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2017

Kansas City’s Spring Festival Guide

It’s the beginning of Festival Season! Discover the best Spring Festivals in the Kansas City area. From trendy boutique shopping to old fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals… there…

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Best Picnic Spots in KC

It’s the best time of year in Kansas City! The dreary winter is over, so let’s put down our phones and iPads, pack up a picnic lunch and head out to enjoy the fresh air with our families. Here are some great picnic locations, as well as fun…

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Dinner’s Done. Now What?

After all the hours of prep work that goes into Thanksgiving dinner, the meal seems as though it’s gobbled up in no time flat. Now what? Here’s a bounty of activity ideas, big and small, for the entire family to enjoy after the big feast.

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KC International Passport

Locals and visitors alike know Kansas City has become a top-rate metropolis with all the quality attractions it has to offer-places like Union Station, Crown Center, the 18th & Vine District, the Crossroads and the Power & Light District. B…

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Time Flies! Easy Time-Savers for Parents

From making healthy meals for the family each day and running kids to practices, to paying bills and fitting in a little time for yourself, time is of the essence. Unfortunately, there just never seems to be enough of it to go around. The …

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Better Mornings

You know how it goes. “Get your shoes on! We are late! Did you brush your teeth?! I don’t know where your library books are. That’s not my responsibility. Can you please eat more breakfast? You cannot wear that. Because it’s 45 degrees outs…

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Spoon Up Tradition

When cooler temperatures call for something to warm you up, good, old-fashioned soups and stews may be just what you need.

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Pregnancy Power Foods

You need to feed your pregnant body with proper nutrition to insure that you stay healthy and that your unborn child develops as he should.

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Deviled Eggs, Three Ways

Deviled eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats for developing brains and bodies. Mixing them up with multiple flavors also keeps boredom at bay.

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Quick Click Fixes

Here are a few favorites among local moms who say their lives are far easier to manage with the help of a little modern technology.

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Best of November in Kansas City

The Great Pumpkin Smash at the Kansas City Zoo, Winterfest at Worlds of Fun, A Christmas Carol at the KC Rep, PJ Masks, Peppa Pig and more live shows, holiday traditions, and events featuring fine arts, attractions, and family. This Novembe…

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Best of September

Celebrate autumn with apples, pumpkins, the American Royal and Fall Festivals for the entire Family. Discover our Top Picks for Family Fun in September as Kansas City welcomes apples, train rides, Disney on Ice and more!

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Best of August in Kansas City

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to Summer, make plans for Back To School, and enjoy many wonderful family outings in KC! Don’t miss these our Top Picks for August in Kansas City!

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Best of May in Kansas City

May in Kansas City! Strawberries are begging to be picked. Roller coasters are ready to ride! Shows are setting the stage for a summer of fun! And Festival season is in full swing. Our Top Picks for May are here!

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KC’s Foodie Culture

As the city has grown and been recognized nationally as a hot spot for culture, art and attractions, an explosion of culinary creativity and exploration was sure to follow. Kansas City truly has become an oasis in the Heartland for both pro…

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Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch and Why we LOVE It!

Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch is special because this pumpkin patch is friendly, clean, and overflowing with farm fun you won’t find at your nearby park. As a working farm, this is a great agricultural field trip with animals and a real farm …

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Family Fun in the Crown Center District

Whether you’re local to Kansas City looking for a great weekend staycation, or visiting from out of town, we teamed up with Expedia.com to bring you the best activities for family fun in the Crown Center District! Note that with the KC Stre…

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Review: Into the Woods at MTH

Into the Woods at MTH Theater at Crown Center€‹ is a charming presentation of Sondheim’s classic. Perfect for a date night, parents’ night out, or evening with tweens and teens, this is a wonderfully retold fairytale fantasy set to a terrifi…

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Tick Tock Escape Games

With many special theatrical effects, the room provides escapees with an Indiana Jonesesque experience. With treasures to find as codes are unveiled, this was one of the most entertaining and fun rooms we’ve ever experienced.

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Two Great Spring Break Trips from KC

Spring break is a great chance for a family getaway. Sometimes it’s nice just to slip away for a few days and take in some sights. These are two of our favorites for a simple and fun weekend getaway-and both sneak in a little education too!

