Open April 4th – September 1st, 2025 at Cincinnati Museum Center. This exhibition showcases sixty-five years of fashion and inspiration.

More than a doll. A cultural icon. 

With over 250 dolls on display, beautifully stitched ensembles, sparkling jewels, shoes on point and photo opps galore, this exhibition is perfectly pink. More than just pretty though, this exhibition takes a deep dive through the behind-the-scenes HERstory of Barbie.

Exhibit patrons will find themselves positively inspired by Barbies journey through time. Created in 1959, Barbie has made friends (and a boyfriend, per the request of her fans!), taken on a host of unique careers and has delved into every aspect of pop culture.

A tour through time, walking through the exhibition is a reminder of past barriers and how women have broken them all. From simply raising hemlines to tackling the field of science and technology careers, Barbie has highlighted the power shifts women have made. Take a gander at any given doll on display to investigate a true zeitgeist for what was happening during that given time frame. As womankind continues to push forward, Barbie is sure to reflect those advances. The sky is the limits when it comes to Barbie, and seeing this exhibition is a healthy reminder that the sky is the limit with women, too.

Keep pushing and reach for the stars, dolls!

Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition Ticket Pricing

Adult: $19.50
Senior: $17.50
Child: $15.50
Member Adult: $13.50
Member Child: $9.50

Learn all about the exhibition by clicking here.

Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
www.cincymuseum.org | 513-287-7000

Discover even more Things to Do in Cincinnati by clicking here.

The post Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

At first, Kingston’s parents had no idea what was going on with him. They worked hard to get an official diagnosis when Kingston was little, but none was ever precisely made. Frustrated, the family turned to ABC Pediatric Therapy in West Chester. It was a great decision — and a technological one, too.

At ABC, Kingston began physical therapy and speech practice and also started using special needs apps and learning programs designed for a tablet. With a balanced amount of tech time, and often with his parents coaching him along, using apps to address his individual needs became a winning endeavor.

APPS & MORE

There are numerous apps available today that make a positive impact on special needs children. Apps can be used for developing hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, speech, reading and more.

“Children have access to iPads, tablets, and Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices to use for educational games and communication devices,” says Speech Language Pathology therapists from ABC Pediatric Therapy. “Computers, tablets and Smartboards are used in classrooms as well,” Reed says. “Over the years, the technology, speed and amount of picture symbols has become clearer and more user-friendly. We have technology like the Interactive Metronome program and therapeutic listening to work on a child’s regulation, sensory, motor planning, attention and executive functions,” they add.

Kingston’s progression from age 4 to now is basically night and day. He pronounces words better and expresses himself. His motor skills have improved tremendously, and his self esteem is high.

“Before starting at ABC, my son was so far behind I honestly did not think he would ever be age appropriate,” says his dad, John. “He was extremely behind in all his milestones when we started ABC. Now, you would never know he was ever delayed for such a long time.”

According to Linda Wnek, senior director of the Perlman Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, technology has made a massive impact on many special needs children and families.

“Technology has changed lives,” says Wnek. “Children that have no verbal ability to talk can interact with friends and families with augmentative communication,” she says.

Along with helping children progress in speech ability, technology helps children with physical disabilities, too.

“Those who are dependent on others can move around independently in power wheelchairs,” Wnek continues. “Technology can be used to support computer use for children who are unable to use their hands,” she adds.

Recreation and wellness is now possible for many children who couldn’t participate in years past. Numerous hi- and lo-tech adaptations can be made to accommodate day-to-day needs.

TALK IT UP

Technology can introduce new skills and provide a new “voice” to children with communication issues.

“Exposing your child to as much language as you can is always a positive,” says SLP therapists. “Make sure they hear the names of objects and actions (i.e., “Look! That little boy is swinging”), and interact with them as much as you can. The best way to teach language is by modeling it!” they add.

Online games or board games are especially beneficial when mom or dad are involved because it facilitates language through engagement with an adult. Playing a game or using a math app together is key for communication development.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Kingston needed and continues to use therapies he learned through ABC Therapists. For other special needs kids, an assistive device such as an alternative keyboard or even audio books may be helpful.

“Currently, I use Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices to help some children communicate and decrease frustrations when they are not understood or unable to communicate wants and needs,” says SLP therapists.

The term AAC means alternative ways of communicating by using devices to help children communicate with others if using speech is not their primary way of communicating. It’s done with a hi-tech approach — such as speech-generating devices — or with a low-tech approach — using devices with recorded messages, or simply with photos and sign language.

“I use certain iPad apps to work on speech sounds in a more engaging way; flipping through pictures instead of using paper cards to target sounds,” says SLP therapists.

Computer games can be used to work on turn taking, initiating conversation, topic maintenance, and asking questions, they suggest.

According to Wnek, there are different forms of technology that are more beneficial than others, depending on the special needs child.

“For a child who cannot move around independently, some form of mobility may be most valuable, especially for the very young child,” she says.

“Once a young child has the ability to actively explore, there is a positive impact on his overall cognitive development. For the child who cannot speak, having a highly customized communication device gives him a ‘voice.’ That’s difficult to top.”

The post Technology Gives a Voice to Special Needs Kids appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Mom Nicole Koenig knows all too well the pitfalls of picky eaters. Mealtime meltdowns are a regular occurrence with her son, Albert, now 5, and have been for years. Not only is he finicky about what he eats, but Koenig struggles with getting him to eat at all sometimes, even food he likes.

“Getting Albert to eat and especially to try new things has always been difficult,” Koenig says. “When he was younger and transitioning to solids, I learned quickly how picky he was. I couldn’t combine textures, there were only a small amount of things he would eat, and to this day, he has a meltdown anytime I introduce something new on his plate, which includes him gagging, screaming and crying.

It’s always been a concern for Koenig, especially during early occurrences when Albert was a toddler.

Likewise, mom Diana Post worries about her 2-year-old daughter, Cindy’s, lack of appetite and extreme disdain for trying new foods.

