Spend a day enjoying shopping, dining, laughing, playing, and a bit of history in the Northland!
Maur Hill-Mount Academy
We are College Prep, We are Boarding and We are Catholic
Manasseh Miller is a senior from Kansas City, MO. He plays basketball and football, he’s involved with campus ministry, a leader in the dorms, and loves volunteering to help the community.
Why did you come to MHMA?
My mom wanted me to have more structure and she saw this as an opportunity for me.
First thought of boarding school?
I thought it would be a prison (laughing). But it is the furthest from that. Everyone is so nice! I love being in a place where you have people who truly care about you.
Did it take long to adjust?
Yes, it took me a year or two to really get the schedule down. But you have prefects and teachers to help you, plus the upperclassmen. By my junior year I was well organized, I have developed time management skills, and have become even more focused on my studies.
Have you made a lot of friends?
Everyone here knows everyone, it’s a small school which is nice. I do have a close group of friends, both day and boarding students from everywhere. It’s really cool having friends from around the world too, I can’t wait to visit them after high school.
Favorite thing about MHMA?
The people.
Has your faith grown over the 4 years?
I now enjoy going to church and praying more. Father Jay encourages us to be closer to God and it helped me practice more in my own prayer and reading the Bible.
Do you still get homesick?
Oh yes, I still do. But my mom is only an hour away, and you have other boarding students going through the same thing. You’re never alone.
Are you ready for college?
Academically yes. Living in a dorm, no problem. I feel ready, but I’m still a little nervous.
Any advice for an 8th grader?
Come visit, it’s a short drive from KC. We have fun. We have great education, we’re good at sports, and you’ll meet other students who are just like you. Boarding is the best experience, and prepares you for college and life.
Is your sister ready for MHMA?
She is so excited, she never stops talking about coming here.
You want what’s best for your child. This could be it. Check us out soon!
Anne Faucett Director of Admission afaucett@mh-ma.com 913-367-5482
Maur Hill-Mount Academy
We are College Prep, We are Boarding and We are Catholic
Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA
I recently adopted a cat from Great Plains SPCA and wanted to know what your thoughts are on little nail caps. Do they really work? We are just trying to figure out ways to keep her from scratching up our furniture. – Teddie O’Ryan
I love the kitty soft paws and they work for my cat. You can use different colors to match upcoming holidays for some extra fun. I normally do not do the back paws since they do most of the scratching with the front paws and I usually do them about once a month. Trim her nails, then add the soft paws. If you try them and do not like them, I recommend trimming nails frequently and getting lots of scratching toys for your cat to play with to redirect her from your furniture. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
I am having lots of guests to my home for the holidays. Can you share any tips for what we can do to help our pets relax with all the holiday commotion? – Leela Chamberlain
I recommend setting up a pet safe room for them to take breaks from the family when needed and trying to stick to your usual routine as much as you can. If you can, introduce your pets to some of the family members before the holidays so they will be excited to see them. Also try to give them plenty of exercise. Do your best to not leave them alone more than normal since environment changes are what cause the most stress during this time and make sure they get some restful sleep. Hope you have a wonderful holiday. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
We got a new puppy and he is a cutie pie. However, he frequently pees when he gets excited and when he meets new people. This dog is always excited and is living his life to the fullest, so he has a lot of excited peeing moments. Is there anything I can do to help him stop peeing everywhere? – Sarah Rodgers
To help eliminate submissive urination, do not scold or yell at your puppy when it happens. This will cause the issue to become much worse. When introducing him to new people and animals or when playing, try to always do it outdoors to build an association of going pee outdoors. Make greetings very low-key and no big deal at all. Ignore him until he is calm, then reward for calm behaviors. I do have some good news: Most dogs under one year that inappropriately urinate out of excitement usually outgrow the behavior, so hang in there and follow these steps for success. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA
Featured Pet: Goldie
Goldie is a lovely companion looking for a home to call her own. She is a loving, well-mannered and easy-going girl. At six years old, you get a perfect balance of happy-go-lucky and relaxed with Miss Goldie. She is happy to be wherever you are and would love to be your co-pilot for life. Goldie is house trained, knows a few commands and listens very well. She is simply searching for human companionship and does prefer the attention of humans to other pets. Life is sure to be sweet with Goldie around. Come to the shelter to meet her today!
Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.
Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.
5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202
(913) 831-7722(SPCA)
Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Magna-Tiles Builder 32-Piece Set
Engage in real engineering and real construction fun with this new set. Includes light printing of roads, bricks and caution signs, plus movable, magnetic crane pieces. $49.99, MagnaTiles.com
Batman All-Terrain RC Batmobile
Water, snow, mud, rock and grass are no match for this Batmobile built with performance tires for unstoppable fun. $54.99, Spinmaster.com
Schleich Big Horse Show
Join the fun with this detailed and well-designed imaginative set that includes more than 100 accessories perfect for hours of play. $99.99, Schleich-S.com
Sketch Pals Doodle Board
Doodle with these adorable pads while out and about. With the push of a button, the doodle board instantly clears itself for a new creation. There are no erase marks or wiping needed. $19.99, MyBoogieBoard.com
CUBLES
A unique mashup between origami, puzzle, toy and craft that promotes STEM principles and learning through clever paperboard constructions—which in turn become playable and collectible characters. $6.99, Cubles.com
Red & Olive Co Doll
A fair trade brand that hand-knits fashionable best friends that encourage positive values. Handmade with premium natural materials by artisans in Peru. Comes with matching head accessory for your child. $88, RedAndOliveCo.com
Rush to Recycle
Metal, glass, paper, plastic or compost? This eco-minded game makes recycling fun. $18, PetitCollage.com/products/rush-to-recycle
Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron
Special ingredients combine to make the potion and create real mist, revealing a surprise creature that will respond to touch, lights up, grants wishes and casts endless spells. Kids can repeat the fog and reveal, as well as create their potions using household items for limitless play. $69.99, MooseToys.com
KidKraft Blue’s Clues & You! Cooking-Up-Clues Play Kitchen
Four-sided play with a sink, fridge, snack table, stove and oven sized just right for a playful preschooler. $99.99, Walmart.com
Smashers Lava Light Up Dino Mega Surprise
Discover different dinos to build, which then light up and are ready for battle—complete with dino sounds! More than 25 different surprises in each egg. $24.99, Zuru.com
Got2Glow Fairy Finder
With 30+ fairies to collect in each of the three Fairy Finder jars (100+ fairies to collect in total). Grow your collection by trading fairies with friends, bond with your fairies by giving them hugs, saying hello through the heart shaped door, feeding them and more. $39.99, Wowwee.com
Rainbocorns Golden Egg
Hatch open the giant golden egg to reveal three new characters and discover more than 25 layers of glittering and golden surprises, including golden hair accessories, glam glitter and new Boo-Boocorns. $49.99, Zuru.com
Orbeez Challenge
Includes 2,000 Orbeez, six unique tools and Orbeez storage for mess-free fun with the original soft and squishy, fun and wacky colorful water beads you can’t get enough of. $24.99, Spinmaster.com
Marble Rush Ultimate Set
Roll through thrilling stunts and exciting challenges with this 145-piece color-codedbuilding set, which includes a spinning Ferris wheel, a swirling cone that plays a musical light show, thrilling ramps, fast tracks, extreme launchers and bases that all easily connect together. $47.99, VTechKids.com
Spirit Untamed: Swing & Saddle Barn Playset
Be a part of the friendship, bravery and adventure with this Swing & Saddle Barnplayset. Inspired by the animated film. Features a large barn with four areas to play, including a stable, clubhouse, feeding and grooming area and tire swing. $39.99, Shop.Mattel.com
Roblox 15th Anniversary Gold 4-Figure Pack
Create your own epic adventure with this pack featuring four of the most iconic and collectible figures in the Roblox universe. $19.99, Jazwares.com/brands/roblox
