Stellar confusion

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February 7, 2013

There has been a recent upheaval in the field of astrology due to the earth being a tad “off kilter.” Finally, the earth is in equal alignment with my family.
Some astrologers suggest that with the new tilt of the earth, many will now have a new astrological sign. For example, according to the new guidelines, I am an Aries. I don’t think so. I will forever be a Taurus. I am an earth mother, bread baker, food maker and especially food consumer extraordinaire. Astrologers say Taurians have a massive stubborn streak. I refuse to believe this and there is no way you will change my mind.
My family was discussing these astrological anomalies over breakfast during one of our recent holiday gatherings. My Dad, in true Capricorn form, was the first up. He made coffee and was eating his oatmeal and telling the “walking dead” that assembled around the table, that at 75, he is still at his “pre-sophomore high school weight”. He also stated with great authority that if we’d lay off the Danishes we might have a shot at reaching this greatness. My Mom (aka Noni), a beautiful woman who is what you would call “voluptuous”, heavy on the “volup”, would have given him an inappropriate hand jester at this time if it weren’t for the children.
It was in this environment that I attempted, but did not succeed, at reading what the planets had lined up for us that day.

MH: “Pluto is moving near Uranus.”
Dad: “Well, that would be a problem!”
Noni: What sign is your brother? Isn’t he a lobster?”
MH: Mom there is no lobster. He is a crab, a Cancer.”
Noni: He is like a crustacean with that tough exterior, but he is very mushy on the inside. He can get very emotional. Oh my God! Who has cancer?!
Lauren (my oldest): “Uncle Tom, you’re that curled up centipede thing right?”
Uncle Tom: No, Lauren. I am a scorpion.
Lauren: “So you bond with someone, sting them and they die.”
Uncle Tom: “Pretty much.”
Lauren: “Can I switch seats with Maria?”
Uncle Tom: “What are you Lauren?”
Lauren: “I’m a Pisseese. I think it’s like a fish with tinkle problems”.
Helena: (my middle highly focused daughter that is sandwiched between two children with attention issues) “Actually Lauren, Pieces are supposed to be very spiritual.”
Maria: “Was that God you were texting in church last Sunday?”
Helena: “Pieces are also said to be psychic and intuitive.”
Lauren: “That I would believe. I can predict if someone takes the last sprinkle doughnut things are going to get ugly.”
MH: (Trying once again to get this motley crew on task) “Dad, it says here that Capricorns make large sweeping hand jesters and enjoy reading out loud to people.”
Dad: (Waving his arm in a massive circular swoop inches away from knocking over Aunt Mary Gay’s OJ) “That is ridiculous. Could you hurry up with this horoscope thing? I want to share this article from the Wall Street Journal with your uncle.”
Noni: What does it say about Helena? Isn’t she a Virgo?”
Maria: (my young driven Capricorn) “Isn’t that the weird chick who kind of looks like a mermaid?”
MH: “No, Babe, I think you’re thinking of the Starbucks logo. Helena is the sign of the virgin.
Noni: “And it better stay that way!”
MH: (totally ignoring my mother’s attempts at busting out her “you’re worth the wait” speech”) “Don, you’re a Gemini right? You are the sign of the twins. It says here that you are compassionate, yet many Gemini have an evil twin”
Aunt Mary Gay: “Well, I wouldn’t say evil, maybe a bit grumpy and irritable. Oh, and he is apparently forgetful. Would it kill you to send a Mother’s Day card?”
Maria: Can we get back to that thing about our anus?”
Dad: That’s Uranus Maria.
Maria: I know it’s mine, I would just like to know what’s supposed to happen to it!”
It was at this point I threw in the towel and made the executive decision that we would just take whatever the day threw our way. If we could survive a family breakfast, we could survive anything. Just remember, if you orbit in “crazy” make sure there is love in your galaxy.