“I’m in the chicken nuggets rut,” Post laments. “It’s nearly impossible to convince Cindy to try new foods, and I’m tired of fixing chicken nuggets for her every day because it’s the only thing she’ll eat aside from pudding and brownies.

Pediatricians remind parents that a child’s level of appetite shifts with age and growth cycles.

“What parents often interpret as picky eating is actually the fact that they don’t anticipate that growth slows down at 1-year-old, meaning the child will not have the same level of appetite,” says Gregory Plemmons, M.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and medical director of the Pediatric Weight Management Clinic at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “It’s natural for parents to have a lot of anxiety about it, but they should remember that kids will eat when they are hungry. I never recommend forcing a child to eat if he doesn’t want to.

Felisa Gilbert, M.D., a pediatrician practicing with Tennessee Medicine and Pediatrics in Smyrna, adds that “growth is more linear between 15 and 36 months, and the body is good at extrapolating what it needs.

A child’s sense of taste changes drastically during those months, and it’s important to keep offering him new options on the dinner plate, even if he doesn’t seem to like it. Gilbert says to at least insist on the child taking one bite of something new, and if he doesn’t like it, don’t force it. “Make sure to always offer things on the plate that you know your child will eat, and be prepared to introduce something new several times before a child may decide he likes it,” Gilbert says.

The Pitfalls of Power Struggles

Many parents resort to bribery to get their picky eater eating. Enter the power struggle.

“We used to offer something else to Albert if he wouldn’t eat what we initially put on his plate, and once we stopped doing that, we’ve had constant negotiation issues,” says Koenig. “My biggest frustration is his unwillingness to try new things, and my biggest regret is that I allowed the bargaining to ever happen.

Other parents, like Maggie Jackson, enjoy life without the finicky eating struggle. She takes a direct approach with 3-and-a-half-year-old Lex and 19-month-old Oliver. “Fortunately, both of my boys are good eaters, especially my youngest. I’ve always taken the take-it-or-leave-it approach with them,” says Jackson. “They get one chance for a meal, and if they don’t want it, too bad. If they don’t eat, it goes into the trash,” she adds.

“That’s the right approach to take,” says Plemmons.

Another mom, Krista Barre, found success with her three boys – Nicholas, 12, Matthew, 9, and Andrew, 4 – by using creative names for the dinner item. “My husband says it’s all in the marketing,” Barre says. “The boys might show little interest if I’m fixing spaghetti for dinner, but when Nick says, ‘We’re having Daddy-O’s Secret Spaghetti Surprise,’ and then he splashes the pasta with Italian dressing before adding the meat sauce, they gobble it down. They also enjoy Star Wars Stew [stir fry],” she adds.

Barre says she thwarted the power struggle by letting her boys make some of the decisions about meals. “Telling them they can pick out the salad dressing or the steak sauce gives them a sense of choice and alleviates issues at our table.”

Success Equals Starting Early

“Bad habits start early, so good eating habits need to start early on,” says Plemmons. “Encourage fruits and vegetables early on, and tell children where food actually comes from. It doesn’t come from the store,” he adds.

Gilbert says parents should give their children the same thing they eat, and to make sure it is chopped or mashed up for them to swallow. “A child is going to want what’s on Mom’s plate, and it’s important for parents to show children their own healthy eating habits,” Gilbert says.

Both pediatricians suggest letting kids be an active part of mealtime, whether it’s helping set the table or letting them assist you in the kitchen.

Also, keep in mind portion control and avoid a “clean your plate” message. “Remember that the size of the stomach is the size of a person’s fist, so don’t overload the plate,” Gilbert says, adding that parents should offer just enough to satisfy the food pyramid guidelines.

As with all other parenting scenarios, consistency is important. “Parents should always be consistent in what they say,” says Gilbert. “Don’t tell your child he can’t have dessert unless he eats his meal first and then cave in if he doesn’t uphold his end of the deal.

Chad Young is managing editor for this publication.

10 Tips for Picky Eaters

1. Respect your child’s appetite, or lack of one – Young children tend to eat only when they’re hungry. If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force a meal or snack. Likewise, don’t bribe or force your child to clean his plate. This may only ignite – or reinforce – a power struggle over food.
2. Stick to the routine – Serve meals and snacks at about the same times every day. Nix juice, milk and snacks for at least one hour before meals. If your child comes to the table hungry, he may be more motivated to eat.
3. Be patient with new foods – Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Your child may need repeated exposure to a new food before he takes the first bite. Encourage your child by talking about a food’s color, shape, aroma and texture – not whether it tastes good.
4. Make it fun – Serve broccoli and other veggies with a favorite dip or sauce. Cut foods into various shapes with cookie cutters. Offer breakfast foods for dinner.
5. Recruit your child’s help – At the grocery store, ask your child to help you select fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods. Don’t buy anything that you don’t want your child to eat. At home, encourage your child to help you rinse veggies, stir batter or set the table.
6. Set a good example – If you eat a variety of healthy foods, your child is more like to follow suit.
7. Be sneaky – Add chopped broccoli or green peppers to spaghetti sauce, top cereal with fruit slices or mix grated zucchini and carrots into casseroles and soups.
8. Minimize distractions – Turn off the television during meals, and don’t allow books or toys at the table.
9. Don’t offer dessert as a reward – Withholding dessert sends the message that dessert is the best food, which may only increase your child’s desire for sweets. You might select one or two nights a week as dessert nights, and skip dessert the rest of the week – or redefine dessert as fruit, yogurt or other healthy choices.
10. Don’t be a short order cook – Preparing a separate meal for your child after he rejects the original meal may encourage your child’s picky eating. Keep serving your child healthy choices until they become familiar and preferred.

Help for Parents of Picky Eaters

Pick up one of these great reads to help you turn your pick eaters into enthusiastic ones.