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Creative Ideas for Snow Days in Kansas City

Snow is almost a guarantee in January in Kansas City, but the amount of snow, when it will come, how long it will last and the quality of “fun snow” varies. You can make the most of the winter and turn a snowy day into a family memory with …

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All things Oz in Kansas City

The Wizard of Oz is Kansas’ iconic story, oft-associated with the Sunflower State, this family classic is celebrated at local attractions! You can celebrate this masterpiece with some local fun!

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10 Benefits of Summer Camp

As 14 million children across the nation head off to day and overnight camps this summer, they’ll return home with more than just cute camp t-shirts. The summer camp experience can give kids an advantage in school and in life.

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KC’s 4th of July Guide

Fireworks, parades, festivals, picnics and music! Kansas City celebrates Independence Day with a bang! Read carefully… our guide includes both events with and without fireworks.

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FIVE Favorite Ice Cream Shops in KC

Whether you favor an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that scoops up classic homemade flavors or a newer, trendy shop dishing out gourmet goodies, Kansas City has your summer frozen treat cravings covered!

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KC Water Fun Guide

From free spraygrounds for young children, to daring water rides for teens and adults, to classes and programs, pools and waterparks and everything in between. Dive into fun this summer!

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Favorite Festivals in Kansas City

Spring and summer mean festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals, there is something for everyone!

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Favorite Kansas City Festivals in May

It’s festival season in Kansas City! From trendy boutique shopping to old-fashioned county fairs, ethnic festivals with delicious delicacies and local barbecue festivals-there is something for everyone! These are our favorite May Festivals …

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Best of April in Kansas City

April means Spring in Kansas City! It’s time to enjoy Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the Kansas City Zoo and other outdoor attractions. Also, treat the kids to wonderful family friendly productions, amazing exhibits, and family fun!

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Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

This easy craft is a great way to celebrate winter without having to break out the coats and gloves. Your kids will love decorating their own snowflakes and making each one unique!

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January Editor’s Letter

Happy New Year! I trust the holidays were nice and, if you’re like me, you’re looking forward to some quieter days ahead. We all could benefit from some downtime in the Sarver home!

As people do each January, we all think about resolutions, fr…

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News You Can Use

What does the latest research say about economic factors on parenting strategy, the effect of screen time on sleep patterns and infectious diseases in organized sports?

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Five Reasons to Teach Kids to Code

Technology literacy is a necessary skill for our 21st century learners. They must be able to work independently and with others to utilize technology to their advantage, to follow their passions and meet their future needs. Coding is one es…

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Getting Happy by Giving Back

Volunteering not only helps you feel good, but people who volunteer have lower rates of heart disease and live longer than those who don’t volunteer, according to a recent report in the Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource newsletter.

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Happy Family, Happy Life

Happiness can vary depending on our personal circumstances. But why are some families more resilient and happier despite the obstacles life throws their way?

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Embracing Minimalism as a Parent

With the holiday decor put away, the house tends to feel bare at first but then clean and spacious after some time passes. But because we’ve just celebrated the holidays, we parents have MORE stuff to put away and find homes for.

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Beating the winter blues

When it’s nice outside and the kids start getting a little rambunctious, the easy solution is to send them outside to run and play. Yet on very cold or snowy days, finding ways for them to exert energy and arrange entertainment can be a cha…

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Winter Editor’s Letter

In this issue you’ll find a piece titled “What New Moms Need to Know.” In the article, writer Stephanie Loux says, “Becoming a mother is synonymous to becoming a worrier.” Reading that brought back memories of when I brought my older home from th…

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What New Moms Need to Know

Congratulations! You’re expecting your first baby! After the excitement of this discovery and sharing the good news subsides, you might experience a sense of panic as you realize your whole life is in for some big changes.

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Potty Train Like a Pro

Being a parent comes with a few guarantees: There will be joy, there will be sadness and there will be times of transition. One of the biggest transitions for parents of small children is potty training.

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Choosing Your Child’s Car Seat

Parenting is hard. Parents have so much to think about, and recommendations and guidelines change all the time. Trying to figure out which car seat your child might need seems is one of those topics.

