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The LOCAL Go -To Guide for Busy Families • October 2010
FREE
Bay Area Pumpkin Patch Guide pg.2
Eco-Friendly Costume
Ideas pg. 26
SAVING SAMMY:
A Mother'sJourneythroughAutism
pg. 34
Trickor
Treat
Trickor
Treat
55
SAFET YSAFET Y pg. 24
SAVING SAMMY:
Life Begins at ValleyCareGiving birth is one of life's most
joyous experiences. That's why our physicians make your health and comfort, and the health of your baby their top priority.
Along with our advanced treatment capabilities, our physicians, nurses, and specialists provide you and your baby with the support and encouragement needed to make your birth experience a memory you'll always treasure. It's a culture of caring made possible by real people practicing real medicine.
There's no better place to deliver your baby.
Find your oB today.
Call ValleyCare Physicians Associates (925) 416-5450
ValleyCareMEDICAL FOUNDATION
Ardenwood Historic Farms34600 Ardenwood Blvd.Fremont, CA 94555(510) 544-2797www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
Piedmont AvenuePumpkin Patch4414 Piedmont AveOakland, CA 94611(510) 967-9363www.fpe.cc
Joan's Farm &Pumpkin Patch4351 Mines RdLivermore, CA 94550(925) 455-6623www.joansfarm.com
Smith's Family Farm4430 Sellers RdBrentwood, CA(925) 625-5966www.smithfamilyfarm.com
Clayton ValleyPumpkin Farm1060 Pine LnClayton, CA 94517(925) 672-5198www.cvpumpkinfarm.com
Western Railway Museum5848 State Highway 12Suisun City, CA 94585(707) 374-2978www.wrm.org
Farmer John'sPumpkin Farm850 N Cabrillo HwyHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019(650) 726-4980www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com
Lemos Farm12320 San Mateo RoadHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019(650) 726-2342www.lemosfarm.com
Pastorino Farms12391 San Mateo RoadHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019(650) 726-6440www.pastorinofarms.com
Arata Pumpkin Farm185 Verde RoadHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019(650) 726-7548www.aratapumpkinfarm.com
Clancy's Pumpkin Patch1620 7th AveSan Francisco, CA 94122(415) 309-9667www.clancystrees.com
Peterson's Farm636 Gossage AvePetaluma, CA 94952(707) 765-4582www.petersonsfarm.com
Cool Patch Pumpkins6585 Milk Farm RoadDixon, CA 95620(530) 219-4027www.coolpatchpumpkins.com
G & M487 East Airway Blvd.Livermore, CA 94551(925) 447- FARMwww.gmfarms.com
Moore's Pumpkin PatchAlameda County FairgroundsPleasanton, CA 94566(510) 886-6015www.moorespumpkinpatch.com
9711 Dublin Canyon RdCastro Valley, CA 94552(510) 886-6015www.moorespumpkinpatch.com
19953 San Ramon Valley BlvdSan Ramon, CA 94583
Bay AreaBay Area
Offers at a Glance
Adorable Baby
American Swim Academy
Cabernet Baseball Club
Childrenʼs Paw Prints
Diablo Valley Jumpers
Halloween Express
Hayjac Jewelry
Just A Little Something Gift Shop
Lillianaʼs Bows and Clips
Mu Salon Music Together
Oakland Zoo
Parti Palooza
Shirley White Law
Storkʼs Nest
The Everyday Leader
TOT Drop
Viva el Español
Mention Active Kids to receive the following specials!
$10 off your ultrasound
$20 off swim lessons(new customers only)
$10 off your registration
10% off your purchase
15% off your rental
Spend $50 or more and receive20% off your purchase
15% off your order. Use promocode: BAMOMS15
10% off your entire purchase
15% off your order. Use promocode: AKDOCT
15% off your first service
FREE preview class
$5 off Oakland Zoo FamilyMembership
FREE party upgrade
FREE consultation
20% off your purchase (excludesbedding, jewelry, & special orders)
FREE web demonstration
One FREE hour for new familieswith AK coupon (1 per family)
FREE first time trial class!
Offers at a Glance
Features 7
8
10
1314
20
2
2426
3034
38
Connecting The GenerationsRaising A DaughterWith Confidence
Whoʼs Really In Control?Effectively HandlingThe Power Struggle
Itʼs Time To DoYour Homework!10 Tips To Stay On Track
2010 Flu Shot Information
Someone To MakeYour DecisionsPower Of Attorney
5 Smart Tips ForTraveling With Children
Bay Area PumpkinPatch GuideTrick Or Treating Safety
Eco- friendly Treats& Costume Ideas!
The Benefits Of HomeworkSaving SammyA Motherʼs JourneyThrough Autism
What To Do WhenYour Child Starts Lying
October
On the Cover: Violette, age 8, of Pleasanton. Photo by Rittmuller Photography, www.rittmullerphotography.com.Hat by Fancy Stuff. Visit them on Facebook, www.facebook.com/veryfancystuff or email [email protected].
In Every Issue
5 Offers at a Glance28 Events Calendar32 Products We Love42 Advertising Directory
October
6 ACTIVE KIDS DIRECTORY activekidsdirectory.com
Amy Sluss, RN is a family - life specialist, an author and an acclaimed mother- daughter speaker from Pleasanton, CA. Visit her website
www.fab2bfem.com or contact Amy directly at 925-858- 0702 to arrangea Growing up Female workshop for your daughter.