My Two-Year-Old Eats Octopus: Raising Children Who Love to Eat Everything
By Nancy Tringali Piho
Bull Publishing Company; $16.95
As a 20-year veteran of the food marketing industry and as a mom of two little boys who love to eat, author Nancy Tringali Piho blends humor and real-life situations to help parents combat picky-eating syndrome and encourage their little ones to enjoy the exploration of new foods. Piho reminds parents that how they start feeding their babies at the beginning establishes the foundation for their dining habits as they grow. She also advises parents about expanding the toddler palate, shifting into the preschool years and handling problems when they rise. A great read with clever insight.

Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right: The Food Solution that Lets Kids Be Kids
By Joanna Dolgoff, M.D.
Rodale; $21.99
Pediatrician Joanna Dolgoff serves up a unique, healthy approach to childhood eating that uses traffic light colors to segregate foods into three categories: Green (Go!), Yellow (Slow!) and Red (Uh Oh!). Dolgoff’s plan establishes a solid cornerstone for a lifetime of sensible eating and is a great guide to help overweight children shed their extra pounds without having to count calories or suffer through traditional dieting. Several tasty recipes accompany Dolgoff’s tips and directions for portion control and overall smart eating.

The Toddler Bistro: Child Approved Recipes and Expert Nutrition Advice for the Toddler Years
By Christina Schmidt, M.S. Nutrition
Bull Publishing Company; $16.95
The Toddler Bistro is the perfect tool to help parents thwart the picky eating woes of their little ones. Author Schmidt presents logical ways to persuade kiddos to eat their veggies and try new foods while offering parents everything they need to ensure their children are getting necessary nutrition in all the food groups. She also offers a bevy of food safety info that every parent needs to know, along with a wide range of healthy recipes covering everything from snacks to entrees to desserts.

Whining & Dining: Mealtime Survival for Picky Eaters and the Families Who Love Them
By Emma Waverman and Eshun Mott
Random House; $28.88
More than 100 recipes abound in this title that is part cookbook, part parenting manual. The family friendly recipes are sure to be a hit with the pickiest little eaters, especially the pasta and vegetable ones. Lots of anecdotes and hints fill the pages, helping parents enjoy a more peaceful place in the kitchen and around the dinner table.

The post Preventing Picky Eaters appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Make your child’s blue jeans last twice as long with this simple tip!

 • With $2 and five minutes, you can extend the life of your child’s blue jeans. You need new jeans, denim patches (they won’t show in the end; find them at a craft store), an iron and an ironing board.

 • Preheat your iron on the cotton setting. Turn the steam setting off.

 • Turn the jeans wrong side out and iron out any wrinkles. With the jeans still wrong side out, give the knee area another swipe with the iron. Now, place a patch on one knee, shiny side down. Rest your iron over one area of the patch for a few seconds, then move to another area and so on until the entire patch is attached. Check the edges of the patch to make sure it’s secure. If not, simply apply more heat. Now repeat the process with the other knee.

 • Turn the jeans right side out and you’re done! You’ve just doubled the strength of the knees in the jeans, the part that kids can really give a beating.

 

The post Long Live Blue Jeans appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Themes

AGES 1 – 3

Barnyard – Play songs like “Old McDonald” to set the scene. Find a CD with farm animal noises and have the children guess which animal it is. Have your guests wear overalls and plaid shirts. You can have a red wagon filled with hay to take the little ones on mini hayrides. Lay blankets out on the ground for your guests to sit on. Break out the lawn mower (or tractor if you have one) and get ready to provide rides on those, too. With craft paper, make a barn sign that reads, “Happy Birthday.” Turn any rectangle cake into a barn with red and white icing.

Get Buggy! – Purchase lots of toy bugs to set out around the house and on the party table – even hiding them under napkins – and have mini magnifying glasses out to help tots find the bugs. Set out plastic jars or any container for the guests to “catch” the bugs and store them  throughout the party (doubles as a favor). Take regular balloons and draw simple ants, beetles and flies and let them float around the room.

FROG-tastic – Have your guests all wear something green. Cut out lily pads from green construction paper and tape them to the sidewalk leading up to your porch for your guests to hop their way on in to the party. Create a tiny swamp that doubles as punch by mixing 7-Up and green sherbet. Be sure to hang lots of green balloons all around and remember, the greener your decorations, the better!

Under the Sea – Play songs from the soundtrack of The Little Mermaid. Have a bubble machine making bubbles everywhere. Purchase little blowup fish or paper cut-out fish to hang around your home. Instead of hanging streamers the old fashioned way, cut them into strips and hang like seaweed for the guest to walk through. You can also make a sandy treat by hiding fish-shaped crakers or gummies in crushed graham crackers.

Nursery Rhymes – Get out all your child’s books that are children’s nursery rhymes so that you can have a short story time. Purchase a CD with songs that relate to them. Take a paper plate and a plastic spoon and hang them as the dish that ran away with the spoon. Cut out a clock from craft paper and set a toy mouse beside it for “Hickory Dickory Dock.”

AGES 4 – 7

Ice Cream Party – Create a large banner that reads, “(Child’s name) Ice Cream Parlor, Est. (year of your child’s birth).” Pastel colors are a perfect fit for an ice-cream parlor atmosphere, so choose ones like yellow, light blue, pink, light green and lavender for your balloons, table wear and other decorations, and add a lot of colors in the mix. Create balloon ice cream cones by taping balloons to the inside of yellow or brown party hats, turn them upside down and using the hat’s string, hang them around the house or from tree branches if you’re having a backyard bash. The pinnacle of this party is obviously the ice cream social. Have one tub each of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. Have another adult assist you in scooping the ice cream into sundae dishes and have a variety of toppings spread around the parlor table. Let the kids pick and choose what they want and top their ice cream themselves.

Circus – No need to rent an actual tent! You can create a circus-like atmosphere with basic materials and props. Decorate your party table with a couple yards of red-and-white striped fabric which resembles the stripes of a circus tent. Clusters of red balloons will add to the ambiance (and guests can take a balloon home with them at the end). Hang a circus-inspired banner with an old-fashioned font that says “Circus” and another that says “Happy Birthday, (child’s name).” You can buy them or make them yourself by using yellow card stock, pinking shears, grosgrain ribbon and double-stick tape. To add to the circus feel, decorate your main party table with bags of freshly popped popcorn, boxes of Cracker Jack, boxes of Barnum animal crackers and plastic toy circus animals that can also serve as take-home favors.

