LancMoms.

com | January 8, 2011

MOM OF
THE MONTH
Kimberly
Fletcher
HOW TO:
THE CHARMED
BELT
MOM’S
THE WORD:
PUT THAT
PLATE
IN THE
DISHWASHER

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  • January  8, 2011
Put that plate in the dishwasher
Allow me to set the stage.
As I write this, Christmas is
nine days away. There is lots,
lots, lots to do. I’m frazzled, but
determined to remain happily
focused as I wrap, bake and
address my way through the
December daze.
My daughter is busy with
school, and in the final days of
rehearsal for “Nutcracker!’’ I’m
overwhelmed with a frantic
schedule at home and at work so
time, to say the least, is stretched
like a taut, red gift ribbon.
My alarm, set for 5:30 a.m.
on this particular day (and every
day), allowed me to check off
extra items on the to-do list while
my daughter enjoyed extended
shut-eye. I even whipped up a
bacon-and-cheese omelet for
the slumbering, sixth-grade
ballerina. (In the interest of full
disclosure, this is not the regular
breakfast menu.)
I called for her to come
downstairs. She was cheerful.
Even happier, when she saw the
feast of eggs, English muffin and
hot tea.
I headed upstairs to check the
laundry, and get ready for work.
All was well.
Until I returned downstairs.
And entered the kitchen.
And gazed toward the sink.
There, at its edge, was the
plate, fork, cup and saucer upon
which my daughter had just
dined. Unlike the dishes, she had
vanished. In an instant, so did
my Christmas spirit.
I realize that the exhaustive
trek from the kitchen bar to
the kitchen sink probably took
an entire three steps. But I’m
guessing she wasn’t gasping for
oxygen by the time she arrived
at the counter.
True, rinsing off her dishes,
opening the dishwasher door and
placing utensil and plate inside
would have required additional
caloric output. Closing the
dishwasher door, even more. But
for a healthy dancer who spends
hours a day running, talking,
stretching, talking, leaping and
talking, I’m thinking she can
handle it.
And she did, quite adeptly,
when she was summoned
downstairs to do what she should
have done in the first place.
Which brings me to this: Why
must I repeatedly ask that things
be done around the house? And
why do other parents think I’m
nuts?
Too many of my friends,
exasperated by children and, I’m
sorry here, men, by husbands as
well, have given up, saying it’s
easier to grab the dish rag and do
the work themselves.
I refuse to surrender, but that
doesn’t mean I’ve won the war.
I know what I’m up against.
For example, items I leave
on the staircase aren’t there
to accessorize the carpet.
Toilet paper, books, shoes and
toothpaste are strategically
positioned so they can’t be
overlooked by the next empty-
handed person headed up the
stairs.
Or can they?
Because my daughter has
no supernatural powers, I’m
assuming that she uses her feet
and the steps a couple times
a day to get to and from her
upstairs bedroom.
Amazingly, however, items
on the staircase are unmoved.
For days, even a week at a time.
I can only surmise that they are
invisible to her.
Yet I believe that kids capable
of dribbling a basketball around
LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.
Barbara Hough Roda
a court for hours at a time or
chasing a soccer ball season
after season have the stamina to
toss dirty clothes into the washer.
Maybe even pull them from the
dryer and fold them. I bet they
can push a lawn mower, or dust
the tabletops. And, yes, carry the
toiletries upstairs.
Instead, too many parents
are doing all of this for them.
But why? Why are we coddling
our kids? Are we afraid it
won’t be done perfectly? That
they’ll burn down the house?
Will this approach help them to
become responsible members
of a household and, ultimately,
independent young adults?
Being in a family is like being
part of a sports team or a dance
company or a musical group:
Everyone must do his or her part
for the good of all. That means
perfecting a pirouette AND
cleaning the commode.
To do any less is, simply,
unacceptable.
At worst, we’re raising a
generation that feels entitled to Infamous Ryders founder, Chris Lopez, top, helps younger
everything and responsible for Infamous Ryders, brothers Julian, from left, and Jaiden
nothing. At best, we’re setting a Bermudez, both 6, and their cousin Juju Holland, 9, distribute
poor example for what it means toys at Crispus Attucks Community Center last month.
to be stewards of our homes and
communities. ( Justin Graybill/Sunday News Photo)
So parents, stand with me.
Say no to co-dependency.
Take a cue from those among
us who’ve found the balance
between childhood activity and
Visit LancMoms.com
household duty. And take note Check out what other Lancaster Moms (and
of kids who seem to have the Dads) are doing and saying. Forums, blogs,
routine down pat.
Omelet, anyone?
questions, and answers all can be found at
LancMoms.com. Get a LancMoms.com
Barbara Hough Roda is mom
card, good for discounts and services.
to Faith and managing editor Need a recipe?
of the Sunday News. Contact Check out LancMoms.com’s Recipe Finder
her at broda@lnpnews.com or
481-7335. Check out her blog at Everything from Almond Joy Cheesecake to
LancMoms.com. Pumpkin Apple Waffles.
L ancaster, P a. LANCMOMS.COM January  8,  2011 • 

