. Add the vanilla and
(1 each in blue, yellow, and pink) confectioners’ sugar, beating
3 Tbs. unsalted butter, at room 3. Meanwhile, place the pink until smooth, about 1 minute.
temperature, divided, plus sugar in a small bowl. Using large
more for hands 3. Spoon mixture into a pastry bag
8 cups rice cereal, divided �itted with a ½-in. plain round tip
(from one 12-oz. box) or into a resealable plastic bag;
snip a small hole in one corner.

4. Line a large baking sheet with
wax paper. Arrange pretzel snaps
on the sheet. Pipe a small mound
of the cream-cheese mixture
onto each pretzel (about 1 tsp.
per pretzel). Transfer tray to the
refrigerator for 15 minutes to set.

5. When set, press 3 same-color
M&M’s into 1 frosting mound,
1 �lat for the face and 2 on an edge
for the bunny ears. Repeat with
remaining candies and pretzels.
Use the edible marker to draw
whiskers on the �lat candies. Chill
until ready to serve.

3 2P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

we all bring unique flavor to the bowl

mms.com

© 2022 MARS OR AFFILIATES

KID SÑE at i n g

How to Raise an Intuitive Eater

Want to say goodbye to coaxing, bargaining, and bribing? Letting go of the need to
control can make mealtime a happier, healthier experience for everyone.

by S A LLY K U Z E M C H A K , R . D.

YOU NEVE R asked to be the food police, Intuitive eating was pioneered more But somewhere along the way, things
and yet here you are: negotiating with than 25 years ago, but it’s currently can go haywire. Parents micromanage
your kids over steamed vegetables, enjoying a resurgence. The philosophy is kids’ intake, telling them to clean their
arguing about staunch food refusals, and centered on honoring one’s relationship plate or not waste milk, and promising
handing down “three more bites” decrees. with food by finding satisfaction while ice cream if they eat their peas. We mean
You just want your kids to be nourished eating and listening to hunger and well, but these practices disrupt the
and healthy, but it feels like an uphill battle, fullness cues. Happily, kids are born with natural rhythms of intuitive eating and
one that’s making mealtime miserable. exactly these abilities. Consider a baby can lead to unhealthy ideas and habits
If you’re ready to turn in your badge, with no discernible feeding schedule, a around food. “The more parents interfere,
there’s help. A method for feeding kids toddler who’s ravenous one day and the more you see dysregulated eating,
that can restore peace to the dinner barely nibbles the next, or a preschooler in the form of disconnection from
table—and protect kids against food who begs for a second piece of cake only satiety cues and sneaking food,” says
hang-ups and even disordered eating to take one bite and declare they’re full. Evelyn Tribole, R.D., coauthor of the
as they get older—exists. That’s all intuitive eating in action. book Intuitive Eating.