Magic – Purchase magic hats (or Abe Lincoln-style hats) from your party store along with magic wands and other fun items and place around the party area (the hats and wands can double as party favors as well). You can also find giant, oversized cards at the party store that you can punch holes in and thread string to hang from tree branches or the rafters in the garage. Decorations with whimsical stars or wizards are a good bet. Complement the décor with purple, black and gold balloons. Consider dimming the lights and renting a fog machine, and place a crystal ball and battery operated candles around the room. Play the soundtrack from Disney’s Fantasia or the Harry Potter movies.

Superhero – If the birthday child fancies a particular superhero, it’s easy to purchase décor at the party store with that particular character, from tablecloths to plates, cups and hats. To make the party table more festive, line up a row of superhero action figures with a helium balloon attached to each. You can also decorate the house and party area with pages from superhero comic books, and tie a festive cape to the birthday child’s chair. You may also consider cutting out balloon quote bubbles (comic-book style) and hanging from tree branches or affixing to areas inside the house with phrases like, “BAM!,” “POW!” or “ZAP!” Print out pictures of famous super villains and created a WANTED poster for added fun. Ask party guests to don their favorite super hero costumes when they attend the party. After formal party games, the kids can just have fun out in the backyard playing super powers.

Wizard of Oz – Line a portion of your driveway/sidewalk leading up to the front door with yellow paper that you have drawn brick patterns on to create the Yellow Brick Road. Pick up free boxes from your local appliance store and spray paint green, then use black paint to create building outlines for the Emerald City. Make cut outs from other large boxes and paint to create a rainbow, hot air balloon, the witch’s castle and more. Decorate the backyard with tiny red tissue paper flowers for the Poppy Field. Let your imagination run wild to add any other festive element from the movie. Play music from the soundtrack as guests arrive. Encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite character. For extra fun, Mom, Dad and other adult relatives can dress up, too!

AGES 8 – 12

Challenge Party – Bring back the old-fashioned idea of actually winning a prize for effort at your child’s party by basing activities on his favorite reality TV competition show.  If you want to do an invitation, a fun idea is to grab the “Survivor” logo from the Internet and put it on the front of a card invitation. (Find competitive games in our games list.)

Backyard Camping – Set up a large tent for the number of guests you invite (they’ll all want to sleep in the same tent). Set up a table outside with a green table cloth, a large metal tin filled with ice and beverages and tin pie plates for eating off of. Plan on a weenie roast, chips and homemade cake. Purchase a glow stick for each child and a visor or bandana at The Dollar Store that they can write their name on when they arrive.

Build-a-Fort Slumber Party – Invite six to eight guests and ask them to bring a sleeping bag, pillow and flashlight.  Have a large pile of collected sheets and blankets (borrow extras).  Invite kids before dark and let them play backyard touch football and freeze tag for an hour or so, then serve homemade pizza, ice cream and cake.  Afterward, let’em loose to build a gigantic fort with the blankets and sheets in your family or bonus room and to set up sleeping spots in the fort.  Suggest a game of flashlight tag before turning in for ghost stories.

Hollywood Party – Decorate a large room for this party with large glittery stars and streamers. In your Movie Ticket invitation (uniquestationary.com) encourage kids to come as a star! As guests arrive, encourage them to achieve their movie star look by embellishing with dress up accessories you have on hand. Consider having a tattoo parlor.  Prepare for your movie premiere by having everyone walk the red carpet.  During the movie, have an older child run a concessions booth with candy, popcorn and soda. Favors include mini bags of popcorn and sunglasses.

Tailgate! – If your child is a football nut, why not throw a tailgate party? You can tailgate in your own driveway or head to a park. Throw the grill in the back of your truck and serve hot dogs and brats. Serve football themed cupcakes and paint faces with favorite team colors. Encourage guests to wear football (or other sport jerseys) and play touch football – invite parents in for the game!

games & activities
These games can be transformed to incorporate the different ages:

AGES 1 – 3

Fastest Crawler – It’s a baby derby! Line everyone up, dividing participants into appropriate age groupings, and have them crawl to the finish line. If the older children get up off their knees, they must go back to the beginning.

Balloon Fun – Fill a room with balloons and have the kids walk around kicking up the balloons or everyone sits with their child and bounces the balloon back and forth.

Relay Race – Mom or Dad takes their child and lines up side by side with the other parents and their children. The parent sets the child down, runs to a marked point straight across from the child and then calls to the child to have him come to Mommy or Daddy.

Frog Jump – Lay out lily pads cut from construction paper and then have the guests line up side by side. On your mark, have them jump to the lily pad. First one to their lily pad wins. Don’t forget the classic leap frog, too.

Mask Making – Make masks to match your theme using paper plates, string, glue, crayons, safety scissors and craft paper.

AGES 4 – 7

Bean Bag Toss – This game is easily adaptable to any party theme. Get six bean bags and three cardboard or shoe boxes and trace a design relating to the party’s theme on one side of the box. Cut out the traced design for the hole where the bean bags will be tossed. Make sure holes are big enough for beanbags to go through. To play, set the boxes three, four and five feet from a designated throw line. Create a value for each box (ie, one point for the closest box, two points for the middle box and three points for the farthest box). Line up the children and let them takes turn tossing the six bean bags while tallying their scores. The child with the most points wins.

Duck, Duck, Goose – All of the children will sit down in a circle facing each other. They are the “Ducks.” Pick one child to be the Fox. The Fox slowly walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping the other players’ heads while saying “Duck” each time he taps. After a few times around the circle, the Fox selects a “Goose” by tapping a player’s head and calling “Goose!” The Goose quickly jumps up and chases the Fox around the circle, trying to tag him before he can get to the spot where the Goose was just sitting. If the Fox succeeds in taking the Goose’s place he is now safe and the Goose becomes the Fox. If however the Fox is tagged while running from the Goose, he must start the game again.