When the going gets rough

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Karen L. Zickes

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February 7, 2013

In a perfect world, childhood is a time of endless carefree days filled with joy and laughter. But when things go awry, thankfully Children’s Resource Center (CRC) in Bowling Green is there to help with difficult times. “It’s really quite a unique agency, especially outside the big city. We have a comprehensive range of services,” said Deb Goldberg, Program Manager for Prevention/Early Intervention at CRC.
Early intervention is key
CRC is a non-profit agency that provides child-centered, family-focused mental health services for children ages birth to 18 in Wood County and nearby communities. The mother of two grown children, Deb Goldberg has been with CRC for ten years, and has dedicated her expertise to the Early Childhood field since 1976. Ms. Goldberg and her team of professionals know the impact early intervention can have on a child and family.
She and her team provide early childhood mental health consultation, parenting education, and provide a preschool sexual abuse prevention program. Working with children from birth through age five, Goldberg has repeatedly seen the remarkable benefits of early intervention at home and at school where behavioral and emotional issues are concerned. Early intervention is key to changing the course of the future for little ones who need a little more help along the way. It’s never too early.
A passion for the little ones
One of the most rewarding aspects of Goldberg’s job is the opportunity to work with a child having behavioral problems and helping the teacher modify things in the classroom, as well as addressing any additional diagnostic work. “We don’t diagnose, but we are identifying needs,” said Goldberg. On the contrary, if they have a child who has already been given a diagnosis, she is there to recommend a wide variety of services either at CRC or elsewhere. Some of those services may include crisis intervention, group, family and individual therapy, various school-based services, a specialized school for severely emotionally disturbed children, or the expertise from the two Board Certified psychiatrists on staff.
An ounce of prevention
As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”   Though not all mental and emotional issues children and teens have are preventable, many issues arise when the home environment is less than ideal. The prevention aspect of Goldberg’s job involves leading parenting education classes. Sometimes parents and caregivers just need a little more guidance and maybe some “tools” to assist them with the daunting task of raising children. Ms. Goldberg is very involved with The Incredible Years parenting program available to anyone and offered at various times and locations in the area. The program follows an evidence-based published curriculum and is separated into two programs: infant and toddler, and kids ages three to eight. The 12 week sessions are priced on a sliding scale, and childcare along with a light meal for adults is provided at each meeting. Check www.theincredibleyears.com for information on future sessions, including one in March.
When life with children throws you a curveball, it’s reassuring to know there are resources available to help children, parents and caregivers make it through tumultuous times. For more information on Children’s Resource Center and the resources available, contact them at 419-352-7588 or www.wcnet.org/~crckids/ .

New mom must-haves

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Digital Media

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February 7, 2013

Pregnancy is a time for preparation. From setting up the nursery to baby-proofing your home, there seem to be countless things to do and even more things to buy. Before having my children, I gathered plenty of advice from baby registry lists and shower guests about items I’d need, but not all of them were really necessary. From my experience as a mother and a pediatrician, here is my list of essentials you’ll need for your baby’s arrival.
For feeding
Feeding your baby will be one of the most important duties you’ll fulfill as a new mother. If you plan to breastfeed, invest in a good, electric breast pump (handheld pumps can be difficult to coordinate). You may use this pump multiple times a day for up to a year.
If you opt to formula-feed, invest in bottles and a slow-flow nipple, which will allow the formula to flow similarly to the rate of breast milk. A dishwasher rack or home sterilizer is also important for keeping these items clean.
Whether you are breastfeeding or formula-feeding, all infants should receive vitamin D supplemental drops, which are easily available at grocery stores and pharmacies. Ask your pediatrician how long to give these drops to your baby, since it depends on his or her total intake.
For sleeping
In the nursery, you’ll need a crib with a tight-fitting mattress. If you have a used crib, check online to make sure it hasn’t been recalled and that it meets current safety standards.
Most infant bedding sets will come with a mattress pad, fitted sheets and a bumper. This bumper should not be used, due to the risk of suffocation. Babies should be placed on the back to sleep without comforters or stuffed animals in the crib.
Some babies prefer a white-noise machine to help them sleep. It may be worth the investment. The better your baby sleeps, the better you’ll sleep, too!
Clothes and diapering
You’ll most likely get plenty of cute outfits for your little one from family and friends, but don’t forget about the essentials. You’ll need multiple onesies and sleep sacks. Bibs for a less messy feeding time are also important.
For diapering, prepare yourself with both newborn and size 1 diapers. You’ll also need wipes and barrier cream to protect your baby from diaper rash.
Health and safety
For your home medicine cabinet you will need an easy-to-read digital thermometer. Also, saline nose drops and a nasal aspirator will come in handy for clearing your little one’s nose for relief during a cold.
To keep your baby healthy, it’s also important that you stay healthy. As an expectant mother, you’ve probably already been offered flu and pertussis (whopping cough) vaccinations by your obstetrician, but it’s a good idea to have dad get both as well. Once your baby arrives, you may want to have hand sanitizer ready during cold and flu season. And remind family and friends who are sick that they’ll have to wait until they are well to hold your baby.