3 4P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Allowing your kids more control offers Oklahoma City mom Marcie Smith charge of which foods you serve and
rewards that go beyond more agreeable says there were tears, tension, and even when, says dietitian and feeding expert
mealtimes. “Practicing intuitive eating gagging at mealtime with her two kids Ellyn Satter, who created the approach
in childhood helps prevent dieting or before she pulled way back. “I found that that’s known as the Satter Division of
disordered eating in adolescence and the more I let go, the more willing both my Responsibility in Feeding. The other half
adulthood, since kids learn that their own kids became to try new foods on their of that responsibility falls to your kids,
signals, not external rules about food, own terms,” she says. “I also tried to put who are in charge of how much and
are the best indicators of what and how myself in their shoes. I wouldn’t like whether they eat what you serve. Offer a
much to eat,” says Megan McNamee, someone telling me what to eat and how variety of foods and balanced meals and
R.D.N., cofounder of the food education much of it to eat, especially if the food snacks, and feel good knowing you’ve
site FeedingLittles.com. was unappealing to me. Food is personal done your part. The rest is up to them.
to people, including kids.”
Trust the Science Provide structure. Having a regular,
Behind It Put a Plan Into Action predictable schedule for meals and
snacks gives your child plenty of
CREDITS TO GO HERE CREDITS TO GO HERE “Some people think intuitive eating To help kids eat more intuitively, there opportunities to eat and time to build up
is woo-woo, but it’s based on research,” are a few approaches to implement. an appetite in between. If your child
Tribole says. There’s now a body of doesn’t eat much at a meal or a snack—or
literature showing that the more pressure Explain the change. Let your kids skips a food group completely—there’s
parents put on children’s eating habits know that you’re going to stop telling another opportunity around the corner.
(and the more rules they enforce), the them what to eat and how much, Tribole
more harmful effects it has on children’s says. Explain that you’ll be giving them Eat together when possible. That
eating. It can also affect kids’ attitudes a variety of foods at meals and snacks, way, you’ll be able to model food choices
about food, possibly for years to come. but it’s up to them to eat what they want and behaviors and expose your child
from what you serve—and that you trust to a greater variety of foods. But if nightly
In a study published in the journal them to listen to what their body tells family dinner can’t happen, that’s
Appetite, children who had to eat or drink them about which foods they want and okay. “Share breakfasts on weekdays or
something in order to get a reward whether they’re hungry or full. lunches on weekends,” says Natalie
(think two bites of broccoli for dessert) Stasenko, R.D.N., of FeedingBytes
actually reported greater dislike of that Memorize this motto. You are in .com. “Eating together just a few times
food or beverage. Studies also show a week can be very beneficial.”
that restricting access to certain foods There’s now a body
may lead kids to want those foods even of literature Stop the bites game. “Taking one
more. And in research from the journal more bite of those green beans doesn’t
Obesity, girls whose parents were showing that the more support a child’s innate self-regulation
more controlling around food reported pressure parents abilities and can backfire,” says Leslie
more emotional eating in college. Schilling, R.D.N., coauthor of Born to Eat.
put on their children It’s also unnecessary. In one study in
Pulling back has immediate perks for and their eating The New England Journal of Medicine,
you too. Letting your kids self-regulate habits, the food intake among kids 3 to 5 years old
means you can relax about what your more harm it can varied widely from meal to meal,
child is eating (or not eating). “Parents cause for kids. but their overall intake stayed relatively
often tell me that meals are more constant. You may see this happening
pleasant,” says Brandi Olden, R.D.N., day-to-day or week-to-week. Accept that
owner of Creating Peace With Food, giving your child control (or supporting
a private practice in Lacey, Washington. their autonomy) means that there will be
meals when your child barely nibbles her
For Christine Brick, a mom of five in food or eats nothing but the dinner roll.
Altamonte Springs, Florida, mealtimes Your goal is to raise confident eaters, not
used to be tear-filled disasters. She and kids who eat “perfectly” at every meal.
her husband tried everything to get their
kids to eat, even M&M’s for each bite Make all food emotionally equal.
taken. Then one day, they just put dinner
on the table—and now the only rule is Parents tend to restrict foods like sweets,
that everyone sits together for meals. The but that can make kids want them even
crying stopped, and her especially picky more. “When children aren’t allowed
eater now occasionally asks to try new cookies or candy, they may sneak food,
things. “By turning control over to them, consume them at parties and friends’
there’s been a lot more peace and better homes, and ruminate about when and
attitudes from all of us,” she says. how to get them again,” Olden says.
“Eating large amounts of any food, even
sweets, is normal at times. How much