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Twig Letter

It doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive to create a beautiful and whimsical way to personalize your baby’s nursery.

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Hygge: The Art of Cozy

Hygge. If you haven’t stumbled upon this easily mispronounced concept yet, it’s only a matter of time before you do. The Danish way of life, roughly translating to “cozy,” has become an international craze and buzzword, landing a well-earne…

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Harvesters’ Big BackSnack Give Back

A holiday staple in Kansas City is a trip to Union Station. On December 3, families will have the opportunity to make lasting memories, while teaching their children the value of helping others this season.

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December Editor’s Letter

This year I celebrated 10 years working with KC Parent magazine. It’s hard to imagine that when I started I had a preschooler and kindergartener and now I have a daughter in middle school and one in high school! Where does the time go?!? As a par…

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Hot Letters Can Cool a Temper

Some of our historical elite, such as President Lincoln, wrote what he termed a “hot letter.” If he was upset with someone, rather than speak from an angry place, he would pen his feelings but never send the missive.

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Helping Kids with Learning Math

Have you seen any of the headlines regarding U.S. students and their performance in mathematics? The headlines are alarming. They paint a very bleak picture for our students and the future of this nation when it comes to mathematical thinki…

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Favorite KC Bakeries

Want to lighten your load this holiday season? Try one of these fantastic bakeries for delicious breads and desserts for your family table.

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What’s New in Cub Scouting

If you have a boy in elementary school, you may be considering Cub Scouts. Cub Scouting has been evolving to meet the current needs of boys and their families.

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Dance, Tumbling and Music Lessons, Oh My!

We are fortunate to live in an area where opportunities abound for our children: sports, art activities, classes, camps and more. Although having so many choices and opportunities is nice, sometimes it can feel overwhelming. How exactly do …

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November Editor’s Letter

Welcome to November! Wasn’t it just the start of 2017?!? Crazy to think we are entering the holiday season and, before we know it, will be welcoming a new year!

I always enjoy putting together the November issue as I appreciate the emphasis pl…

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Gift Guide

For those early shoppers, here are a few ideas to get you started with your holiday purchases!

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When It Burns

Thinking it will “never happen to my kid” is easy, but every day more than 300 children ages 0-19 are treated in emergency rooms for burn injuries, and two of those children will die as a result.

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Embracing failure

It’s a gift that’s gaining ground as a highly valued learning tool, and one you can’t find in stores: the gift of failure.

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Best Dollar Dives

Nothing boosts our bliss better than a bargain. However, binge watching Extreme Couponing isn’t going to save our families any green. I have something better in mind. All ages, from toddlers to adults, can find a little frugal fun at these …

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Finding a forever family

Pregnant women are constantly asked what they are going to name their child, but it’s totally different when a pregnant woman asks a couple she has just met for the first time what they are going to name the child she is carrying.

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Grandma’s Here!

“Bill, vacuum the living room. Grandma’s coming.” I wasn’t the only one to receive directions, and soon the house was a hotspur of activity as we cleaned, dusted and put things away.

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Tech Gifts—for People Who Truly Need Them

During the holidays, when people who have more look for opportunities to share with people who have less, it’s worth thinking beyond warm mittens and turkey dinners. Consider participating in one of these efforts to make the digital divide…

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8 KC Art Walls

One of the newest trends in urban art is the onset of locally inspired murals on city walls. Your visit to KC wouldn’t be complete without a photo in front of one of our “art walls.”

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Mama Needs a Night Out!

These outings can include other moms or be solo ventures to help clear your head. Recharging your mom batteries is the goal, and metro moms have helped us put together some ideas to get you out of the house!