Connecting the Generations:Raising a Daughter with Confidence
by Amy Sluss, RN
At age 7, it was clear that Madeleine liked to be in charge. Her mother feared she was destined to be “bossy.” Then the preteen years hit; by age 10, Madeleine rarely made a decision without checking in with her friends; she exhibited a hesitancy that surprised and, frankly, concerned her mother. What happened to the confident and self-assured daughter she knew? Girls are social beings; itʼs normal at age 10 for Madeleine to engage more deeply with her friends. In addition, preteen girls begin to deal with hormonal fluctuations, social pressures, and cultural messages which lead them to continually ask an internal question, “Am I OK?” As the parent, you want your daughter to answer that question with a hearty “Yes!” While we cannot stop her internal questioning, we can help a daughter, like Madeleine, grow into a young lady with a positive sense of self and confidence to be the amazing and wonderful person she is meant to be. Here are five things you can do as a parent to help instill confidence in your daughter as she readies for and navigates the teen years. Think of these as anchors she can hold onto as she grows from girl to young woman: 1. Help her identify and claim her strengths. You will probably see her strengths more clearly than she does; be a mirror for her. 2. Accompany her as she stretches into new territory. Help her developa specialized skill; being skilled at something (anything!) is a particularly powerful way to help your daughter gain confidence in herself and her abilities. 3. Surround her, as much as possible, with positive people who have strong relationship skills. We are social beings and we become more like the people we hang around with; itʼs been proven over and over again. The positive people your daughter interacts with will help strengthen her. 4. Listen to your daughter. Encourage her to share her perspective, her ideas, her dreams and desires. Validate her observations and perspectiveas often as possible. 5. Teach your girl about real beauty. The computer altered, surgically enhanced, and air - brushed images broadcast to her daily through the media portray false images that harm a girlʼs sense of self. Help your daughter identify her own physical attributes. Teach your daughter about inner beauty; itʼs more long - lasting and powerful than the made - up images the culture presents. This lesson is, perhaps, the most difficult to teach so start now, however young(or old) your daughter is today.
All of our daughters are like Madeleine; they go through a period of uncertainty in the preteen and teen years. Give your daughter anchor points to hold onto.A strong sense of self, and a skill set will help your daughter navigate the particularly difficult years of adolescence. Arm her well, stay by her side, and start as soon as possible. Loving parents make a big difference.
UsE yoUr pots and pans for MorE tHan JUst CooKinG
MaC and CHEEsE.Once you’ve made music with your infant, toddler, or
preschooler in one of our joyful, research-based classes, you’ve got the ingredients to bring the fun home.
Just add a few pots. Pans. Spatulas. And you’re ready to move, sing, and satisfy your appetite for fun.
( 8 0 0 ) 7 2 8 - 2 6 9 2 . MUs i CtoGEtHEr . CoM
Call for a free Preview Class!
livermore, Pleasanton, san ramon, Danville, Blackhawk, walnut Creek (925) 551-7722 • www.musictogether.net
Hercules, Martinez, Concord, Clayton, and antioch (925) 360-3298 • www.musictogetherofconcord.com
8 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 9
Jodi Maspaitella, has a Masters in counseling and has been working with children and families in private and non-profit agencies since 1993. She has facilitated
numerous workshops and works as an in-home parent coach combining her love of teaching with her love of children. Jodi is a foster and adoptive parent and has
had the opportunity to parent children of all ages, from infants through young adults. Call (707) 557-1423 or visit www.familieshelp.net for more info.
Whoʼs Really in Control?Effectively Handling the Power Struggle
by Jodi Maspaitella, MA with Home Education 4 Logical Parenting
Children are uncooperative at times, especially during the toddler years and early adolescence. As they struggle to prove their independence and separate from their parents, their behaviors may often resemble defiance. When parents feel challenged by their childʼs resistance, a “battle of wills” may erupt. Parents often react by attempting to overpower their children. The disempowered child may respond to these feelings with either a “fight” (power struggle, tantrum, or revenge), or “flight” (withdrawing and giving up) response. Here are some tips for how parents can avoid the power struggle: Listen carefully: When you realize your child is getting upset, stop talking and listen. Try to understand what your child is saying and what she means (e.g. “It sounds like you are upset because...”). Talk in private: You donʼt want to be embarrassed in front of friends so avoid disciplining your child in front of theirs. Confrontation in front of their peers creates a lose-lose atmosphere where “saving face” becomes the primary goal. Use manners: Saying “please” and “thank you” demonstrates the way you want them to speak to you. Give limited choices: Be sure that all choices are acceptable. For example, “Do you want to do your homework before or after dinner?” Don't give your child an option that you donʼt want them to choose, (“Are you ready to go to bed now?”). Give warnings: Give children a 5 or 10 minute heads - up that they need to finish what theyʼre doing so they can do what you need them to do. Avoid lectures: Use ten words or less; they arenʼt hearing the rest so donʼt waste your breath. Use teamwork: A preschooler might feel overwhelmed by being asked to clean up a messy room independently. Say, “Letʼs do this together” and offer encouragement or sing songs while working to make chores more enjoyable. At times, despite your efforts to empower your child and prevent a standoff, you will still meet resistance. When you find yourself in this position, follow these steps: 1. Set limits and clarify consequences: Be calm, clear and consis-tent. State what the consequence will be if the child doesnʼt comply within a stated time (usually 5-15 minutes, depending on the childʼs age and the situation). 2. Disengage: Physically walk away and give your child time to comply. This allows time for both the adult and the child to calm down. Realize that an upset child is not a good listener. When kids are resistant, too often parents move in closer, increasing the volume and intensity of their demands. The child matches that intensity by increasing his resistance. By stepping back, you allow the child to save face and choose to cooperate. 3. Let it go: Follow through with a consequence if necessary, then move on and start fresh. Remember, you donʼt have to attend all arguments that you are invited to. There is no power struggle if one party refuses to pick up the other end of the rope.