Mom of the
Month
Kimberly Fletcher
By Maureen Leader
Special Features Writer
Mom of the Month, Kimberly
Fletcher has had a few surprises
as a mother. But as busy as this
mother of 17-year-old twins,
Natasha and Morgan, is, she’s
never missed a beat.
In Fletcher’s fifth month of
pregnancy she was surprised to
learn that she was having twins.
“Looking at that ultrasound
was shocking. It was quite a
surprise.” Though there are twins
in her husband Tracy’s family,
Fletcher never considered the
possibility of herself having
them.
“I just didn’t think about it,”
she said. Even though she was
shocked and afraid, it was more
the “fear of the unknown.” In
the past, when she had thought
about having a family, it was,
“I’ll have a baby and then two to
three years later, I’ll have another
baby.” But Fletcher recalls as a
child she always wanted to be a
twin and finds it interesting that
she ended up having them.
“The last 17 years have been
a lot of fun. The girls came
out running,” said Fletcher.
Apparently they never stopped!
They have been involved with
dance, basketball, track, tennis
and some drama. They even
had a small scene in the popular
movie, “School of Rock.” And
while the girls were growing up,
she and Tracy were at almost
every event. “It’s been very
cool,” she said. But it has gone
by fast. “Truly a blink of an
eye.”
And it’s because of this that
Fletcher says she really tries to
“be there in the moment.” She
said she would describe herself
as a “fun loving mom and
incredibly demonstrative.”
She says she likes a lot of the
same music as her daughters Kimberly Fletcher with her daughters Natasha, left, and Morgan, right.
and loves shopping with them.
The Fletchers have always that they still like their traditional to Fletcher was that she was she says, “I am proud, I am
enjoyed their Family Movie Family Movie Night. nominated to be Mom of the blessed and I am humbled. They
Night complete with popcorn Fletcher is a mom who Month in the first place. Her really, really are great kids.”
and candy. “We’ve always done understands how important daughter, Morgan completed Now that the girls are looking
that.” Fletcher added that even her time, her hobbies and her the questionnaire. When asked, at colleges, Fletcher soon will
though her daughters have a interests are. When the girls “What are the two best things have an empty nest. She says,
great group of friends she’s glad were about five years old, about this mom?” Morgan wrote, “My reality will change.”
Fletcher was driving with them “She is a very dedicated person But don’t feel sorry for