Hot Potato – A bean bag is passed from player to player while Mom or Dad sing, clap or play music. When the music or clapping stops, the player who has the bean bag is out and sits in the center. The last one out wins. Stops should be made frequently so the game moves quickly and players will not be out for a long period.

Pin the Tail on the Donkey – Hang a poster of a tailless donkey on the wall. Each player gets one donkey tail. Then one at a time, blindfold the players, turn them around three times and then let them try to pin the tail on the donkey. The child who pins the tail closest to the appropriate location wins. This game is easily modified to your theme party (for instance, create a lion or a flying monkey for a Wizard of Oz party)

Poor Kitty – Arrange the group in a circle with a blindfolded player in the center. Then have the players move around the circle very quietly. The blindfolded player should approach the circle in any direction and secure a victim who, in a disguised voice, says, “poor kitty” and then imitates the “meow” of a cat. If the blindfolded player fails to identify his prisoner, he releases him and the game continues. If he succeeds, the two change places.

AGES 8 and OLDER

Fast Find – (Competitive) In your backyard, fill a plastic wading pool with assorted small plastic animals and other toys. Bury a small object under the toys such as a key or large coin. Kids must search for the object. The first one to find it wins.  

What Am I? – Touch and smell various food items while blindfolded. This is a fun activity for kids to watch each other do, or take it a step further and challenge kids to try eating something they never have before. For instance, fill bowls with peeled grapes, cold beets and wet noodles mixed – what a challenge!

Dressed and Undressed – (Competitive) Make two equal piles of clothes. Divide kids into two even teams and line them up. First person in each line puts all the clothes on in their pile then takes them off and the next person in line follows. First team to have all members finished wins.

What is It? – Fill a large bowl with oddly shaped and strange items. Cover the bowl with an old towel taped firmly to the bowl, and cut a hole in the middle of the towel that is big enough for a hand to fit through. Have each guest sit in a chair, blindfolded, then have them dig into the bowl and pull out an item. They must correctly guess what the item is to win a prize. This one is a blast as you get to watch each person’s facial expression as they are feeling strange objects.

Eating Contest – (Competitive) Kids kneel on the floor in a circle with their hands behind their backs. A paper plate with a brownie, (or something else you prefer) is placed on the floor before them. On signal, they lean forward and eat the brownie as quickly as possible. The first one to finish and then pick up the plate with their teeth is the winner!

treats & snacks
Cake or cupcakes and ice cream are a kids’ party staple. Here are other fun snack ideas to consider:

AGES 1 – 3

Snack Bag – Fill snack bowls with treats that dissolve easily like Cheerios (or other cereal that will match your theme), crackers or cheese puffs. Give them a little snack bag – because plates can sometimes be hard for little ones to balance food on – and let them choose their favorites.

Shape Fun – Crackers and cheese, but with a twist. Cut the cheese into shapes using cookie cutters. Find cookie cutters to match your party’s theme.

Cheesy Pretzels – Take regular pretzel sticks and dip one end in spray or spreadable cheese and roll it in crushed crackers.

Cool Drinks – Take a two-liter of Sprite or 7-Up and add one color of sherbet that best fits your theme’s color. It’s yummy and the kids will be tickled to see ice-cream floating in their drinks.

Themed Cakes – Turn any regular cake into a bug, animal or object with a few simple cuts and placement of the cake. A caterpillar cake can be made by using cakes made in round pans set side by side and iced in different colors. An underwater cake can be made by stacking round cakes to make a layered cake, coating it in blue icing for water and spreading crushed graham crackers at the bottom for sand. Take any theme and pick one object to make the cake from, using its most basic shape.  Amaze yourself with a little extra thought.

AGES 4 – 7

Birthday Blitz Party Mix

You’ll need:

• 2 cups cereal squares (like Chex), oven toasted
• 2 cups small pretzel twists
• 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
• 1 cup coarsely chopped caramels (freeze first to make chopping easier)
• 1 package white chocolate chips

Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the cereal, pretzels, peanuts and caramels. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave white chocolate chips at 70 percent power for one minute then stir. If lumps remain, microwave another 10 seconds and stir; repeat if necessary until smooth. Pour chocolate over cereal mixture and toss to coat. Cool slightly. Pour mixture into the baking pan and spread out. Let it stand for a half hour or until firm. Break into bite-size pieces.

Fruity Fizz
Instead of traditional punch, try this festive drink that kids will love. A day or two before the party, make ice cubes from three or four different colored fruit drinks. At the party, place three or four of the cubes in a clear plastic cup along with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale. When the cubes begin to melt, not only will they infuse the drink with a burst of fruity flavor, but the colors will swirl for an extra fun treat.

Fruity-Tutti Pizza – A cool alternative if you don’t want to serve traditional cake at your party. Here’s what you need:

• One package of sugar cookie dough
• Cool Whip
• Your choice of fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas, peaches, etc.)

Spread the cookie dough out on a pizza pan and bake at 325 degrees or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Spread Cool Whip over the crust for the “pizza” sauce, then cut up the fruit and layer on top.

Jell-O Jigglers – Choose the flavor/color of Jell-O that best fits your party theme. Prepare the mix and pour into a rectangular pan and chill. Cut out with different shaped cutters.

Little Piggies – Divide crescent roll dough, and roll up tiny smoked sausages (or use hot dogs, cut into four sections) in them. Bake and let them cool before serving. Use fat-free or kosher dogs for kids if you like serving healthier foods.

AGES 8 and OLDER

Snake Cake – Make two cakes (any flavor) in ring pans, then cut each ring in half and connect them end to end so each looks like a slithering snake. Frost in green and insert a piece of red licorice in the front for a tongue.