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Fall Editor’s Letter

My younger was a crier. Although never officially diagnosed with colic, she cried. A lot. As in every waking hour in which she wasn’t eating. There was one other way to get her to stop crying. In our kitchen, the floor creaked in front of our pan…

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October Editor’s Letter

My younger has never been a fan of visiting the doctor. I know most kids don’t look forward to an appointment with the doctor, but she has a real fear of shots and needles. And, as luck would have it, she’s my one with allergies that require year…

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Teaching Character

We all desire our children to be well mannered citizens with highly esteemed character traits, but where do children learn such things? How do we parents teach children how to behave nicely, use their manners and think of others before the…

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Seven Tips for Overcoming Fear of the Dark

Fear of the dark is a normal part of development and one of the most common childhood problems plaguing families of school-age children. Kids who are afraid of the dark take nearly an hour longer than others to fall asleep. Without a good n…

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Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

After the candy and the dressing up, one of the best parts of Halloween is turning a pumpkin into something cool, crazy or scary. The traditional way is to carve out a face or other neat design, but you can’t hand a kid a sharp knife. So ho…

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Stress in Kids

Stress is a common discussion point among adults and something we experience on a regular basis-no surprise with everything we do and all the responsibilities we hold daily.

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Yarn Pumpkins

These yarn pumpkins are just like making pom-poms, but without the cutting! This craft is perfect for kids to make because very little trimming or cutting is needed. Create this fall garland and get it out year after year to add some autumn…

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Parent-Teacher Conference Tips

Parent-teacher conferences are quickly approaching, and you may be experiencing both excitement and-let’s be honest-a little bit of fear. Conferences often invoke fear and anxiety in kids. They think their parents and their teachers togethe…

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Too Much Tech? Tweens and Screen Addiction

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids ages 8-18 spend around 7.5 hours per day using entertainment media. Increased access to technology makes it easy for kids to slide into damaging digital behaviors. Using the Internet just one …

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Fireside Stories

I sat near the fire the boys built. The chill of this moonless Halloween night kept us bundled, and we’d even put blankets on our lawn chairs to keep the cold from seeping through. When the fire snapped and crackled, I knew it was time.

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Better Bedtimes

In most of our cases, we’re lucky to get a quick power nap in. So with a little help from the foundation and a little test drive on my family, I found that these tricks work pretty well.

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Tips for Tear-Free Checkups

The average child will have nine well visits in his first two years of life and at least one checkup every year after. For kids who tend to worry and even fear going to the doctor, this can be overwhelming. Thankfully, parents can do a few …

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An Autumn Rainbow of Fun

Autumn leaves crackle. Vibrant colors glow. Laughing children race to select pumpkins, and crisp air calls for snuggling with a favorite blanket. Celebrate the season with your little one with favorite fall traditions inspired by autumn col…

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Toddlers: Learning through Play

I am three toddlers into this motherhood journey and can attest that children come into this world needing to learn pretty much everything. They must learn how to eat, sit, stand, walk, talk, wave, stack, color, jump, open a book and so on….

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Supporting a Mom During High-Risk Pregnancy

My first three pregnancies were easy. I felt great, barely had morning sickness, remained active and was able to maintain all my pre-pregnancy activities. Then I experienced a triplet pregnancy. Everything I knew about pregnancy went out th…

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Guide to Fighting Through Morning Sickness

Sometimes getting to the baby finish line is tougher than it needs to be because of a pesky little side effect called morning sickness that, according to the American Pregnancy Association, affects nearly 50 percent of pregnant women.

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Life after the NICU

You’d think that once a family got home with their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) baby, they would be home free, right? After all, their baby isn’t hooked up to multiple monitors, doesn’t have IVs sticking out of every part of his body…

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Sensory Bottles

For an easy and free toy that will keep your baby occupied, try making a sensory bottle! These little bottles are perfect for small hands to hold and explore different shapes, colors and textures. Older children will love helping find diffe…

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Calming a Fussy Baby

There’s no way around it: Babies cry. And while a cry signals parents to come to aid, nothing can be more frustrating than trying to soothe an irritable infant when you don’t know why he’s crying in the first place.

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Kansas City’s Most Beautiful Natural Wonders

With four distinct seasons, KC’s environs get an ongoing facelift with the change in temperature. Rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and vast prairieland all eagerly await explorers, just a stone’s throw from the iconic downtown scene.

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Shop Local KC

I love to shop local, and Kansas City boasts many great one-of-a-kind stores I’ve come to love. In no particular order, here is a list of unique, local Kansas City places to shop.

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What Makes KC Cool?