Mom details
and she started singing along to
a song. The girls said they were
surprised to hear her singing
”Fletcher loves to travel, especially to the Caribbean. and yet singing was something
Fletcher always enjoyed doing.
She has always worked outside the home and is in the Human It surprised her that her girls
Resources field. had never heard her sing. She
realized she needed to get back
A perfect day for her involves a nice dinner after a full day to it. She started to sing at her
of shopping. church regularly and she loves
it still. She has also gotten back
Fletcher attended Franklin and Marshall College and met her into her other hobby: knitting.
husband, Tracy, there. She remembers knitting while
waiting for the girls to finish a
The Fletcher family has a dog named Romeo. dance class. But lately she’s been
able to devote more time to it.
She loves to bake and says she is known for her pound cake. Surprisingly, the Fletchers are
unsure if the girls are identical
She says, “I’m a dessert girl!”
or not. They look very similar
Fletcher enjoys spending time with her mother and her sister. but they can’t be 100 percent
One of their favorite things to do is to attend wine tastings sure if they are identical unless
together. they have a DNA test. Fletcher
believes they’ll probably have
Fletcher is a mom who picks her battles. On some things she the test at some point before the
is strict, she says, but on others she is more relaxed. girls go to college next year.
An obvious big surprise
and always makes sure that Kimberly Fletcher. Don’t think
everyone’s wants and needs are for a minute that this Mom of
met.” Fletcher said, “It’s nice to the Month will be alone with her
know she is still watching. Your knitting and her singing once
babies are always watching you her girls go away to school.
but it is nice to know that at 17, Fletcher already has things
she is still watching.” planned for her and her husband:
When Fletcher looks back “Wherever they attend, we’ll be
on the past years raising her on the highway … we’ll be at
daughters to young womanhood everything.”
Mom of the Month sponsors
Parkhill Jewelry — $50 gift certificate
The Framing Concept — Professionally-framed
copy of the photo featured in this article
Domino’s Pizza — Free Large Pizza coupons
Beth Cardwell Photography —
$75 gift certificate
Bernard’s Day Spa — $50 gift certificate
  • January  8,  2011
ADD/ADHD and the use of drugs
Are we over medicating our children?
By Dr. Arthur S. Seiderman
ADD/ADHD is incorrectly
diagnosed or misdiagnosed four
times for every one time that
it is correctly diagnosed. How
could that be? Well, let’s look
at the facts. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
have published research that has
shown that 3 to 7 percent of
school-aged children suffer from
ADD/ADHD. If we can use five
percent as the average, then in a
class of 25 children only one has
ADD/ADHD. Yet six or seven
or more kids are on medication
for ADD. These medications
include: Ritalin, Concerta, and
others.
TIME Magazine, The New
York Times, USA TODAY,
Newsweek, The Lancaster New
Era, and LANCASTER NEW
ERA, and The Philadelphia
Inquirer all have questioned
how can this be? In fact, it was
reported that there were 25 deaths
attributed to these drugs and
suggested that these stimulant
drugs might increase the risks of
strokes and serious arrhythmias
in children and adults.
As a result, the FDA (Federal
Drug Administration, a U.S.
federal agency), voted to suggest
that these drugs carry the most
serious of the agency’s drug-risk
warnings — a “black box”.
Bring the whole family together with Wii
These days, families are
busier than ever before, making
it difficult to spend quality time
together that’s fun for everyone.
Thanks to Nintendo’s Wii video
game system, families can now
get the best of both worlds,
spending time together that’s fun
for the whole family, all from the
comforts of home.
Meet the Wii
Affordable and fun, Wii
is much more than just a
traditional video game console
— it is a family entertainment
center, Internet portal (with a
broadband Internet connection),
video game arcade, photo album
and more rolled into one. The
Dr. Steven Nissen, a
cardiologist at the Cleveland
Clinic and a panel member stated,
“I must say that I have grave
concerns about the use of these
drugs and grave concerns about
the harm they may cause.”
Many believe Ritalin is
addictive. Bruce Wiseman,
president of the Citizens
Commission on Human Rights
(a psychiatric watchdog group),
notes that the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Agency has labeled
Ritalin a class one narcotic,
sharing the spotlight with
morphine, opium, and cocaine.
Let it be noted that these are NOT
mild drugs. There are potentially
significant side effects. It is not
like taking two aspirins and call
me in the morning.
Again, we ask, How can this
be? Here is a frequently occurring
scenario: some school personnel
tell the parent that their child
can’t concentrate and is fidgety.
Better see your doctor and get
some medication for your child,
the parent is told. Mom or dad
take their son/daughter to see the
doctor, as suggested.
“Doc, the teacher tells us
Johnny can’t concentrate.”
The physician responds, “No
problem. I’ll write a prescription
for Johnny and that will help him
concentrate better.”
This may be one of the very
Wii video game system uses
the unprecedented Wii Remote
controller that mixes the
familiarity of a standard home
electronics remote control with
cutting edge motion-sensing
technology. This versatile device
is capable of a variety of fun and
immersive applications.
For example, in a tennis
game, such as is found in Wii
Sports, the Wii Remote becomes
a virtual racket when you swing
your arm. Your Wii experience
can be completely customized
using fun, 3-D caricatures of
yourself, friends and family
called Mii characters.
LANCMOMS.COM
Dr. Arthur S. Seiderman
few places in all of healthcare
where an invasive intervention is
prescribed without any objective
testing being performed for
verification of the tentative
diagnosis.
Indeed, it is a sad commentary
on the over-medication of our
children today.
Symptoms of ADD/ADHD
are often the same symptoms
that occur in other conditions,
e.g. visually-binocular
dysfunctions (where the two
eyes do not work as a team
and therefore concentrating on
visual tasks become difficult and
laborious — the best known of
The Online Experience
By connecting the Wii
console to a broadband Internet
connection, families can shop,
download original and classic
games and get the latest in news
and weather. You can even browse