Ants on a Log – Celery sticks with peanut butter inside and raisins on top.

Ticks on a Toilet – Cored out apple slices with peanut butter and sunflower seeds on top.

Worms in Dirt – Chocolate pudding, gummy worms and crushed Oreos all mixed together.

Oreo Ice Cream Cake – Press Oreo cookie crumbs into a 9-by-13 dish. Press your child’s favorite ice cream (softened) on top. Freeze overnight, then crumble Oreos on top.

Pizza – Everybody  loves it.  Save money and make several of your own, using your child’s favorite toppings.

Party Punch – In a large pitcher or bowl, 32 oz. Hawaiian Punch, 12 oz orange juice, 1/4 lemon juice concentrate and 24 oz of Sprite.  Serve icy cold or over ice.  Yummy!

The post Piece Of Cake appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Or then again … maybe not.

Today’s toddlers are getting 12 teaspoons a day of the sweet stuff rather than the recommended four, says the American Heart Association (AHA), so it’s no wonder that childhood obesity grows out of control come the tween years. Sugar addiction gains traction as kids age. According to the AHA, instead of the recommended 5 to 8 teaspoons of sugar a day for preteens and teens, many of them are indulging in a whopping 34 teaspoons.  It’s a downhill battle if you allow toddlers to consume sugar without restraint, says author Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D., in her bestseller, Little Sugar Addicts.  So what can you do to help your child develop a healthy appetite for nutritious food?

START WITH THE DRINKS

First, take a look at what your family sips. The AHA reports that Americans drink most of their added sugar in the form of soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages. And, according to The American Journal of Preventative Medicine, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages with meals has doubled. One 12-ounce cola has 8.2 teaspoons of sugar; that adds up to 140 calories. Switching to water or low-fat milk will make a huge dent in kids’ sugar consumption.

Even 100-percent fruit juice contributes sugar and calories that kids may be better off without. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice to six ounces for children younger than 7 and 12 ounces for older kids. Stretch the smaller servings by diluting juice with water, or create a healthier alternative to soda by mixing juice with seltzer.

MOVE ON TO THE FOOD

Next, work on meals. Start at the top – of the day, that is. According to DesMaisons, breakfast is absolutely essential, setting the stage for a healthful day, and eating the right foods in the a.m. helps ward off sugar cravings later on.

Lose the sugary breakfast cereals and choose types with no more than eight grams of sugar per serving. Instead of candy-coated pastries, serve protein and complex carbohydrates like eggs and whole-grain toast or protein shakes made with fruit. Kids will feel satisfied, alert and ready to start their day. After kids have accepted a new breakfast routine, move on to lunch, dinner and snacks.

Gradually replace sugary foods with healthy alternatives and give kids time to adjust to each change. Plan to spend anywhere from two weeks to six months on the whole process, says DesMaisons, depending on their level of sugar consumption, attachment to sweet foods and temperament.

The post Gimme Some Sugar appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

MOTHER MAY I?

One child serves as “Mother”. The other kids line up and face Mother about 20 feet away. Mother selects one of the children and says something like, “Susan, you may take five giant steps.” The child who was addressed then responds with, “Mother, may I?” Mother then says, “Yes, you may.”
Mother then addresses another child, and the game continues until one of the children reaches Mother. Whoever makes it to Mother first becomes Mom for the next round.

Sound simple? It is. Except that in the excitement of the game, someone is bound to take their steps without asking “Mother, may I?” When that happens Mother reminds the player of his or her manners and the player is sent back to the beginning of the line.

Mother can also make the game intriguing by only honoring the silly step – “twirly” steps, one-foot hops and so on.

RED ROVER

Divide the group of kids into two teams. The kids then form two lines holding hands and facing each other. The lines should be 30 – 50 feet apart. The team chosen to go first calls for a runner from the other line, saying, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [child’s name] right over!” The child whose name is called then takes off running and tries to break through the other line. If he breaks through, he chooses one of the kids that he broke through to take back to his team. If he doesn’t break through, he has to stay with the other team.

The game ends when everyone is in one line. The game is fun because of the suspense of wondering when your name will be called and wondering whether the runner from the other team will choose you as the weak spot to try to break through. It’s not a highly competitive game as everyone ends up on the winning team; however, Red Rover has been banned on some playgrounds as too rough. Obviously the game works best if the kids are close to the same age. Three practices should definitely be banned. The first is double-linking by holding each other’s wrists or arms. Hands only can be joined. The second is raising the arms high to “clothesline” the runner. The third is thrusting the joined hands outward so that the runner encounters the equivalent of an out-thrust fist.

RED LIGHT, GREEN LIGHT  

One person is designated as “it” and plays the part of the stop light. The other kids line up about 20 feet away from “it.” Facing away from the other kids, “it” calls out “green light!” The other kids move forward. “It” then calls out “red light!” and turns around quickly. Any of the kids who are caught moving must go back to the start line. Play continues until someone reaches and tags “it.” That person then becomes “it.” The trick to winning this game is to move smoothly so that you can freeze instantly until you are within reach of “it.”

When playing with children of different ages, you may want to designate two start lines, the closer one being for the smaller kids. In one variation of this game, “it” may call out “yellow light,” when means that the players can continue to move but must move slowly.

The post For Childhood’s Sake: Bring Back Play! appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Boy-oh-boy have outspoken parents been taking a beating in the press these days!  Amy Chua, author of the bestseller, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, has been called an unfit mother for setting exceptionally high standards for her daughters’ academic and musical achievements.  Gweneth Paltrow was vilified for saying, “I’d rather die than let my child eat Cup of Soup.” And Chicago-area coffee shop owner Dan McCauley was boycotted for posting a sign in his café window stating, “Children of all ages have to behave and use their indoor voices when coming to A Taste of Heaven.”