When people ask what they should see or do when they visit Kansas City, what comes to mind? In our fun and family-friendly city, folks can find endless opportunities for good food and entertainment at reasonable prices. Here are a few of ou…

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Go Create

Paint, sculpt, sew, bake, cook, make, and create your own masterpieces at local shops inspiring creativity.

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Go Outside

Enjoy the great outdoors at Kansas City’s outdoor attractions where you can enjoy animals, beautiful gardens, and family fun.

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Editor’s Letter

Fall and winter: my favorite times of year! Would I rather spend a day at the pumpkin patch making memories with my children or enjoy a brisk winter evening with the famous Christmas lights of the Country Club Plaza? Fortunately, as a lifelong Ka…

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Review: Disney on Ice “Dream Big”

Disney has done it again. From pixie dust to pyrotechnics the newest Disney on Ice show, Dream Big, delivers a magical experience sure to please everyone in your crew from boys and girls, young and old alike.

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September Editor’s Letter

I’m busy. You’re busy. We’re all busy these days. And frankly, I don’t like it. What are some of your time-saving tips? I am constantly on the lookout for ways to save time and make my days less busy. I’ll share a few of the ways I try to save so…

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Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder

This Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder is one of our family’s absolute favorite “early fall” soups. It’s quick to pull together and uses up lots of tasty goodies from the transitioning farmers markets.

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Straw Paintings

If you are looking for a quick and easy kids art project, ditch the paintbrushes and try making a painting using straws!

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Ain’t Life Grand?

Year over year, decade over decade, these men and women help solidify our family bonds, remind us to stay grounded and stuff our kids with candy they shouldn’t be eating. And life wouldn’t be the same without them! So what makes a grandpare…

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Staying Connected with Relatives

Fostering strong relationships between my children and our extended family is a priority, but with distance between us, we have had to get creative with how to manage that wish.

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At-Home Preschool

Let me encourage you with this simple truth: As a mom or dad, you already have been unofficially teaching preschool within the home.

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Seven Tips for Saving Money on Birthday Gifts

For many families, one part of birthdays is buying presents. Going overboard buying gifts is easy, and many parents are looking for ways to reign in birthday spending. Here are some tips from metro parents on how to slow your family’s spend…

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Yard Work

I gazed out the picture window at my beloved sugar maple in the front yard. Its windfall sticks went into my barbecue for a delicious smoke flavor.

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A Bushel of Fun!

While dozens aren’t the easiest to carry, apples are definitely tons of fun. The harvest is here, and the apples are ready, so keep reading for fun, food and facts with one of America’s favorite fruits.

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What’s New in Kansas City

Our local attractions just keep getting better. This spring and summer, we’re excited to announce the latest and greatest at Kansas City’s favorite sites.

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KC Parent Family Faves 2017

After tabulating hundreds of votes, we are pleased to announce the businesses which have been chosen as a KC Parent Family Favorite 2017! There are multiple winners in each category.

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Back to School with a Bang

Celebrate heading back to school with a custom parent-child outing personalizing the day specifically around your child’s favorite things and interests.

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Bugs and Butterflies in KC

From vibrant butterflies, to creepy crawly insects, to our favorite animated hive-keepers and giant bugs-Kansas City offers many great family outings for exploring and enjoying bugs and butterflies!

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August Editor’s Letter

August is upon us, and that means it’s back-to-school time. That I love summer and am no fan of the old BTS season is no secret. When I received an article called “Why I’m Singing the Back-to-School Blues,” I knew I could relate. Before reading t…

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Beat the Back-to-School Worries

While heading back to school can seem super exciting to us parents (hello, sanity!), the start of school often can bring a lot of anxiety, worry and stress for children-no matter their age.

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Back to School: Expectations vs. Reality

Three weeks before the first day of school, you walk into the local super center with your brood in tow. Your children walk hand in hand from the parking lot to the store’s entry, giggling as they aid you in finding your school’s supply lis…

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Fresh Starts: Helping Kids Embrace New Things

Whether you have a toddler who rejects every food except pasta, a grade-schooler who’s scared to join an after-school club, or a teen who’s learning to navigate a new job, helping children learn to embrace fresh experiences can pave the way…

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Playdate Success

A playdate can teach important life skills like sharing, taking turns and navigating arguments. But how do you keep the peace during a playdate?

