THE
PEDIATRICIANS
Hello, neighbor! We want you to know that we’re all in this together. Because “together” is the best way to shape treatment plans made just for your child––ones that are built by a team of doctors, families and patients. That’s what it means to deliver care that connects.
Find care: cookchildrens.org
Ranked best in health care!
Hair/makeup: Lana Adams with Kim Dawson Agency 17
39
SPECIAL SECTIONS
MOM APPROVED
50 Mom-Approved Pediatricians Pediatricians, family doctors and pediatric specialists loved by our readers ON THE COVER
Cover kid: Poppy, age 4, of Highland Village Photography: Nick Prendergast
22 Best for Families 2024
These reader favorites take the trophy in 22 categories words Amanda Collins Bernier + Elizabeth Smith
NOTED
9 Supporting Shy Kids
Why some kids struggle with shyness and how you can help
12 By the Numbers / Autism Today
Facts and figures behind the rise in ASD
14 Ask an Expert / Sound Advice
Helping your child grieve the loss of a pet
REAL MOMS
17 Moms Next Door / Jessie Carrillo
Meet the mom on a mission to calm the chaos through getting organized
20 Briefs / Orderly Fashion
Our Mom Next Door shares her top tips for decluttering with kids
SPECIAL NEEDS
31 Rare Parents
Raising a child with a rare disease means charting a world of unknowns
39 Things to Do
31 Family fun events in April and May COLUMNS
6 Hello / Mom Knows Best
As parents, our best resources are other parents words Amanda Collins Bernier
54 Dad Amongst Dudes / Coach’s Corner
Coaching fourth-grade basketball is something alright words Josh Farnsworth
Y OLDEST CHILD was still cooking in my belly when I first started questioning every mom I knew. What’s the best brand of baby bottles? Did you have an epidural? Convertible car seat or travel system?
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As parents, our best resource is other parents. Sure, experts can offer their research-backed advice, but a mom who’s already been there, done that? I’m looking for her thoughts. It’s why there are mommy meetups, social media groups and online communities. When it comes to raising kids, parents know best.
And that’s why we turn to moms and dads every year for our Best for Families survey, asking all the things you want to know about raising kids in Dallas-Fort Worth. Where’s the best place for a toddler birthday party? What local museum is the most familyfriendly? Where’s the prime spot for a staycation? Thousands of local moms and dads answered these questions, and a lot more. See all the 2024 winners on page 22.
Parents also weighed in on another crucial pick for raising kids in this issue: your pediatrician. Turn to page 50 to see which docs in DFW got moms’ stamp of approval (and go online to dfwchild.com to nominate your fave wellness professionals).
For even more mom tips, check in with our Mom Next Door, professional organizer Jessie Carrillo, on page 17. She’s got the scoop on staying organized in a house full of kids (yes, it really is possible). She knows all the tricks because she’s figured it out herself—making the most of every inch of space in her quaint Oak Cliff bungalow. She’ll have you decluttering your playroom like a pro. Spring cleaning, anyone?
And since we’re talking about springtime and moms, I’ll sign off by wishing every mom and mother figure a happy Mother’s Day. I know it can feel like a thankless job when you’re always giving—your energy, your sanity, your kisses and hugs, your great advice. So even if your kids don’t appreciate it all (yet), know that your fellow mamas do. Thanks for being on the journey with us!
EMMA WALKER WASN’T A SHY TODDLER. Up until age 4, she was social and talkative, easily making friends and connections with peers. Then things changed. Emma stopped talking.
“Maybe in first grade, she wasn’t really talking to her teachers, and I don’t even know if she was talking to most kids,” recalls her mom, Fort Worth’s Molly Walker. At first, she didn’t worry—after all, both Walker and her husband are on the introverted side. But in second grade when a teacher revealed that Emma wasn’t talking back to a peer who tried to engage her—instead, she would write her reply on a note—Walker became concerned. Just how much shyness is normal for kids, she wondered. And at what point should she intervene?
Shyness is the tendency to feel worried, tense or uncomfortable around others, particularly unfamiliar people. Sometimes, it can manifest in physical symptoms—kids might blush or feel speechless or shaky.
