indy''s child summer safety

june 2011
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indyschild.com
SUMMER
Keeping children safe during summer play
indy on a budget:
dining
on
a
dime
FINANCIAL
LITERACY
Teaching children how
to save money
SAFETY
SUMMER

FUN

Family friendly things to do
to beat the summer heat
Without
the Sun
4 INDY’S CHILD
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JUNE 2011
6 INDY’S CHILD
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JUNE 2011
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COMMENTARY & PARENTING
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: School is Out for the Summer 07
MOMMY MAGIC: Teaching Your Kids to Give Back to the Community 24
SUMMER CAMP FEATURE: The Magic of Summer Camp 26
READER'S RECIPE: Chicken Supreme 43
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NEWS & SHOPPING
NEWS YOU CAN USE: News, Celebrations and More 08
FACEBOOK TALK: What is Your Most Embarrassing Parenting Moment? 15
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
PEDIATRIC HEALTH

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Hitting Head Pain Head-On 11

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Make the Summer a Safe One 14
SPECIAL NEEDS AWARENESS:

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Top 10 Ways of Introducing New Foods to Kids with Autism 38

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Safety for Kids with Special Needs 39
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AROUND TOWN
INDY ZOO: Tiger Forest Brings Zoo Visitors Within a Whisker of Big Cats 10

INDY PARKS: Splashing and Dancing at Indy Parks 12
PROFILE: Conner Prairie's Civil War Exhibit 13
MUSEUM NOTE:
Experience the World of Archaeology at The Children's Museum
15
PROFILE: WonderLab 25
CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY: Local Outings for You and Your Family 46
*
RESOURCES
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE 27
SUMMER FUN WITHOUT THE SUN GUIDE 31
SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE 41
SPECIAL NEEDS CALENDAR 42
CHILDCARE & EDUCATION GUIDE 49
CALENDAR 55
CLASSIFIEDS 62
Mocha
17
20
34
44
DINING ON A DIME
SUMMER SAFETY
SUMMER FUN
WITHOUT THE SUN
SENSORY ISSUES & FOOD FOR
CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
FINANCIAL LITERACY
FOR KIDS
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30

June 2011
Ask the Staff:
in honor of national dairy month,
what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
INDYSCHILD.COM 7
BY NOW, YOU probably have your
children’s schedules for camps and
summer activities organized. The
opportunities children in Indianapolis
have to expand their horizons over
the summer are endless. I do believe
that children grow from these many
different opportunities, but I also
think that some special days need to be
spent with parents or grandparents. As
you read on, you will find some great
opportunities and programs for your
children to partake in this summer.
The library program is a family necessity,
and children ages 10 and under can have
lots of fun keeping their reading skills
growing with weekly visits to the library.
I still have a favorite quote from Arthur
Ashe, the legendary tennis phenomenon,
“For every hour spent on the playing fields,
two should be spent with a book.”
Some weekend adventures to parks right here in
metro Indianapolis are real learning experiences
as well. A trip to the 136-acre Garfield Park
yields good hiking adventures, and for $1 you

can visit the Garfield Conservatory. Orchids
hang from the trees and all of the plantings
are well-marked. There is a pond full of
carp and a two-story waterfall. Adjacent to
the Conservatory are the Sunken Gardens
that are beautifully maintained. Garfield is
Indianapolis’ oldest urban park. It is open
daily and is closed for most national holidays.
It is located south of Monument Circle off
of Shelby Street. For more information visit
www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org.
Holliday Park is another great park in
Indianapolis. This is a very organized 94-acre
nature park and offers summer concerts several
times a month. The park also hosts children’s
day camps. Most of the camps are filled by
now, but if you are still looking for openings,
try the Junior Naturalist Camp, June 13-17.
A well-maintained calendar of family friendly
events is located at www.hollidaypark.org.
(I recommend the Sunday afternoon activities
that are offered). Some of their Sunday
events include: June 12 is Meet the Nature
Center Animals; June 19 is Naturalist on the
Loose; and June 26 is Scaly and Slimy Day.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is
another great family trip as it has the 100-acre
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. June
through September there are hour-long art
and nature-focused tours offered on Saturdays

and Sundays at 11 a.m. Tours meet at the Lake
Terrace. The best parking is two blocks west of
the main entrance on 38th street adjacent to the
art sculpture: Free Basket, by Los Carpinteros.
Children may enjoy going with parents and
taking time to really enjoy and contemplate
the contemporary art in the park. Also,
the pace of a guided tour may be too fast
for them and several trips to the park
may be more enjoyable. I would highly
recommend taking a sketching pad because
your children will love making pictures of
some of the art and nature that they see.
Lastly, I hope you have a wonderful
June
and Indy’s Child is excited to introduce a
big surprise for you in July! We will be
unveiling our new magazine format and
design to offer our readers an even
more enjoyable reading experience.
COMMENTARY & PARENTING
*
Publisher’s Note
Indy’s Child
School is Out for the Summer
It's our turn to have fun and educate our own children
FOUNDING PUBLISHER
Barbara Wynne

PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT

OF SALES & BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Mary Wynne Cox

MANAGING EDITOR
Megan Kirschner

SALES AND BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
Jennica Zalewski

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN
Heather Lipe

EVENTS COORDINATOR &
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Wendy Cox

CONTROLLER / ACCOUNTANT
Roxanne Burns

OFFICE MANAGER
Karen Ring

COVER MODEL
Caroline Kirschner


COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Sonja Clark with Moonbug Photography

COVER LOCATION
The IMA

Indy’s Child
921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317.722.8500 (p)
317.722.8510 (f )

COPYRIGHT: Indy’s Child Parenting
Magazine is published monthly. Copyright
2011-2011 by Midwest Parenting Publications,
LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction
without permission is strictly prohibited.
Distribution of this magazine does not constitute
an endorsement of products, commentary
or services herein. For information on
subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising
8 INDY’S CHILD
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JUNE 2011
On June 11, rev up your bikes or lace up those sneakers
and head to Noblesville for the annual Race and
Motorcycle Run for Autism. Benefiting the active
Hamilton County Autism Support Group, the event
will be held at White River Christian Church, 1685
N. 10th St., and is sure to be fun for the entire family.
All proceeds will go toward the organization’s autism
awareness campaigns it conducts at area schools as
well as toward establishing a new autism scholarship

fund for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Registration, check-in and vendor shopping for the
event starts at 10 a.m. with races beginning at 11 a.m.
The motorcycle run kicks into high gear at noon.
According to Jane Grimes, president and founder of
the local organization, the race is a child-centered
event in which kids are encouraged to race using
their favored mode of transportation, be it stroller,
rollerblades, wagon, bicycle, scooter, and the like.
The event will occur on a small track and will include five
races. Participates ages 4 and younger will race for a half
lap, 5 to 7 year olds will complete a full lap, 8 to 12 year
olds will do two laps, ages 13 to 17 will race for three laps,
and individuals 18 and older will race for five laps or the
equivalent of one mile. Participation in the race costs $5
and includes an event t-shirt. Donations are also accepted.
“The race is for kids, but parents are invited
to walk or run the track once those 18
and younger finish,” said Grimes.
At noon the fundraiser’s motorcycle run
will kick-off at the White River Christian
Church annex building. Entry fee for
this portion of the event is $20.
Register as an individual or team for this easy-
paced, family friendly event online at www.hcasg.
org and support area families affected by autism.
4th Annual Indianapolis Kids Triathlon
THE JCC (JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER) OF INDIANAPOLIS
presents the fourth annual
Indianapolis Kids Triathlon and family fun day on Sunday, June 26, beginning at 9 a.m. This premier event

is USA Triathlon-sanctioned and attracts youth participants from all over Indiana. Children of all athletic and
experience levels are welcome. Everyone’s a winner at this event!
The Triathlon offers the following divisions: Small
Fry Division: Ages 6 and under, Junior Division:
Ages 7-10, and Senior Division: Ages 11-14.
Register early and SAVE! $30 general public and $24 for JCC
members through June 19. Or if you register between June 20
to 26, the cost is $35 general public and $30 for JCC members.
Registration is online at www.active.com, registration form
available at
www.JCCindy.org, or at a membership desk at the
Arthur M. Glick JCC, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis.
KIDS BOWL

