Parenting on the Spectrum

By

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August 8, 2016

Parenting on the Spectrum

Everyone said he just needed more social interaction. I had him in weekly playgroups, I scheduled play dates, I babysat for neighbor kids. How much more social interaction can you get? I even enrolled him in 3 yr old preschool which, since I am a former teacher, I hadn’t planned to do.

I began to believe it, too. I believed that because he was a single child he hadn’t learned naturally about social constructs. I wanted to believe it because then it wouldn’t mean something else. Then it wouldn’t mean Aspergers or whats now grouped under the label Autism Spectrum Disorder. But I knew.

In my mommy gut I knew that when this tiny human came into the world nearly a month early and sideways that he would forever do things in his own special way and on his own terms.

My sweet boy recently entered the “double-digits”, as he calls it, and it hit me hard. As I took a look back at how far we’ve both come I experienced ALL the emotions I’ve ever felt as a mother.

As an infant I felt he wasn’t a typical baby. I read all the books, he didn’t fit. I wore a path from home to the pediatricians office and back and was told I have a “hyper-sensitive” baby. Tell me something I didn’t know! Like how to calm his relentless crying, or get him to sleep, or soothe his fears of everything.

Friends and family had loads of advice. I was told repeatedly to “just make him” do whatever it was that caused his anxiety. “He’ll get over it if he doesn’t have a choice,” they’d say. I was made to feel like it was all my fault. As if I’d coddled him too much.

They just didn’t get it. They weren’t the ones calming his irrational fears into the wee hours. Where were they as we sang the same song over and over in order to drown out the loud fireworks that made his entire body shake with terror? Rain, dirt on his hands, wind, the sheer horror of public restrooms and their sonic boom flushes and hand dryers, the daily struggle with socks and shoes, the 30 minutes of bouncing required at every single bedtime, the rush to get home before dark because the passing street lights were too much stimulation. I made all these things his reality by coddling him too much? No. No, I did not. However, I felt I’d failed him somehow because they said I had.

I no longer feel that way. In time I learned to follow HIS cues. In time we created a good system. I wrote everything down. It felt like assembling pieces to a puzzle that I’d lost the box for.

There were so many ways my boy was not the average boy.

He never climbed or jumped off the furniture (not that I minded).
He was, and is still, overly cautious.
He takes little risks but LOVES to create experiments – mostly in the bathroom, with all the soap, and all the toothpaste, and water. So much water.
He’s never confrontational but requires details.
- When he’s asked to do something he wants to know why, a challenge in school for sure, where he’s expected to follow blindly.
- At home we explain our expectations and he’s better able to carry out the request, especially when breaking our normal routine.

I’ll admit there have been times I wanted to shout BECAUSE I SAID SO! (Okay well, I may have actually done that a few times with terribly sad results.) He flinches at loud voices. It breaks my heart when I know I’ve caused that flinch.

Everything in our lives is regimented. Scheduled. Routine. A 15 minute deviation in the bedtime routine will most assuredly result in a 2 am wake up call. We probably average 3 wake up nights per week. It’s rough on us all. As he gets older some things have gotten easier, or at least more manageable. I volunteer for every class party, every event or situation that may trigger him so I can hopefully help to diffuse it or take him out if it’s all too much.

We have a delicate balance. I push when I feel he’s ready and I back off when he’s had enough. I will always advocate for my child and I will always worry about how the world will treat him. He doesn’t always understand innuendo or figures of speech. He takes everything literally and straight to heart. It’s something we’re currently working on. But he loves. He loves deeply and completely. So if he’s let you know he loves you, you’d better believe it!

Motherhood is hard. We do our best when we listen to what our children need instead of what others may think they need.

Are you Parenting on the Spectrum?

Confessions of a Formula Feeding Mama

By

Meredith Weston-Backaitis

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August 8, 2016

Here at DMB, we support each mother’s infant feeding choice, be it formula, breast, bottle or any combination thereof. The following is a personal account from our contributor, Meredith, about why she is pro-formula for her family.

I feel guilty about NOT feeling guilty about breastfeeding. There. I said it!

I know I should feel this internal need to nurse. But I didn’t feel that way throughout either of my pregnancies or after. I know what you must be thinking, and I am hearing the collective gasp across the internet, but I’m just being honest.

It’s not like I didn’t try to breastfeed my kids. I know it’s supposed to be the most ‘natural’ thing and ‘best’ for bonding (I’m using quotes, because, although for many it is true…..not for me). Breastfeeding, or at least my attempt to do so seemed like the most unnatural and horribly frustrating thing that was taking away from what should have been a joyous and special time.

I was told by several well-meaning lactation consultants I had ‘flat nipples.’ And, I also had a very low supply. So, it was going to be challenging. But, if I consulted with them twice a week (at $100 per consult), take all of these natural supplements (that were NOT recommended by my pediatrician or pharmacist), do not THINK about giving your SCREAMING infant formula (how dare I try to poison my child) AAANNNDDD pump every three hours (by the end of the day I ended up with maybe one ounce of ‘liquid gold’). I might have a chance of having a baby that is somewhat fed, and seems to hate me, because he is ALWAYS hungry. Oh joy.