the web from your living room
sofa. And, with special online
multiplayer gaming capabilities,
family members and friends who
live miles away or right down
the street can connect to certain
games to compete directly with
you or share high scores.
Your Pictures — Worth a
Thousand Words
Show off your favorite digital
photos on your TV with the
these conditions is convergence
insufficiency.
Actually, a very recent study
performed under the direction
of NIH (National Institutes of
Health, a U.S. federal institution)
showed that these very symptoms
that occur in both ADD or
convergence insufficiency could
be eliminated through the use
of a non-invasive intervention
known as vision therapy.
Some other interventions
which might be helpful in
lieu of medication include:
psychological, occupational
therapy, speech and language
specialist, reading specialist,
nutritional counseling, etc.
However, a complete
differential diagnosis with
appropriate testing must
be performed first, before
prescribing. And, you as a parent
must speak up and insist on
such testing before accepting
medication for your child. Please
note that the use of medications
can be very helpful when
prescribed correctly, rather than
indiscriminately.
Perhaps, the best line
of defense in making these
important decisions is to become
more informed on ADD/ADHD,
binocular dysfunctions, etc.
***
A FREE two hour seminar
will be held at The Shady Maple
Photo Channel, a fun, easy way
to display vacation snapshots,
family portraits and more. Create
a virtual scrapbook by making a
slideshow featuring a soundtrack
with your favorite music files on
an SD Card to wow family and
friends. You can even add special
effects, or create puzzles and
mosaics starring your family.
Exclusive Software Library
With more than 600 titles
to choose from, Wii will keep
your family busy and active.
You can find the right game for
every type of person with a wide
range of genres such as Action,
Adventure, Puzzles, Racing,
Role Playing, Sports, and Music.
Lancaster, P a.
Banquet and Conference Center,
Monday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.
Dr. Arthur S. Seiderman, an
optometrist and psychologist,
along with Dr. Robert Fisher, a
clinical child psychologist and
educator, will be presenting.
If you would like to attend,
please call 717-656-0534 to
reserve your free seating.
Come talk to these doctors
and talk to other parents who
have experienced the same
issues with their children.
For more information or
questions call 717-656-0534
and ask for Missy. A helpful
website address is: www.
helpaddvisiontherapy.com.
Dr. Arthur Seiderman is a
doctor of optometry, who has
earned a masters degree in child
psychology and is a graduate of
The Gesell Institute’s program at
Yale University.
He has written several books,
lectured throughout the USA,
Canada, and Europe. His work
has been translated into six
languages.
He taught graduate level
courses at Penn State University
for many years, is a past president
of The Disabled Reader Group
of The International Reading
Association (IRA), and maintains
his private practice in Leola.
If your Wii console is connected
to the Internet via a broadband
connection, you can also
download one of the more than
450 original and classic games
from the Wii Shop Channel.
Each Wii comes with a copy of
Wii Sports, and other new games
such as Wii Fit Plus and New
Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii
Sports Resort are surefire hits for
the whole family.
Parental Controls
Wii lets you manage the kind
of experience your kids have
while they play. A wide range of
parental controls lets you decide
the content your kids can access,
and which games they can play.
L ancaster, P a.
The charmed belt!
By Marci Watterson
Special Features Writer
Traveling for business,
holidays, family gatherings, or
maybe sightseeing and you’ve
spotted a quaint little gift shop
and you have to check it out.
Small store gift trinkets from
these occasions are often brought
home. What we do with them is
somewhat a mystery though.
Are they given away, placed in
a box, drawer, on a knickknack
shelf, or lost in our homes, due
to their size?
Why not make a charm belt?!
Items needed:
1 or more belts
key hoops or hooks
ready made key chains,trinket,
or piece of jewelry with a hole
leather hole punch and/or large
nail and hammer;(not required
with open hoops or weaves such
as a macramé belt.)
a piece of wood;(optional,
but should be used with nail and
hammer)
Wear your charmed belt wherever you go.
If you happen to be working
with a leather, or a simulated
leather belt, a hole punch is very
helpful. Placement is really up
to you. Bend the belt back onto
itself and line up the belt and last
several holes, leave the last hole
over the space you want to punch.
This gives a nice uniformity and
if you would like to mark the
area ahead of punching with a
pencil, you have time to change
the spacing. If you intend to
use a nail, choose a large head
nail and maybe a piece of wood
behind the wood, as you hammer
through.
Hoop and woven belts are
fun and your work is almost
done. Basically any hardware
store will have a vast array of
fasteners and key hoops/hooks.
Choose smaller fasteners for
longer, lighter items and larger
fasteners for heavier items, or
quick release items. Place the
fasteners in pattern on the belt,
add a few charms and leave
several empty to be filled later.
Fasteners can also be added as
you go.
LANCMOMS.COM January  8,  2011 • 
These belts over time will tell
a story all their own! Although
the, “Charmed Belt” is meant to
be like a larger charm bracelet,
it’s much more! These belts
become a child’s way to express
themselves. Children can even
collect or trade certain charms
with friends. Let’s not forget
about the guys out there, with a
simple punch around the buckle
area, a charm hoop can be added
too!
Fellows, pocket lights, nail
clippers, sport items and even
little pocket games can be added
to the belt.
Adults can now wear and Above: gather your charms. Below start punching holes.
display any mismatched
earrings, pendents, medals, or
special small tokens they may
have tucked away.
For gift items, hardware
stores carry a empty photo key
chains. They could be filled with
a special handwritten thought,
along with a pinch of glitter
or maybe a group photo of
classmates.
Have fun!
hands-on activities + museum objects = lots of FUN!
January 29 & 30
12 - 4 pm
More chocolate, more moose, more fun!
Chocolate
Moose
Daze
Presenting
Sponsor 400 College Ave. Lancaster
291-3941
www.northmuseum.org
  • January  8,  2011 LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