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Shopping for shoeboxes

Operation Christmas Child, a project of nonprofit Samaritan’s Purse, provides shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for children around the world. National collection week is always the week before Thanksgiving, Nov….

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Volunteering

Volunteering is a wonderful way to teach children the value of helping others and provide a feel-good activity for the family to enjoy together.

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Rise and Shine

As a teen, I loved summer with its luxurious freedom, reading until three in the morning, sleeping until noon every day. Bliss. By the time I rose, my parents were long at work and the day was mine.

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Back to School Health Tips

Change is hard for many children, especially changing from a relaxed, slow-paced summer break back to structured classes with homework. While change is inevitable, parents have some strategies we can use to make the transition a little easi…

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Kansas City’s A- Z Rainy Day Fun Guide

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring… you don’t have to be snoring! Okay Kansas City, we all love our sunshine and nature, but let’s face it Kansas City gets its fair share of rain. Planning for a little indoor fun is necessary for the savvy parent…

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Summer Editor’s Letter

People often ask me what the most difficult part of being a magazine editor is. My answer is always the same: coming up with fresh, relevant articles, month after month and year after year. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and feel like I’ve cov…

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Belly Laughs

What is the craziest thing you or your spouse has ever done while suffering from pregnancy brain?

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A Parent’s Guide to Dealing with a Sick Baby

Babies are confounding little creatures when they’re perfectly healthy, so the arrival of an illness can send a parent’s worry-machine into overdrive. Is that fever too high? Could it just be gas? Is that color of vomit normal? Should the b…

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Common Postpartum Pains

Most pregnant moms expect to be a little sore after delivery, but you might be surprised to know you may experience weeks-or even months-of these discomforts. Hang in there-remember, these possible pains will pass, and you are beginning a l…

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Finding the Right Doc for Your New Baby

During your baby’s first year, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time with your child’s health care provider. Take steps before your baby arrives to choose a doctor you trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

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In Transition: A Guide to Big Baby Changes

To be a parent to a baby or toddler is to be a pro at change. Rolling over, first words and laughing are the easy ones. The rest€¦not so much. Here’s how to handle the bigger transitions headed your way in the coming years.

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Pom-Pom Garland

These pom-pom garlands are so easy to make you easily could whip up one for your child’s first birthday party decor or even a friend’s baby shower!

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July Editor’s Letter

I have a secret talent. I rock at classic arcade games. Growing up we had arcade-style games in our basement, and we spent many hours down there playing them and listening to our 45 records on our Fisher-Price record player (“Queen of Hearts” by …

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Preventing Heat Stroke in Kids

The warm weather brings all the kids outside! Between parks, pool, sporting events and bike rides, kids easily can become sunburned and overheated. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is important, but even more important is doing it…

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Foam Dough

If you are looking for a super quick activity for kids of all ages, try making some foam dough! This soft dough only requires three ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. It has a soft, silky texture that is easy to mold and is addicti…

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Why You Need a Mother’s Helper

A mother’s helper can take kids to the park to swing and play ball, color with your girls, play Legos and-perhaps best of all-change diapers! Read on to find out all you need to know about the wonderful world of mother’s helpers.

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Kids Collections

A great thing about collecting is that it naturally provides some fun teaching opportunities, without your kids’ realizing they’re learning.

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Living History

Worry sent my imagination into overdrive and every horrible scenario flashed through my mind. Fallen into the creek? Plausible. Kidnapped? Unlikely, but still possible. And what would I tell my wife? I started to rise, but the tent flap ope…

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Simple and Succulent Succotash

We are confident this will soon become one of your family’s favorite ways to use fresh corn. Serves six as a side item, and the leftovers taste great for an easy lunch the next day.

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What to Do When Online Conversation Turns Ugly

Without the benefit of body language that can help soften or defuse tense conversations, online discussions are ripe for misunderstandings and heated exchanges. How can we make social media a kinder place for the healthy exchange of views?