KID SÑE at i n g

isn’t the issue—it’s the child’s Believe It Can healing,” Tribole says. “You can STUDIO CREATE/OFFSET. JAYME BURROWS/STOCKSY.
sense of food security that feels Be Done stop the legacy of dieting.”
threatened in these situations,
even when other foods are You may be thinking that this all sounds Amy Byxbe of Williamsburg,
available.” You can help good on paper but that there’s no way Virginia, says that the “clean your
neutralize the power those foods it’ll fly at your house. You may also be plate” rule she and her husband
have, Satter says, by serving feeling that suddenly letting go of grew up with led to chronic
everyone a single portion control strikes you as unnatural, even overeating. When they had a child,
of dessert along with the meal, irresponsible. What if you take away they wanted something different
to be eaten whenever they like. the rules and your child never eats for him, so they’ve made the
She also suggests occasionally anything green again? decision to avoid criticizing how
allowing kids unlimited sweets at much he eats (or doesn’t eat). If he
snacktime. They may overdo it First, keep in mind that this won’t be doesn’t want dinner, they wrap
at first, but knowing they can have an overnight transformation. If your up his plate and offer it again later.
those foods means they’ll relax child is used to your dictating what and “We work hard to overcome
around them. And always use how much to eat, they may be thrown a lifetime of counterproductive
nonfood items as incentives or off guard by their newfound freedom. eating habits,” she says. “As we see
disincentives, such as offering They might boycott veggies completely it, family meals are aptly named.
an extra book at bedtime for the for a while. But keep your eye on the Family first, meals second.”
former or taking away screen long-term goals. And look for little
time for the latter. signs that it’s working: Is your child less Flip the Food Script
fussy around food? Is your child less
Avoid labeling food as “good” preoccupied with food? Are you more Instead of saying, “Finish your
relaxed at mealtime?
or “bad.” “When we categorize vegetables ...” Simply eat and
foods like this, we can set a child Intuitive eating might also seem hard enjoy your own, and continue to
up to feel they are ‘bad’ or because of baggage you bring to the table. serve veggies to give your kids lots
‘unhealthy’ for liking foods that don’t fit “You may have your own issues around of chances to have them. And consider
into the ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ category,” food and eating,” Tribole says. Consider offering more than one at a time. In one
Schilling says. That said, it’s okay to talk this a chance to break the cycle. For study, 4-to-6-year-olds who were offered a
to kids about the benefits of foods—such instance, if you grew up in a house with variety of veggies at meals ate more of
as the protein in cheese making dieting and food shaming, intuitive them over time than those offered just one.
their snack more filling, or the fiber eating can help your kids avoid that same
in pears making it easier to go to the fate. “Raising an intuitive eater can be Instead of saying, “No more noodles
bathroom, McNamee notes.
until you eat your chicken ...” Offer a
Practice “gentle nutrition.” Intuitive variety of foods at mealtime. When
eating isn’t a cookies-and-chips possible, serve family-style so your kids
free-for-all. It’s still important to serve can choose the foods and amounts they
as a guide for your kids’ eating habits. want. Encourage everyone to take a little
“Gentle nutrition” is one of the principles bit of everything, but remind them they
of intuitive eating, and it means making have a choice about whether to eat it or
food choices that help you feel well, while not, McNamee says.
still allowing for “play foods” that
are simply eaten for pleasure. That might Instead of saying, “No dessert
involve teaching kids to pick a protein
and a starch for their lunch but letting until you’ve eaten your dinner ...” Put a
them choose what and how much to pack. small portion of dessert at each place at
the table, and let your child eat it when they
Know when to seek help. If your child choose, Satter says—even if that’s before
isn’t growing as expected or struggles dinner. (Don’t offer seconds on dessert,
with chewing or even touching food, which can compete with other foods.)
consider seeking help from a feeding
specialist like an occupational therapist Instead of saying, “But I thought
or a speech-language pathologist who
specializes in this area, advises Judy you loved strawberries ...” Stay neutral,
Delaware, an occupational therapist and don’t comment, and serve strawberries
feeding specialist, and cofounder of again sometime soon.
FeedingLittles.com. Other red flags:
acting overly anxious or nervous around Instead of saying, “Two more bites
food or gagging or throwing up at the table. of oatmeal before you can leave the

table ...” Feel confident that your child
knows how much they need to eat and that
they’ll get the nutrients they need over
time. If they’re hungry soon after, remind
them that snacktime is coming up.

3 6P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

ETHICALLY

MADE

©2022 CROPP Cooperative

What makes Organic Valley dairy so much better? Our small organic

family farms. We give our animals more time outside on pasture and Scan with your
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KIDSÑHealth News

Keep the Pollen Out

Pediatric allergists have some pointers on making your home more
comfortable for kids during peak allergy season.