FREE
THIS SUMMER!
This summer, Kids can bowl for FREE at local Indianapolis bowling
centers. KidsBowlFree.com is in its 4th year and has served more
than 1.6 million children in all 50 states and Canada.
More than 850 bowling centers participate in the program
from coast to coast which provides kids with 2 FREE
games of bowling every day all summer. Families must
register online at www.kidsbowlfree.com and
then will begin receiving emailed vouchers valid for
two free bowling games each day, every week.
Most Kids Bowl Free programs kick off by Memorial
Day weekend and end in late August or September.
Local Bowling Centers Participating: Indianapolis’
Expo Bowl, Western Bowl, and Woodland Bowl,
Coopers Stardust Bowl in Noblesville, Southern

Bowl in Greenwood, and many more in Indiana!
NEWS & SHOPPING
*
news you can use
Radio Disney
98.3FM Presents the
Second Annual
Family Fun Day
Experience
On Saturday, June 18, Radio Disney 98.3FM
presents the Second Annual Family Fun Day
Experience from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
White River State Park. Radio Disney will
provide local area kids and families with a fun-
filled afternoon of entertainment and exhibitors.
Kids can dress up as their favorite Disney
character and enjoy on-stage entertainment
on two stages. The lineup for the Family Arts
Series stage powered by Fifth Third Bank
includes Disney's Phineas and Ferb from hit
Disney Channel series "Phineas and Ferb,"
and a performance by Radio Disney "N.B.T."
artist Coco Jones. Additionally, fans will have
a chance to take pictures and talk with Coco
during a hosted meet and greet session.
The Radio Disney Road Crew will also provide
entertainment including music, dancing, games
and prizes including the chance to
win a "Family Experience Pack"
full of certificates, memberships,

and items and experiences from
many participating exhibitors.
Gear Up for Annual Race and Motorcycle Run for Autism June 11
Register for this event
at www.hcasg.org
INDYSCHILD.COM 9
KRATT
BROTHERS
to Headline
Let's Meet
PBS KIDS in
the Park
Join WFYI at Let’s Meet
PBS KIDS in the Park,
presented by Marsh, on
Saturday, June 11 from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. at Military Park
in White River State Park.
Creature teachers Chris and Martin
Kratt, creators of the award-
winning Kratts’ Creatures and
Emmy-winning Zoboomafoo, will headline this year’s entertainment.
The brothers recently launched their new Wild Kratts animated series
(weekdays at 2 p.m. on WFYI 1). The show transforms the real life zoologists
into animated versions of themselves, allowing them to visit wild animals in
their little seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way.
This year’s theme at Let’s Meet PBS KIDS in the Park is Explore Your
World. In addition to the Kratt Brothers, the day will be filled with non-
stop entertainment on three stages, and opportunities to meet some
of your favorite PBS KIDS walkaround characters. There will also be

numerous hands-on activities for families of all ages to discover.
There’s no need to make reservations or purchase tickets. Let’s Meet PBS KIDS
in the Park is WFYI Public Media’s gift back to the Central Indiana community.
Mark your calendar and plan to enjoy a day in Military Park with your family and
WFYI on June 11. Visit wfyi.org for more information leading up to the event.
Presenting sponsor: Marsh
Supporting Sponsors: Famous Footwear, Indy’s Child, Teacher’s Credit Union, Yelp
Additional support: Clear Channel Outdoor, Hilton Garden Inn, Indiana Recycling Coalition,
IUPUI, Kinetico, Moeller Printing
Booth sponsors: Chick-fil-A, Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Indianapolis
Neighborhood Housing Partnership, International School of Indiana
Tune into Wild Kratts, weekdays at 2 p.m. on WFYI 1.
Animals can take you anywhere in science! Creature teachers Chris and
Martin Kratt take 6- to 8-year olds and their families along on extraordinary
animal-powered adventures in Wild Kratts, a new series on PBS KIDS GO!
The show transforms the Kratt Brothers, creators of the award-winning
Kratts’ Creatures and Emmy-winning Zoboomafoo, into animated versions
of themselves, allowing the real-life zoologists to visit wild animals in their
little-seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way.
From elephants using physics to suck gallons of water with their trunks to a fleet
of peregrine falcons that harness the force of gravity to speed through the air,
each episode presents age-appropriate science inspired by the natural abilities
of the animals that the Kratt brothers, and young viewers, meet.
10 INDY’S CHILD
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JUNE 2011
AROUND TOWN
*
indy zoo
STARING INTO THE eyes of any

tiger is an amazing experience, so
try to imagine what it will be like
when you have an up-close encounter
with the magnificent Amur tiger this
summer at the Indianapolis Zoo.
The new
Tiger Forest
exhibit, presented by Citizens Energy
Group, opens Memorial Day weekend
and will allow you to get closer to the
zoo's tigers than ever before as you come
face to face with those piercing yellow
eyes. Separated by no more than a thin
plate of glass, you'll be so close you’ll be
able to see their four-inch long, razor-
sharp claws and count their whiskers!
Tiger Forest will be a showcase of one of
the world's most endangered animals and
a longtime favorite of Indianapolis Zoo
guests. As you approach the new exhibit,
you will encounter great viewing from
different sides of not just one, but two
tiger habitats. Wind through the space
and discover an overlook onto a stream
where Amur tigers can play and cool off.
As is typical on the border between
Russia and China, both plants and fallen
trees add to the landscape, with some
leaning right against spots where visitors
can "hide." And, of course, tigers love

to play throughout their terrain!
Amur tigers
are the largest
of the five
surviving sub-
species of tigers
worldwide,
and they are in
serious danger
of extinction.
There are only
a few hundred
Amur tigers left in the wild and a few
hundred more in human care. Another
important facet of Tiger Forest is the story
that is told in words and pictures of the
vital research being conducted in Russia
as part of the effort to save this animal
before it disappears forever from the wild.
Indianapolis Zoo vice president of
conservation, Norah Fletchall, traveled
to the forests of Siberia to learn more
about the work of the tiger researchers,
Dr. Linda Kerley and Misha Borisenko
(a husband and wife team) and to also
bring back information about the
survival chances for this apex predator.
The zoo is also providing funding to
continue this important work. Look
for the story of Linda and Misha on the

signs surrounding the Tiger Forest.
Also look for the Zoo's three Amur
tigers, females Cila and Andrea, and male
Petya. The Indianapolis Zoo has been
a longtime supporter of and participant
in the Species Survival Plan® for the
Amur tiger, with many different tigers
and cubs in residence over the years.
Cila was born at the Indianapolis Zoo,
and Petya has been "borrowed" from
the Pittsburgh Zoo. It is hoped by many
that Cila and Petya may get together and
produce more of the rare Amur tigers.
Come be a part of this excitement
and visit the latest addition to the
Indianapolis Zoo, the Tiger Forest,
presented by Citizens Energy Group.
For more information,
visit the Zoo’s web site at
www.indianapoliszoo.com.
Tiger Forest Brings Zoo Visitors Within a Whisker of Magnificent Big Cats
Indianapolis Zoo introduces its new Tiger Forest exhibit
Come be a part of this excitement
and visit the latest addition
to the Indianapolis Zoo, the
Tiger Forest, presented by
Citizens Energy Group.
INDYSCHILD.COM 11
MIGRAINES AND OTHER
headaches aren’t just for grown-ups.