But wait!  Shouldn’t parents set the bar high and urge their children to reach their full potential? Isn’t it our job to prevent them from eating foods laden with chemicals, dyes, and in the case of Cup a Soup, enough sodium to dehydrate an elephant? Is it really so outrageous to expect children to stay in their seats and keep their voices down in public? Has the world gone crazy or has parenting become such a “have it your way” activity, that we’ve gotten a little lazy about some more important aspects of this monumental task we’ve chosen to undertake?

Are we really too busy to be good parents? Or are we just complacent? If you think you might be guilty of putting your parenting on cruise control, too, ask yourself the following four questions.

1) Do you have a “spirited” child?

If people often refer to your child as high spirited, precocious or full of energy, chances are you’ve got a mini-maniac who’s driving everyone else bananas and giving his teacher grey hair and migraines.  The lazy parent chalks up out-of-bounds behavior to immaturity and expects Junior to just outgrow it. 

Jim Fay, cofounder of the Love and Logic Institute and author of the Parenting With Love and Logic book and video series, says pretending that backtalk, ignoring directions from adults and disruptive behavior is just a phase is “the kiss of death” that can have severe ramifications down the road. “We’re seeing an awful lot of that in America right now. We’re seeing kids who just won’t behave in school. So many of them have such weak boundaries at home, they naturally assume they don’t have to listen to the teacher,” he says. 

Fay’s simple solution is to set a consequence that requires the child to do work to repay for the energy that was expended dealing with his behavior. Fay instructs parents to say something like “Oh, Logan. I had to spend time talking to your teacher about your actions today. I was supposed to be scooping dog poop out of the yard when she called. But hearing about your behavior made me so sad and so tired. I guess you’ll need to take care of that chore for me.”   Kids will quickly pick up on the pattern. Fay says, “It works like a charm. Pretty soon all you have to do is put your hand on your forehead and whisper, ‘Oh … I feel an energy drain coming on,’ and they’ll get the picture.” 

2) Do you know what’s for lunch?

Did you know that a typical elementary school lunch eaten by first graders contains 650 – 700 calories and has almost twice the recommended childhood levels of saturated fat and sodium? Or that the Williamson County lunch program considers baked beans a vegetable?  French fries are also considered a vegetable in many programs. Do you realize the chocolate and strawberry milk has as much sugar as a Coke, which is more than half a child’s daily allowance of the sweet stuff?  
School lunch nutritional information is readily available online at most school district websites.  So why are most parents in the dark?  Because they haven’t taken the time to check. And even if they did, they’ve never made an effort to learn how much sugar, sodium, fat or calories their children need each day, so they’d have no idea whether a school lunch, a homemade lunch or even the items in their own refrigerators are healthy.  Finding out how much sugar or saturated fat a child should eat each day is as easy as a three second Google search or a phone call to your pediatrician.     
If we’ve got time to make sure our munchkins have enough Silly Bands to trade on the playground or just the right hair bow to match their new outfit, can’t we spare a few minutes to understand their most basic nutritional needs and pack them a lunch with the proteins, grains and fruits their bodies need to grow? 

3) Do you keep track of screen time?

It’s probably safe to say that most of us are guilty of using the great electronic babysitter to get some peace and quiet. Television, video games and computers are here to stay, and most experts agree that they can be both entertaining and educational when they’re used in moderation.
An article in the Journal of Pediatrics reported that after studying 9,000 toddlers and preschoolers, experts discovered most of them log about four hours of screen time per day. That’s twice the recommended limit. And older kids? Time Magazine reported last month that on average, kids ages 8 – 18 spend seven hours and 38 minutes a day using entertainment media. It’s more time than they spend with their parents or in school. Disturbing? Yes. Fixable? Of course.

Marie Winn, author of The Plug-In Drug: Television, Computers and Family Life, says, “As a general rule, kids younger than 2 don’t need any screen time during these crucially formative years.” She recommends that parents limit their preschoolers to one hour a day and that children ages 6 – 10 limit their screen time to two hours on weekends and holidays, but to try to avoid it on busy school days unless the computer is required for research. “Of course, parents must be flexible about these limits,” she adds. “If there is a three-hour movie you’re watching as a family, for instance.”

If those limits seem extreme, why not keep track of how much time your children spend watching TV and playing video games this week and compare that total to how much time they spend learning or studying, helping around the house and playing with siblings and friends.

4) Do you make family time a priority?

Ask parents to name their number one priority and 10 out of 10 will respond, “My family.” Yet studies show most families sit down together for dinner a mere four nights of the week. And when they eat together, half of families are staring at the television instead of talking to one another. USA Today reports, “Children eat 42 percent of their dinners while watching TV.” 

Kids need one-on-one time with parents much more than they need extra Mandarin lessons or to be part of a travel sports team. Sports and hobbies come and go, but family is forever. Why not focus on an activity that will last them a lifetime, the family dinner?  Research shows that preschoolers who participate in frequent family dinners have better language skills, while a Harvard University study found that family dinners were the activity that “most fostered healthy childhood development” by creating more intelligent, confident kids with better intrapersonal relationships with their parents and siblings.

Kids don’t need fancy outings or elaborate play dates with their parents. They simply want your undivided attention doing something they enjoy like playing with Play-Doh, a game of hide-and-seek or rough housing on the living room floor. Relationship expert Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, reminds us, “Family time doesn’t mean just sitting on the couch together paying attention to whatever is on the television.”

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy each other’s company, create a family night each week. Play games, build something together or take a long walk together after dinner. You can work together on the weekends picking up leaves, straightening the garage or washing the cars. Or move together by going for walks in the woods, shooting hoops or visiting a playground. How about picking out a book that everyone will enjoy and reading it aloud for 20 minutes each night?  Finally, turn travel time into talking time. No radio, handheld devices or movies. Just talk. You might just rediscover what an amazing kid you’ve got!

What’s Right Versus What’s Easy

It’s been said that, “Time is the most precious thing you own.” Don’t families deserve your most precious gift? If we decide what’s really important, we’ll have the time and the energy to teach kids how to act, feed them food that won’t give them heart disease, make sure they’re living in the real world instead of a virtual one, and become the engaged and enthusiastic teachers, mentors and life coaches they can’t wait to spend time with.