1.800.810.SWIMwww.AmericanSwimAcademy.com
LIVERMORE • DUBLINFREMONT • NEWARK
TheBestValue
. . . for quality swim lessons in the Bay Area!You can’t beat our combination of quality instructors, comfortable facilities, flexible schedules and great prices for swim lessons anywhere in the Bay Area.
n Year-round classes: available mornings, afternoons and evenings
n Instruction for all ages and abilities, beginning as early as 6 months
n Specially-designed indoor instruction pools, heated to a comfortable 92°
New customers!
Bring in this ad for a
$20 OffSwim Lessons
New customers only. May not be combined with other offers. One coupon per
family. AK100.
www.AdorableBaby3D.com
3D/4D ULTRASOUNDEXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF
Come see the baby’s first movementsin the womb with a 3D/4D ultrasound!
411 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville • (925) 552-5700
Mention ACTIVE KIDS and receive $10 off Ultrasound
October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 11 10 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
3413 Mt. Diablo Blvd. #BLafaye�e, CA 94549
(925) 229 - 4247 • www.pawprints.info
Memories for a LifetimePaw PrintsChildren’s
Mention Active Kids and receive10% o� your purchase!
A Unique and Custom keepsake of yourChild’s Hand and Footprint Impression
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Nurse Rona is the host of Childhood Matters radio show, a nurse for 44 years,a temperament specialist, and a parent educator. To hear previous shows,
go to www.childhoodmatters.org, and tune in Sundays 7-8AM on 98.1 KISSFM.
Itʼs Time To Do Your Homework!10 Tips to Stay on Track
by Rona Renner, RN
Why does this happen so often? You say, “Itʼs time to do your homework,” and your child says, “I donʼt have any.” Youʼre not alone if you and your child find homework time to be a stressful part of the day. Even five-year-olds are asked to do homework, which can interfere with their important work called “play.”
One reason teachers give homework is to help children learn responsibility, and develop and practice skills. Itʼs also a good way for parents to be involved in their childʼs education. Teachers use homework as a diagnostic tool to understand their studentʼs strengths and weaknesses, so itʼs important for parents not to do their childʼs homework for them. But if you think your child is getting too much homework, donʼt hesitate to ask the teacher to explain why sheʼs giving so much. You are your childʼs best advocate, so speak up if you see them become stressed by the amount and type of work required.
Here are ten tips your family can use to stay on track with homework:•Have a family meeting to establish homework guidelines. Involve your child in setting up the rules. Some questions to consider are: - Who does your child like to get help from? - What environment and room does he work best in? - What time of day is best?
•Set aside a quiet time for everyone in the family to decrease distractions. Although turning off the television is essential, some kids do well with music playing during homework time.
•When children are hungry they have a harder time concentrating. Offer a healthy snack before or during homework.
•Organize supplies and have them easily accessible. A big box with everything your child needs works well.
•Give positive feedback when you see your daughter doing well. “Maria, your handwriting is really getting easy to read. I see youʼve been working hard at it.”
•Donʼt criticize when children make mistakes. If thereʼs a regular problem, talk to the teacher.
•Pay attention to your stress level and be patient. After a long day of school and work, everyone is tired.
•If your child gets frustrated easily, he may want to do homework at the kitchen table to be near you. Help him get started. Some children need more help than others, so respect different temperaments and learning styles.
•If thereʼs frequent complaining, evaluate the homework to see if itʼs too hard.
•Allow computer time or TV after the homework is done. This offers an extra incentive to complete the work.
For most children, homework is harder now than when you were in school. Help your child enjoy learning and donʼt expect perfection.
12 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com August 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 13
Come hangout this weekend for brunch
www.EddiePapas.com4889 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton • 469-62662417 First St., Livermore • 373-6650
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Bruce Gach, M.D. is the managing partner of Livermore-Pleasanton Pediatrics Group. He is a Board Certified practicing pediatrician with over 30 years of
experience caring for children. He has served on numerous committees dealing with child health and development. www.livermorepleasantonpeds.com
2010 Flu Shot Informationby Bruce M. Gach, M.D.
The new Influenza vaccine should be available at your health care providerʼs office or clinic starting this month. This particular vaccine has the H1N1 combined into it. There are still those pesky rules to follow.
• There are two seasonal Influenza vaccines available. The Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine is a shot and contains no live material. The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine is a nasal mist and can only be given to individuals over two years old.