That sounded like an awesome way to spend the first few weeks with both of my little boys. Them screaming, me crying and my poor husband questioning how this was better for me and the baby.

Many of my friends and family tried to ‘kindly’ point out that I was not trying very hard. If I really wanted what was best for my babies, I would do the work and eventually it would happen. I refused to let other people tell me that I was not trying hard enough. My kids, my choice. For our family, formula feeding was wonderful. I knew that my babies were nourished. I knew that they were happy and fed. I was able to bond with them while feeding, instead of hating every moment of ‘meal time’. My husband was able to take part of that bonding too!

As the weeks and months went by, I never looked back. Both Charlie and Henry are now thriving. Other then the horns and tails they are growing, they seem to be totally normal.

My point is, while some people have strong opinions about how horrible formula feeding is, they have never been in my shoes. Millions of babies are formula fed (myself included) and have lived to tell about it. I dare those mamas to tell me EXACTLY how your children are better, smarter or healthier then my children. I bet if we lined up our formula feeding babies and breastfeeding babies, no one would be able to tell the difference. They would just see a bunch of beautiful and healthy babies. That is our end goal, right?

While I think breastfeeding is wonderful for many families, I get so frustrated that society has put so much pressure on moms who are having problems with it. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH FORMULA. In fact, formula ROCKS MY WORLD. It was the answer to keeping our family sane, happy and healthy. And, I will choose that over stressing about my ‘flat nipples’ any day.

Did you have a similar experience?

A Mom’s Guide to Buying School Supplies

By

Amy W.

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August 7, 2016

As my oldest is about to start kindergarten, my mind is constantly racing with different emotions: apprehension, excitement, pride, you get it. I put the final touches on his homework station, we are finishing up his 1,000 books before Kindergarten challenge (20 left!), buying new school clothes, the works. I was generally feeling like a great mom.

Then last week, my neighbor mentioned the School Supply List was posted on the school website. What? Turns out I am expected to purchase the supplies BEFORE school starts and bring them to the classroom BEFORE I meet his teacher at curriculum which is BEFORE Labor Day. Who Knew?

So I spoke with many moms I know to create this handy list of tips for you (and me.)

Know your Stores. It seems like the best and easiest places to purchase supplies are Target, Walmart, Meijer and the Dollar Tree. So pick a few of those places and start your research.

Don’t assume Dollar Tree is cheapest. Check the website to see what supplies they carry, then see if they are cheaper elsewhere, especially with sales. Some big box stores will take a loss on items to lure you in to buy other things. Why else would Meijer sell plastic pencil boxes for $0.97? (as of the time I wrote this anyway…)

Sales. Sales. Sales. Obviously of these stores run various sales promotions. Here’s the ad lengths/run times, etc:

Target sale prices are valid Sunday through Saturday of the current week.
Walmart weekly sale prices run Sunday through Saturday, but they often have additional ads that run for longer.
Meijer weekly ads run Sunday through Saturday, the also have two day sales and weekly ads especially for back to school.
Dollar Tree ads run for three weeks, Sunday through the Saturday 21 days later (example July 17-August 6.)

Store Savings Cards. When you decide where you are going to buy your supplies, don’t forget to check the store-specific savings program to get even more savings or incentives. Target’s Cartwheel, Meijer M-Perks and the The WalMart Savings Catcher program can all help you save.

Share Info. If you see a great price on a supply, let other moms know! I never would have known about the crayon situation below if not for a mom friend!

Bigger Is Sometimes Better. As of the time I write this, a 16-pack of Crayola Crayons at Target is $4.39. A 24 count Crayola Crayons (eight more!) is on sale for $1.37. The same 24 count Crayola Crayons are $0.50 a box at Meijer. Seriously.

Generic Is Good – If Your School Permits It. The example for this is pencils. Apparently Ticonderoga pencils are the undisputed best pencil out there. And if your child’s teacher requests that brand, it is for a reason – buy it. But if not, go for the generic. When I wrote this, 15 count Ticonderoga pencils were on sale at Walmart for $5.37. A 20 pack of Dixon pencils at Walmart was $0.97.

Don’t Go For Gimmicks. Of course the glitter folder is really cool. But the plain one is cheaper, works the same way and doesn’t leave fairy dust behind!

Separate Wants from Needs. The school will give you a list of what your child needs for the year. There will be things they want as well. Try and stick to the basic needs – it will save you money.

Think Long Term. – Sure $39.00 for a PBK or Lands End Backpack or lunch bag seems expensive, but the quality is great. Some even have years-long guarantees. So if you drop the $39.00 (or even less with a promo code) and it lasts four years, that’s only $10.00 a year for a backpack. That’s cheaper than you can find on sale anywhere around town!

Shop Online. Online prices may be different than in-store. Plus there’s additional savings codes. Just don’t be surprised when your $35.00 order comes in 17 different envelopes and boxes.

