“What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
-Juliet, Romeo and Juliet

Of course a rose would be just as beautiful if it had a different name, Juliet! As we were browsing Natorp’s website for plants to spruce up our garden, we couldn’t help but notice the things that modern plants and flowers go by. Some of the names that botanicals go by this days are downright FUN! Check out these fun finds at Natorp’s which  boast unique monikers!

Natorp’s Nursery is Cincinnati’s place for plants, with 1 million plants online!
Did you know? Natorp’s Nursery has curbside pickup! Simply complete your order and you will receive an email when your order is ready. It may take 2 business days-so plan accordingly

Natorp’s Nursery
8601 Snider Road
Mason, OH 45040
(513) 398-4769 | www.natorp.com

Click here to discover easy spring curb appeal ideas to refresh your home!

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Summer adventures are right around the corner and one of the best parts of June and July is cooling down with friends. Whether you are spending time at a creek, lake, river, ocean or pool, a few precautions can ensure everyone has a fun and safe time. Get ready to splash into summer by brushing up on basic summer water safety.

SWIM LESSONS
For inexperienced swimmers, taking a few swim lessons can result in life-saving skills. Even experienced swimmers can benefit from brushing up on skills, too.
Check out these Cincinnati designations that offer swim lessons:
Bear Paddle | Goldfish Swim School | YMCA | Cincinnati Recreation Commission 
 University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati Sports Club | Kids First Sports | TriHealth | Lori’s H2O Skills | Mayerson JCC  |
British Swim School | Five Seasons NKY

DON’T SWIM SOLO
Swimming with a buddy is both more fun and more safe. The buddy system is a great way to spend time together in the water.

DESIGNATE A WATER WATCHER
Supervision is an important part of water safety. The water watcher is an adult who needs to stay distraction-free and keep a watchful eye on swimmers.

FOLLOW POSTED RULES
Look for posted signs regarding swimming conditions when visiting natural bodies of water. While it is preferable to swim at pools with life guards on duty, if unavailable, see posted pool rules for guidance.

CHOOSE A SMART SWIMSUIT
Brightly colored and neon swimsuits that contrast with water make swimmers  easily visible. Avoid dark color swimsuits, which make it hard to spot children while swimming. UPF swim suits are also available which provide protection from the sun!

WEAR A LIFE JACKET
For children who are unable to swim, a Coast Guard certified life vest is the way to go.

GRAB THE SPF
Be sure to apply, and reapply sunscreen. Nothing dampers summer fun more than a painful sunburn.

TAKE BREAKS
Swimming is great exercise! Be sure to remind children to take breaks, grab a snack and, of course, stay hydrated.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
Cannonballs, can openers and diving are so much fun! Make sure to follow rules and also to literally look before you leap to make sure the area you are jumping into is deep enough and that no one is in the space.

Wishing you the safest (and most fun) summer yet!

The post Summer Water Safety appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Infants & Toddlers (6 months–3 years)
The CDC statistics prove that “more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.” Putting your baby in swim lessons is crucial because it teaches them basic survival skills like floating, turning over, and holding onto the wall in the pool. According to the Red Cross, 87 percent of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs for children under 5 years old. Swim lessons also reduce the fear of water early on, enabling them (and you) to feel a sense of comfort and familiarity when they are in the water. A 2009 study conducted by the National Library of Medicine uncovered that “participation in formal swimming lessons [is] associated with an 88 percent reduction in the risk of drowning in the 1- to 4-year-old children.” While you cannot depend on swimming skills to replace parental supervision, making sure your child is secure in the water from an early age could be the difference between life and death.

Young Children (4–12 years)
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children 5 and older learn how to swim. Not only is swimming a good way to be active, it can also train your kids swimming techniques and coordination, building up their confidence and water independence. Swimming is not just a “fun” problem, it can be lethal, as almost all children are expected to interact with water, especially during the summer months. Sadly, the CDC reports that “drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14.” Equipping your children with safety skills will give you both peace of mind while they’re playing in the pool. Plus, if you know they can swim well, you’ll also feel more comfortable to send them on pool playdates when you’re not available to watch over them.

Teenagers
Even if your teen has a basic grasp on how to stay afloat, becoming trained in lifeguarding, CPR, or water rescues can open doors to potential summer jobs or hobbies they may really enjoy. They can also use their swim skills to participate in competitive swimming opportunities. The Red Cross states that 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a pond or lake, as compared to a pool, so it is essential they develop swimming skills before or during their teenage years. The water can be a place of immense insecurity, so working to improve skills can even boost your teen’s self-confidence, particularly in social settings.