• Both Inactivated and Live vaccine give similar protection.• All children requiring two doses of Flu vaccine must have the shots separated by at least four (4) weeks time.• If your child is less than 6 months old-no shot can be given. • If your child is over 9 years old, whether or not they got any H1N1 shots, only one 2010 Flu shot is needed. • If your child is under 9 years old and got NO H1N1 shots last season, two 2010 Flu vaccine shots are needed. • If your child is under 9 years old and got the regular flu vaccine seriesof two shots any year before the 2009-2010 season and got at least one H1N1 shot last season, only one 2010 Flu shot is needed.• If your child is under 9 years old and only got one regular Flu shot last year, two shots are needed this year.• If your child is under 9 years old and has never had any regular Flu vaccine shots, two shots are needed.• If your child is under 9 years old and you are not sure what happened last year, two shots are needed this year. Why should your child get the Influenza vaccinations? Most cases of influenza are not serious and most children (and adults) recover without any lasting effects. The most vulnerable individuals are babies under the age of six months who cannot get the vaccine. The next group of individuals who are most at risk are those with respiratory problems or those who are on immunosuppressive medications. Both of these groups are much safer if the number of those immunized with whom they come in contact is high since exposure to the virus will be lessened. In 2009, there were hospitalizations and deaths among a number of Influenza effected individuals. The H1N1 was the headline grabber. When all the statistical analysis was completed just recently, the final numbers for hospitalizations and deaths closely matched other yearʼs totals before H1N1 hit the scene. The highest numbers of hospitalizations and deaths occurred in children, with infants younger than six months age being almost five times more likely to be admitted than those children between six months and five years. When your children, your teenagers, and you as adults get seasonal Influenza vaccinations, you are all protecting other individuals of all ages from your inadvertently passing the virus to them through close contact talking, sneezing, or coughing.
www.valleycheeranddance.com (925) 838-3159 • [email protected]
www.valleycheeranddance.com2411 Old Crow Canyon Rd., Ste. Q, San Ramon (next to Splash Swim School)
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October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 15
Tune in to next monthʼs article to learn more about what other topics are covered in a complete estate plan. If you have any questions you would like specifically addressed, please email them to [email protected]
Someone to Make Your Decisions:Power of Attorney
by Shirley M. White, esq. • www.ShirleyWhiteLaw.com
A Power of Attorney actually has nothing to do with anyone who is an attorney. Well, ideally the document should be drafted by an attorney, but other than that, no actual attorney is named in the document. In a Power of Attorney, you (the Principal) name an Agent who will act for you if you are unable to act for yourself. Sounds simple enough, but what does that really mean? Simply put, any place where you would sign your own name and make your own decisions, your Agent would step in your shoes and become “you” for those purposes. For example, if you become incapacitated and cannot write your own checks, your Agent may step in and write the checks on your behalf. The Principal (you) determines how long the power will last. Typically, the power will last during the Principalʼs entire lifetime, unless, of course, the power is revoked. It is important to note, however, that a Power of Attorney ceases to have any effect at the Principalʼs death. A Power of Attorney can be effective immediately or it can be effective upon incapacity. If it is effective immediately, as soon as the Power of Attorney is signed, your Agent has the power to be “you” and sign your name on your behalf. If effective upon incapacity, the document has no effect until a doctor declares you incompetent. This is a very powerful document, so before you make it effective immediately, you want to really ensure you are selecting the correct Agent and you have a good reason for its immediate effectiveness. The scope of a Power of Attorney is also controlled by the Principal. The Power can be broad or very specific. If you know you will be unavailable to act for yourself, you can name a person to act for you in only that situation. For example, if you will be out of the country during the closing on your house, you can appoint someone to sign the house documents as “you”. In that situation, your Agentʼs powers will only apply to the closing on that one and only house. If the Power is broad, your Agent has a lot of power in many situations. By this time you may be wondering why you should even care about this type of document. Well, if you become incapacitated and no one has been named to act on your behalf, a Conservator would have to be appointed to act for you. This appointment of a Conservator would have to be done by the probate court and would take considerable time and money. If, however, you have this simple yet powerful document, your Agent could act for you with merely a copy of the document. Because of the tremendous power this document possesses, it is advisable to talk to an attorney before naming an Agent and drafting a Power of Attorney.
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Dr. Ozzie Jafarnia, DDSBoard Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
Call for an appointment today!925-837-7745 • www.drozzie.com
4145 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, #203, Danville, CA
Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive dental careto our young patients in a gentle, fun and loving environment.
We are proud to announce that we have been voted“Best Pediatric Dentist in Contra Costa County”
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October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 21
5 Smart Tipsfor Traveling with Children
San Ramon Regional Medical Center
Before you hit the road for a much - anticipated family trip, you may want to do some early planning and smart packing to make the ride less bumpy for you and your children. Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile, these timely tips can go a long way to helping ensure a memorable vacation for everyone.
• Prepare ahead of time -If you are traveling outside the United States, talk with your doctor at least one month before you leave about any necessary vaccinations. Some vaccines require multiple doses over a period of days or weeks and need time to become effective in your body.
• Learn to adjust -If you are traveling to a destination in another time zone, start adjusting your familyʼs sleep schedule several days before leaving. Dehydration can contribute to the effects of jet lag so remember to drink plenty of fluids during your trip. Avoid caffeinated beverages. Follow local time after your arrival.
• Pack wisely -Pack all medications and other medical supplies, as they may not be readily available at your destination. Remember to include inhalers, insulin and allergy medications and to keep the bag handy. Do not check it if you are traveling by plane, and bury it in the trunk if going by car. Necessary items may include prescription medications in original bottles, over-the-counter medications, hand sanitizer, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment and bandages.