Admit You Might Be Wrong. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your norm. I am a die-hard Targeter. I was planning on going there for my son’s supplies. Now I’m not so sure….*see the sample price table I created below which reflects that on the items I checked online, Target wasn’t always the best deal.*

What school supply buying tips do you have to share with us?

ITEM	TARGET	MEIJER	WALMART
24 Count Crayola	$1.37	$0.50	$0.50
Expo Dry Erase Markers – 4 count	$4.49	$3.49	$3.42
30 pack of Elmer’s Glue Sticks	9.89	Only had six packs for $1.99…so $9.95	$9.86
24 count Ticonderoga Pencils	$5.89	$3.99	$4.47
Fiskars 5: Blunt Tip Scissors	$1.99	$1.49	$3.49
100 Clear Sheet Protectors	Avery Brand $6.99	Avery Brand $12.99	C-Line Brand $9.61
Wide Rule Notebook – 70 pages	Varies by store!	$0.59	$0.17

Let them be Little: Learning Through Play

By

Danielle S

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August 5, 2016

Below, DMB Contributor Danielle, a former teacher, shares her opinion on the importance of play in an early childhood curriculum. We welcome all viewpoints here at DMB. If you have an opposing view, we’d love to discuss it in a cordial manner!

Play

Such a simple sounding word, but so important in early childhood development.

Today there is so much pressure on “academics” that play is getting put on the back burner. Think back to how kindergarten was when you were growing up. For me it was a 1/2 day filled with play and exploration. Sure we learned about the letter people, and had circle time, but over all it was spent socializing and exploring. Kindergarten today is what first grade was like when I was growing up. By the time students leave kindergarten they are expected to not only know the letters and their sounds, but also how to read. With common core and standardized testing teachers are feeling more and more pressure to prepare students to perform well (since if they don’t funding may be cut. Sure, we have to differentiate instruction for students, but expect them all to take the same standardized test. That makes sense). This focus on “academics” is starting to trickle down to the preschool level where some parents expect teachers to sit down and formally “teach ” numbers and letters.

Eeek! This is no good folks. Young children are active learners (hey, even some older children are tactile learners). They need to be able to move, touch, manipulate and use their senses when learning. Young children do not learn by sitting at desks or tables, doing worksheets. They learn by doing. They learn by being actively involved. Expecting young children to sit for long periods of time is not developmentally appropriate (and we wonder why there has been such a rise in ADD and ADHD).

Kids are naturally curious. For the most part they are pretty eager to learn. They are like sponges soaking up everything around them. It amazes me how much my three year old knows and remembers (especially words she shouldn’t). Did she learn this stuff doing worksheets? Nope, she learned it through play and hands on learning. Have you ever stopped to think about everything your child is doing while playing?

Take dramatic play. Children are using their imagination (great for when the write stories), assigning roles to each other, problem solving and using conflict resolution skills. Playing with blocks involves using trial and error to figure out how to best stack blocks. Students are figuring out which shapes work best creating a skyscraper, and just how many blocks they can use before the building topples over. Drawing is a precursor to writing, and helps to develop the fine motor skills needed to actually write letters.

In my opinion, kids have their whole life to sit at desks and learn. Why are we starting this trend so young? Let children run, let them climb, let them use their hands to learn. In short, let them be little. Let them play.

The Mom Jinx

By

annieyeoman

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August 5, 2016

In my 3 & 1/2 years as a parent I have learned that there are certain words that should never be spoken. Call it a curse, call it Murphy’s law – I call it The Mom Jinx. The following four scenarios are seemingly harmless, yet these phrases have the power to completely ruin your day:

Scenario #1: “I don’t need to bring the diaper bag.”

You’ll feel carefree. Just you, your angelic baby, a short grocery list and your adorable tiny purse. Easy-Peasy. Except… your baby will poop the second you put him into the cart. It will not be a normal, contained poop. It will run up his back and down his legs. The adorable purse is, of course, useless since there’s no room in it for so much as a tissue. You are left with two choices.

Buy everything; wipes, diapers, and new clothes from the grocery store (even though you have enough at home for ten babies, plus no room in the budget) and finish your shopping trip.
Abandon the cart, buckle your poo-covered tot into his car seat, go home, and give him a bath. Uninstall, scrub and reinstall the seat, then sulk while eating cereal for dinner.

Mom Jinx Lesson: Never leave home without the basics: Diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for every child under 12.

Scenario #2: “I need “me” time. I’m going to buy tickets/get a manicure/do something fun!”

The timeline will be perfect, every detail thought out and you will be jumping with excitement over a few hours – or a whole night – of child-free entertainment. The morning before the big day, your daughter will spike a fever. You will frantically try to get her over the illness quickly. As long as the fever is gone in 24 hours, you won’t be considered a terrible mother for leaving just so you can have a cocktail for the first time in six years, right? The evening before the big day, your son will begin acting unusually cranky. Hope fades… By the morning of the big day, both kids will be clinging to you, feverish and miserable. Additionally, your husband will be vomiting uncontrollably, confined to the bathroom for an indeterminate amount of time. Plans. Over.