Adults
Water is not without risk, even for adults. Learn to enjoy the water safely so you can play freely with your kids in the water. There are also physical benefits to using swimming as a form of exercise, including joint health and stress relief from water therapy. (Not to mention swimming laps is an excellent workout!) If you haven’t spent much time in the water before, think of the swim lessons as a form of safety, both for yourself and your family. If something happens to your kid in the water, you want to be prepared to jump in and save the day.

Seniors
It can be scary to get into your older years and not know how to swim. This fear can really inhibit your freedom, leading you to avoid pools, lakes, and other bodies of water. But there are more benefits than just your ease of mind and mental wellbeing; swim lessons can also be a low-impact, full-body workout that relaxes your muscles and is gentle on your joints. Additionally, swimming can improve blood circulation and balance, reducing the risk of falling.

Debunking Swim Myths
You’ve heard them before, maybe even thought them yourself: “I’m too old to learn,” or “Swim lessons aren’t necessary if you don’t have a pool,” or “Flotation devices are just as good as swimming skills.” However, these beliefs aren’t actually true. For example, many infant drownings occur when the child is not supposed to be near water, such as when the child gets into a normally secure pool area. Moreover, while flotation devices may be fun to use when playing in the pool, they do not teach the user how to float. The Harris Poll conducted a survey on behalf of PHTA that revealed 66 percent of parents believe floaties and water wings keep children safe in the water—a scary number considering the devices can pop, deflate, or slip off your child—and then what? Personal flotation devices (PFDs) should never substitute for parental supervision or be used as an excuse that the kid doesn’t need to learn to swim.

Oh, and the saying “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks?” WebMD released a study in February of 2024 exposing that sometimes “older brains do better” at learning. The study listed a few areas where people over age 60 improve as they gain experience, naming verbal abilities, inductive reasoning, visual-spatial skills, and more. Not to mention all of the benefits of swimming as exercise, which improves your thinking ability and memory.

Regardless of your age, swim lessons can be extremely helpful, making them a wise and practical choice for people in all stages of life. In addition to swimming in the “classroom,” you can also learn water safety skills on RedCross’ free Swim app. Check your local YMCAs and community centers for swimming class availability. Swim schools are also popular and an excellent place to take your babies through elementary school-aged kids. Give yourself and your kids the opportunities to enjoy water recreation by cultivating the lifelong skill of learning how to swim now, no matter how old (or young!) you are. Don’t wait for an emergency to make swim lessons a priority. Whether it’s you or your child, it’s never too late to dive in.

Click here to find more Health articles by Cincinnati Family Magazine.

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Starting at 12:01am on Sunday, August 4 (8/4), families can secure this $84 per night room rate when booking a stay of two- or more-nights at Great Wolf Lodge Mason. Guests must book before 11:59pm on August 4, 2024, and stay before Dec. 21, 2024, to take advantage of this special offer. Visit  www.greatwolf.com and use promo code 84DEGREES.

Great Wolf Lodge 84 Degree Sale Details:

Promo Code: 84DEGREES

Booking Date: 8/4/24

Rates starting at $84 per night for stays of two or more nights

Stay Dates:  August 5, 2024 – December 21, 2024

For this year’s sale, members of Great Wolf Lodge’s loyalty program, Voyagers Club, will be able to book a single night stay at the discounted $84 nightly room rate, and do so two days before the sale opens to the general public. The Voyagers Club program is free to join, and as long as guests enroll in the program before 10pm CST on Friday, August 2, they will be granted early access to the sale and the ability to reserve a single night at the $84 room rate. Guests can sign up for the free Voyagers Club by visiting https://www.greatwolf.com/voyagers-club. Details on the sale, along with a unique booking code to secure the discount, will be emailed directly to the guests within 48 hours of completing the Voyagers Club registration.

*8/4 Day Sale T&Cs Apply: Offer valid at Great Wolf Lodge U.S. resort. Valid per night for single or multiple-night stays.  Promotion code must be mentioned at time of reservation. Limited number of rooms available for each date. May not be valid during holiday and blackout periods or combined with any other discount or promotional offers. Limited suite style availability on select dates. Discount may vary by date. Offer based on 3 guests per room and may be terminated at any time without notice. Must have one individual 21 years of age or older staying in each room. Offer is not redeemable for cash.

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Weekend Wonders

5 Quick Trips for Families

Cincinnatians, summer is in full swing. The weather is glorious and the kids are looking to you for an answer to the age-old question “What are we doing today?” If you are considering a close-to home overnight idea for family fun, look no further. We have put together a great staycation roundup with a few quick trip suggestions thrown in, too. With such an abundance of awesome attractions nearby, you will never need to venture too far from town to make your summer one to remember.