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  • January 8,  2011 LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

Kids in the kitchen with

Rachael Ray
By Cynthia Hummel Pasta and Trees Put the evoo and butter in a
Special Features Writer For 4 to 6-year-olds with a big bowl. Have the GH add the
GH (Grown-up Helper) hot drained pasta and broccoli
When Rachael Ray set out to Makes 4 servings to the bowl. Add the cheese to
write a 30-minute meal cookbook the bowl and stir it all up until
for kids, she wanted to do 1 pound broccoli tops the butter melts and the cheese
something different than existing Salt and freshly ground black mixes in. Add a little salt and
books that teach children to pepper to taste pepper and taste the pasta to see
make pizza and turn sandwiches 1 pound pasta: penne rigate, how the seasoning is.
into animals or clowns. corkscrew cavatappi, elbows or
“I have tried to write really medium shells Candy “Sushi”
good recipes that people of all 1 T. extra-virgin oil oil For kids ages 7 to 11
ages will enjoy making,” Ray (evoo) Makes 4 servings
said. 2 T. butter, cut up
Kids can as young as four 1 cup grated Parmesan, 1 T. butter, (cut into pieces Above: Candy sushi. Below: Pasta and Trees.
can make food for themselves Parmigiana Reggiano or Romano marked on the wrapper)
with her book, “Cooking Rocks! cheese. 12 marshmallows
Rachel Ray 30-minute Meals For Have your GH (Grown-up 2 cups puffed rice cereal, such
Kids,” which divides sections Helper) put a big pot of water on as Kellogg’s Rice Krispies
into age levels. The first section to boil for the pasta. 6 fruit roll-ups (pressed, dried
is for the youngest children, ages Separate the broccoli into fruit rounds, 6-inches wide) any
4- to 6-years-old, who will need small trees by pulling them brand, any flavor
a GH (grown-up helper.) apart. Ask your GH to trim off 6 strips licorice, such as
Recipes such as Tomato-Basil the woody stems of your trees so Twizzler’s brand, cut in half.
Cup-O-Soup, for example, can you can break them up right. Put Melt butter in a medium
go with cooks to college, where the broccoli florets (trees) into a saucepan over low heat and
the skills can make one popular pot and have the GH add water add marshmallows. Stir
on campus. Ray even points enough to just cover the tops. The marshmallows until completely
out that “old people,” like her GH should bring the water to boil melted. Remove mixture from
(then 35) make the same recipes and add 4 pinches of salt to the heat and add cereal. Stir to
without alterations. water; you can count for them. coat cereal evenly in melted
Ray introduces kids to Cook the broccoli 5 minutes and marshmallows.
measuring, knives and cutting have the GH drain it. Roll out the fruit roll-ups.
and cleaning-up as well as When the pasta water boils, Place a few spoonfuls of the
kitchen basics, such as using have the GH put 4 pinches of coated cereal onto each fruit
scissors, spoons, spatulas and salt into the pot and add pasta. roll-up and gather toward the
a cutting board, rolling pin and Cook to al dente (that’s Italian back edge of the roll-up. press
pans. She also advises adults to for “done but with a bite to it”), 2 cut licorice twists onto cereal
allow kids to make mistakes and according to package directions. mix. Wrap and roll the candy and
make cooking fun for all. fruit roll-up so that the finished
product resembles a sushi roll, Salt and freshly ground medium heat in a medium pt. Put
shimmying the licorice into the pepper to taste tomatoes, tomato paste, onions,
center of the Rice Krispies. 1 teaspoon sugar salt, pepper, sugar, flour, butter
Place a sharp knife into a 3 T. all-purpose flour and celery into a food processor
bowl of very warm water. Cut 2 T. butter, cut into pieces and grind until smooth. Pour
candy sushi with a warm knife (tablespoons are marked on the mixture into milk and raise heat
and arrange pieces onto a plate wrapper) to bring soup to a boil. Reduce
to serve. The candy sushi looks 1/2 stalk celery, coarsely heat and simmer 15 minutes.
like a big platter of Californiachopped
sushi roll! This is one trick that 2 sandwich-sized English Toast English muffins. Rub
makes a tasty treat! muffins, split with cracked garlic and drizzle
1 clove garlic, cracked with a with evoo. Top muffins with
Creamy Tomato-Basil heavy pan cheese and a pinch of dried
Mug-O-Soup Extra-virgin olive oil (evoo), Italian seasoning, then melt and
Ages 12 to 16 for drizzling brown cheese under broiler in a
Makes 4 mugs and toppers 1/2 cup granted Parmigiano toaster oven.
Reggiano or Romano cheese
2 cups whole milk Dried Italian season blend, Stir fresh basil into soup, and
2 canned diced tomatoes, any brand adjust seasonings. Pour soup
drained (14 ounces each) 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, into mugs and cap mugs with a
Creamy Tomato-Basil Mug-O-Soup with toasted English muffin. 2 rounded T. tomato paste torn or shredded garlic-muffin mug topper.
1 med. yellow onion, chopped Heat milk to a simmer over
L ancaster, P a. LANCMOMS.COM January  8,  2011 • 