Mom Jinx Lesson: Plan nothing. Make a run for the door with no more than two hours notice. Don’t forget to let your hubby in on the new policy.

Scenrio #3: “Let them stay up late, it’ll be fun!”

It is so tempting to spend a few extra hours with your kids when you have been away from them all day. Especially when they are being sweet and snuggly. Bedtime is 8:00 but at 8:30 you are having so much fun that you decide to try being a cool, schedule-free parent for once. By 9:00 your four year old is sword fighting with a clothes hanger. Your two year old is jumping on the couch naked. You frantically try to call bedtime, but no one is listening. They’ve crossed into crazy-tired land. They are laughing and crying simultaneously, maniacal and mean.

You start hauling children to bed as they scream and flail, needing everything from a drink to a potty break. They finally fall asleep, only to wake up three times throughout the night. Somehow, they still rise at 5:30 in the morning, ready for the day.

Mom Jinx Lesson: Bedtime is bedtime. No exceptions.

Scenario #4: “Hey Honey… how about we… you know.”

It has been weeks. You are both so stressed and out of energy that sex has fallen to the wayside. But today… you feel those familiar butterflies in your stomach and you whisper, “Honey, how about tonight…” Dinner and bedtime go off without a hitch. You can hardly believe your good luck! You jump in the shower and shave your legs for the first time in a month. Hubby showers in record time and slaps on a little cologne. You hop into bed, giggling like newlyweds. As his lips touch yours, the baby starts crying. You run in, replace his pacifier and dart back to bed. You decide to skip kissing. Three minutes later, the five year old calls out. He had a bad dream. Your husband hurries to chase away imaginary monsters while you fight to stay awake. He returns and you decide it best to skip foreplay. In the middle of the main event, your three year old shoves the door open and loudly proclaims that he is sleeping with you tonight. As you attempt to cover up and awkwardly explain that Mommy and Daddy were just wrestling, he climbs into bed and falls fast asleep – sideways.

Mom Jinx Lesson: If you feel frisky – go for it! If you schedule or discuss sex, your children’s magical instinct to prevent a sibling will kick in and they will stop at nothing to ruin your rendezvous.

Consider yourself warned. Don’t fall victim to The Mom Jinx! OR have you? Share your stories below!

The Reality of Hard Days

By

Heather Todero

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August 4, 2016

My work schedule is strange; Rarely do I work Monday-Friday, more often I work a weekend and then have Monday and Tuesday off. Those are my stay at home mom days and I try to fill them with lots of fun things for my 20 month old and myself. This week I had my SAHM days and was feeling a little tired so I decided Monday would be a low-key day mostly at home and Tuesday we’d go find something fun.

Monday we slept in (thank you Atlas!) and then ate three separate breakfasts because one isn’t enough with you are a toddler who thinks he is starving. We were watching an episode of Sesame Street and they were painting. Atlas loves to paint so we went to town with our own masterpiece, followed by a sink bath to remove the layers and layers of paint. We had a coffee date with a new friend and then went to the park. Everything was picture perfect and I took tons of pictures to prove it.

Tuesday. Tuesday was harder. Atlas woke up a little crabby, maybe I did too, but we toughed it out and went to the YMCA for open swim. Swimming took a lot of energy and he fell asleep within 30 seconds of our tires moving. I thought we were back on track after I successfully moved the location of his nap to his crib.

What I didn’t know is that he would wake up rejuvenated and spirited in his beliefs of how our day would continue. We went to story time at the library but he refused to sit and wanted to pull all of the books off of the shelves. We switched to playing where he did well until he decided he needed his snack right. this. minute. We did some shopping which was great, until he decided to run like a maniac through a bookstore and scream at the top of his lungs every time I tried to pick him up to leave.

At this point I probably should have just gone home, but I decided to go to Target. Target was great until it wasn’t fun to ride in the cart anymore and I had to carry him instead. I bribed him with a Ninja Turtles hat to sit nicely at the register. And then we went home to cook dinner, pizza, his favorite that just wouldn’t cook fast enough for his liking.

And so it continued. Good, glorious moments of motherhood alternating with hard, seemingly endless periods of time when I wanted to just sit on the floor and scream with him and fantasize about Wednesday when I would have a “break” by going to work.

Toddlers, man, who knew this would be harder?! I thought the baby stage was hard, but this is harder, and I have a relatively easy kid! It is easy to get caught up in the idea that our days should be perfect, that our kids should be perfect, and we as moms should be perfect too.

But I’m not perfect, I’m far from it. Many days things go well and I feel like I’m in my grove and others feel like they will never end and that I’m doing a terrible job. We don’t post the hard days, because when you are in the middle of a hard day you can barely keep your head above water let alone stop to take photographic evidence of it. So sure, you might scroll through my Facebook, or your friend’s feed, and become discouraged by the fact that your reality looks nothing like their curated photos of the good days. If you do that though you are feeding into a limiting belief that your life is never that good and that’s not reality.

Reality is that some days are hard. Some weeks, months, seasons–are hard. That’s life. That’s living with a tiny human who is just figuring out how to walk, eat, and communicate their own feelings productively.