LEAVE IT AT THE DOOR PET TIP CLEAN APPROPRIATELY Inspiration in CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: WERA RODSAWANG/GETTY; COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHER (2); SAM EDWARDS/GETTY.
During allergy season, Your Mailbox
When your child comes in it’s a good idea to wash any Pollen that does make it in will
from outdoor play, it’s worth pets that spend time cling to carpet and upholstery, These just-for-them
having them change clothes outdoors more often too. says Nathan Rabinovitch, M.D., magazines teach kids to love
and take a bath or a shower. a pediatric allergist at National
No time? Make sure they scrub CLOSE THE WINDOWS Jewish Health in Denver. themselves and the world.
down before bed so allergens “When your child then plays A perk of gifting print: Kids
don’t linger. If your child has While it’s tempting to let in on the couch or walks around, comprehend text more fully
itchy eyes, you can wipe a spring breeze, keeping the allergens start circulating, on paper than on a screen,
around them with a damp windows shut is one of your best so extra vacuuming is helpful.” recent research suggests.
cloth, says Robert Wood, M.D., defenses. Closed windows, When disinfecting, remember
director of pediatric allergy combined with air-conditioning, that scented cleaners and Unlike other media, Kazoo
and immunology at Johns can be just as good at keeping perfumed extras like air highlights all that is possible
Hopkins Children’s Center in pollen out and filtering air as freshener can cause more
Baltimore. Leaving another an air purifier, Dr. Wood notes. discomfort, says Payel Gupta, for girls ages 5 to 12.
damp washcloth on their eyes M.D., an assistant clinical Each quarterly issue tackles
for five or ten minutes can instructor at SUNY Downstate
be soothing; Dr. Wood says Medical Center in Brooklyn and a theme (like exploration
kids enjoy this much more than cohost of The Itch Podcast. or daydreaming) and profiles
eye drops. “When your nose and eyes are
already irritated, chemicals legendary women,
make that worse.” If you can illustrating them as young
focus on cleaning and closing girls so readers can easily
windows in only one place, see all they can become.
have it be their room. “Kids Issues from $10, subscription
spend the most time in their $45; kazoomagazine.com
bedroom,” Dr. Gupta says. “Let
that be a safe space for them Created by youth activists,
overnight where they’re not OH-WAKE is a community,
getting exposed to allergens.”
resource, and outlet for
SEND THEM OUTDOORS the next generation of eco-
changemakers. If your tween
When all is said and done, you
still want your child to spend or teen feels down about
time outside. If pollen counts the state of the world, who
often keep your family indoors,
meet with an allergist. “Our better to lift them up
goal is to have your child lead than the six youth editors who
a normal life full of outdoor
activities,” Dr. Wood says. “We publish this quarterly and
would much rather say, ‘Play care deeply about this planet?
outside as long as you’d like. Print subscription $40 or free
We know you have allergies,
but we are going to find ways HP printables; ohwake.org
for you to live with them.’ ”
The Week Junior delivers
There’s More Than One Good Milk top headlines from around
the world to readers ages 8
Whole milk may be just as healthy as low-fat options, according to
new data. When around 50 healthy kids were given either whole-fat to 14. Each weekly issue
or low-fat dairy for three months, researchers found no significant covers news, science, sports,
difference in their weight or heart health. While this won’t change
the American Academy of Pediatrics’ preference of nonfat or and entertainment. Kids
low-fat milk for kids over age 2, it may provide peace of mind. “Milk can get involved by voting
is a source of nutrients that growing kids need,” says Tamara
Hannon, M.D., a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition. “If in debates, submitting
they refuse low-fat milk, it may be beneficial for them to have art, nominating teachers to be
whole milk rather than avoid it, but talk to your pediatrician.”
featured, and sharing how
they give back to others. Try

free for six weeks, $50 for
19 issues; theweekjunior.com

Motivate your kid to turn
their good intentions into

positive actions with
Mighty Kind. The quarterly

shares tangible ideas to
empower kids ages 5 to 8 to
be compassionate. Bonus:
Each issue has advice for

parents and caregivers to
encourage their caring kiddo.
Issues $18, subscription $72;

mightykindkids.com

3 8P A R E N T S APRIL 2022 by R E B E C CA R A KOW IT Z

Usar como se indica. ©JJCI 2021 TESTED BY
PEDIATRICIANS
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AND LOVED BY FUTURE
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KIDSÑFamily Fun