Great Wolf Lodge Summer Camp-In

2501 Great Wolf Dr., Mason, OH

(800) 913-9653

Event runs through August 25th

Save up to 48 percent with code “48HOUR”. Spend time by the pool, meet characters, dance the night away at the Summer Camp-In jamboree, participate in the Trailblazer challenge, do some arts and crafts, and so much MORE.

Camp Cedar Outdoor Resort

5158 Kings Island Dr., Mason, OH

(513) 701-9635

Families can bring their own RVs or rent an RV or a cottage at Camp Cedar. The resort features multiple dining options, two expansive pool areas, a fitness room, and basketball and pickleball courts. The resort also hosts exciting events like live music, movie nights, crafts, and more.

Camping with Great Parks

Lake Isabella Campground

10174 E Loveland Madeira Rd., Loveland, OH

Miami Whitewater Forest Campground

9001 Mt. Hope Rd., Harrison, OH

Winton Woods Campground

651 Lakeview Dr., Cincinnati, OH

 (513) 851-2267

Two Quick-Trip Ideas!

Investigate Art in Indianapolis, Indiana

A quick trip to Indy would be an exceptional summer adventure! And there is plenty of art to inspect at Newfields. THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Dali Alive is an immersive experience that will have families feeling like they are part of the masterpieces. Home Again opened in June with great reception. Three spectacular brand-new sculptures are showcased within nature in this unique exhibition. Plan a visit on July 13 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to check out the Family Day

event “Home Again Olympics.” Families will compete in Tug o” War, kayak racing, and relay races. They can also make their own medals to commemorate the occasion.

Newfields

4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN

  (317) 923-1331

Learn about Living History (and go on some roller coasters, too) in Pigeon Forge, TN

Who doesn’t love Dolly? Celebrate this queen by visiting the brand new Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood. The exhibit delves into three aspects of the singer: Storyteller spans Dolly’s career, Behind The Seams digs into Dolly’s style, and Precious Memories places importance on faith and family. The exhibition also debuts a new Fan Shop and a look into Dolly’s Home-On-Wheels! Fans can tour Dolly’s actual tour bus! Oh yeah, and Dollywood has dozens of coasters big and small, live performances, and some amazing food.

Dollywood

2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge, TN

(800) DOLLYWOOD

Plan your family’s summer with Cincinnati Family Magazine! Click here to find even more Things to Do, and head to cincinnatifamilymagazine.com to see a full “Summer Fun Bucket List, A- Z” and a Splash Park Roundup, too.

The post Weekend Wonders appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Battle summer boredom and fight off the summer learning slide with the Summer Reading Programs! Grab a book and get reading with the entire family. Best part? It is FREE at your local library!

Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

Boone County Public Library 

Campbell County Public Library 

Kenton County Public Library 

Looking for something to do with the kids? Check out a free event at your local library, click here! 

The post Summer Reading Programs 2024 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

I have a love-hate relationship with summer: I’m a mom. After fifteen summers with kids, I’ve got some encouragement for you moms that suddenly find themselves with kids of all ages at home all the time.

This season with a reputation for being fun, warm, and easy-going, is also filled with the stress of changing nearly everything about how my home and family operate for 2.5 months—and then putting it all back together again. Super fun.

It’s hard for me to fully embrace the “school’s out!” joy when my summer babysitter sends me a DM about getting another job just three weeks before the kids are out of school. Only another mom would fully get the extent to which that little message blew up my summer. But with an open mind and a little wisdom from the Bible, I’m getting a little better at summer every year. I figure by the time my last kid leaves home, I’ll have it perfected. (And then they’ll all start coming back again!?)

Before you email me telling me, “there’s dads out there taking care of kids too,”—believe me, I know there are! And I love it. Read on in solidarity and with my full appreciation for you. I say “moms” in an article like this because I know the reality—validated by all kinds of research—is that most moms still shoulder much more of the organization of home and family care no matter their job status.

We all see the same Country Time Lemonade commercials in our minds where kids happily giggle and swing, having picturesque summertime fun. Not only isn’t that how summer ever happens, but these images remind me that the day is coming when my kids are going to ask to sell lemonade on my street corner right in the middle of a Zoom meeting.