Reality is also that some days are beautiful. Or sometimes just moments of the day. Rather than focus on the negative, or the comparison, I have to remind myself to look for the next great moment. Forgive myself for the times I don’t feel I’m doing a good enough job. And to extend grace to all the moms out there who are in the same boat, riding along on the unpredictable waves of motherhood.

So the next time you are having a hard day and you take a quick look through Facebook or Instagram and feel worse about it. Ask yourself if you are feeding into a limiting belief for your life, or if you are focused on the moment you are in and how you can make it a better reality?

A Detroit Mom’s Guide to the Month of August

By

Amber Cross

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August 3, 2016

Overview

August has arrived, it is the final month of summer and you are no doubt trying to figure out a few more fun things to do (and ways to keep your sanity) in these last couple of weeks. We’ve compiled some awesome events for the whole family happening In + Around Detroit. Click through each week to see what is happening near you! If you have an event to add to the list submit it in the form below to have it added to our guide.

August 1-7

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Donate Life Night at The Detroit Tigers Game

The Tigers take on the Chicago White Sox and raise awareness for organ, tissue and eye donation awareness.

Address: Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI

Time: 7:08 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $32 for an upper level ticket (parking not included). $5 from each ticket will benefit Donate Life Coalition of Michigan.

Website

Thursday, August 4, 2016

2016 Motor City Pizza Festival – 4th Annual celebration

Current participating pizza establishments include Dolly’s Pizza, Detroit Style Pizza, Detroit Pizza Factory, Tania’s Pizza, Shield’s Pizza and Primo’s Pizza….a total of 10 pizza places will be featured.

2016 Best Pizza in the Motor City awards to be bestowed by a judging panel made up of local media celebrities, chefs and food bloggers.

Address: Royal Oak Farmers Market 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Time: 6- 10 p.m.

Cost: Advance discount tickets are $10.00 for adults and include two generous slices of pizza from your choice of participating pizza places. Children 12 and under are FREE. Advance discount tickets can be purchased at www.myfavoriteshowsandevents.com. Adult tickets at the door are $12.00 per person.

Website

Super Park Party at RWB Parks and Recreation

Concert, movie, fire trucks, bounce house and more! Enjoy a live concert and the movie “The Good Dinosaur” on our GIANT outdoor movie screen! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets & bug spray. Kids will enjoy our great playground and other free activities!

Address: 361 Morton St. Romeo, MI

Time: Activities start at 6:30, Movie starts at dusk

Cost: FREE EVENT

Website

The Sandlot at The Henry Ford

Relive the glory days of youth, adventure, and baseball with this timeless coming-of-age tale. Follow Scotty Smalls and the gang as they get themselves into many adventures involving rival teams, lifeguards, and a vicious dog.

Address: The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn

Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., movie begins at 7 p.m.

Cost: $8.50 adults, $6.25 kids

Website

Friday, August 5, 2016

Family Fun Night – Lake Orion Friendship Park

Park It evenings consist of an Outdoor Concert, kid’s activities, including free airbrush tattoos, sponsor giveaways, followed by a family-rated movie (Star Wars) under the Stars on our giant LED Video Screen!

Address: 3380 W. Clarkston Rd, Lake Orion

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Cost: Free event, Chicken Shack available for purchase

Website

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Harrison Township Parade of Lights

Parade of Lights – Party at 7:30 p.m. Parade 8:45 p.m.- Award ceremony immediately following

Address: Markley Marine, 31300 N River Rd., Harrison Township

Time: 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Cost: FREE event

Website

Food Truck Rally

Food trucks from around the area will be on site for everyone to enjoy while shopping at the Oakland County Farmers Market.

Address: Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Website

Sunday, August 7, 2016

VegMichigan Outdoor Summer Festival

Come enjoy a fun-filled day with live music, fun games, and your favorite summer foods!

Address: Madonna University in Livonia

Time: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Cost: FREE admission and food available for purchase

Website

Princess and Pirate Ball

Grab your tiaras and treasure chests and join us for great food, dancing, magical kids activities, silent auction and much more!

Address: Royal Park Hotel 600 E. University Dr., Rochester

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Cost: $30 adults, $10 kids, Under 5 FREE

Website

Kensington Splash ‘n’ Bash

We are hoping for a hot summer, so let’s get together for some fun at the Kensington Metro Park Splash & Blast Waterpark.

Address: Kensington Metro Park Splash & Blast Waterpark Milford, MI

Time: 1:00 p.m.

Cost: $10 entry fee to Kensington, 42” and taller $6, under 42” $5 and under 30” FREE

August 8-14

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

The SLIDE!

We’re turning Morton Mountain into a major WATER SLIDE! Come, bring your inflatables or use ours and hit the slope. It’s guaranteed to be a FUN, WET time! Bring your towel too! FREE FAMILY EVENT. Music, races and more!