Average costs of raising a family

The following table represents the average costs for a two-income family
with two children, based on figures from 2001 U.S. Department of Agriculture
reports. Factoring the estimates for just these necessities, the total is around
$61,000. However, transportation and other costs likely push that figure over
$100,000. In the years to come, researchers estimate the costs to surpass
$200,000.
Age Housing Food Clothing Health Care/Ed Totals

0-2 5,370 1,440 570 700 2,090 10,170

3-5 5,340 1,630 560 670 2,270 10,470

6-8 5,250 1,970 610 770 1,560 10,160

9-11 5,020 2,290 670 820 1,090 9,890

12-14 5,270 2,400 1,100 830 840 10,440

15-17 4,810 2,530 1,000 870 1,470 10,680

Keep kids’ needs in mind when shopping

In a perfect world, shop-
ping would take place free from
crowds, with low prices on all
the items, and with no crabby
children in tow.
However, reality often means
that time-pressed parents have to
take their children along for the
ride.
Shopping can be stressful
enough when an adult does it
alone. With children factored
into the mix, it can turn into an
adventure. Now that holiday
shopping is in the past (at least
until next year) parents can take
a look at shopping from the
child’s point of view.
Unable to dart from store to
store and squeeze through other
shoppers, parents must pilot the
stroller or shopping cart and bat-
tle through. Others must attempt
to keep an eye on a youngster
flitting through a sea of much-
taller people in the mall or store.
Without having a breakdown
or throwing in the towel and
skipping shopping all together,
what can parents do when they
have to shop with children?
The answer: Be patient and
follow a few ideas to minimize
the confusion.
One of the key things to re-
member is that children — espe-
cially toddlers— have short win-
dows of time of good behavior
and patience.
While an infant in a stroller
may be content to sleep the entire
shopping trip away, a boisterous
toddler or school-aged child may
become anxious when faced with
crowds and long hours strapped
into a carriage or car seat. Plan
for short bursts of shopping so
that children will not become
overwhelmed or bored by the
experience.
Rushing out to shop with a
tired or hungry child is another
way for parents to set themselves
up for disaster. Hunger pangs and
sleepiness can turn a normally
amenable child into one prone to
tantrums rather quickly. Parents
should time shopping jaunts for
after naps and meals to eliminate
these factors from the things that
might trigger poor behavior from
children.
With the many toys, trinkets
and other items on display for
sale at area stores, children may
beg and plead for certain things,
making shopping more chal-
lenging. Try to avoid the stores
that can be big temptations for
children to times when shopping
can be done sans kids. If a child
is allowed to bring a toy, book or
other distraction from home, it
could help minimize the number
of “I want that” requests made.
Rushing out to shop
with a tired or hungry
child is another way
for parents to set
themselves up for
disaster.
When possible, talk to older
children during the shopping
experience. Mention how much
things cost and how they are be-
ing paid for. Kids can learn valu-
able life lessons about managing
finances by mimicking their par-
ents.
Allow children to help with
some decision-making pro-
cesses, such as, “Should we buy
the blue or green shirt?” Being
involved can make the shopping
trip more tolerable and children
will feel proud if they’re in-
volved in the process.
While shopping with kids can
sometimes be a headache, minor
irritations can turn into tragedy
quickly if parents do not keep
safety in mind when kids are
along for the trip.
It is very easy to lose track
of children in bustling stores.
Unfortunately, child predators
also can be lurking because they
know it’s easier to kidnap a child
or take advantage when parents
are distracted and there are large
crowds.
Although it may seem inhu-
mane, kiddie harnesses are ef-
fective means to keeping young
children close by. Most harness-
es are equipped with a plush toy
backpack and a plush lead with
handle. This gives the children
some freedom to walk without
having to constantly hold Mom-
my or Daddy’s hand, but not
enough slack to run off into the
crowd.
Children who will be riding
in shopping carts or strollers
should be monitored closely and
strapped in. Parents should not
leave the stroller or wagon in
one place to go browse. It only
takes a minute for a fall to occur
or for someone else to wander
off with the child.
It’s a good idea for parents to
take a picture of their children
before starting the shopping trip
so that they’ll know exactly what
they are wearing and be able to
report it to the authorities should
the youngsters wander off.
Remember to take a picture
of the children’s shoes, as well.
Child abductors often change the
clothing of a kidnapped child but
do not know the size of footwear
and leave those shoes in place.
Identification may be made
by what shoes the child is wear-
ing.
To learn more about keep-
ing children safe, visit the Web
site of the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children
(www.missingkids.com).
Another thing to keep in mind
is meal time. Apart from the
hassle of waiting on food court
lines for lunch or a snack, dining
out with kids in tow also can be
expensive. Save time and mon-
ey by packing lunch in a small
cooler, complete with juice box-
es and finger foods that children
can munch on.
Shopping with children may
not be the ideal situation, but in-
novative and safety-conscious
parents can make the best of it
all year long.
10  • January  8,  2011 LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