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Squash Sibling Squabbles

Can’t they all just get along? One minute, they’re playing nicely. The next, they’re arguing, calling names and bringing on tears. In homes with more than one child, sibling rivalry happens-and at all ages. However, just because it’s common…

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Finding Your Family Identity

Building a mission statement for your home is a way to articulate the values you hold most dear, build goals, cast vision and realign when falling off course. Developing a mission statement is relatively simple but requires intentionality …

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Go See KC

Experience the Best of Kansas City on a discovery of the best places to visit to appreciate your love for local landmarks, history, arts, creativity, shopping, adventure, and fun!

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Editor’s Letter

It’s here! My most favorite month of the year! June, that delightful first full month without school obligations and the month farthest away from the start of the new school year. It brings tons of outdoor fun and lazy, hazy, summer days. Oh, if …

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Plastic Bottle Hanging Planter

Don’t throw away those plastic water and soda bottles. Instead, make a cute hanging planter! All it takes is bright paint, a few succulents or herbs, some yarn and a little help from an adult. In no time, your child will turn his trash into…

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Five Things You Didn’t Know About Allergies

Eyes itch and noses run-allergy season is here. Most people understand the benefits of taking allergy medication or receiving allergy shots, but many prefer to take a more natural approach. Here are five natural things you can incorporate i…

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Hummus ma Lahma

Hummus ma Lahma is a traditional Arabic dish that translates, quite simply, as hummus with meat. It was traditionally prepared using lamb that was preserved in rich spices to extend the shelf life of the animal. In modern times, we’ve made …

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Savor Summer Nights

Some of the most memorable activities can take place after sunset-and with swarthy temps on the rise throughout the summer months, evening activities may be more preferred anyway. In no particular order, here are a dozen activities to delve…

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Five Cool Father’s Day Gifts

It seems like shopping for Father’s Day gets harder every year. Doesn’t it seem like he either has everything already or says there is nothing he wants? I sleuthed out five cool gifts that will make you and the kids stars this year. Check €˜…

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Spoil Dad on His Special Day

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to celebrate our dads and all they do for us day in and day out. Dads are our everyday heroes, so it’s natural to want to spoil them rotten with gifts that keep on giving. If…

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Lemonade Stand Learning

When your kids ask you if they can have a lemonade stand today, do you give a tired sigh in anticipation of all the work required? Me, too. So when my kids suggested doing a lemonade stand in our yard recently, I first blamed public televis…

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Caw

At that age, my dad could do everything, and I loved watching him produce wonder after wonder.

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10 Skills to Know Before Age 10

A 10-year-old should know how to treat other people respectfully, approach adults in public, have proper phone etiquette, know how to shake hands and express gratitude when someone gives him a gift or does something for him.

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Editor’s Letter

Almost. Made. It. The end is near and in sight! It seems that each year, the May calendar gets busier and fuller with so much to get in before the final bell sounds for summer. I speak from experience when I say that the teachers are counting dow…

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Teen Parent, Private Eye

Teens by nature crave independence and privacy. As parents, how far should we go to respect their privacy while still ensuring they’re making sound decisions?

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Mom to the Rescue

“I have to go out for a while and Bob will watch you.” Mom looked us over. “No fighting and go to bed early. I’ll be home soon.” Dad backed the car out of the driveway and they disappeared around the corner.

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Migraines in Kids

Migraines are bad for adults, but when our kids have to deal with them, that’s even worse. Headaches are not just an adult problem.

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More organization, less stress

More than half of Americans dread spring cleaning more than taxes, according to a recent study by SpareFoot.com. Getting organized might be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that bad.

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Thank you Subscribers!

KC Parent thanks our 50,000 eNewsletter subscribers. Our weekly newsletter is the #1 Resource for Family Fun in Kansas City delivered right to your inbox!

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Editor’s Letter

Kansas City comprises many neighborhoods. Each part of town has its own style, its own heritage and its signature ambiance. From eclectic West 39th, trendy Leawood and charming Downtown Lee’s Summit, to historic Downtown Overland Park, the reborn…

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Spring Editor’s Letter

For 10 years I taught elementary school. After my older was born, I taught for one year, but then decided to stay home. I always imagined I’d be a stay-at-home mom, but I didn’t imagine how difficult it would be to make the transition. I was accu…

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Delivered–And Then…

Moms-to-be can be very focused on delivery. But what happens in the minutes after Baby is born? What to expect in the next few minutes and hours after delivering.