Up to 8 percent of children will experience
a headache by the tender age of 3. That
number jumps to almost 50 percent by the
time they reach 7. And puberty is prime
time for the migraine to first rear its head.
The good news is that in the vast majority
of cases, headaches can be managed. The
key is pinpointing the exact problem and
then determining the right treatment.
SEARCHING FOR THE SOURCE
In the pediatric population, headaches
can be triggered by a wide range of
factors, from the f lu to stress at school, it’s
natural for parents to worry if their child
complains of a serious headache without
a clear reason. Any severe headache, or
moderate headaches that occur frequently
and interfere with your child’s daily
activities, should be evaluated by a doctor.
Headaches fall into two major categories
– primary and secondary. The most
common primary headaches are migraines
and tension headaches. Secondary
headaches stem from other conditions,
such as allergies, sinus or ear infections,
dental problems, or eye strain. If your
child’s physician excludes secondary
headaches, it is time to determine which
type of primary headache is the culprit.
About 75 percent of primary headaches

are tension headaches. These can be
caused by poor sleep or diet, dehydration,
or stress. Common symptoms include:
*
Pressure toward the front
and sides of the head
*
Tightening, rather than
pulsating, pain
*
A dull, aching feeling
Migraines make up 15 to 20 percent
of primary headaches in the pediatric
population. Hallmarks of these
severe headaches, which can last one
hour or several days, can include:
*
Throbbing, pulsating pain
*
Pain that worsens with physical
activity or confines your child to bed
*
Nausea or vomiting
*
Sensitivity to light or noise
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Visual disturbances that precede
or accompany the pain (known
as migraine with aura)
*

Most researchers believe
that genetics play a role in
migraines, so knowing your
family history is important.
HELP FOR HEADACHES
Mild to moderate headaches can usually
be treated with over-the-counter
medications, such as ibuprofen or
acetaminophen. It’s important to use
these at an appropriate dose and in a
timely manner. If these treatments don’t
provide adequate relief, especially in the
case of migraines, your child’s doctor
might prescribe other medicines.
Drugs known as triptans have been proven
effective in treating migraines, but they
are FDA-approved only in patients 17 or
older. If your child suffers from frequent
migraines, the doctor may recommend
a daily medicine to prevent them.
Parents should also consider their
child’s lifestyle. Today’s technology-
driven children and teens are often
eating on the run, lacking exercise, and
staying up too late. Sometimes a good
night’s sleep is the best medicine.
For more information, please visit
www.rileyhospital.org.
DR. CHRISTOPHER JACKMAN
is a pediatric neurologist at

Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
*
pediatric health
Hitting Pain Head-on
Relief is within reach for children and teens suffering from headaches
12 INDY’S CHILD
*
JUNE 2011
AROUND TOWN
*
indy parks
AS THE END of school arrives and the summer sun
begins to shine, many of us will be looking for activities
that both the kids and adults can enjoy. Indy Parks
invites all families to join us this season as we play,
swim and explore! Visit one of Indy Parks’ 19 pools and
Eagle Creek Beach which is now open. Spend the day
swimming indoors or
outdoors, or stop by
one of the 16 spray
grounds across Marion
County to cool off.
To help celebrate
the opening of the
pools and to start
your summer off
with safety, Make a
Splash! May 31 to

June 3 by attending a
free instructional series
on water safety 45
minutes prior to your
pool’s opening. Daily
admission applies after
facilities open, but
Splash! participants
swim free for the day.
Then, on June 11,
bring your swimsuits to one of the biggest pool
parties in Indianapolis! Water slide races and tug-
o-war will accompany other games and contests
when Indy Parks Packs the Pools for the day.
Activities will be held citywide and are free with
regular admission at all aquatic facilities.
Be sure to take advantage of swim classes taught by
certified instructors as they are offered for all ages at
every Indy Parks aquatic center. To register or learn
more visit www.indyparks.org or call 327-PARK.
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS (ALL AGES)
One-on-one lessons are scheduled at your
convenience with one of Indy Parks’ f ive-
star lifeguards. To schedule a lesson, call 862-
6899. $65 for 5 lessons / $119 for 10 lessons
LIL REEF SWIM SCHOOL WITH PARENTS
(6-36 MONTHS)
Parents help guide children as they learn to properly
develop fundamental water skills. $39 for eight classes
LITTLE REEF SWIM SCHOOL

(AGES 3-5)
A lesson program based on the fundamentals of
learning to swim while also having fun. This
class organizes children into appropriate skill
levels on the f irst day. $35 for eight classes
BIG REEF SWIM SCHOOL (AGES 6-14)
This program is designed for children to learn
the fundamentals of swimming and proper
stroke development. $55 for eight classes
When you are not at the pool, don’t forget to head over
to Eagle Creek Park to enjoy the sounds of summer
at the Family Fun Concert Series Saturdays at
10 a.m. Pack a lunch, lawn chairs and strap on your
dancing shoes. Your kiddos are sure to enjoy this
year’s lineup which includes The Verve Pipe ( June
25), Milkshake ( July 9) and Justin Roberts ( July
23). The f irst two concerts deliver original, family-
friendly rock songs while Roberts performs uniquely
comic and soulful songs. All shows are on Saturday
mornings at 10 a.m. Plan to stay the day and explore
the wonders of the country’s 11th largest city park!
Splashing and Dancing at Indy Parks
Summer activities for the kids
Play, Swim and Explore
at one of Indy Parks'
19 Pools or 16 Spray Grounds
this Summer!!!
INDYSCHILD.COM 13
A leader in transforming the
way museums approach guest

encounters, Conner Prairie’s
incredible one-of-a-kind new
outdoor experience, 1863 Civil
War Journey: Raid on Indiana,
utilizes interpretive technologies
and techniques to immerse
guests in a pivotal moment
during the only Civil War battle
on Indiana’s soil. Through live
action, theatrical wizardry,
including video, sound, staging,
hands-on experiences and actors
dressed in authentic period
costumes, guests will be drawn
into the true story of General
John Hunt Morgan’s cavalry
raid on Indiana and its impact
on families and communities.
The experience is based on the
events of July 8, 1863 when
Hoosier militia companies
and civilian volunteers rallied
to defend Indiana from 2,400
invading Confederate soldiers
under the command of Gen.
John Hunt Morgan. After
Hoosier forces were defeated by Rebel
Raiders at the Battle of Corydon on
July 9, an estimated 60,000 volunteers
responded to Gov. Morton’s call to muster