What’s in a name?
There’s a new queen of baby Brett, Social Security wonders
names. Isabella took the crown if Americans are ready to retire
from last year’s winner, Emma, the name (sorry Vikings’ fans,
to claim the top girl baby name we mean Jets’ fans, um Packers’ The (K) Clues are for Kids
of 2009. Jacob continued his fans). And despite the soaring
Created by Timothy E. Parker November 16, 2009
remarkable run by holding onto popularity of singing trios
the top boy name for the 11th — whether human brothers or ACROSS 30. “… so shall ye ___ is new?’’ 24. “Get what fits’’
year in a row over a new number the chipmunk variety — fewer 1 . Leave at a ___’’ DOWN jeans company
two for boys, Ethan. people apparently are willing to pawnshop 31 . “On the other 1 . Chopped meat 25. (K) Horse’s
New to the top 10 this year name their sons Jonas or Alvin. 5. (K) Use a ladle hand …’’ dish snack
for boys are Jayden and Noah, With 69 baby Baracks born in 32. Decorative
and for girls, Mia. 2009, Barack continues to move 8. (K) Weather 2. Bit of this and 26. Diving seabird
report word pitcher a bit of that 27. (K) A third of six
Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2009: 1 2. Skin-cream 33. (K) “The best 3. (K) Young male 28. (K) Tailor-made
additive is ___ to come’’ horse line
Boys: 1) Jacob Girls: 1) Isabella 1 3. (K) “To ___ is 34. (K) What an 4. (K) McDonald’s 29. Before, of yore
2) Ethan 2) Emma human’’ acorn becomes freebie
3) Michael 3) Olivia 31 . Iraqi capital
1 4. (K) Cookie 35. Folklore figure 5. (K) Place to
4) Alexander 4) Sophia 32. Lend dignity to
favorite 36. (K) ___ zag catch the bus
5) William 5) Ava 34. (K) Engine need
6) Joshua 6) Emily 1 5. (K) River deposit 37. (K) Water or cap 6. Bearded
35. (K) Item to chew
7) Daniel 7) Madison 1 6. (K) It can be 38. Symphony blossom
orchestra 36. Comic strip
8) Jayden 8) Abigail apple or cherry 7. (K) It may be
9) Noah 9) Chloe 44. (K) Ooze brought to a pinhead
1 7. “… where no
10)Anthony 10)Mia man has ___ through the party 37. Midas’ undoing
before’’ cracks 8. Business bigwig 38. (K) Orange
To see all the top baby names up the list to number 1,993 from
for 2009, go to Social Security’s 2,424 in 2008, and 12,535 in 1 8. Food meant for 45. Word on a bill 9. Anemic person’s covering
website www.socialsecurity.gov. 2007, but still lags well behind Lent (3 words) 46. Expressed, as need 39. (K) Command
A favorite feature of Social First Dog Bo at 782. 21 . (K) “Pease a farewell 1 0. (K) Camera to Bowser
Security’s baby names website is Many patterns of recent years porridge ___’’ 47. (K) Sound of a attachment 40. Distinctive
the “Change in Name Popularity” continued. Religious names baby chick atmosphere
22. (K) Skinny fish 1 1 . (K) She doesn’t
page. This year’s winner for the continue to be very popular, 41 . (K) Carpentry
biggest jump is Maliyah, which including the girl names Heaven at 23. Political 48. (K) “What ___ have antlers
undoubtedly is related to the number 275 and Nevaeh (Heaven influence you up to?’’ 1 9. Become fastener
popularity of the First Family. spelled backwards) at 34. Messiah 26. What an 49. (K) Didn’t tell compost 42. Date of March
Malia (the spelling used by the was number 663 for boys. An ampersand the truth 20. (K) Night spot madness?
First Daughter), also is one of the extraordinary 3.7 percent of the means 50. Comrade 23. (K) React to a 43. Hand over
top 10 fastest risers among girls Top 1000 boy names rhymed 27. (K) Common 51 . (K) Family man sad movie, 44. (K) Relaxing
names. Isla, the name of popular with the word “maiden” and article 52. (K) “So what perhaps retreat
actress Isla Fisher (and wife names associated with cities,
of Sacha Baron Cohen — aka states, or countries were popular, Can you find the answer to this
Borat, which thankfully has yet particularly for girls. riddle within the solved puzzle?
to make the list) was the second And for all of you Elvis fans
fastest riser among girls. out there, here’s the annual What comes between
On the boy’s side, Cullen update from Social Security partners?
had the biggest increase, likely Commissioner Michael J. Astrue: Look for the answer in next weeks’s paper.
attributable to the popular Elvis slipped from number
character Edward Cullen in the 713 in 2008 to 858 in 2009. PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
“Twilight” novels and movies. Unconfirmed reports indicate he
King came in as the number was “all shook up” by his 2009
three top mover for boys, but rank, but pleased that Presley is
more on Elvis later. number 268 for girls, and that
The girl’s name Marely, King and Memphis landed at
which interestingly had the third 462 and 605 for boys.
largest increase last year, had The Social Security website
the biggest drop this year from offers lists of baby names for
number 334 to 851. Mylee had each year since 1880. Social
the second biggest drop; Miley Security started compiling baby
(as in Cyrus) also dropped in name lists in 1997.
popularity. Be sure to check out www.
In the wake of controversies socialsecurity.gov to see the
surrounding Lindsay Lohan, most popular baby names for Previous riddle answer:
Lindsay dropped from number each state, as well as an exclusive Helpless
23-A) Solo
381 to 524. Brett, Jonas and video of Chubby Checker
Alvin are among the boy’s names counting down the most popular © 2009 Universal Press Syndicate
www.amuniversal.com/ups
with the largest decreases. With names of the past decade.
L ancaster, P a.
Snowtubing
- continued from page 12
the bottom of the hill, so that
tubers do not slide into the
parking lot. There are multiple
lanes including a kiddie lane,
family lanes, intermediate lanes,
and the Xtreme tubing lanes
for the daredevil riders. Xtreme
lanes, which are the steepest and
fastest lanes, were added in the
past few years). Two tow ropes
are available to make your ascent
to the top of the hill a little bit
easier.
You can enjoy a full day
of tubing with the cost of
admission, and season passes
are available. “At night there’s
a different atmosphere. When
the sun goes down the hill gets
faster. Fire pits are setup at the
Tips to save a lot when planning family meals
(ARA) — Ah, family dinner
time. A meal lovingly prepared
and family members gathered
around the dining table sharing
stories from their day. While a
special meal is a time-honored
tradition, the planning, time
and the cost involved may leave
some without an appetite.
Many shoppers are on the
hunt for affordable and simpler
shopping routines. Regardless
of whether you’re planning
a holiday feast, a birthday
celebration, or just day-to-day
meals throughout the year, it’s
easier and more cost effective
if you go into grocery shopping
prepared.
Consider these tips from
national grocery retailer Save-
A-Lot before your next shopping
trip:
Plan for several meals
rather than just one
Many grocery shoppers make
the mistake of only planning for
a big special meal when they can
cut time and cost by planning for
several. Decide ahead of time
how your family might want
to use leftover meat or veggies
from the meal, and buy extra
ingredients to extend your meal
into the following week. For
example, if during the holidays
your family craves the leftover
turkey sandwiches as much as
they love the big roasted bird,
be sure to stock up on bread,
bottom of the hill, so it’s a fun,
festive evening,” Melissa says.
There’s also an outdoor
concession stand, and Knickers
Pub in Heritage Hills Golf
Resort & Conference Center is
open. “Knickers has a premium
hot chocolate bar, so it’s a great
place to warm up after you’ve
been tubing for a while,” she
says. Knickers’ outdoor patio is
equipped with patio heaters, and
can be a cozy place for parents
and grandparents to take a break
and watch the kids as they have
fun.
If you and your family want
to take a break from tubing
and return later in the day
(or evening), you can do so.
Admission is good for a whole
day’s worth of fun, and you get
a lift ticket that goes on your
jacket (just like a lift ticket at a
mayonnaise, mustard and lettuce
in advance.
Create a weekly meal
planner
This is a good idea year
round, but it’s especially helpful
to do so during holidays when
your schedule gets more hectic.
Think about what you and
your family members typically
consume each day. If there is a
particular food item or meal idea
that your whole family enjoys,
make sure to stock up when it is
on sale. Ask each family member
to pick a meal for dinner. Make
contingencies such as quick and
easy lunch items for kids who
may be home during a school
break, or snacks for visiting
family members.
Visit grocery store websites
for tools and deals
Grocery retailers frequently
offer tips and tools for meal
planning, as well as exclusive
online bargains. Check to see if
your store is offering discounts
in exchange for signing up for
their shopping clubs year round.
For example, Save-A-Lot offers
a $5 coupon for signing up for its
Smart Shopper Club.
Take advantage of store
brands
Many grocery stores offer
their own private brands of
foods and everyday items,
and frequently these items
are of equivalent quality as
LANCMOMS.COM January  8,  2011 • 11
ski resort). When you return, just
make sure you’re wearing the
jacket with the lift ticket.
Group rates are available for
groups of 15 or more, and you
can even host a tubing event
or party at Avalanche Xpress.
Melissa says that there have
even been wedding parties at
Avalanche Xpress.
Hours are Monday through
Thursday 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday
4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to
11 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to
10 p.m. On both Martin Luther
King Day (Monday, January 17)
and President’s Day (Monday,
February 21), Avalanche Xpress
will open at 9 a.m.
For further information on
Avalanche Xpress and tubing
conditions, please visit www.
AvalancheXpress.com or call
877-782-9752.
more expensive national brand
names. By using store brands,
you can save a little money on
your grocery bill and splurge
on something special, such as a
celebratory dessert. Store brands
are great for helping to keep your
weekly grocery costs down.
Keep track of ingredients to
replenish
You’ve got everything laid
out to make chocolate chip
cookies, but you forgot to buy the
baking soda — nothing is more
frustrating than having to make a
return trip to a store. Keep track complicated store-to-store routes, you’ll not only save money at
of ingredients you frequently use or navigate through a maze of the grocery store, but you’ll have
in your cooking. Then, as soon as aisles to find the best deals. more time to enjoy cooking and
you use up an item, immediately With these few simple tips, celebrating with those you love.
add it to your ongoing grocery
list. By the end of the week,
not only will your shopping Add a little color to your
list be complete, but you won’t
be stuck in the store trying to winter wardrobe with a scarf
from Accents!
remember what is or is not in
your cupboard. You also won’t
be tempted to buy something
you don’t need. What’s more, be
sure to use measuring utensils so
$
5.00
you don’t use more ingredients
than necessary — which can be OFF
A $20.00
costly to your family’s waistline
and budget. Purchase
Eliminate shopping hassles One coupon per customer per day.
Expires 1/31/11.
Grocery shopping can be a
time-consuming hassle, especially
for busy, on-the-go families.
Accents
Tanger Outlets (Above Nike Outlet)
Some retailers offer discounted,
everyday prices that can help 717-390-0653
eliminate the need to map out Store Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9; Sun 10-6
12  • January  8,  2011 LANCMOMS.COM Lancaster, P a.