Like half birthdays IT WAS N’T until Spencer, our STEVIE JEAN/GALLERY STOCK.
and other rescue pup, turned 10 that
we threw him his first-ever
faux holidays, pet birthday party. That was
parties are an in April 2020, and we were in
lockdown. My husband, our
excuse to amuse. kids, then 5 and 6, and I were
looking for any reason to
Let Every Dog Have Its Day celebrate. We baked a cake
for us humans, made Spencer
Making the family dog the guest of honor at some peanut butter treats, and
a special celebration is entertaining for it—and the kids. took pictures of him wearing
“Happy Birthday” glasses. We
(By all means, invent the occasion.) had so much fun, we repeated
it all on his 11th birthday.
by A N N E F R I TZ L I N VA L
A party for the dog is, I’ll
admit, absurd. But the kids
love it and the dog isn’t likely
to complain. “I’ve seen so many
more people throwing parties
for their dog,” says Gary Kron,
who sells doggie treats at
TheBarkeryLI.com, a Long
Island–based bakery. Kron, a
dad of three girls and owner
of three rescue dogs, attributes
the uptick to the number
of pandemic pet adoptions.

In fact, the ASPCA
estimates that 23 million
households adopted either a
dog or a cat between March
2020 and March 2021. “Pets
come into our lives and
become family members,”
says Julie Sonenberg,
senior manager of volunteer
engagement at the ASPCA
Adoption Center in New York
City, a mom of one, and
owner of two rescue dogs.
So like Zoom calls with the
grandparents and baking in
quarantine, puppy parties
have crept into our lives and
are likely here to stay as a
welcome distraction.

Let the Kids Lead

Our children enjoy any
excuse to party (looking at
you, 100th day of school!).
They get even more excited
about the festivities if they’re
in charge—plus, it boosts their
confidence to take ownership

4 0P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

Nurture their

loving hearts
with IAMS™

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©2022 Mars or Affiliates.