in Indianapolis. Morgan’s advance north
was blocked near Vernon two days later
as some of those volunteers arrived in
southern Indiana from the state capital by
railroad. By falling trees across roads and
through armed resistance, Indiana volunteers
and pursuing Union cavalry chased the
Confederates into Ohio. Morgan and
his troops were eventually defeated and
captured by Union troops in eastern Ohio.
Through a combination of personal letters,
journals, news articles, and additional
historical materials, three main characters
emerged; Attia Porter (teenage girl), Albert
Cheatham (former slave), and Gen. John
Hunt Morgan (Confederate). Each story is
portrayed with a unique perspective of the
raid as guests become immersed in the battle
and the effects it had on Southern Indiana.
1863 CIVIL WAR JOURNEY: RAID ON
INDIANA will serve an intergenerational
audience and will encourage self-led
exploration. It includes the inventive and
interactive River Crossing Play Area for
Conner Prairie’s youngest guests to explore
the past. Using the history park’s extensive
research and content knowledge about the
Civil War as a base, there are different key
experiences that will be both fun as well as
educational for kids ages 2 to 10. Activities

include a large climbable steamboat, water
cannons in a splash park-style area, try-on
Civil War-era clothing, an indoor “barrack-
type” climbing structure and small pretend
soldier’s tents complete with a “campfire.”
Marking this year’s 150th anniversary of the
beginning of the Civil War, this experience
integrates the many factors in why Conner
Prairie is a family favorite. President and
CEO, Ellen M. Rosenthal, comments,
“Recognized as one of the leading and
innovative living history museums in the
nation, we constantly challenge ourselves to
find new ways to connect and engage with
our guests. This is our first experience that
will fully combine the artistry and magic
of technology with the authenticity and
warmth of our first-person interpretation.”
ALPHA GARRETT is the Public
Relations Manager at Conner Prairie.
AROUND TOWN
*
profile: conner prairie
Conner Prairie's Civil War Exhibit
1863 Civil War Journey; Raid on Indiana
Photo Courtesy of Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
THE MONKEY BARS are a favorite
playground staple—and one of the
leading causes of fractures
in young children.

“Most people don’t realize how dangerous
monkey bars really are,” said Kosmas
Kayes, M.D., a pediatric orthopedic
surgeon with Peyton Manning Children’s
Hospital at St.Vincent. “But we’ve
treated many broken wrists, elbows
and forearms that have resulted from
accidents on the monkey bars.”
In addition to the monkey bars, another
outdoor play toy causes many breaks and
fractures in children; trampolines.
Dr. Kayes said the risk of injury from
trampolines is so high that the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said that
trampolines should never be used at
home or in outdoor playgrounds. The
AAP supports limited use of trampolines
in supervised training programs, such
as gymnastics and diving classes.
That may seem extreme to some…until
you realize that the number of injuries
from monkey bars and trampolines
together comprise nearly half of the
injuries Dr. Kayes treats each year—
particularly during the summer months.
And not too far behind are All-Terrain
Vehicles (ATVs). Many breaks come
from behind the handlebars of ATVs
and motorized scooters. “Anytime you
add power to something, it becomes

more dangerous,” Dr. Kayes said.
In fact, in Indiana, it’s illegal for anyone
under age 14 to operate an ATV unless on
a parent’s land or under direct supervision
of an adult 18 years of age or older.
“A study done on ATV and bicycle crashes
reported that almost all ATV injuries
occurred in children under the age of 16
years,” Dr. Kayes shared. “And injury
severity is higher for ATV crashes in terms
of multiple injuries, need for surgical
intervention, and longer length of stay.”
As a firsthand witness to these injuries, Dr.
Kayes strongly advises not allowing children
to play on any of these so-called toys.
However, if you decide to let your child play
on the monkey bars, trampoline, or an ATV
or motorized scooter, he does offer advice
to minimize injuries and maximize safety.
FIRST RULE OF SAFETY FOR ALL
THREE: Make sure you or another adult
is supervising the child. “A lot of injuries
can be prevented, or at least minimized,
with proper adult supervision,” he said.
MONKEY BARS
*
Upper body strength: Children
really shouldn’t attempt the
monkey bars until they have
the upper body strength to

support their own weight
and are tall enough to reach
the bars on their own.
*
No climb time: Climbing
on top of the monkey bars is
even more dangerous and
shouldn’t be allowed—ever.
*
Safe ground surface: The
landing under the monkey bars
should be soft and thick enough
to soften the impact of a fall.
Organic mulch or rubber flooring
is the most ideal—and concrete,
asphalt and blacktop surfaces
should be avoided at all times.
TRAMPOLINES
*
One person at a time: “It won’t
prevent accidents, but it will
sure lessen the likelihood of an
injury, especially if the kids are
of different weight. Most injuries
happen because of multiple
participants,” he shared.
*
Safety net: While they’ve
not proven to reduce injuries,
they are still not a bad idea

to prevent kids, especially
little ones, from falling off.
*
Cover up: Make sure shock-
absorbing pads cover
the trampoline's springs,
hooks and frame.
*
No circus tricks: Don’t
allow somersaults or flips
on the trampoline—these
can cause neck and spinal
injuries, Dr. Kayes reported.
ATV/MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
*
Similar to driving a car: Parents
should approach driving an ATV
or motorized scooter in much the
same way as driving a car: with
training! Formal training teaches
drivers how to control ATVs and
motorized scooters in typical
situations. And, not surprisingly,
drivers with training have a lower
injury risk than drivers who have
not been through proper training.
*
Helmet—regardless of age:
Many ATV and motorized scooter
injuries are head injuries. Wearing

a helmet may reduce the severity
of these injuries. “There’s just
never a reason not to wear a
helmet,” Dr. Kayes said. “The
risk of head injury is too high.”
*
Avoid double trouble: ATVs and
motorized scooters are generally
designed for one person. Adding
another passenger can make
them difficult for the driver to
control—and lead to accidents
and emergency room visits.
KOSMAS KAYES, M.D.
is a pediatric orthopedic
surgeon with Peyton
Manning Children’s
Hospital at St.Vincent. To schedule
an appointment with Dr. Kayes
for your child, call 317.338.7674.
14 INDY’S CHILD
*
June 2011
HEALTH & WELLNESS
*
pediatric health
Making the Summer a Safe One
Common summer injuries to avoid
INDYSCHILD.COM 15
This summer, explorers of all ages will

get a chance to dig into the past in the
newest permanent exhibit opening at
The Children’s Museum: National
Geographic Treasures of the Earth.
In this exhibit your family will
experience the world of archaeology
and learn how it helps us piece together
stories of the past by uncovering,
investigating, interpreting and
preserving what people leave behind.
Your little Indiana Jones-in-training will
enjoy exploring re-creations of three
real-life archaeological sites including the
tomb of Seti I in Egypt, the Terra Cotta
warriors in China, and the underwater
excavation of the shipwreck of Capt.
Kidd in the Dominican Republic.
These immersive environments set
the stage for a unique and engaging
family learning experience.
UNDER THE SAND
In Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, the
tomb of Seti I is the longest, deepest,
and most complete tomb discovered
and has walls covered with exquisite
decoration. In this section of the exhibit,
families can solve the puzzle to learn whose
tomb this is, climb inside the mysterious
tunnel to learn where it leads, and help
determine if this is a pharaoh’s tomb.