Koosh Sharp Shot
Features three interactive game modes—criss cross, lightning flash and target toss. Use the kick stand or the door hanger for easy setup wherever you want to play. Play with a friend or against the Sharp Shot’s built-in AI. $29.99, Target.com
Disney Junior Roller-Skating Party Minnie Mouse
These friends feature matching glittery helmets and can skate side by side, spin together or skate in a conga line. They can even spice up their routine with 360-degree turns! $39.99, JustPlayProducts.com
Adora Amazing Girls 18-inch Doll Cassidy
Enjoy hours of imaginative play with this free-spirited doll who calls Arizona home and likes to stomp with the rhythm of her favorite country songs. $45.36, Amazon.com
Animal Planet Electronic Battling Dino
Cruise in your helicopter to scope out the scene for your next dinosaur-fossil excavation. But beware—a hungry, real-life T-Rex may be lurking around the corner. Incudes tower, helicopter, T-Rex, Spinosaurus, three dinosaurs, fossil bones and more. $39.99, Discovery.com
Coding Critters MagiCoders
Playset and spellbook encourage imaginative play to decode the magic inside. Kids cast spells to “train” pets to dance, light up and follow objects. $54.99, LearningResources.com/coding-critters-magicoders
KidiZoom PrintCam
Click and print instantly. Incudes 110+ templates and activities including small greeting cards, printable games and more. This kid-friendly camera takes videos, too. $69.00, VTechKids.com/kidizoomprintcam
STEAM Paper Butterflies Science Kit
Create beautiful paper butterflies that explode with color—all while learning about the magical phenomenon of capillary action. $19.99, Crayola.com
By Elena Epstein, director of the National Parenting Product Awards
For more product reviews, visit NAPPAAwards.com.
Ask the Experts
We have a wide range of experts on hand to answer your questions on everything from dental visits and playdates to dance lessons, lawns and so much more! If you have a question that needs answering, get in touch.
Q. What can I do to prepare my lawn for winter?
To prep your lawn for the winter months when grass stores nutrients, apply two applications of a quick-release, high nitrogen fertilizer in October and November for heavy root and stem development. These are important months of vegetative growth when grass typically grows roots, rhizomes, leaf blades and crowns. During these months, proper fertilizing and watering produces thicker roots, stronger crowns, aggressive rhizomes and lateral growth for a healthy, thick, winter-hardy lawn. Family Tree Nursery offers Solutions Winterizer, a quick-release, environmentally friendly fertilizer for the perfect lawn next spring. Remember, October and November are the perfect months to get your lawn ready for winter.
Jonah Nelson Family Tree Nursery
FAMILY TREE NURSERY
Family Tree Nursery is a team of passionate horticulturists, providing an unmatched selection of plants and gardening products for the KC area since 1964. 913.642.6503, FamilyTreeNursery.com
Q. When should my son get his first eye exam?
Eye exams start from birth when a doctor or other health care provider will visually inspect your baby’s eyes to check for pupil response and what is called a red reflex by shining a light in Baby’s eyes. There will continue to be periodic screens of eye development at well-child visits where we evaluate eye alignment and healthy development of the eye. At age 5, or as soon as the child can read an eye chart, we will start routine visual acuity testing. If there are ever any concerns during screening, a referral to an ophthalmologist will be made for a comprehensive exam.
Brooke Varnum, MD Family Medicine AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Lenexa
ADVENTHEALTH
AdventHealth Lenexa’s pediatricians and primary care providers offer compassionate, expert care for children of all ages. Find a provider at AdventHealthKC.com.
Are you an expert in your field with advice for our readers, contact editor@kcparent.com and we may consider adding you to our panel.