KIDSÑFamily Fun

of an “important” yet low- PET TIP
stakes event. Ask for their For a fun party activity,
input on the theme or menu,
or delegate a specific task, dip your dog’s
such as making decorations. paw in nontoxic paint
My son takes charge of the
human dessert for Spencer’s and have them
parties. “My 8-year-old walk across poster
daughter plans almost
everything,” says celebrity board in the
hairstylist Sarah Potempa, garage or outdoors.
who lives near Chicago with
her husband and two kids, results, and serve cookies
and who throws parties for decorated with images of the
Ash, their 4-year-old Alaskan breeds or unveil photos.
malamute. That includes
writing invitations, choosing PREP FOR PARTY Who knows what themes and Plan Party Tricks BRAT CO/STOCKSY.
Ash’s outfit, and picking his ANIMALS games they’ll come up with!
gifts and snacks. Some inspiration: Lead the kids and your pet
Dogs have social skills B O N E A P P É T I T The focus here through a few activities
Your party will probably be equivalent to a 2-year-old’s is on the fun as much as the to help brand the event as
just for your family, but if you and like to share almost food. So think a hot-dog bar for a special occasion.
want to open it up to friends as much—in other words, the humans and bone-shaped P L AY F E T C H An epic game
and their own dogs, you could not at all. Many of the rules treats for the four-legged of fetch gets out kid and dog
do so. “Ideally, canine invitees you would have in place for honoree. For dessert, offer energy, and tired pups are
would have met each other a toddler’s birthday shindig cupcakes topped with generally better behaved
and have positive, or at least also apply to puppy parties. bone-shaped sprinkles. when it comes time to, say,
neutral, relationships,” says H AV E A B A LL Decorate with take pictures.
José Arce, D.V.M., president Keep it short—an hour tall glass vases filled with TA K E A H I K E Like a game of
of the American Veterinary is about right. tennis balls, serve up cake fetch, a walk or a special hike
Medical Association and a pops frosted to look like balls, can serve as a big family
dad of one in Puerto Rico who Hold off on throwing a and hand out balls as favors outing that tires everyone out
also owns two dachshunds. A party for a new puppy until to the humans and the doggie. and helps all creatures build
puppy party is not the time to it has had vaccinations. B E A U T Y PAW - L O R Set up a up an appetite.
find out your Lab doesn’t click bow bar with dog bows in an LE AR N A N E W S KI LL Potempa’s
with the neighbor’s bulldog. Watch for signs of anxiety assortment of colors along kids worked with Ash in
in your dog. Most love with pet-safe hair chalk for advance to teach him new
Pick a Theme attention, but if your dog a quick doggie makeover and tricks. Then Ash got to perform
starts barking, panting, or photo shoot. Offer a larger and receive applause. The
If you don’t know your pup’s pacing, take it for a short dog a new, colorful bandanna. family has also had Ash’s
exact birth date, permission walk away from festivities. B R E E D - R E V E A L PA R T Y Do you doggy day-care friends over
granted to invent it, as Leigh have the DNA results for your in their backyard. Potempa
Ann Rettie of southern Some dogs, like toddlers, mixed-breed dog? Host a recommends hiring a dog
Louisiana did. Her family will put just about reveal. Ask everyone to write trainer to referee games and
declared that her dog and her anything in their mouth. down their guesses on the help owners teach dogs to
son shared a birthday Avoid decorations that shake hands, for instance.
because they rescued him could pose a choking Party on, pups.
in March, the month her son hazard, and don’t serve
turned 4. Kron has made foods that are off-limits to Treat Them
cakes for “bark mitzvahs” dogs, such as chocolate,
(yes, those are totally made up, grapes, raisins, avocado, Hover your phone’s camera
and you don’t have to wait for and corn on the cob. over the smart code
your dog to turn 13), puppy-
gender reveals, and holidays for a Peanut Butter–Banana
too. Why not have a sip and Dog Birthday Cake
see for a new adoptee? If you
have no formal excuse to recipe from Daily Paws.
celebrate, throw it to the kids
to decide what the party is for.

4 2P A R E N T S APRIL 2022



KID SÑR e a d i n g

THE BOOK NOOK

Your monthly guide to making the most of storytime and raising forever readers

5 New 1 3. Counting to Bananas
Titles to Pick 2
Written by Carrie Tillotson,
Up Now illustrated by Estrela Lourenço

1. Armadillo Antics 3 An endearing yet opinionated
banana makes learning
Written by Bill Martin Jr. and All the numbers hilarious. The story
Michael Sampson, illustrated feels starts as kids might expect: one
by Nathalie Beauvois plum, two figs, three oranges.
4 But when four pigs show up,
A collab between Martin, the the banana interjects that pigs
late author of Chicka Chicka Ode to modern aren’t a fruit. The counting by
Boom Boom, and his longtime fatherhood ones continues up to 20 with
writing partner, this short occasional punny commentary
rhyming story about a night 5 (“I’m starting to feel bruised,”
in the life of an armadillo is the overlooked banana chimes
cozy and soothing. Beauvois’s in, after plantains are picked for
collage-style art, especially number ten). When the narrator
the armadillo curled up inside skip counts from 20 to 100,
its nest, gives Eric Carle vibes. things get even wilder. Mo
A collection of eight facts on Willems fans will give this book
the final page (“The snout of one, two, three, four, five stars!
an armadillo is as strong as Ages 4 to 8
steel”) will fascinate kids and
grown-ups alike. Ages 3 to 6 4. Moody Moody Cars

2. Dear Student Written by Eileen Kennedy-
Moore, Ph.D., photographs by
Written by Elly Swartz Michael Furman

Tweens won’t be able to put Not since Inside Out has a
down this heartfelt story with a story about feelings felt so
fresh plot, vibrant characters, innovative. The grills of classic
and even a recipe for whoopie cars display facial expressions
pies. Socially awkward Autumn that the rhythmic text connects
lands the position as the to their mood. (In a note to
anonymous advice columnist readers, clinical psychologist
for the school newspaper, and Dr. Kennedy-Moore, a Parents
things are going well until her advisor, explains that the
secret is threatened. Readers concept is called pareidolia.)
will relate to how Autumn finds The story covers ten emotions,
courage to continue her role from jealousy to excitement,
and navigates friendship and has a nifty “key” of them
drama (her two new pals don’t at the end. Ages 4 to 8
like each other). Swartz has a
knack for writing authentic- 5. Girl Dad
sounding dialogue that
resonates with kids. Ages 10+ Written by Sean Williams,
illustrated by Jay Davis