UNDER THE EARTH
At the time of their discovery, no one knew
the purpose of the Terra Cotta Warriors or
who had created them, but archaeologists
very quickly suspected that the warriors
were part of the burial complex of China’s
first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. Today, this
vast excavation site has yielded nearly 8,000
figures. At The Children’s Museum, visitors
can help excavate re-created warriors in
the Dig Pit, work together to put one of
three different figures back together, and
virtually repaint a warrior themselves.
UNDER THE SEA
Lost for 300 years, convicted pirate Capt.
William Kidd’s ship – the Cara Merchant –
was lost in the waters of the Caribbean. It
wasn’t until 2007 that researchers from IU’s
Office of Underwater Science discovered
the wreckage in less than 10 feet of water
off the coast of the Dominican Republic.
In Treasures of the Earth, families can
help discover how the Cara Merchant
might have ended up where it did, look for
clues in the cannon pile, and use a dredge
to suck up sand to reveal the precious
artifacts buried underneath the sea.
ARCHAEOLOGY LAB
Much like the Paleo Prep Lab in
Dinosphere, in Treasures of the Earth the

Archaeology Lab will feature ongoing
scientific investigations and archaeological
research. Children and families will have
the opportunity to talk to archaeological
experts as they are conducting investigations
on artifacts recovered from archaeological
sites. Created specifically for the exhibit, a
special wet lab will feature the only cannon
recovered from the Cara Merchant site as
a conservation treatment works to remove
encrustations and stabilize the iron.
This summer, your budding archaeologist
will have a blast discovering for themselves
the world of archaeology at The
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis!
JACLYN FALKENSTEIN
is the Public Relations
Coordinator at The Children's
Museum of Indianapolis.
AROUND TOWN
*
museum note
Experience the World of Archaeology at The Children's Museum
Dig into the Past in National Geographic Treasures of the Earth
FACEBOOK
*
facebook talk
What is your most embarrassing parenting moment?
Do you have a question you want to see here? Email it to
Parents Share Their Advice on Kid Issues

facebook
TALK
I took my son to the store
with me and the clerk
there was an older lady,
but she had a deep voice.
As she was talking to us
my son asks her why she
sounds like a man I was
so embarrassed, I couldn’t
apologize enough to her.
—Tricia Heath
When my daughter was 3
we were at a restaurant
and there was an elderly
lady sitting at the table
next to us. My daughter
pointed at the lady and
said “Mommy, she’s dried
out!”
—Lydia Beaudoin
We were at Chilli’s the other
day when my husband
excused himself to the
restroom. While he was gone
the young lady came and
brought out our sodas and
my 2-year-old announces,
“My Daddy had to go poop!”
I was mortied! But the lady

smiled and told me not to
worry about it. Can you tell
she’s potty training?!
—Laura Miller
When my son was 3 we
went to spaghetti factory
and requested to eat in the
trolley. Zack liked eating
in the trolley car. We were
informed the trolley was
closed and walked right by
it to another table, Zack
threw himself on the oor
throwing a t because
we were not sitting in the
trolley car to eat our dinner.
—Steven Smith Goodman
INDYSCHILD.COM 17
IT’S THE MIDDLE of the week and
you’re juggling the kids, work,
laundry, the new puppy, and the
kids’ summer schedules. Your
To-Do list is a mile long and is
getting longer, and you still have
to read your book for book club.
Whew.
It’s no wonder that sometimes scraping
a meal together and then cleaning it up
afterwards is way more than we want to

deal with.
Simply saying, “Kids get in the car, we’re
going out to eat,” can be a real sanity saver
every once in awhile.
But ‘every once in awhile’ is beginning
to turn into ‘every week’. In a poll of
24 families, 62 percent said they spend
between $100 to $300 per month on
restaurants while eating out an average of
one to two times per week.
Since dining out here and dining out
there adds up quickly, having a plan and
economizing on those meals out is the way
to go in order to stretch your dollar further.
There are a number of restaurants in and
around Indy that offer ‘Kids Eat Free’
specials. These specials are often found
on Mondays or Tuesdays, which are
usually the less busy days for restaurants,
though specials can be found at various
restaurants on every day of the week.
TIPS FROM MOMS FOR DINING ON
A DIME:
“Sometimes we can get a “free” kids
meal if we go somewhere we have
a coupon for. For example, we like
Cancun [the restaurant] and often have
coupons for $5 off a purchase of $20
or more. Since their kids meals are
$4.99, we can order something for our

daughter, and with the
coupon it’s like
paying for just mine and my husband’s
meal.”- Christine L.
“We have a preschooler, and when we
go out to eat we get him water. We don’t
order the kids meal, we let him eat from
our plate, and also give him whatever
comes with the restaurant (bread, tortilla
chips, or crackers). My husband and I
usually get water, or if we really want
something besides water we’ll split a soft
drink or tea. We don’t order appetizers,
and I order a lot of soup/salad, which is
cheaper than an entrée.” - Sherri Foster
“We’ve used restaurant.com, especially
when you get a $25 certificate for $2 when
they have their specials. I try for the most
part to use coupons. I don’t usually get
drinks for the kids unless it comes with the
meal, and one thing I have done is to get
water and bring little single Kool-Aid or
lemonade packets.” - Kelly Gray
“We rarely get appetizers or dessert
(sometimes I’ll have a dessert ready for
everyone at home) and we all order water.”
- Sherri Seward
AROUND TOWN
*
indy on a budget

Dining on a Dime
Ways to save money when dining out
LOCAL
KIDS EAT FREE
(OR CHEAP) DEALS
Skyline Chili
Kids meals are .99 on Fridays
with a paid adult meal
Chili’s
Tuesdays is a $20
dinner for two offer
Steak ‘n Shake
Kids eat free on weekends
Max & Erma’s
Kids eat free on Tuesdays
Scotty’s Brewhouse
Kids eat free on Sundays
and Tuesdays
Scotty’s Lakehouse
Kids eat free on
Saturdays (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Teddy’s Burger Joint
Kids eat free on Tuesdays
Perkins
Kids eat free on Mondays,
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Smokey Bones Bar
& Fire Grill
Kids eat free from
5 - 7 p.m. on Mondays

Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kids eat free all day Sunday
and Wednesdays after 4 p.m.
Bella Pizzeria
Kids eat free Sundays
Johnny Rockets
Kids eat free from 4 - 9 p.m.
on Monday and Wednesday
Check ahead with the
restaurant to be sure
information is accurate, as
participation may vary or
change without notice.
18 INDY’S CHILD
*
JUNE 2011
DATE NIGHT DINING
Another way to take a little time off in the
kitchen while still saving money is to get
creative with your date nights.
How about a babysitting swap with
another family? Your kids will get some
playtime with their friends and you get to
save on babysitting costs. Then, you simply
return the favor and watch their kids for
their date night.
Another tip is to go out for breakfast or
lunch if possible, which is always cheaper
than going out to dinner and it may be less
busy, too.