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No-Sew Bow Ties

These little bow ties will look so dapper on your little guy. You even can make them in pink and attach the bows to a headband for a girl.

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The World of the Walker

One of the biggest worries parents have when Baby takes his first steps is how to keep him safe. “I had no idea that so many new worries would come when my son started walking.

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A Labor of Love

Through each step of pregnancy, you’re not only mothering your growing baby, you’re preparing emotionally and physically for the final, most challenging leg of pregnancy’s marathon: labor and delivery. Wondering what to expect?

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April Editor’s Letter

I’ve written in this space before of my love/hate relationship with technology, my phone and social media. On one hand, it provides me with a lot of positives: keeps me in touch with a wide variety of people, frees me up from being tied to my lap…

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Don’t Compare

Parents often battle the urge to compare one child to another. Comparing is a natural reaction, considering we use comparisons to make decisions involving nearly every other aspect of our lives.

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Speaking Cat

Boots is our cat, a tuxedo with a white dot on her right shoulder. We hadn’t intended to own a feline, but there are reams of advice on pets for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and virtually all of them support the idea.

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March Editor’s Letter

I’m still surprised I have two children who LOVE to go away to summer camp. As I child, I was a homebody. I enjoyed the occasional sleepover but never wanted to be far away from home for very long. One summer, my mom sent my cousin, Mary, and me …

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Supporting early births

Six years ago when Katie Gonzalez’s son, Matthew, was born at 24 weeks gestation and weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces, he was the smallest baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. He stayed there for …

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Raising a Competitive Child

The world is a competitive place, and we all want our children to do well. How do you find a balance between encouraging a little healthy competition and bringing up a child who will burn out or alienate others?

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Cupcake Liner Wreath

Add some color to your day by making a rainbow wreath using cupcake liners! These wreaths are so pretty and easy to create. Kids can get creative by choosing the colors and patterns of their wreaths and even adding different elements such a…

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Brushing the Dust Off

Harley made a turn, but her foot slid out of the stirrup and she fell off the horse. She hit the ground almost horizontally and was probably not injured, but no one wants to see a child hurt, especially in athletic competition. When we hear…

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Your Child, Less Whiny

Dealing with whining kids may be one of the most difficult jobs a parent must do. Why does it always seem to be when you are in a rush, grabbing necessary grocery items, waiting in line to check out, that your 3-year-old melts down?

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What’s Up with Dirt?

According to a recent report from the National Wildlife Federation, letting kids play in the dirt not only allows them freely to explore their surroundings, burn off energy, gain strength and gross motor skills, but actually can make childr…

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Helping Kids Navigate Tough Friendships

No parent wants to see her child suffer. We aim to protect, nurture and shelter our children from pain. It’s why we rush to retrieve Neosporin and Band-Aids at the first sight of a small cut or scrape and run to the rescue at the sight of a…

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Thank you Fans

KC Parent is excited to announce that we reached several digital milestones and we want to thank our fans.

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February Editor’s Letter

The illusion of needing to be a great, Pinterest-perfect mom exerts a lot of pressure these days. I’ll admit it’s easy to get swept up into feeling that to be a great mom, I need to provide my kids need a perfectly themed birthday party; cute, ho…

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At Home Date Night

In support of a strong and connected parental team, we’ve come up with a few romantic at-home date nights-ideas for reconnecting while the kids are away at Grandma’s or maybe just tucked into their own beds for the night.

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A Priceless Work of Art

One of my favorite places in all of Kansas City is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. As a preschooler in the ’80s I walked those gray marble halls to my first art class in the museum’s lower level and still, to this day, wonder whether that …

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Taming the Sugar Monster

What I don’t love about Valentine’s Day is how sugar has taken over another holiday. According to the American Heart Association, the average American child now consumes 20 teaspoons of added sugar every day.

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How to Teach Children a Good Work Ethic

Want to be sure your child will develop a good work ethic and the ability to tough it out when things get difficult? Here are some great tips on how to lead her into becoming a responsible, self-sufficient adult.

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