Williams, CEO of The Dad
Gang—a group that celebrates
Black fathers and challenges
stereotypical depictions of
them—crafts this cheerful
story about dad-daughter pairs.
Dads rock bows, read stories,
and uplift their daughters.
(“He’ll remind you that you’re
beautiful—that you’re also very
smart. Girl dad’s the one who
has your back and had it from
the start.”) The colors in Davis’s
drawings make the story extra
warm and fuzzy. Ages 4 to 8

4 4P A R E N T S APRIL 2022

BOOK CRUSH POWER TO THE
PRINCESSES
Kelly Rowland’s
New Release Because marrying a
man you only just met shouldn’t be
The Grammy-winning singer pens a deeply
a thing, here are three
personal picture book about a mom who juggles a career shimmery yet smart alternatives

with caring for her school-age son. to the old fairy-tale tropes.

be honest about the emotional journey In Princess
and anxiety that it causes. We all Charming, written by
need to find the vocabulary to explain Zibby Owens and
it to ourselves and our children. illustrated by Holly
Hatam, a girl who
Has a childhood book stuck doesn’t think she has
with you? any talents ends
up saving the day.
My mother used to read me Love You Ages 3 to 6
Forever, by Robert Munsch. I adore
the dynamic that it shows between The characters in
a mother and a child. Not All Princesses Dress in Pink,
written by Jane Yolen and her daughter,
BOOKS: COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHERS. ROWLAND: CÉCILE BOKO. Singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland How do you balance your kids’ Heidi E. Y. Stemple, and illustrated by
credits Toni Morrison for inspiring reading time with screen time? Anne-Sophie Lanquetin, rock a tiara but
her latest project: “She said, ‘If there’s still play soccer, build things, and get messy.
a book you want to read but it hasn’t We try our hardest not to do Look for the Wonder Woman lunch box
been written yet, then you must write screen time during the week and sneaked into the illustrations. Ages 4 to 8
it.’ ” For Rowland, mom of Noah, 1, and have it on the weekends. And not
Titan, 7, that book is Always With You, all day on the weekends. It’s hard The nine beginning chapter books in
Always With Me, which grapples with sometimes because of how the Princess in Black series, written by
the separation a mom and son feel convenient it is. But we read a lot Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated
when she leaves for work. Although together, and Titan is enjoying by LeUyen Pham, feature a girl with an
the mom in the story, cowritten with reading books to his brother. alter ego. She changes from a fancy dress
educator Jessica McKay, is a to a caped black costume to battle the
construction supervisor, Rowland What kinds of books excite Titan? evildoers in her kingdom. Ages 5 to 8
drew on her experiences as a working
musician for the book, due out He loves learning about animals, so RAISING
April 26. “I’m a working mother. My Ultimate Reptile-Opedia, Discovering THE
friends are working mothers. The part Sharks, and Science Comics Sharks
in the book where the mother cries in are his faves. FUTURE
the car, I have definitely seen those
days,” she says. Parents caught up Describe your perfect reading BOOK CLUB
with Rowland after a performance. experience.
CELEBRATING
On a beach listening to the waves, in a ALL FAMILIES
hammock, curled up with my favorite
book. The best! Former Super Bowl quarterback and
global human rights activist Colin
What do you hope families A hit with
learn from the story? Rowland’s son Kaepernick writes about his younger
self in his new picture book, I Color
I want parents to know it is okay to Myself Different. A classmate asks
feel what they’re experiencing and to Kaepernick, who was adopted by white
parents, “Why are you the only brown
one in your family?” The story explores
adoption, race, identity, and self-love in
ways young kids can understand. Check
@Parents Instagram on April 5 to watch
Kaepernick read his book. Get more
details at parents.com/bookclub.