• Know where youʼre going -If your child has a chronic health condition, locate the closest hospital or medical care facility ahead of time. Remember to bring a copy of your childʼs health history that includes blood type, immunization record, doctorʼs contact information, health insurance information, and lists of health problems, current medications and allergies.
• Stay comfortable during the trip -If your child experiences ear discomfort during take - off or landing, encourage them to yawn, swallow, or if they are old enough, chew gum. Infants can nurse, feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier. If traveling by car, motion sickness can be relieved by eating a light meal, using a headrest to minimize head movement, making frequent stops or keeping a window slightly open to let fresh air circulate.
• Drink bottled water -Diarrhea is a common illness that can be avoided during travel by drinking only bottled water and practicing good hand-washing techniques. Other ways to prevent gastrointestinal distress include avoiding ice cubes in drinks and food from street vendors, as well as eating only properly prepared foods.
Planning ahead for a trip and being prepared to handle some of lifeʼslittle emergencies will help keep everyone healthy and happy. For more information about traveling with children, visit the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov. Bon voyage!
22 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 23
THE GOLDEN APPLEL E A R N I N G S T O R E
4807 HOPYARD RD., PLEASANTON 925.460.5163
We have the BEST TOYSfor KIDS!
Find the all best toys at The Golden Apple Learning Store.w w w . g o l d e n a p p l e t o y s . c o m
Explore, discover and learn!
children's classes • summer campsbirthday parties • scout tours • family programs
1931 First AvenueWalnut Creek, CA 94597
(925) 935-1978www.wildlife-museum.org
Plan your route in advance: Parents should pick an area that the family is familiar with. Walk the route during the day to ensure there are no potholes, or unexpected bumps that will surprise your trick or treaters. Make sure the route you choose is well lit at night so you donʼt have to approach dark, scary porch fronts.
Bring a flashlight and glow sticks: Even if you have smaller children and plan on going out while the sun is shinning, bring a flashlight just incase. If your children are very small, go out before it gets dark. The big kids tend to flood the streets after dark and it may put a damper on the evening. Glow lights or sticks are also a good option and fun for the kids to play with while enhancing their visibility for cars.
Wear comfortable shoes: This doesnʼt only mean shoes that wonʼt hurt their feet, but also shoes that are not too big or small, shoes that wonʼt slip off easily, and are realistic for walking. Avoid princess high - heels or large floppy boots. And on that note, try to find comfortable costumes too! Avoid costumes that drag on the ground, costumes that are made of itchy fabric, or that are just cheaply made.
Pick costumes that are bathroom friendly: Especially for the little ones! You donʼt want to struggle with tights, fancy shoes, or one - piece costumes. Also, make sure to use the bathroom before you leave the house; you donʼt want any unexpected surprises!
Do not eat candy while you walk: Walking in costumes will be challenging enough, so eating sticky candy and walking at the same time is just a no no. Save the candy for home so you can check it first! Look for old, worn, or torn wrappers, homemade treats, unwrapped candy, etc. Discard of any candy that looks like it has been tampered with.
Think practical when choosing goody bags: Although the Halloween themed bags will be the most popular amongst your children, think practically instead of cute. Avoid bags that are too long and may drag on the ground, oversized bags that may bump into other trick or treaters, or heavy ones that you will end up carrying once it gets filled! Use totes that you can recycle for groceries, or a small pillowcase from your toddlerʼs bed.
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October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 27 26 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com 26 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
1-on-1 Lesson (All Ages)Piano, Guitar, Drum, Violin, Viola
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http://[email protected]
MUSIC LANDSCHOOL OF MUSIC
Toddler Music Class (age 2-4)Piano Group Class (age 4-6)
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All Teachers Have Music Degrees fromLeading Universities or Conservatories
Cabernet Baseball Club, 6474 Patterson Pass Rd., Livermore, Ca 94550925-455-8300 • www.cabernetsports.com/baseball
Mention ACTIVE KIDSand receive $10 off
your initial registration!
TPC Baseball & Softball, 7070 Commerce Circle, Ste D, Pleasanton, Ca 94588925-416-1600 • www.thepitchingcenter.com
CBC offers the valley’s only baseballprogram for kids ages 3 to 6!
Birthday parties, batting cages, live practice tunnels, indoor pitching mounds & more!
Tracey Bianchi is a freelance writer, speaker and mother of three squirmy,messy children. She is the author of Green Mama: The Guilt Free Guide
to Helping You and Your Kids Save the Planet. You can catch her musings at www.traceybianchi.com or pick up
her book on Amazon or wherever books are sold.
Eco - Friendly Treatsand Costume Ideas!
by Tracey Bianchi, www.traceybianchi.com
Looking for some great Halloween costume ideas to tread lightly on the planet this October? Check out these fun and eco-friendly ways to celebrate the season with your little ghosts and goblins, using techniques that are kind to our planet - the place that gives us all our pumpkins, falling leaves, and the fading sunshine of fall.
1. Resale Costumes: This time of year many resale shops offer racksof costumes to choose from. Gently worn memories from another child can help your kids dress up for Halloween without impacting the planet by purchasing new items. Check out yard sales or large childrenʼs resale events for costume selections as well.
2. Sew It Up: If you have a penchant for a needle and thread you can always take discarded linens from your home to make a costume. Old drapes make marvelous capes. Silk and taffeta linens make dreamy princess dresses. Torn denim makes for a great scarecrow.