Sherri Foster, who budgets a little bit extra
for special date nights, said, “We use gift
cards that we get for birthdays or holidays,
or use a Groupon. And if we’re spending a
lot, we try to get enough to have leftovers
for the next day.”
Kelly Gray offered this birthday tip, “If you
or your spouse are having a birthday soon,
usually restaurants send out nice deals if
you’re on their email list.”
Looking for ideas? The Ram offers a
free birthday mudslide, which is more
than enough for two people, and Moe’s
Southwest Grill has free birthday burritos if
that’s more your style.
MORE DINING OUT TIPS
Consider takeout and eat at home. This is
sometimes the best option if you have very
young children who are at the stage where
they don’t really want to sit in a highchair
for any length of time, which tends to make
dining out more and not less stressful. You
still have a little bit of cleanup at home, but
at least you don't have to cook and wash
pots and pans.
Or, with summer finally here, get some
takeout and go to the park for a picnic.
Our family will sometimes grab a couple
of $5 pizzas from Little Caesar’s along with
some water and carrot sticks from home and

head to a favorite outdoor spot or park.
One more thing, when eating at a
restaurant, tip well. It’s courteous to tip
on the full bill amount, especially since
as we all know, dining with kids can be
pretty messy.
WEBSITE SAVINGS
You don’t have to spend hours f inding
out where the deals are. These are a
couple of websites that make it easy to
find out the specials:
www.kidsmealdeals.com and
www.mykidseatfree These resources
will help you f ind participating
restaurants and the kids meal specials
they offer (often kids eat free with an
adult entrée purchase, or the restaurant
offers .99 kids meals).
www.coupons4indy.com This website
lists coupons for businesses all over the
Indy area. When searching restaurants,
you can search by cuisine and/or city
feature, making it easy to find printable
coupons for nearby eateries.
www.groupon.com Restaurant deals
aren’t always on the menu, since Groupon
deals also consist of entertainment, spas,
and shopping, but it’s worth signing up
for in order to grab them when they come
around, usually for a 50% discount.

www.livingsocial.com and
www.eversave.com Similar to Groupon,
these websites also offer discounts to local
restaurants as well as theaters, spas and
more. These kinds of deals are in most
major cities, so if you know you’ll be
traveling to another city where they’re
offered, consider watching for restaurant
deals there, too.
www.restaurant.com Certificates to
participating restaurants are often $10 for
a $25 certificate. Be sure to read about the
minimum purchase and other restrictions.
KRISTA BOCKO is a freelance
writer, wife and mother of
four. She can be reached at

“We have a preschooler, and when we go out to eat we get him water. We don’t order the kids meal, we let
him eat from our plate, and also give him whatever comes with the restaurant (bread, tortilla chips, or crackers).
My husband and I usually get water, or if we really want something besides water we’ll split a soft drink or tea.
We don’t order appetizers, and I order a lot of soup/salad, which is cheaper than an entrée.”- Sherri Foster
INDYSCHILD.COM 19
20 INDY’S CHILD
*
JUNE 2011
CHOOL IS OUT, the sun is high in the
sky and the kids are ready to take on
summer! To children, summer means
playgrounds, swimming and fun in the
sun. To parents it means all that and more,

including potential safety hazards.
The best way to keep your children safe this
summer is to arm yourself with knowledge. Know
your child’s surroundings and be aware of potential
hazards, but also know what needs to be done when
emergencies arise.
The Buzz on Bug Bites
Where there’s heat, humidity, rain and foliage, you
will inevitably find winged and crawling critters.
They may be small, but they can carry some big
dangers. The list of diseases that can be carried by
summer-loving bugs is frightening in its lengthiness.
The most common culprits are mosquitoes and ticks.
Where there’s humidity, there will be mosquitoes.
Their bites are an irritation, but they can also be
dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile Virus
is the most common mosquito-related disease in
the Midwest. In 2009, there were over 300 cases
documented in Indiana. Symptoms of the disease
can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms,
affecting up to 20 percent of the people infected
with West Nile, can include fever, headache, body
aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes and
a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. The
disease can also become much more severe in some
cases, however most infected people show very few
symptoms at all
.
My family and I took a short walk in the woods

last weekend and after only a half hour we found
our first tick of the season. After a frantic search,
we discovered four more! Brief conversations with
other hikers led us to the conclusion that ticks may
be on the rampage this summer.
Ticks are actually arachnids, related to spiders, that
thrive in humid, woody or grassy environments.
They survive by attaching themselves to an animal
or human while feasting on their host’s blood.
safety
summer
Keeping children safe during summer play
Unfortunately, they can also pass along various diseases,
the most common of which is Lyme disease.
More cases of Lyme disease are reported than any other bug-
borne disease in the United States. According to the CDC
there were almost 29,000 confirmed cases and 6,277 probable
cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. in 2008; most of these cases
are reported from the Northeast and upper Midwest.
Lyme disease is bacteria that can be fought with
antibiotics. Typical symptoms include fever, headache,
fatigue, and skin rash.
Prevention is the key to avoiding bug bites. Always apply
insect repellent containing DEET to clothes and exposed
skin when going outside. Apply the insect repellent
containing permethrin to prevent ticks from attaching and
always check for ticks after being outside and remove them
promptly. Wearing long sleeves and pants will also help.
Testing the Waters
The most common and most terrifying safety hazard for

children in the summer is water. According to Safe Kids
USA, a nationwide network of organizations working to
prevent childhood injury, drowning is the second leading
cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to
4 years and children 10 to 14 years. For infants less than
1 year, drowning is the third leading cause of death. In
addition, an average of 3,600 annual injuries occur to
children due to near-drowning incidents.
Unfortunately, the dangers for children are growing
because of the increase in foreclosed or abandoned homes
where pools are left uncared for and unprotected.
In May of 2008, 5-year-old Sheyenne Jenkins was
playing outside with her brother. Sheyenne disappeared
for only a moment, but that moment is all it took to lead
to tragedy.
Sheyenne was found unconscious in a neighbor’s pool.
The house had been abandoned and the fence and pool
cover that had once protected the pool, were in disrepair.
Unfortunately, the system in most states, including Indiana,
has no laws concerning who is responsible in a situation like
this. Three years later, the previous owner, the mortgage
company, and the town where the accident occurred, are
all denying responsibility. “We’re still in the lawsuit,” said
Secrena Erwin, Sheyenne’s mother.
The pool was completely open because Indiana doesn’t have
a fence law. Even after what happened to little Sheyenne,
the laws still haven’t changed.
“[When a house is foreclosed] the clean up team must now
immediately fix the pool if one is present. That’s the only
thing that has changed,” she said.