A good infant car seat is also a must-have for your baby’s safety. Toledo Children’s Hospital has a Kids in Safe Seats (KISS) program that offers reduced-cost car seats and information about installation and use. (KISS can be reached at 419-291-7945.) Most car seats conveniently snap into a stroller for easier outings. Remember, if a car seat has been in a car accident (even a fender bender), it should not be reused.
Just for fun
There are plenty of items you may want to get just for fun before your baby arrives. A baby book and camera are definitely must-haves. Looking back, I wish I would have documented more when my children were babies – so be ready to capture memories and force yourself to write them down. Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your son or daughter’s first birthday!

On track

By

Christy Penka

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February 7, 2013

School provides a daily routine that children often crave, but for a student on the autism spectrum, it can be a challenge. The Comprehensive Autism Planning System provides an in-depth look at a student’s daily schedule, placing emphasis on time, activities and support through changing periods. The Planning System is utilized in classrooms and by adult programs such as Bittersweet Farms.
The Autism Society of Northwest Ohio presents Planning Your Student’s Program Using the Comprehensive Autism Planning System on Wednesday, March 23, at Toledo Hospital’s Croxton Memorial Auditorium and Thursday, March 24, at Toledo Hospital’s Education Center Auditorium. Shawn Henry, M.Ed., the Executive Director of The Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence will share his own experiences working in the field of autism and his insights on his nationally adopted CAPS program. For scheduled times and to register contact The Autism Society at 419-578-2766 or at www.asno.org.

Sensory friendly

By

Christy Penka

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February 7, 2013

Children with sensory issues often have different needs when it comes to lighting and sound. The Lucas County Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Maumee Indoor Theater recognize these needs with their Sensory Friendly Movies. Lights are turned up and the sound is turned down to accommodate families with children with special needs in the comfort of the auditorium. Every month a children’s movie is selected and plays with an earlier show time once a month on Sundays. The next presentation is scheduled for March 20, at 10am. The children’s film has yet to be chosen for the upcoming event; however, all movies hold a G or PG rating. Entry costs $4 and includes a small beverage and popcorn. Families are welcome to bring their own snacks if a child has special dietary needs. For more information contact Pam Auger at 419-380-5126 or Cindy Davis at 419-380-5178. The Maumee Indoor Theater is located at 601 Conant St., in Maumee.

Sustainable stage

By

Matt Desmond

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February 7, 2013

Show business might be a dreamworld, but the dreamers who live in it still have a responsibility to the real world we all live in. The students and faculty of Bowsher High School’s theater program have taken that to heart. This spring, Bowsher students will put on a show, as kids everywhere have since long before the rise of “High School Musical” and “Glee.” But this will be a play with a difference.
Bowsher’s production of the Richard Adler / Jerry Ross musical The Pajama Game will be an “all-green” one, with every possible step taken to make it environmentally friendly. All printed material will use recycled paper, scenery will be created with eco-friendly paints, and cups from the concession stand will be biodegradable. (Bowsher is currently looking for sponsors to help install a projection system that will eliminate the need for painted backdrops altogether.) To the greatest extent possible, props and sets will be repurposed from previous productions—even borrowed from other schools.
The project is inspired and advised by the Broadway Green Alliance, a group founded in 2008 to encourage Broadway productions to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Increasingly, socially conscious theater groups across the country are adopting the group’s guidelines. Bowsher’s kids are proud to be a part of this movement—dazzling audiences while planning for a better world.