WHERE: RWB Parks and Recreation 361 Morton St., Romeo

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

The Truth Booth

Created as a Cause Collective project by artists Ryan Alexiev, Jim Ricks, Will Sylvester and Hank Willis Thomas, “The Truth Booth” is a portable, inflatable video recording studio in the shape of a giant speech bubble. The booth’s interior is equipped to record and compile video responses by people as they complete the sentence: “The Truth Is…” The recorded results of this project will be used to create an ambitious 60-foot-wide video installation that will open at Cranbrook Art Museum in November of 2016.

WHERE: GM Riverfront Plaza, 300 Atwater St., Detroit

WHEN: See linked article for dates and times In + Around Detroit.

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Archeology Day for Kids!

Do you like to play in the dirt? Find things that are lost? Learn about the past? Become a Dirt Detective and discover the hidden treasures of people’s past. Learn the science behind archaeology.

Activities include:

Guided Battlefield Tour

Mock excavation including artifact identification

Hands-on artifact display

Reserve Your Spot by stopping in or calling the Visitor Center.

WHERE: River Raisin National Battlefield Park, 1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe

TIME: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

Fort Clarkston Carnival

Come one come all to the Fort Clarkston Carnival!

Join us for carnival games, crafts, balloons, face painting, and much more.

Meet and greet with Elsa and Spiderman!

WHERE: Fort Clarkston 7127 Dixie Highway, Clarkston

WHEN: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.

COST: $12 per child, adults are free $1.00 hot dogs

WEBSITE

Jurrasic Park Night

Come join the party 65 million years in the making! Take a ride in a Jurassic Park jeep, let the kids play in the jungle bounce house, and enjoy Jurassic Park on the projection screen!

WHERE: Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburgers, 15155 S Huron River Dr., Romulus

WHEN: 5 p.m.

COST: Free admission and rides

WEBSITE

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Mom to Mom Trunk Sale

Hey fans are you ready to SHOP or SELL or BOTH?! We are hosting another huge parking lot Mom to Mom trunk sale along with a great special for our indoor playground. For those who would like to participate in the sale the rental is $10/space and you must register by calling 248.852.6288. VENDORS ARE WELCOME TOO, $15/space

WHERE: Boogie Babies, 1928 Star Batt Dr., Rochester Hills

WHEN: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

COST: Free entry, $4 “playday” for indoor playground

WEBSITE

August 15-21

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Marshmallow Fly and Fry

This event, sponsored by Bush’s Fresh Food Market, is chalk full of family fun. As the fire department makes it rain marshmallows from atop one of their truck ladders, kids sprint to collect as many marshmallows as they can to turn them in for goodies.

WHERE: Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills

WHEN: 5-8 p.m.

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

Friday, August 19, 2016

Teddy Bear Picnic

Register in advance for this fun day at the farm with your Teddy Bear! Winnie the Pooh and his friends will join you as you enjoy a story, craft, and grill hot dog lunch. Go on an animal your that will introduce children to Eeyore and Piglet’s friends – Christopher Robin is sure to make an appearance as well! Parents/guardians accompany children. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Hess-Hathaway Park, 825 S Williams Lake Road, Waterford

WHEN: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.

COST: $10 per resident, $12 per non-resident

August 22-31

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Alex’s Arcade 2nd Annual Family Night

You are not required to buy tickets for this event…all you have to do is show up whenever you want…and buy whatever you want…from food to soft drinks to Power up cards!

We will have a “Donation Station” open for those that would like to donate new and used games/systems or monetary gifts.

Members of Alex’s Arcade, a non-profit organization helping kids cope with cancer will be on hand to talk about our organization and answer questions you may have.

WHERE:Dave & Buster’s Utica, 45511 Park Ave., Utica

WHEN: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

COST: You pay for your meal and games and a portion will profit Alex’s Arcade

WEBSITE

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Bubble Gum Bash

Girls ages 5 -12 can come get a manicure and have fun with other girls while getting pampered. All girls will get a mini bubble gum machine to take home. One lucky girl will get to take home a prize after a guessing game of Bubble Gum in a Dish!

WHERE: Friendship Factory, 210 W University Dr., Rochester

WHEN: 6-9 p.m.

ADDITIONAL INFO: Reservations Required

WEBSITE

Ferndale Street Festival

The 13th annual festival has won the title of “Ferndale’s Best Community Event and promises the county’s most talented bands, a car show, various food outlets, a wine and beer tent, arts and crafts vendors and more!

WHERE: Downtown Ferndale, 149 W 9 Mile Rd.

WHEN: 6:00 p.m. on Friday, 10:00 a.m. on Saturday

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

Friday, August 27, 2016

Friday Night Live in Downtown Milford

Enjoy a concert and browse works from local artists. Nick Palise and the Sovereign Blues Band.

WHERE: Central Park, 209 Main Street, Milford

WHEN: 7-9 p.m.

COST: FREE

WEBSITE

No One Said It Would Be Easy

By

Robin Kinnie aka Motor City Woman

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August 2, 2016

Here at DMB, we support each mother’s infant feeding choice, be it formula, breast, bottle or any combination thereof. The following is a personal account from contributor, Robin, about her breastfeeding journey.