Still, it took 3 months after Sheyenne’s death to get the
pool covered (however, the cover has since fallen in again).
“Indiana still doesn’t have a fence law,” said Secrena.
“It’s unbelievable.”
Observance is vitally important in protecting your child
from these situations. “Be aware of your surroundings,
INDYSCHILD.COM 21
The best way to keep your children safe this summer is to arm yourself with knowledge. Know your child’s surroundings
and be aware of potential hazards, but also know what needs to be done when emergencies arise.
22 INDY’S CHILD
*
JUNE 2011
but
also be aware of what’s going on with your neighbors,”
advised Secrena. “If you see an open pool, call your homeowners
association or whoever you have to call. Keep calling until the
situation is fixed.”
Lisa Moy concurs that diligence is key to keeping your kids safe
in the water. “My Grandfather’s philosophy of teaching a child to
swim was to throw them in water over their heads and say ‘swim
or drown’,” said Lisa, a mother of three who grew up in rural
Indiana.
As a result from her Grandfather’s ways, Lisa developed a strong
fear of the water. Therefore, when she had kids of her own,
she was determined to make sure they were safe in the water.
She hovered in fear as her children learned to swim and as they
eventually decided to swim competitively. Still, she remained
paranoid, but her paranoia actually paid off.
“One time during practice I noticed my child struggling and
he was in the middle of the deepest part of the pool. The young

coaches hadn’t noticed,” said Lisa. “I was glad to be the paranoid
mother hovering over the fence. I had to yell to them he was
having problems and they raced out to assist him. I still cringe to
think what might have happened if I had not been watching so
closely.”
Stony Creek Swim Center has been offering quality swim
instructions for 22 years. Lessons are available for children as
young as 6 months through adult. For more information or to
register for classes, contact (317) 773-7399.
This summer, all Indy Parks are offering free water safety classes
each day for a half hour before the pool opens through June 3.
Those who attend the classes are invited to swim for free for the
entire day. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an
adult. Visit indyparks.org for more information.
Back Away from Big Bangs
Fireworks are often a special part of summer celebrations that are
often eagerly anticipated by little ones. The sparkly lights and big
bangs can often draw the attention of naturally curious children.
However, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms every
year with firework-related injuries.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA),
two out of every five (40 percent) people injured by fireworks
were under the age of 15, and the risk of firework injuries was
highest for teens ages 15-19 and children 5-9, both with at least
2.5 times the risk for the general population. Most often it is
the sparklers, fountains, and other novelties that are legal and
available for sale everywhere that are the culprits.
Indiana law prohibits the sale and use of fireworks to anyone
under the age of 18. However, obviously considering the
statistics, this law is not always obeyed.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security recommends
that, as a rule, children should never be allowed to play with,
handle or light fireworks of any kind. In fact, fire safety officials
agree that the safest way to prevent firework-related injuries is
to leave the work to the professionals. Visit a fireworks display
presented by those trained to perform them with safety personnel
standing by. And always make sure you and your children are far
enough away to enjoy the show without the chance of injury.
Beat the Heat
You can’t avoid the heat in summer, especially when you’re
a rambunctious young one with energy to burn. Therefore,
sunburn and dehydration are constant summer fears.
With skin cancer concerns on the rise, it’s a good idea to make
sunscreen a daily drill for your young sun worshippers. Although
skin cancer is not commonly diagnosed in children, the majority
of sun exposure happens during childhood.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies
less than 6 months should be dressed in lightweight long pants
and long sleeve shirts and wear brimmed hats when exposed
to the sun. For babies this age, applying a minimal amount of
sunscreen, 15 SPF or higher, is also recommended.
For older children, hats and sunglasses are recommended by the
AAP. Sunscreen of at least 15 SPF or greater and staying out of
the sun as much as possible during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. are also suggested. Also, don’t forget to reapply!
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after
swimming or sweating. Making sunscreen a daily habit for your
children will help to ensure they continue healthy practices into
their adult lives.
In addition to sunburn, dehydration is always a summer concern

for the young ones, and because of their small size and innate
activeness, children are especially prone. Knowing the early
signs of dehydration or heat stress is essential to keeping kids
healthy in the heat. These signs may include thirst, fatigue, and
irritability. If you note these signs, get your child to a cool place
and administer fluids, avoiding sugary drinks or sodas. Cool
cloths may also help.
Additionally, one doesn’t usually consider dehydration to be a
concern while engaging in summer water fun, but cool water
can often mask the effects of the sun. Always remember to stay
hydrated during all types of summer activities, even swimming.
Summer fun doesn’t have to be accompanied by constant fears
over safety issues. However, knowing the dangers and staying
ahead of the game is the best way to have piece of mind and
ensure a safe and happy summer for everyone.
REBECCA TODD is a freelance writer and
the author of the book “What’s the Point?”
Visit her at rebeccatodd.wordpress.com.
INDYSCHILD.COM 23
Five Seasons Family Sports Clubs
Bring this to your new club and enjoy yourself for a day!
There will be no guest charge when you bring this in!
Five Seasons is an unparalleled experience that solves the athletics and fitness needs of an
individual while providing country club service and social programming. Five Seasons is an
exclusive club that has many things to offer you, your family and friends.
These include
:
Poolside Restaurant Free Towels and Lockers
Café & Bar Kids Zone
Volleyball/Sand Volleyball Indoor Running Track

Racquetball & Squash Nursery/Day Camps
Banquet Rooms Aerobics
Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pools Zumba Classes
Indoor & Outdoor Tennis (including clay courts) Whirlpool/Steam/Sauna
Trotter/Hammer Strength Free Weight Equipment Beauty Salon/Spa
Cardiovascular Equipment and Cardio Theater Tanning
Massage Therapy Personal Training
Indoor & Outdoor Basketball Yoga / Pilates
Spinning Classes Kickboxing
And much more…
Five Seasons Family Sports Club
1300 East 96
th
Street
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317-582-1550
Fiveseasonsfamilysportsclub. com
Choosing a Playset:
*
When selecting playsets, there are some
things to look for, said Riley. Find one that
fits your backyard space and not one that is
too big for the area. For commercial playsets,
it is required that there is a six foot safety
boundary around the perimeter of the set.
*
Find deep slides. With shallow slides it is
easier for kids to fall off the sides, but with
deep slides kids get cradled into them.
*

Look for climbing ladders that
are angled, not vertical.
*
Recessed hardware is also important
so kids do not get snagged.
*
Plastic chains with some kind of coating is a
good idea so kids’ fingers do not get pinched.
*
One of the biggest things that gets ignored,
said Riley, is making sure that the playsets are
translucent, meaning you can see through
them, thus allowing parents to observe
their children at all times. When you have a
playset with solid walls you can’t tell if the
kids are hurt, and parents need to be able
to look out and see what is going on.
*
Stay away from purchasing conflicting play
areas, such as monkey bars with swings
attached. This is not a good situation
if a child drops and hits the swing.
Basketball Goals:
*
The main thing is to place basketball
goals on a flat part of the driveway. A lot
of driveways slope to the street, so try
to use a protective netting that prohibits
kids from chasing balls into the street.
*

Adjustable basketball goals with a cranking
mechanism that goes up and down is a good
idea. The cranking mechanism, however,
needs a safety stop on the post so if there
is a failure with the cranking mechanism,
the safety stop would catch itself.
*
Stay away from portable basketball goals.
These are the most dangerous, said Riley.
When kids dunk and hang from the rims, there
is not enough weight and they tend to fall
over and land on the child. Riley recommends
installing a permanent in-ground goal,
rather than purchasing a portable goal.
Trampolines:
*
Recreation Unlimited sells the “World’s Safest
Trampoline” the Springfree
™
Trampoline. It
has never had a claim against it for someone
getting injured, said Riley, and it has
unique safety features. The
entire trampoline is based
on safety as it uses flexible
fiberglass rods to give a soft
non-jarring bounce. The
rods lie beneath the jumping
surface and out of harms
way. “We’ve never carried