It’s often common for introverted parents to have children who struggle with shyness, for reasons related to both nature and nurture, says Dr. Brook West, a child psychologist, certified play therapist and founder of HOPE Child and Family Center of Texas in Dallas. “The modeling hasn’t been there,” West explains, “and they haven’t really been able to perceive the adult role model really embracing and extending themselves socially.”
But sometimes, being shy is just a child’s tendency. And for many kids, it’s perfectly normal. Some children are naturally withdrawn and slower to warm up in new situations.
When a child is struggling with shyness and making friends, parents often don’t know where to start, says Dr. Ray Levy, a child psychologist in Dallas. What they do know, however, is that they don’t want their child being left out, especially at school, where having friends and feeling connected is crucial. But Levy encourages parents to remember that relationships are about quality over quantity.
THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF HELPING YOUR SHY KID
DO talk to their teacher or guidance counselor. They know who is alone on the playground or at lunch.
DON’T assume extracurricular activities are the answer. These interactions don’t always provide for great socialization. Often, socially outgoing kids excel in sports and the shier kids struggle. DO give them time to adjust to new situations and make new connections.
DON’T ignore debilitating shyness, or behavior like purposefully avoiding social situations.
DO let your child talk and vent. Ask if they want your suggestions for help.
“The magic number for friendships is one,” says Levy. “Parents think that the kid who’s more popular is healthier than the kid who has one friend. They’re not. The more friends you have doesn’t make you healthier.”
If your child is struggling with making that first friend, talk to their teacher and find out if there’s anyone in their class who would be a good match. See if they can sit near them at lunch or be paired with them for group work. Invite that child over after school to play. Just be careful not to overdo it, cautions Levy.
Outside of school, you can help your child develop social skills by having them talk to new people in social situations when you’re in public. Parents tend to facilitate interactions for their children in public for efficiency’s sake, but walking them through these small interactions has big value. “We would have [our kids] order their own food from a little bitty age at the restaurant and also engage with the hostess or the waiter or hold the door for people or introduce themselves instead of introducing them,” says West. “And so really equipping them, but also coaching them and helping them learn how
to be social despite what their natural tendency is. Those are skills that they absolutely can learn.” Remember, their skills don’t have to be perfect.
And be mindful when using technology, West says. Children can miss out on social skill building when screens in public become a default.
Eventually Emma was diagnosed with selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that is often mistaken for shyness. Individuals with selective mutism can talk easily at home or around a select group of friends, but at school or in other environments, they find themselves unable to speak, even if they want to. “A lot of times she’ll shake her head or she’ll do a thumbs up or she’ll write. That’s how she communicates with most kids. She just doesn’t talk, period,” says her mom.
So how do you know if your child is struggling with typical shyness versus something else, like an anxiety disorder? “If it is impeding social skills, if it’s impeding friendships, if it’s debilitating to where there’s high shyness/possible separation anxiety at drop-off going into school, that is a good indicator,” West says.
Walker said that was true in their case. Before getting treatment, getting ready for school was a struggle. “It would stress her out in the mornings. She would hide in the morning in the closet. She would throw a big fit. She’d make me dress her. Her stomach would hurt, her head would hurt.”
Are you worried about your child being shy and making friends? As long as their behavior doesn’t point to a bigger problem, maybe you shouldn’t be.
If your child doesn’t ask for your help in making friends and their teacher isn’t concerned about them having friends, experts say you don’t need to meddle. Remember that one or two friends is plenty for them to feel supported and fulfilled.
But if your child is struggling to make friends and is experiencing anxiety about going to school or is having a physical reaction like headaches or stomach aches, talk to your pediatrician about next steps.
5
The average age of ASD diagnosis in the U.S. In Texas, the average age is 6.4
317%
The rise in the estimated ASD prevelence since 2000
ASD is 4x more common in boys than in girls
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for ASD during regular well-child visits at these ages: 18 MONTHS 24 MONTHS
THE AGES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR TEXAS’ HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES’ AUTISM PROGRAM
48
The percent of children with an ASD who attempt to elope from a safe environment—a rate that’s nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings
COMPILED BY AMANDA
COLLINS BERNIERAUTISM DIAGNOSIS RATES have been rising for decades. Today, 1 in 36 children is identified to have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a significant increase from the 1 in 44 estimated in 2021. In 2009, the rate of diagnosis was 1 in 91 children.