I will feel like a terrible mom saying no to such a sweet request, especially when they tell me they’re “raising money for the poor.” So instead, I will try not to cuss while I force open the legs of my card table after dragging it down the street. I definitely won’t be able to convince them that in the wake of a pandemic, no one’s going to buy their homemade lemonade and brownies made without gloves and a sneeze-guard. They’re just gonna have to learn that one the hard way. So I set up the table. And summer here we come.

So, here are my top 5 ways to survive and thrive this summer:

1. Decide what you need and say so. Many moms I know operate out of a mindset of scarcity when it comes to their own needs. I love that moms are looking to give their kids all that they can. BUT you are a human being with legitimate needs! You cannot be constantly deprived and be in a healthy place for your family.

If you need an hour to work out three times a week, say that! If you need to be undisturbed from 10-11am, say that. If you need your kid to find rides home from basketball practice because that’s when your meeting with your boss is, then say exactly what you need. Put your own needs on par with theirs when you’re looking at summer plans. I’ve found when my kids know I need something; they actually try to help me!

Let’s not operate out of scarcity. Let’s not operate as a victim to our circumstances. Articulate your needs, then you always have the option of setting them aside for the good of others just like Philippians 2:4 says; “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” If you set your needs aside this summer, do it joyfully to serve your family or your home—not because you’re pretending you don’t have any.

2. Make a plan, and add margin. You need a rhythm by which the majority of days are lived. Summer feels more open, which can be chaotic, so a little structure is important for everyone’s sanity. Decide on a basic daily rhythm that works for you. Mine have varied widely from hour-by-hour nap schedules to general principles about what-must-happen-before-what. Even if you’re a super-planner, know your structure is going to be helpful about 60% of the time. It’s totally worth the pre-planning, but it can trip you up if you’re thinking “the plan” is for 100% of the time. It’s not—the other 40% of the time, it won’t work at all. That’s where the margin comes in. I highly recommend that part of your plan is specifically set apart as unaccounted-for time: margin.

In the book of Proverbs, we see wisdom is found somewhere in the tension between our plans and God’s plans. So we need some margin to welcome God into the summer with us!

• Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
• The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Can you make your weekly meeting 45 minutes instead of an hour? Can you get the sitter to stay an extra hour? Can you please—for the love—NOT plan everything back to back, assuming you’re going to hit all the green lights on the way? A legit part of my summer calendar says “margin,” and it’s because God is going to want to do some things I can’t plan for right now. I know I need to pray, breathe, walk slower, linger longer for a chat, make extra phone calls to arrange things with the kids, finish the game we’re playing over breakfast, and enjoy them being home more.

How can you specifically plan margin into your summer for your circumstances?

3. Put your kids to work. Your kids can do waaaaaaaaay more than you are likely requiring of them. If they dirty it, have them clean it (dishes, car, living room, etc.). When more people are at home using more things, then more work needs to be done—by them. We don’t pay for chores that are about the maintenance of common household stuff that they use. We do offer small payments for extra chores (clean out my pantry, get my GoodWill donation organized). Pay or don’t pay—that’s up to you. But make ‘em work!

In Proverbs 31, there’s a lengthy poem about a woman/wife/mother, and I promise you she didn’t do this while holding down a desk job at home during a pandemic with kids peering over the edge of her monitor wondering when their next feeding is and expecting a magical childhood.

Proverbs 31:13-17
She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

Her kids were working, too. Guaranteed. And yes, the ones that couldn’t work yet likely had the benefit of living in a multi-generational home where there was built-in support and other adults who cared for them. So that’s why I say:

4. Get help. No one’s coming to award you a medal on August 31 for doing it all yourself. Parents, neighbors, friends, babysitters, summer camps, etc. This Proverbs 31 woman is a wise manager of the resources at her disposal to accomplish much more than she can do on her own. Get. Help. Summer is the time to call in the favors. Make the awkward asks. Hire the kid down the street. Partner in a new way with your spouse. Have your oldest kid drive the others around for you. Whatever. Don’t try summer alone.

5. Budget for a few extras. Summer is expensive, so I understand if you need to put a pin in this one until nextsummer. But I want you to be able to be the mom who says yes a little more to enjoy the little things of summer as they present themselves. I know sometimes that means an extra ten bucks!

Yes, you can have the slushy. Yes, we can drive to the park that costs $8 to park. Yes, the babysitter can take you to that one fun place I always say no to going.

I’m usually the budget-conscious, plan-keeper in my household, and then I watch their eyes light up when my husband gets them a $3 ice cream, and I’m annoyed I wasn’t the one who said yes. Summer feels like a time for grace, and God is a lavish grace-giver.

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” -\ John 1:16.