Deborah Bohn is a frequent contributor to this publication.

The post How To Avoid the Lazy Parent Trap appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Indoors

Children are a wonderful part of life. Their day-to-day life is an adventure. These grand experiences are always fun, but there are those moments when parenthood gets tough. Your baby is learning how to crawl or your toddler is testing his strength. Whatever the situation may be, your home itself can pose several safety hazards for your child and it is important to be prepared.

The simplest, little thing can quickly become harmful to little ones if the right steps to child proofing your home have not been taken. The American Academy of Pediatrics (aap.org) recommends the following safety measures – among others – be taken to help prevent injury to young children inside the home:

Plug the Plugs

It is inevitable, young children will find the tiniest of places to stick their fingers, especially wall outlets. So, it is important to install safety plugs in all unused electrical outlets so little fingers will not be tempted to be stuck in them. These little protectors are made to be very difficult to remove, even for some parents, so it will help deter him from trying to stick his finger in the socket. However, some children will not give up and will continue their search for an uncovered outlet. If this is a recurring problem, consider putting a sturdy piece of furniture in front of the outlet.

Poisonous Plants

Greenery around the home is refreshing, but there are many risks when you have little ones around. Plants on the floor, on low tables or in the window  seem to be a magnet for little ones. They are curious about those green leaves dangling and want to swat at them. Sometimes they will even grab them and you know what that means … straight to the mouth they go! Parents should be aware that many household plants are poisonous and should be placed high up off the floor – or at least out of reach from Baby – or completely removed from the home. If you are unsure of the plants that you have, you can call your regional Poison Help Line and they can help (800-222-1222).

Treat the Window Treatments

Another dangling excitement for little ones is the cords found on window treatments. Cords used for blinds or to pull back curtains should be installed to wrap around wall mounts so that they are not left dangling. Cords that are made to be looped should be cut in two. These loose cords are enticing to young children and they can tangle themselves up in them, which in turn provides a choking hazard.

Secure Tall Furniture

If you have towering book cases or dressers, free-standing closets or armoires, consider securing them to the wall. This added stability will not only keep them sturdy, but also prevent them from falling over on children should they try to pull up on them. Dressers also pose another safety hazard as children learn how to open and close drawers. Those little fingers may know how to maneuver the drawer, but they probably don’t know how to be moved out of the way and could get smashed. Entertainment stands are another great risk as the use of monstrous TVs sweeps the nation!  Big TVs should be placed on super sturdy stands or mounted securely to the wall.

– Kiera Ashford

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Outdoors

Hot, sunny days are best spent outdoors. Take the kids swimming. Hike in the woods. Pack a picnic. Take a laid-back approach. But not when it comes to safety. Emergencies strike without warning. When they do, a swift, smart response is critical. Here’s how to stay safe.

SITUATION: Heat

Prolonged exposure to heat can cause a potentially fatal heat stroke. Symptoms include nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness and difficulty breathing. Infants and athletes are especially susceptible. Dehydration increases risk, because the body can’t cool itself through perspiration. Body temperature can reach 106 degrees. It’s best to stay out of the mid-day sun. Keep hydrated and avoid caffeine, which is a natural diuretic. WHAT TO DO: In an overheating emergency, get the victim into an air-conditioned building or find shade fast. Call 911. Put on a wet shirt to speed cooling. Apply ice packs to the armpits or groin. Monitor body temperature until help arrives.

SITUATION: Lightning

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), lightning causes 200 deaths and 750 severe injuries each year. Most victims are children and young men. Lightning can strike even when it isn’t raining, and up to 10 miles away from a storm. Contrary to popular belief, lightning often hits the same site repeatedly. Take weather alerts seriously. When a storm is brewing, go inside or get in the car. Rubber tires will not protect you, but you’re safer inside a metal-roofed vehicle than outside. Stay away from trees, fences, electric and light poles and water. WHAT TO DO: If lightning hits someone, call 911. Move the victim if possible. Wait until 30 minutes after lighting ends to go back outside.

SITUATION: Pests and Plants

People who are allergic to insect stings can have life-threatening reactions. The area around the bite may swell and – in rare cases of anaphylaxis – the person may have difficulty breathing, dizziness, hives, swelling of the face, throat or mouth, or a sharp drop in blood pressure. Pollen-related allergic reactions are usually easier to predict, but allergy-induced asthma can be deadly. Avoid triggers. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Hike in the middle of the trail where you’re less likely to disturb pests in their nests or touch poison ivy. WHAT TO DO: Use insect repellent with DEET. Severely allergic individuals should also carry an epi-pen, and make sure you know how to use it.

SITUATION: Water

Drowning causes 30 percent of injury-related deaths in young children, according to Centers for Disease Control data. Most incidents happen in residential pools, but buckets and bathtubs are dangerous, too. Boating emergencies also peak in summer months. Supervise kids near water and use approved life preservers – water wings and blow-up toys are not enough!  Wear life preservers consistently. Safety equipment can’t protect you if you don’t use it. Head to shore before dark to avoid hitting hazards. WHAT TO DO: In a drowning emergency, get the person out quickly. Check for breathing. Use rescue breathing and CPR if needed. If vomiting occurs, turn the victim on his side to prevent choking.

Don’t let the long, lazy days of summer make you vulnerable to outdoor emergencies. Plan ahead. Take precautions. Play safe. And be ready to respond if danger develops. A cool head is the best resource in any crisis.

– Heidi Smith Luedtke

The post Home Safe home appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Do you and your children eat enough fruits and veggies?  Find out at the Centers for Disease Control’s website, fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.  The site offers interactive tools to help you determine how many fruits and veggies you and your family need each day.

You can also build a typical breakfast, lunch or dinner at “Analyze My Plate” and get feedback on calories, fat, fruit and veggie intake, plus recommendations on how to build a healthier meal.  Visit fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov.

The post National Nutrition Month: Veggie Up! appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.