3. Combine Costumes: My sister - in - law once received two hand me down Snow White costumes that did not fit her daughter. So, she pulledout her needle and thread and with minimal cutting and stitching merged the two costumes into one that fit her growing daughter.
4. Buy Well: If purchasing a costume suits you best, consider spending the most your budget will allow for good quality costumes. Top quality costumes can be passed down to many siblings and friends and will stick around for years in a dress up box. Avoid harsh plastic costumes that rip easily or do not allow your childʼs skin to breathe.
5. Treat Them All Well: Finally, as you prepare to toss goodies into bags consider purchasing Fair Trade candy and chocolates. It only seems fair that children around the world are treated well as they labor to make our chocolates. Make it a sweet Halloween for all children. Check out Equal Exchange for Fair Candy Ideas.
THE DANVILLE BOWLThe Danville Bowl offers the Bay Area's Best Birthday Party Package! Fun, Affordable! Call for details!
ALSO OFFERING:Rockin' Bowl! .99 Kids Bowl! Special Kids Pricing!
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28 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 29
SUN MON TUE WED
12 13
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11th Annual Art in the Park
Danville Town Green10:00 am - 5:00 pm
(925) 314-3466
octoberOctober
FREE DayCal Academy of Sciences55 Music Concourse Dr.,
San Francisco (415) 379-8000
ChildrenʼsStory Time
READ, Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville
Every Tuesday, 11:00 am(925) 736-9090
Fleet WeekPier 39, San Francisco12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
(415) 956-2911
FREE SFMOMA Family Day151 Third Street San Francisco
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
10 11
5 6
17 18
2524
31
3 4
Pop in PlaytimePump it Up
530 Boulder Ct, Ste 100Pleasanton
Every Tuesday4:00 pm - 5:30 pm(925) 600-9663
Mini-Monday:Interesting
InsectsLindsay Museum1931 First AveWalnut Creek
10:00 am - 12:00 pm(925) 935-1978
ChildrenʼsStory TimeGolden AppleLearning Store
4807 Hopyard Rd., Pleasanton3:30 pm
(925) 460-5163
Parachute &Story TimeStudio Grow
1231 Diamond Way, Concord
Every Tues. & Fri.11:00 am
(925) 798-5850
ChildHealth
Day
ColumbusDay
Halloween
Trick or Treat!East Bay SPCA, Dublin1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
THUR FRI SAT
For detailed information & eventwebsite please visit:
www.activekidsdirectory.com
7 8 9
2
ChildrenʼsFall Fest
Danville Community Center420 Front St
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm or 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm(925) 314-3400
FREE Family Halloween Fest
Randall Museum199 Museum Way,
San Francisco10:00 am - 2:00pm(415) 554-9600
Kids Halloween Party!
Red Wagon3535A Mt. Diablo Blvd
Lafayette(925) 962-1450
Fall Art & Craft Festival
Downtown Danville10:00 am - 5:00 pm
(925) 837-4400
Fall for Our Wildlife
Lindsay Wildlife Museum's
First Annual GalaRound Hill Country Club,
Alamo, 6:00 pm(925) 935-1978
Taut TownSession
Super Franks5341 Owens Ct.,
Pleasanton10:00 am – 2:30 pm
(925) 271-5880
40th Annual Half Moon Bay
Art & Pumpkin FestivalMain Street
9:00 am – 5:00 pm(650) 726-9652
Diablo Valley Farmerʼs MarketShadelands Office ComplexMitchell Dr. & N. Wiget Ln.
Walnut Creek9:00 am – 1:00 pm(800) 806-3276
Circus OzKids are 50% off!Zellerbach Hall
Cal Performances, Berkeley8:00 pm
(510) 642-9988
Indian Life Exhibit Museum of the San
Ramon ValleyRailroad Ave, Danville
(925) 837-3750
1
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FREE Hot Rodson the Beach Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk400 Beach St.
10:00 am - 5:00 pm(831) 423-5590
NATIONAL CHILDREN’S
DAY
October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 31 30 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
Licensed by the state of CA, CPR, F i rst A id and Nutr i t ion cer t i f ied! Background check, TB tested and f ingerpr inted!
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The Quarry Lane School educates children from preschool throughHigh School at three campuses located in Dublin and Pleasanton.Please call 925-829-8000 ext. 502 for more information and visit
QuarryLane.org today.
The Benefits of Homeworkby Gabrielle Denton, Lower School Director
at the Quarry Lane School, Pleasanton
Homework. It has become a word that is fraught with anxiety, concern, and debate. Should we give homework? Should the students take time to complete it? And is it even necessary? The answer to these questions is, yes. Homework plays an important role not only in the academic life of the student, but also in their personal lives. A homework system that is structured and supportive will give your children the skills of organization, time management, self - discipline, and self - confidence that will serve your students well throughout their lives. Homework can be assigned for a variety of reasons. At times homework is given to reinforce concepts introduced in class, to ensure understanding on the part of the student, and as a tool for the teacher to determine the level of understanding in his or her classroom. Homework assignments may be given to introduce students to concepts or materials that will be presented in class the following day, “front loading” as it is sometimes referred to. Then there is the homework assignment that extends and incorporates multiple concepts that have been taught in the classroom over a longer period of time and brings them together in a cohesive package, such as a research report or oral presentations. Homework should be used as a tool designed to: provide practice of skills and concepts introduced in class, to strengthen basic skills, to stimulate and further personal interests, to develop independent study skills, to develop initiative and responsibility, and to keep parents aware of their childʼs curriculum and academic progress. We value homework as a gauge for student understanding of material, view it as an opportunity for all students to prove their knowledge of concepts taught, but most importantly we feel that by completing the assigned work students are taking initiative to engage in their learning, developing organization skills, and becoming independent learners. Regardless of the type of homework assigned, all students need a structured homework plan. Firstly, designate a quiet study location for your child to complete all their homework. Make sure this homework area has materials your student may need: paper, pencils, pens, calculators, rulers, notebooks, and scissors, access to a computer or other research materials, but most importantly make sure it is located in a quiet and distraction free area of your home. Secondly, determine a homework time that works with your families schedule and stick to this routine. Once your family has agreed upon a designated homework time, enforce it. Lastly, be engaged in your childʼs homework – and this does not mean doing homework for your child. Encourage your child to find the answers on their own while employing their own problem solving skills. While we do not expect students to be begging for more homework from their teachers anytime soon, we do feel that a regular schedule of curriculum-relevant homework enhances the learning process and leads to academic success.