Why the increase? Experts say it’s mostly likely that clinicians are getting better at spotting what was always there. So with more and more kids getting a diagnosis every year, awareness is more crucial than ever.
April is World Autism Month, a campaign to move beyond awareness to acceptance, promoting inclusion and connectedness. Explore these statistics for a look at autism today.
Signs and symptoms of autism tend to emerge in CHILDREN BEFORE AGE
3
50%
OF CHILDREN WITH ASD ALSO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF ADHD
The most common cause of death for children with ASD is drowning. Kids with autism are at a higher risk of drowning due to the behavior known as “elopement,” or a tendency to wander off
THE EXPERT:
AmyEnglish
Professional Counselor and Clinical Director at Let’sTalk! Counseling, Carrollton; letstalk-counseling.com
DFWChild Mom Approved
Q: How do I talk to my child about the death of our pet and help them cope?
A: Pets become important members of our families and losing one can be an extremely difficult and emotional time. For a lot of children, the loss of a pet is their first experience with death. While it is a challenging time, it also presents many opportunities for parents.
The explanation of the loss itself can be particularly hard for parents. In order to explain, it helps parents to know that toddlers, grade-schoolers, middle-schoolers and adolescents have different capabilities of understanding death and have various ways of grieving. When explaining the loss, be as honest and age-appropriate as you can. It is important to not make statements that are misleading or could create anxious thoughts. For example, telling a child that the pet was put to sleep could then lead your child into wondering if the pet will “wake up” or “what can I do to wake them up?” This can also lead children to worry that they can fall asleep and not wake up.
Depending on the circumstance under which your pet passes, you want to be as truthful as your child’s age allows. You can share about the process of euthanasia. You
can share step by step, explaining that the pet is no longer in pain and that their body has stopped working. If your pet passes away suddenly, share information as appropriate, but also be aware not to place blame on others. These conversations may be uncomfortable and emotional.
Parents should allow themselves the ability to communicate and normalize these tough emotions. This can be used as an opportunity to develop coping skills for the child. One way to help cultivate these coping skills is to model emotions. It is a parent’s natural inclination to protect and make things easier for the child, however, this experience is one where you can create stronger family bonds through grieving.
Validating a child’s emotional range is important. Children may be sad one moment and move on the next. Allow your child to change emotions, but also be patient because you may be asked the same question several times for a long length of time to come. It may be helpful to create a narrative that you and your family can go back to both about the life and passing of your pet. Having your child be involved, such as creating a book filled with their drawings and pictures, can be therapeutic.
To help children cope, you can use imaginary play and engage with them. You can also create a scrapbook, have a family celebration of life, or plant a remembrance tree. Another coping strategy is a memory jar. This is where all members of the family write down a memory of the pet and place it in the jar. When someone in the family is missing the pet, the family reads the positive memory together.
Grief does not have a timeline and there is no wrong emotion behind it. You may want to make teachers or other adults in child’s life aware of the loss. It is also important while supporting your child to not forget you are grieving too.
Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com
On making your space work for you JESSIE CARRILLO
TITLE Owner, A Charming Home
AGE 36
EDUCATION BA in Art History from Southwestern University, MA in Art Education from UT Austin LIVES IN Dallas
HAILS FROM Dallas CHILDREN Daughters Cora, 4, and Lucy, 1 SPOUSE
Abraham, Director of Operations at Crow Museum of Asian Art
WHERE TO CONNECT acharminghome.co; Instagram @acharminghomedfw
, Jessie Carrillo spent the early years of her art career working for world-renowned museums, galleries and centers, including a few local favorites such as the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center.
Back in 2010, during her education internship at the Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas, Carrillo had a Hallmark-movie meet-cute and fell in love with the security guard, Abraham, now her husband and the man behind the museum’s operations. Today they share a darling 1938 two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow in Oak Cliff with their two little girls and a basset hound named Jenny.
Motherhood—and managing a family of five in a small space—became an inspiration for Carrillo’s career swap: A highly successful organizing and home styling business, A Charming Home, and the book she recently published under the same name. Here she shares her story about living at the intersection of styling, organizing, and parenting.