trampolines until now, and we
have had parents come in with fear
for injury that will buy this one,” said Riley.
Hot Tubs:
*
If purchasing a hot tub, make sure to buy one
with an anti-suction release on the bottom.
Within two years, all hot tubs will require an
anti-suction release mechanism. Parents need
to make sure the hot tub they are purchasing
has this feature, as it is very common for
children’s skin and clothing to get stuck to the
bottom, resulting in many fatal accidents.
It’s time to pump up the basketball balls, clean off the playground equipment and get ready for the backyard play days to begin. With the kids being
outside more, parents want to make sure their kids are safe. But what are the proper precautions to take when dealing with backyard safety issues?
Owner of Recreation Unlimited, Brad Riley, talked with Indy’s Child, and told us his list of important safety measures to follow.
Backyard Safety
T I P S F R O M R E C R E AT I O N U N L I M I T E D
24 INDY’S CHILD
*
JUNE 2011
SUMMER IS FINALLY here! If you are like me, you were so happy to
pack up all the snow boots, coats and winter gear. Now it’s easy breezy
summertime! Flip flops, sprinkler parks and ice cream cones!
As a kid, summer days seemed endless – filled with hours of running
through the sprinkler and riding my bike until dusk. Long, hot days
filled with special memories like slip-n-slide in the backyard and purple
popsicles dripping down my chin.
I still do all these things each summer with my kids. I often get a glimpse
into being a kid again and the sense of freedom during the summer

months by watching the pure delight on my children’s faces.
Last summer I decided to take one of our favorite summer traditions
and make it a bit more meaningful. After all, I thought to myself, they
are getting older and I wanted to seize the opportunity to teach them
something I feel deeply passionate about - helping others.
I have always preached to my kiddos the importance of giving back, but
last summer I realized that I really needed to show them how to do it.
Talking about it was no longer enough. Rather, I needed to help them
connect the dots and show them the difference they had the power to
make in our own community.
One of my favorite sayings that I love and have on a plaque at home is by
Ghandi. He so profoundly stated, “Be the change you want to see in the
world.” Well, it was time to stop saying it and actually help my kids put
this motto into action.
We started by planning our usual Fourth of July Stand that has become a
favorite summer tradition for our family. Typically, my kids bake cookies,
brownies, make lemonade, and even sell snow cones with red, white and
blue flavoring. In the past, they gear up all week making and organizing
their items and set up shop at the end of our street on July 3 in celebration
of the Fourth of July weekend. Last year, however, we sat down as a
family and decided to make the stand bigger and better and focused on
donating 100 percent of the proceeds to a charity in our community.
Much to my surprise, I did not have to twist any of their arms to agree
to give their hard earned proceeds away. Instead, they decided to raise
money from the Fourth of July Stand to benefit our local Humane
Society. Before I could blink, all three of my kids were working together
(a rare moment, I must admit) to create flyers, posters and decorations
for their charity stand. They recruited neighbor kids, friends, and family
members to help with it. They spent days baking, planning and talking
about how many animals they wanted to help and how much money they

wanted to earn to make a difference.
To be honest, it took on a life of its own and it was a wonderful thing, as
a mom, to watch it unfold with my kids. Last year, our little stand raised
over $400 dollars in a two hour period. The kids sold out of everything
and couldn’t believe that customers were paying $10 for a cookie.
They accepted donations of any amount for all their items. People gave
generously as they shared that they were raising money to help the local
Humane Society.
With summer now here, my kids have already started to plan our Fourth
of July Stand for this year. I have been so moved by their motivation
that it has inspired me to not only share the idea with you, but to create
a special day for moms and kids to participate in making a difference in
the community.
MARY SUSAN Buhner is a Life Coach for Moms and
author of “Mommy Magic: Tricks for Staying Sane in the
Midst of Insanity” Visit www.Mommy-Magic.com for more
information. Become a Fan of Mommy Magic on FaceBook!
COMMENTARY & PARENTING
*
mommy magic
Teach Your Kids to Give Back to the Community
National Fourth of July Stand Day
ONE DAY, ONE STAND, ONE BIG DIFFERENCE!
So with that, I invite you and your kids to participate in this year’s National
Fourth of July Stand Day. It is easy and a wonderful way to teach your kids to
work together to help others and make a difference in your community.
All you have to do is:
Save the Date
July 3! The official date for the National Fourth of July Stand Day!
Choose a Charity

Talk and research together as a family about what charity in your community you want
to help. It could be in honor or memory of a loved one who fought a particular disease, a
homeless shelter, or a church, to name a few examples. Picking a cause that your kids want to
help really brings meaning and life to your stand. You can even contact the charity and take a
tour beforehand to show your kids how their efforts will truly make a difference to others.
Make a Plan
Decide what you want to sell. Baked goods, snow cones, popsicles, lemonade,
American flags, Fourth of July hats, beads and even candy.
Invite Others
Invite your neighbors, friends and families to help and participate.
Create Your Stand
Decorate a card table with Fourth of July decorations or tape mini flags to a wagon. Whatever
it is, have your kids show their American spirit by creating and decorating their stand.
Get the Word Out
Make flyers and posters for your stand to let others know your
Fourth of July Stand is helping others in the community.
I hope you take me up on the invitation to participate in this year’s
first annual National Fourth of July Stand Day. Together, as moms, we
can teach our children on the importance of helping others.
In one day, one stand can make one big difference!
For more details on Mommy Magic’s National Fourth of July
Stand Day visit www.Mommy-Magic.com.
INDYSCHILD.COM 25
WHAT MAKES ELMO
®
dance, and how does
the Etch A Sketch
®
work? Have a hands-on
experience discovering the combinations of gears,

pulleys, linkages, cams, and circuits inside many
of your favorite toys and games this summer at
the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and
Technology in Bloomington, Ind.
The special exhibition Toys: The Inside Story
will make its f irst appearance in Indiana and its
only second appearance in the entire Midwest, at
WonderLab from June 2 through September 4.
“We chose this exhibition because it offers a
new experience for visitors and communicates
science through fun and familiar objects,” said
Karen Jepson-Innes, WonderLab’s associate
executive director.
Toys: The Inside Story includes a dozen different
hands-on stations illustrating the simple mechanisms
commonly found in toys from a jack-in-the-box to
the game Operation®. Some stations provide open-
ended activities that encourage visitors to make
their own toy-like mechanisms. WonderLab will
offer further enrichment through special programs
and Science on the Spot activities throughout the
summer. The museum’s gift store will also have
related merchandise.
The family-friendly exhibition began touring in 2007. It
was created by the Montshire Museum of Science with
funding from the National Science Foundation. The
exhibition comes to WonderLab with support provided
by AT&T Real Yellow Pages; The Community
Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, Inc.;
Cook, Inc.; Duke Energy Foundation; Hoosier Virtual

Academies, powered by K12; Ivy Tech Community
College Bloomington; LAMAR Outdoor Advertising;
and TraveliN Magazine.
WonderLab is an award-winning science museum
and family destination in the heart of the downtown
Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD).
It is within walking distance of the Indiana University
campus and is a short drive from the Lake Monroe
recreational area. The two-story museum at 308 West
Fourth Street offers hands-on exhibits and programs rich
in educational content for visitors of all ages.
General admission is $6.00 for children and $7.00 for
adults. Children under the age of 1 are free. WonderLab
participates in the Association of Science-Technology
Center (ASTC) Passport Program, which offers
reciprocal free admission for members of participating
museums located more than 90 miles apart. For more
information, call WonderLab Visitor Services at
812-337-1337 ext. 25 or go online to
www.wonderlab.org.
AROUND TOWN
*
profile: wonderlab
Get the Inside Story About Toys This Summer
The WonderLab Museum's new exhibit
Photo Courtesy of Sciencenter