32 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com
Joan’s Farm &Pumpkin Patch
Open Daily 9am - 6pm • October 1st - 31st
Free Admission • 4351 Mines Rd., Livermore(925) 447-0794 • www.joansfarm.com
Old West Town • Teepees • Fort Maze • Corn MazeCovered Wagon • Farm Animals • Gem Panning • Pumpkins
Weekend Events: Pony Rides & Face Painting
October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 33
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Kim Rice is the mother of three children, Ashlee (18), Tanner (17) and Sammy (4).She is a freelance writer in Pleasanton, California writing about topics such as
Autism, depression, diet and life transformation. She earned her BA degree fromthe University of Detroit and has over 20 years of corporate writing experience.
Saving Sammy:A Motherʼs Journey Through Autism
by Kim Rice
Sammy was born kicking and screaming on a hot, steamy day in July of 2006. Everything appeared normal as I quickly checked for all ten fingers and toes. After a sigh of relief, I tried to sooth my newborn screaming infant. He was beautiful. He was my third, and last, work of art. What I didnʼt know on that day was something was lurking below the surface that I could not detect - something that threatened to take my son from me, severely affecting his quality of life. Its name was Autism.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and biological disorder affecting brain function. Sammy was placed on the Autism Spectrum with the specific diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) when he was two and half years old. Prior to the diagnosis, I decided to do a quick search on the Internet to learn more about the disorder after a person in my husbandʼs family had been diagnosed. Up to this point the only impression I had of “Autism” was Dustin Hoffmanʼs awesome portrayal of an adult man with Autism in the movie Rainman. While research-ing, I ran across “Autism symptoms in a child or infant.” My stomach hit the ground as I realized, my Sammy had many of the symptoms: hyper-sensitivity to loud sounds and to touch, delayed language (he had only 20 words at 2 1/2 yrs, using only one at a time), repetitive sounds or actions, preoccupation with certain objects or toys (for Sammy it is trains), lining objects up, avoiding eye contact with strangers, gastrological issues (for Sammy it was severe constipation), and limited social skills with peers. I tried not to worry too much since he had an upcoming check up and decided to casually mention my suspicions to our pediatrician. Still to this day, I donʼt know why my stomach hit the ground again when the Autism specialist looked me in the eye and said, “Yes, your son has Autism.” I guess suspecting, and facing it are two different journeys.
Currently, one in every 70 boys in the United States is diagnosed with Autism. Government statistics report that the rate is increasing 10 -17 percent every year. It has become one of the most widespread child epidemics in “recorded history.” There are many theories as to what causes Autism but currently there is not an “official cause” that the medical industry recognizes. Early intervention has proven to be the best course of action for children on the spectrum. The old, “wait and see” approach can be detrimental. Many therapies have proven affective on children including speech and language therapy, occupational and sensory integration, applied behavioral analysis and social developmental, just to name a few. We moved quickly as was suggested to us by the ASD department at Kaiser Permanente. Research has proven that there is small window of time in which therapies can make a big difference to the rapidly growing brain of a child under five years of age.
Sammy received one-on-one speech and occupational therapy within our home and also attended a special preschool structured for children with developmental issues. We also decided to change his diet switching him over to a gluten/dairy free diet (referred to Gluten Free/Casein Free – GFCF - in the ASD world). The diet made a huge difference. His vocabulary doubled within weeks and he started putting two words together for the first time. A year later, he is a totally different child. His therapist believes he will “lose his diagnosis” during his next evaluation.
If your child has several of the symptoms listed above, talk to your pediatrician and/or find an Autism specialist and request an evaluation. Do not settle for a “letʼs wait and see” approach. Trust your intuition. If something doesnʼt seem quite right, donʼt give up until you find answers. If your child is diagnosed with an ASD, move quickly and do consider the GFCF diet. While it may not work for every child on the spectrum, it has literally changed the course of my childʼs life. I also follow the diet and have lost fifty pounds along with resolving depression, chronic body pain and many gastrological issues. Iʼve listed some Web site resources and some of the most useful books Iʼve read on ASDʼs. May your child/children always be happy and healthy.
Web sites: www.autismspeaks.org www.autismspot.com www.talkaboutcuringautism.org/index.htm www.gfcfdiet.com www.nationalautismassociation.org/ www.generationrescue.org/
Books: The Autism Book: What every parent needs to know about early detection, treatment, recovery, and prevention by Robert W. Sears, M.D., FAAP
Healing and Preventing Autism by Jenny McCarthy & Jerry Kartzinel, M.D.