DFWCHILD: HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND IN ART HELPED YOU IN SETTING UP A HOME?
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JC: When I was working in museums, the objects I most loved to research and share with visitors were those that relate to daily life—things like furniture, textiles, and ceramics. Back then, and in the work I do now, I helped people see that the things we surround ourselves with, even the seemingly mundane, matter in that they communicate stories about who we are and what we value. To use an art world term, if we curate the things in our home, we are going to be happier in that space.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR “CALM THE CHAOS” MANTRA.
So many moms today face the pressure of being the primary parent and bearing the mental load of keeping the family and home on track, all while working full time in most cases. With so much to juggle, small frustrations in our daily routines can add up to feel like total loss of control. Decluttering, organizing and styling address these pressure points in our homes and in our habits. So, this work gives you small wins each day that build up to greatly improve quality of life.
WHEN A FRIEND SAYS TO YOU, 'MY HOUSE IS SUCH A MESS, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN,' WHAT DO YOU TELL HER?
Make a goal, then start small. Goals are so important to this process. If you don’t have a specific thing you are aiming for—not just a clean house, but something like easier school mornings—it will be very difficult to gauge whether your belongings are helping or hindering you. When you have your goal, choose a room that doesn’t have an emotional impact, like the laundry room or entryway, and tackle one drawer in that space. After a quick win, try something slightly bigger, and so on.
HOW DO YOU TEACH YOUR CHILDREN TO BE NEAT, TIDY AND ORGANIZED?
Lucy gets a pass since she’s only 1, but for Cora who’s 4, it’s about having systems in place that are designed for her and helping her to practice
using them. When we get home, I remind her to hang her backpack on the low hooks by the door and to put her shoes in the cubby in her closet. If the living room is starting to look a little crazy, I get the “go-back bin” and she gathers everything of hers and takes it to her room. Her toys are all sorted by type so she can easily help clean up by throwing similar items together. It’s not perfect and she’s learning every day but having the systems in place makes it infinitely easier to help her build those habits.
HOW DO HANDLE THE CLUTTER THAT CAN COME WITH KIDS?
Kids don’t need a lot of toys and variety. Children get overwhelmed with clutter and excess just like adults do. Young children are often most interested in the things they see us do. For Cora, there was a span of about 6 months when the watering can was better than any toy she owned. As they get older, a few open-ended toys make for more creative play, which you know if you have ever seen your child play with a cardboard box!
The idea that you have to do it all. The demands of modern parenthood are no joke, so take the help where you can get it. If hired help is in your budget, do it. If not, take friends and family up on their offers to help with a specific ask like taking the kids to the park for a couple hours. People want to support you, they just don’t always know how. When we welcomed Lucy a year ago, we identified areas of our life that we could simplify for the sake of our mental health. The result: No fancy dinners around here and my beauty routine has become a 5-minute face in the parking lot of the daycare.
Giving them an environment to develop freely. So rather than wiping their nose 20 times in one day, what if we teach them how to do it and put the box of tissues where they can reach it? What if their dishes are in the bottom drawer where they can choose a plate for snack time? There is so much empowerment in these small changes.
INTERVIEW GINA MAYFIELD
Carrillo's tricks for making the most of the space you have:
Look up: Take advantage of all that unused wall space above eye level.
Don’t be a wallflower: Pull furniture away from the wall and use shelves, rugs, or plants to create zones.
Streamline: The more floor you can see underneath your furniture, the larger your space will appear. Opt for pieces that are sleek, not chunky. Multitask: Select objects that are beautiful but also serve a storage function. “Our daughter’s IKEA day bed has deep built-in drawers that hold most of the toys she regularly plays with,” she says. "We also have a large book case in our bedroom that does double duty as shoe storage on the bottom half and display space on the top.”
Artwork, books, toys—moms feel oddly obligated to hang on to just about everything. But why? “You are not a bad parent if you don’t keep everything your children ever made or touched. My oldest is 4, and I come home with 10 drawings per day,” Carrillo says. “Keep the things that truly mean the most to you and let the rest go." For what you want to keep, Carrillo likes scrapbook cases for long-term storage. Is it wall-worthy? Use a front-loading kids’ art frame to easily change it out, she says.