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Most of us are aware of the benefits of breastfeeding including super nutrients for baby, cost savings due to not having to buy formula and a feeling of connection between baby and mom. Let’s not overlook the fact that some nursing moms can burn up to 500 calories per day. With all of this awesome information, it’s a no-brainer to choose the breast over the milk. Right? Um, well…here’s my story.

I envisioned a breastfeeding experience filled with quiet moments snuggling close with my baby. Our eyes lovingly gazing at one another with soft music in the background. My reality was something a bit different. Unfortunately, I couldn’t rely on a close family member to guide me as I struggled to nurse initially. Therefore, I relied on sheer determination to give my baby the best I had to offer: custom-made breast milk just for her.

Going back to work full-time made it hard to keep up the same schedule as when I was home on maternity leave. This forced me to transition to a pump. There I was pumping, crouched in the ladies room, looking at a picture of my baby (someone told me that looking at a picture of your baby helps the milk flow). This worked for a while until I became busier at work and slowly began cutting my nursing time. When I complained to my mom, she said “no one said it would be easy”. Eventually, my daughter was consuming formula exclusively. First attempt at nursing past 6 months: FAIL

With my second daughter, I was ready for the challenge once again. And, I took advantage of the resources provided at the hospital. I received “coaching” sessions from a lactation specialist who was so nurturing and understanding. I was a nursing machine and enjoyed the time spent. However, this time, I also had a one-year-old at home who needed me. Those quiet Kodak moments of me and baby? Not possible like with my first daughter.

Then, everything changed. I was informed by the pediatrician that there were some health concerns. My baby was losing weight instead of gaining and needed to be admitted into the NICU. During our stay in the hospital, I was on an around-the-clock breastfeeding schedule. I pumped, and pumped and pumped. I was forced to stick with it for the well-being of my 3-week old baby.

Thankfully, everything turned out fine and we left home from the hospital. Some of the same challenges returned once I went back to working outside of the home. I was definitely able to provide breastmilk for a longer time period even if is was via a bottle and supplementing with formula. Second attempt at nursing past 6 months: PASS (barely)

Now, our family is preparing for our third child. I am in the long haul to get this breastfeeding thing right. This time, I’m armed with resources, partners and information to get me over the 6 month hump. Some of my favorite resources:

Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association

Michigan Breastfeeding Network

La Leche of Michigan

My message to other moms who struggle to nurse? Keep in mind why you’re doing it. You have been divinely gifted to provide nourishment to this new being. Now, that’s powerful.

Did you struggle trying to nurse? Share your story below.

10 Ice Cream Experiences To Have In + Around Detroit

By

Nicole Torres

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August 2, 2016

I don’t know if such a thing as an “ice cream rut” is even possible, but if you’ve found that you’ve already exhausted all 31 possibilities at Baskin Robbins, maybe it’s time to vary up your hot weather indulgences! With just about a month left before fall rolls in and the whole world turns to pumpkin, here are 10 different ice cream experiences to check off your summer bucket list!

1. The Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Experience

Also known as “The Most Delicious Science Experiment Ever” Ice Cream Experience, Nice Modern Creamery is definitely the most unique way to indulge in this dairy obsession. Using large stand mixers, they combine liquid nitrogen, cream, and fresh, local ingredients to custom-make your order. Beyond being fantastically rich, it’s also an amazing thing to see! The first time we came, my five-year-old was begging to come back just after watching his dessert get made. Even better? They truly aspire to live up to their name by donating to the Hope Water Project for every cup they sell. (Note: They are owned by the franchisers of the Biggby Coffee they are located inside, so when if your GPS says it’s taking you to Biggby, don’t worry; it hasn’t caught your caffeine addiction.)

2. The Micro-Creamery Ice Cream Experience

If you want to try out more new trends in ice cream, check out a micro-creamery for original culinary concoctions not formerly known to the dairy world. If you have never heard of a micro-creamery, (I just had to Google it…) it’s basically the “craft beer” equivalent of ice cream — made in small batches (which means fresher, bigger flavors absent of frostburn and ice crystals) and taking on creative combinations.

Where To Get It

Treat Dreams in Ferndale
Browndog Creamery in Farmington

3. The Downtown Ice Cream Experience

Obviously, we have a special place in our heart for all things Detroit, but when you add ice cream to the mix? WIN-WIN. If you’re spending your day downtown taking in the sites, check out one of these places to take in the treats.

Where To Get It

Mootown Creamery in Eastern Market
Detroit Pop Shop cart, which regularly appears at Eastern Market but also “pops up” in other locations (follow them on Facebook to see where).
Detroit Water Ice in Campus Martius.

4. The Throwback Ice Cream Parlor Experience

Traditionalists take heart, there are still plenty of neighborhood favorite standbys to get you through the hot summer months!

Where To Get It

Ray’s in Royal Oak
Sweets in Downtown Auburn Hills
Leason’s Dairy Bar and Grille in Warren
Family Treat in Detroit
Uncle Ray’s Dairyland in Fenton

5. The International Ice Cream Experience

Arguably, there’s nothing more American than apple pie — except maybe that big scoop of ice cream on top. But we’re not the only ones who love this summertime favorite.