Act Early Against Autism by Jayne Lytel
Unraveling the mystery of Autism and Pervasive Development Disorder by Karyn Seroussi
The UltraMind Solution by Mark Hyman, M.D.
Photo by Denise M Olson of Mommy & Me Photography, www.mommyandmephotography.com
36 ACTIVE KIDS activekidsdirectory.com October 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 37
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Come out & join in the fun!Come out & join in the fun!5111 Doolan Rd., Livermore, CA 94551 * 925-960-9696* www.showstables.com
Our facility o�ers:Private & Group LessonsHorsemanship ClinicsSummer/Winter Riding CampsMommy/Daddy & Me ClassesBirthday Parties
Private & Group LessonsHorsemanship ClinicsSummer/Winter Riding CampsMommy/Daddy & Me ClassesBirthday Parties
September 2010 ACTIVE KIDS 39
What to do When Your Child Starts Lying
by Lele Diamond, MFT & Noelle Cochran, PsyDSymbio www.symbiosf.com
Lying can be a tricky thing to deal with as a parent. Somewhere between 3 and 4 years of age most kids truly discover the art of fabrication. When this happens, a range of conundrums presents itself to their parents: from grappling with a sudden lack of dependable information, to finding a middle ground between avoiding shame and failing to convey a moral lesson, to simply keeping a straight face. Threading your way through the maze of issues is often easier when you consider the subject within an age - specific framework.
The concept of lying, as we know it, is something that evolves over the course of development. As adults, we generally agree that lying is “bad” because it can lead to confusion, danger, and, perhaps most importantly, because it betrays the fundamental trust that upholds intimate relationships. For young children, a lie has none of these meanings. At 2, children make little distinction between fact and fiction. Verbal reports are more conditioned by the ideas or images passing through a childʼs mind than by a sense of obligation to convey accurate information. By 3, the developmental threshold to the golden age of recreational subterfuge, most children have an understanding of what is, and is not, an accurate representation of fact. However, the line between fact and fiction is still quite hazy for most 3 to 4 - year-olds, who live in a mental universe of magical thinking.
Lies are appealing to kids this age for two primary reasons: they engage in their imagination much more commonly than a repetition of true facts, and they are a brilliant devise to protect against the inconvenient and unwanted consequences of transgressing the rules. Because preschoolers do not yet have the moral perspective that lying is something negative or wrong, there is little to stop them from taking advantage of this appealing option to “the truth.” Most parents find it helpful to think of their childrenʼs lies as falling into one of three categories and deal with them accordingly:
Category One: Pure fiction (telling tall tales just to tell a story - like the mountain he climbed or the cartoon character he met at preschool).
Response: Indulge your child in these stories, go with it - he is just enjoying his imagination. You can start talking with him about what “pretending” is all about, but donʼt feel that you have to police the line between fact and fantasy. Development will bring that into focus.
Symbio offers services geared to meet the real - life needs of modern families as they move through the early years of child rearing. For
more information, visit www.symbiosf.com. To get questions answered regarding child development and family psychology, email Lele or
Noelle here, [email protected] or call (415) 648-3243.
Category Two: Lies that are meant to avoid or produce a consequence, and refer to events or experiences that you did not witness, or of which you have no direct knowledge (“I didnʼt take off my shoes in the park.”).
Response: Confronting the lie is likely to prompt your child to insiston the veracity of her version of the story which, although it may differ from fact, is usually an accurate representation of the picture in her mindʼs eye at that current moment. Instead, try dealing with the situation without taking issue with the relative truth of that report. Example: “I think you are saying that because you know the rules are that you have to keep your shoes on outside and you know I am wondering how your socks got so dirty.”
Category Three: Lies that are fabricated right under your nose, when the truth is clear to you.
Response: These are the situations in which you can begin presenting the difference between truth and fiction. Tell your child that you can understand his reasons for lying and give him a second chance at fact before you fully bust him: “Youʼre saying that you didnʼt hide anything in your pocket because youʼd like that to be true. That way I wouldnʼt take away the cookie. But what I am asking is: whatʼs really in your pocket?” If he still doesnʼt come clean, then get the cookie, talk about whatʼs true and what it means to tell the truth.
As children head into the 4-year-old year, they become increasingly capable of understanding the link between honesty and trust, and telling the truth begins to have moral significance. When itʼs clear to you that your child can make these distinctions, you can begin demanding more consistent honesty and discipline appropriately.
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www.OurSanRamonHospital.com6001 Norris Canyon Road, San Ramon800.284.2878
2 4 - H O u R P e d i at R i c S e Rv i c e S
Along with the joy and happiness of raising children comes the occasional injury or illness.
San Ramon Regional Medical Center has dedicated resources to care for your child when life’s uncertain events come along. We have a child-friendly environment to help put you and your child at ease, and
our nurses strive to provide the care and nurturing children need.
• 24-Hour Emergency Care • Family Birthing Center• 24-Hour In-hospital Pediatricians • Blood Conservation Program• Breast Center• Cardiac Care• Cancer Services• Diabetes Services• Joint and Spine Programs• Occupational Medicine• Outpatient Surgery Center• Outpatient Therapy Services
vicki Starr, RN, MSN, cPNPPediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
& Assistant Director