SPECIAL PARTNER SECTION

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FINE FOLK DOLPHIN
PIZZA CRUISE IN PINE
ISLAND SOUND

aded
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wi go all goofy as
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swim alongside your
boat. Prepare to melt
at the sight of the
creatures’ “smiles.”

plants

MATANZAS PASS
PRESERVE

Explore nearly
60 acres of unspoiled

sanctuary on Fort
Myers Beach, and take
a free guided walk to
learn the history of the
native plants that still
grow in the preserve.

birds

J.N. “DING”
DARLING NATIONAL

WILDLIFE REFUGE
Rent a bike on Sanibel

Island and ride the
paved road through
this home of 245-plus
bird species, including

ibis and majestic
white pelicans. Towers
along the route offer

elevated viewing.

let’s eat! Your kiddos will flip for the

free dough-tossing lessons at Fort Myers’ Fine
Folk Pizza, which boasts specialties like the
Lasagna Pizza. After a beach stroll on Captiva
Island, wander into the bohemian whimsy of
The Bubble Room for decadent cake.

his y seidcuacl
ph ation
POPSTROKE
Gran SWEET DREAMS
grand
nobody family-
a putter befo ger friendly
Woods, the legendary
Keep your squad
player who takes satisfied at these
even miniature golf overnights with perks
seriously, designed the
holes to look like the for all ages.
real thing, with rolling
grass-like fairways, activity hub
rough and bunkers.
Dive-in movies by
CAPTIVA the pool. Arts and
ISLAND crafts lessons. Riding

bicycling a WaveRunner
with a parent.
SUNNY ISLAND ADVENTURES Childhood vacation
Cycling is great low-impact exercise and the dreams come true
best way to explore Captiva Island’s 4-mile- in numerous forms
long shoreline. You’ll score some excellent at Pink Shell Beach
waterfront vistas on a ride around South Resort & Marina.
Seas Island Resort. Test your teamwork by
trying a tandem bike with a buddy. splash zone

tory EDISON AND Let the young
FORD WINTER ones rush down
le E S TAT E S five waterslides to
their heart’s content
MOUND iconic homes while you take things
slow in the lazy river
HOUSE MUSEUM EDISON AND FORD or the adults-only
nner hot tub at Hyatt
s by WINTER ESTATES Regency Coconut
In historic downtown Point Resort & Spa in
he secrets Bonita Springs.
arly island life Fort Myers, step
atop a 2,000-year-old back in time at the s’more fun
Calusa shell mound.
Take a family kayak winter homes of After a day of
tour too. Or catch rays inventors Thomas building sandcastles
on Fort Myers Beach Edison and Henry Ford.
down the street. See Edison’s treasured on Captiva Island,
botanic laboratory park yourselves in
and a collection front of the firepit
of Ford’s automobiles. for gooey s’mores at
South Seas Island
Resort. Families
also love the private
beach and pools
(with a waterslide

and tiki bar).

KIDSÑPets

Animal House!

Cash, 8, heaps attention on his rescue cat Wilbur, 2.

photograph by PR I S C I LL A G R AG G

1 3 WARDROBE STYLING BY LISA MOIR. GROOMING BY TRICIA TURNER. PROPS AND SET BY ALEXANDRA KASTNER. ON CASH: SHIRT, CREW CUTS. FANNY PACK, ZARA.

He loves to sleep, Wilbur needed three
no matter eye surgeries,

where he is. Living but the rescue group
in a mattress where we got him
store would be
helped raise money.
Wilbur’s heaven.
4
2
We picked the
When Wilbur wants names Charlotte
me to pet him,
and Wilbur
he turns upside down from Charlotte’s
and wriggles his
body like a worm. Web.

Cash’s family adopted
Wilbur and his sister,

Charlotte, from Community
Cat Rescue in Palo Alto,

California, after fostering
them as kittens.

PET TIP
April is the biggest feline

birth month.
That means adoptable

kittens are often
most available in June

and July.

4 8P A R E N T S APRIL 2022