Where To Get It

Shatila Middle Eastern Bakery in Dearborn
Dolce Gelato Cafe in Clinton Township
Krema in Greektown
Mangonadas Del Barrio in Mexicantown
Neveria La Michoacana in Mexcicantown
Oyaki Sushi in Dearborn Heights

6. The DIY Ice Cream -- err, Frozen Yogurt -- Experience

Okay, so maybe this could also be called the Franchise Opportunity Experience, but this is so different than anything I had growing up. I remember someone actually having to explain what frozen yogurt is to me — heck, I’m a year older than TCBY! And maybe it’s the Type A part of me coming out, but I love having total creative control of my soft-serve.

Where To Get It

Zoyo in Troy
Menchie’s has multiple metro Detroit locations, click to find the closest one to you
Yogurtopia in Dearborn
Orange Leaf has multiple metro Detroit locations, click to find the closest one to you
Sweet Earth in Birmingham and Royal Oak

7. The Outdoor Ice Cream Stand Experience

This is what summer should taste like: warm nights lined up outside the glow of your favorite ice cream stand, waiting to get that ice cream twist cone so you can try to eat it before it melts down your arm. Grab plenty of napkins and find a spot on the curb!

Where To Get It

Dairy Deluxe in Birmingham
Clark’s Ice Cream & Yogurt in Berkely
Jim’s Frostie Treats in Royal Oak

8. The Frozen Custard Ice Cream Experience

This is essentially soft-serves first cousin: your same basic ingredients as ice cream, but with egg yolk added in. This natural emulsifier results in a product that is thicker and smoother than your traditional cone.

Where To Get It

Custard and Co. in Royal Oak
Ritter’s Frozen Custard in Brighton, Livonia, or Portage
The Custard Hut in Dearborn Heights
Wally’s Frozen Custard in St. Clair Shores
Bob Jo’s in Wyandotte (downriver)

9. The Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Experience

What’s a better dessert, ice cream or cookies? Both! Whether you prefer your cookies cooked or in raw dough form, you’ll definitely level-up the experience by adding a scoop of small-batch ice cream between them!

Where To Get It

What Up Dough in Detroit
Cool Jack’s in Sylvan Lake and Southfield

10. The Fresh off the Farm Ice Cream Experience

It’s hard to get any fresher than this!

Where To Get It

Calder Dairy & Farm in Carleton (the farm) or Lincoln Park (the dairy)
Guernsey Farms Dairy in Northville
Cook’s Farm Dairy in Ortonville (about ten minutes north of Clarkston)
Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills (not exactly a farm, but I’m sure you’ll forgive the technicality when I say Donut Sundae!)

An Obsession with Birthday Cake

By

Amy W.

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August 1, 2016

I am obsessed with my kids’ birthday cakes. I’m obsessed with finding – and making – the perfect cake decorations to suit their age.

For example, when my oldest turned one, we had an Elmo party. I spent at least ten hours mixing the perfect shade of “no-taste red” icing to decorate 100 Elmo cupcakes, complete with candy eyes and orange slice noses. The cupcakes themselves came from a box mix.

A few years later, I spent almost an entire day melting colored chocolate to hand decorate a barnyard themed cake. I had pigs, cows, horses and ducks, all made out of melted chocolate to celebrate the little guy turning 2. Once again, the cake itself came from a box.

Earlier this month, the boys turned three and five. My old friend Betty Crocker helped me bake up the cakes (in the shapes of three and five!) in just a few hours. Then came the decorating. Superheroes for the little guy and Power Rangers for the big one. I was so excited to decorate these cakes for them – and see their reactions.

I spent more than five hours decorating the Superhero cake. I was up until midnight making it perfect. I am still proud of it. It wouldn’t even be passable as a professional cake, but it is a labor of love, and in my head, shows my love for my little guy. A few days later, I spent just more than three hours on the Power Rangers cake. I wasn’t as happy with it, but I knew it was what he wanted. Plus there are a billion different versions of Power Rangers, so there is much room for artistic interpretation. (At least that’s what I told myself when the yellow ranger looked like a football helmet.)

After all of the birthday madness died down, my husband asked me why I spend so much time decorating cakes when they just get eaten and nobody thinks twice about them. He indicated that the boys would be just as happy with a regular eight inch round cake with their name on top.

And it hit me: I love decorating their birthday cakes for them. It makes me happy. But why? And then it hit me again: because that’s what my mom did for me. I hadn’t even realized it, but I was carrying on a tradition from my childhood.

Each year, my mom beautifully decorating an amazing cake on my birthday. I can’t tell you a single birthday present my parents gave me during my elementary school years, but I can remember every. single. cake. All hand made by my mother, who only ever baked on birthdays and Christmas. It was part of the birthday excitement – to see my cake when I woke up birthday morning. And I had become an unrealizing participant in carrying on that tradition.

In a world where everything is increasingly competitive to be bigger, better and fancier, I hope that my simple make at home cakes with their semi-fab decorations will someday remind my boys that little things can show more love. That’s what my mom showed me.

What sort of traditions do you carry on from your childhood?