Day Trippin’
Snow tubing at Avalanche Xpress
By Rochelle A. Shenk “All ages are welcome.
Special Features Writer However all tubers must be able
to slide down in their own tube
The cold days of December and once at the bottom of the hill
have morphed from the holidays they must be able to exit the lane
into a new year. Although there’s on their own, so the minimum
a nip in the air, family activities age for children is three or four,”
need not be limited to indoors. she says.
Avalanche Xpress at Heritage Snow tubes are provided in
Hills, York, provides winter the cost of admission, so you
snow tubing fun for the entire only have to bring yourself
family. and your family for some great
Melissa Wadlinger, Heritage outdoor fun.
Hills marketing coordinator, said Don’t forget to dress
that this is the ninth season for warmly! Hats, gloves, mittens,
the snow tubing experience. warm sweaters and jackets are
Heritage Hills’ driving range important.
with its 80-foot hill is turned If you and your family have
into the tubing hill in the winter. snow pants or jackets they will
December’s cold days allowed be perfect — that way your
the tubing hill to open for winter clothes will stay dry.
fun on Dec. 17. A snow crew makes and
Families, scout troops, church grooms the hill every day. A
groups, and sports teams can safety crash fence is installed at
all be found having fun snow - continued on page 11
tubing.

When Does
ACCU-AIRE MECHANICAL HOOBER, INC. LICHTY BROTHERS, INC. WEAVER’S STORE INC.
When does SERVICES, INC. Case IH Farm Equipment Finest Collision Service Shoes • Boots • Clothing
marriage Commercial/Industrial Intercourse 800-732-0017 Showroom Quality Painting Hardware • Sporting Goods

It Begin?
Construction • Service
preparation Heating • Ventilation
begin? In the Air Conditioning
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late teens? The
early twenties? BINKLEY & HURST LP
Farm & Industrial Equipment
No. It begins Sales • Service • Parts • Rental
at birth. The 133 Rothsville Station Rd.,
baby comes Lititz • 626-4705
Outback Toy Store
into the world 101 W. Lincoln Ave., Lititz • 625-2020
without any
EBERSOLE’S VACUUM CLEANER
habits or SALES & SERVICE
attitudes of Household & Commercial
Central Vacuums
his own. These are formed according to the home influence. In the Bags-Parts-Service
early years of life parents can lay the foundations for the successful 20 Beaver Valley Pk.,
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GEHMAN FEED MILL, INC.
parent and parent, between parents and children. By giving the children Livestock & Poultry Feeds
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backed up by Christian experience and example. • Lawn & Garden • Shoes
There are no perfect homes where little children may grow up. East Earl • 354-4026
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HIGH’S AUTO SERVICE, INC.
No. 61RS © Concord Associates. For a free copy, General Repairs • State Inspection
Air Conditioning Service
ask for No. 61 and send a long, self-addressed, stamped 1603 Rothsville Rd., Lititz • 626-0264
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Bridgewater, VA 22812.
McAlisterville • 800-433-6679
Middletown, Delaware
800-341-4028
Seaford, Delaware
800-843-3056
HOPEWELL MENNONITE
SHARING PLAN
A Faith-Based Ministry
Affordable Medical Coverage
Family or Business
610-286-6160
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri
Box 129, Morgantown
www.sharingplan.com
J.B. HOSTETTER & SONS, INC.
Hardware • Paint • Housewares
Lawn & Garden Equip • Electronics
Appliances • Just Ask ✓ Rental
Mount Joy • 653-1841
JOHN M. HESS
AUCTION SERVICE, INC.
1667 Cider Press Rd., Manheim
877-599-8894 • #AY000253L
www.hess-auction.com
KAUFFMAN’S FRUIT FARM
& MARKET
Fruit Growers 717-768-7112
Deli • Groceries • Produce
Bulk Foods
www.kauffmansfruitfarm.com
3097 Old Phila. Pk., Bird-In-Hand
LANDYSHADE MULCH PRODUCTS
Bark/Mushroom/Playground Mulch
Screened Top Soil • Railroad Ties
1801 Colebrook Rd.,
Lancaster • 898-7689
Towing • Hunter Wheel Alignment Archery Range • Housewares
East Earl • 717-445-6733 Fivepointville - Rte. 897
717-445-6791• 800-856-4031
MARK G. BRUBAKER Leola Hardware • 717-556-0791
Certified Public Accountant
214 N. Market St., YODER’S COUNTRY MARKET,
Elizabethtown • 367-2555 RESTAURANT & BUFFET
1 N. Hess St., Quarryville • 786-1433 Menu & Buffet Dining • Banquets
14 S. Tower Rd.,
MARTIN’S AUTO SALES New Holland • 354-4748
Specializing In Used Pickup Trucks
1025 W. Main, New Holland PaulB LLC
717-656-6621 Hardware • Ephrata
717-738-7350 Fax 738-7360
MARTIN’S COUNTRY MARKETS, LLC Paul B. Zimmerman, Inc. Company
Groceries • Home Dressed Meats
LIncoln Mall at Ephrata • 738-3754 ROHRER SEEDS
Morgantown • 610-286-5045 Quality Farm & Garden Seeds
Smokestown • 717-299-2571
M. M. WEAVER & SONS, INC.
Massey-Ferguson Sales & Service ROOT’S COUNTRY MARKET AND
169 N. Groffdale Rd., AUCTION, INC.
Leola • 656-2321 Market every Tuesday
705 Graystone Road
MUSSELMAN LUMBER, INC. Manheim • 717-898-7811
Lumber • Building Materials
New Holland • 354-4321 ZIMMERMAN’S INSURANCE
Ephrata • 733-2241 Personal • Light Commercial • Life
200 W. Main, Leola
SENSENIG’S FEED MILL 717-656-2176
Grain • Pet Food & Supplies
115 S. Railroad Ave., New Holland ZOOK MOLASSES CO.
354-4756 • 800-724-2002 Molasses: Liquid • Dried • Organic
GOOD FOOD, INC.
WEAVER MARKETS, INC. Processors of Syrups,
Supermarket & Banquet Facilities Molasses, Sugar, Cooking Oils
Adamstown • 717-484-4302 & Dry Blending
Reinholds • 717-336-3868 Honey Brook • 800-327-4406
www.weavermarkets.com www.goldenbarrel.com