Sometimes grace comes in the form of a Snowie in the parking lot at TJ Maxx. Be that mom this summer.

Moms, summer isn’t easy. I’m in there with you. We’re not only going to get through it, but we’re also going to enjoy it. ( Right?!! ) I’ll check back on you on September 1. Good luck.

The post Mom’s Summer Survival Guide appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Summer camps offer a world of opportunities for kids to learn, grow and make lifelong memories. It is a wonderful opportunity for kids to continue to build and practice using social skills and critical thinking skills.

Many parents send their kids to camp because camps provide enrichment. But camps also help building relationships, provide kids an opportunity to learn about themselves and, of course, try new things. It is also a terrific way to learn skills outside of the classroom and reduce the dreaded summer skill loss.

Margo Spurgeon, director of reach marketing at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, says, “The number one reason kids should go to camp is to find out who they are. Unplugging from the stresses of school and everyday life, detoxing from scrolling on a screen, and distancing themselves from the social media algorithms, are elements of camp that give kids the margin and opportunity to understand who they are and how they can impact and interact with the world around them.”

Let’s look at different types of camps, appropriate ages for each, essential factors to consider when choosing the ideal camp for your child, and what steps to take to prep your kids for their camp experience.

DAY CAMPS: THE GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE

Day camps provide a fantastic introduction to the summer camp experience. Typically designed for children aged 5 to 12, day camps offer a diverse range of activities, from arts and crafts to sports to outdoor adventures. Elise Solomon, Taft Museum of Art, says that day camps are great for kids of all ages. These camps allow kids to enjoy activities or topics of interest or explore new activities. They also allow kids to make new friends while returning home each evening, fostering a sense of independence without the overnight stay.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS: A TASTE OF INDEPENDENCE

Around the age of 8 to 14, children may be ready for the next step – overnight camps. These camps offer a more immersive experience, with a variety of activities, team-building exercises and the opportunity to sleep away from home. Overnight camps provide a unique chance for personal growth, resilience, and self-reliance as children learn to navigate life outside their familiar surroundings. Joel, 13 years old, says that he enjoyed overnight camp because, “it’s a break from my parents, I make new friends, I get to choose what I want to eat and be responsible for myself. I have made great memories.”

He also shares that his experience with the overnight camp provided him with a new self-confidence.

SLEEPOVER CAMPS: BONDS AND LIFELONG MEMORIES

Typically, suitable for children aged 10 and older, sleepover camps are the pinnacle of summer camp experiences. With longer durations, these camps allow kids to forge deep connections with peers, instructors and nature. Sleepover camps often focus on building life skills, fostering leadership and creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

JJ, 12 years old, shares that his favorite part of sleepover camp includes, “getting out of the house and meeting new kids, playing gaga ball, and the massive capture the flag game” he has played the last day of camp. He also shares that he enjoys the independence and the memories he has made.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Trust your gut when researching camps and keep these all-important aspects in mind:

• Safety First: Ensure the camp has proper safety measures, certified staff and a clean environment.
• Activities and Interests: Consider your child’s hobbies and interests when choosing a camp. Look for a diverse range of activities to keep them actively engaged.
• Staff-to-Child Ratio: A low staff-to-child ratio ensures personalized attention and a safer environment.
• Accommodations: For overnight camps, check the accommodations to ensure they meet your child’s comfort level.
• Communication: Choose a camp that maintains open communication with parents, providing updates and addressing concerns promptly.

SHOULD I FORCE MY KID TO GO TO CAMP?

Most parents do not have to force their kids to go to camp. Kids will often ask to attend a camp or two, however, some kids are not ready or may feel anxious to move beyond a day camp or an overnight camp. Sit down and talk about it with your kids to gauge their comfort levels. Making kids feel comfortable about going to camp involves addressing their concerns, building anticipation and fostering a positive mindset.

INVOLVE YOUR CHILD IN THE DECISION

Discuss the camp options together. Review fliers or websites together. Consider their interests and preferences when choosing a camp. Empower them by making them feel part of the decision-making process.

Summer camps play a crucial role in a child’s development, offering a blend of fun, learning, and personal growth. By taking a proactive and supportive approach, you can help your child feel more comfortable  and excited about their upcoming camp experience. By considering the appropriate age for several types of camps and evaluating key factors when making your decision, you can ensure your child has a memorable and enriching summer camp experience. Happy camping!

DISCOVER MORE PARENTING STORIES

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Winners of the contest will receive free sliders for a full year, recognition at a special event and White Castle swag. Happy cooking!

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Find out more by heading to greatwolf.com or calling 800-913-9653.

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