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Get things off the floor to turn your garage into a project space instead of a storage space. "For bikes and kids' toys, make use of wall space," says Carrillo. “My favorite system is the Rubbermaid FastTrack. It’s affordable, customizable and easy to install.”
4 3
Carrillo likes to source kids' furniture and décor from Etsy and local antique shops (Lula B’s, High Street Antiques and Lots of Furniture are her faves). It helps “style the room with timeless pieces that don’t scream ‘kid’s room,’” she says.
LULA B’S ANTIQUE MALL // Design District and Oak Cliff; facebook.com/ lulabsdallas
HIGH STREET ANTIQUES & DESIGN // 800 Central Expy., Plano; 972/509-7878; highstreetdfw.com
LOTS OF FURNITURE ANTIQUES WAREHOUSE // 910 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas; 214/761-1575; lotsoffurniture.com
Try this nightly routine to keep things spiffy: Start in one room and collect things that are out of place into a bin or basket. “Return them to their proper place, and collect the out-of-place items in that room,” says Carrillo. “Continue until your bin is empty.”
5
These reader favorites win the gold in 22 categories
FROM THE FUN STUFF—WATER PARKS, MUSEUMS AND PARTY VENUES —to the necessities—hospitals, birthing centers and sleep consultants—there’s no shortage of all the things a family needs to grow and thrive in DFW. But which are the best for families? We asked … and you delivered.
Thanks to you all for voting for your favorites earlier this year. Below are the 2024 Best for Families winners, which you can use as a starter guide for helping you decide where to look for everything from birthing centers to birthday party venues and a dozen more entertaining and educational destinations that are worth the drive. Read on for why we love these winners too.
WORDS AMANDA COLLINS BERNIER + ELIZABETH SMITHPerot Museum of Nature & Science
You’ll learn way more than a thing or two at this absolute showstopper of a museum for kids in all stages of their education. The 5-and-under play space and the special exhibitions are among its treasure trove of surprises. Don’t miss the interactive T. rex and Mars Rover exhibits through September 2024. // 2201 N. Field Street, Dallas, 214/4285555; perotmuseum.org
RUNNER-UP:
Fort Worth Museum of Science & History
Dallas Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Go for the flowers and stay for the many more picturesque scenes all around the beautifully designed grounds, like the koi fishpond by the waterfall, the frog fountains where kids can splash on hot days and acres of open space for toddling on soft green grass—not to mention the interactive play spaces inside the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. // 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org
RUNNER-UP: Fort Worth
Botanic Garden/Botanical Research Institute of Texas
Fort Worth Stockyards
This national historic district has roots dating back to 1866 when drovers moved cattle up the Chisholm Trail. Nowadays, costumed drovers nod to this history by leading the city’s official herd of longhorns on twice-daily cattle drives. Here you can witness the cattle drives, catch a PBR rodeo, stay overnight at the fancy Hotel Drover, visit the petting zoo and even go horseback riding along the Trinity River’s banks. // 140 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 817/6259715; fortworthstockyards.com
RUNNER-UP: National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth
American Airlines
CR Smith Museum
Your kid’s declarations of “I want to be a pilot!” will increase after a visit to this flight museum, where they can play in the Aviation Exploration
Zone, join monthly airCRAFT days, and climb up into a real airplane—a 1940 Douglas DC-3 aircraft named the Flagship Knoxville—parked in the hangar. // 4601 Texas Highway 360 at FAA Road, Fort Worth, 682/278-9085; crsmithmuseum.org
RUNNER-UP: Frontiers of Flight Museum, Dallas
BEST
NorthPark Center
This destination is a fan favorite not only for its luxury stores (of which there are many) and its exquisite sculptures on display but also for its free kids’ concerts at the NorthCourt. NorthPark’s own Dallas Public Library branch called Bookmarks is a great spot to while away some time reading stories, but no visit is complete without playing in the iconic planter slides next to the turtle and duck pond. // 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, 214/3637441; northparkcenter.com
RUNNER-UP:
Grapevine Mills
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
There’s a reason Medieval Times wins this category year after year— because there’s nothing else like it. This Dallas castle is the only one in Texas, and you can’t help but raise your goblets and cheer from your arena seats for the knights sword fighting and jousting (with real, wooden lances) on highly trained and well-cared-for Andalusian purebred horses. // 2021 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, 469/342-5555; medievaltimes.com
RUNNER-UP: Rainforest Café
Fort Worth Zoo
It’s been near-constant baby news out of this crowd-favorite zoo, from crocodile hatchlings and baby gorilla Jameela to Moja, the first lion cub born in the new Predators of Asia & Africa lion habitat, which opened last summer. This April, the zoo is reopening its Safari Splash area, making it even easier for families to visit during those hot Texas days. // 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, 817/759-7555; fortworthzoo.org
RUNNER-UP: Dallas Zoo
Dallas Museum of Art
There’s never a shortage of kid-focused art programming here—from workshops geared to elementary-aged kiddos to toddler classes, and even Art Babies, for littles under 2—but another big reason why this Dallas Arts District museum remains a family favorite is no doubt because of its always-free general admission. And now this includes FREE First Sundays, when you can go see its special exhibitions—like the Monet to Matisse, open until November 2024. // 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, 214-922-1200; dma.org
RUNNER-UP: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
Come toue a campus and see for yourself!
Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence.
Legacy (PS–K) (469) 573-0077
6700 Communications Parkway, Plano
Independence (PS–G3) (469) 642-2000
10145 Independence Parkway, Plano
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington is fortunate to have two Six Flags parks right across the highway from one other: Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor, one of the biggest and baddest water parks in the state. It’s one of the few with a surf simulator, but there’s plenty for little kids to experience too, like the Hook’s Lagoon Treehouse (complete with water cannons) and several slides open to kids 36 inches and taller. // 1800 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, 817/6408900; sixflags.com/hurricaneharbor
RUNNER-UP: Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, Grand Prairie
Chuck E. Cheese
With their recent $300 million revamp, Chuck E. Cheese locations have upped the fun and the food, unveiling thousands of new games, trampoline zones and interactive dance floors, plus a new curated menu for grownups. Birthday kids love their made-to-order pizzas and exclusive experiences like the Ticket Blaster. Plus, their iconic characters and the birthday show now serves guests in three languages, English, Spanish and American Sign Language. // Multiple locations; chuckecheese.com
RUNNER-UP: The Little Gym
Meow Wolf
After this groundbreaking attraction opened last summer at Grapevine Mills, we found ourselves asking, what kind of fantasy world are we living in? Here locals of all ages can step through a sci-fi portal to psychedelic art installations created by Texas-based artists. Even more recent, Meow Wolf now too offers special events and birthday parties inside the Matt King Mystery Center. // 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Suite 253, Grapevine, 866/636-9969; meowwolf.com/grapevine
RUNNER-UP: Sweet Tooth Hotel, Dallas
Fore! This indoor golf entertainment venue brings the game to all skill levels with its high-tech (and climate controlled) driving range. Party packages include game play, food and drinks—and you’ll want to bring your appetite for this topnotch menu. Fun party add-ons include goodie bags or swing tips from a certified golf instructor. // Multiple locations; topgolf.com
RUNNER-UP: The Star, Frisco
Great Wolf Lodge
Main Event
Bowl for a strike, take aim in laser tag or try your hand at a classic arcade game. At Main Event, there’s something for every partygoer. The venue offers kid-friendly fare like pizza, chicken dippers and mac and cheese. And you can customize your party with VR experiences, a pancake bar or even donut holes delivered right to your bowling lane. // Multiple locations; mainevent.com
RUNNER-UP: Urban Air Adventure Park
Legoland Discovery Center
You know what they say about wolves: You don’t realize how big they are until you get up close. The same is true for this massive resort hotel with an indoor water park, made even cooler now thanks to its new and expanding attractions (some of them under construction): like the immersive laser tag experience called Laser Trail, Ten Paw Alley mini bowling and an expanded arcade. // 100 Great Wolf Drive, Grapevine, 817/488-6510; greatwolf. com/grapevine
RUNNER-UP: Gaylord Texan, Grapevine
LEGO-obsessed or not, kids will find plenty of hands-on fun in this mega play space. There’s a 4D cinema, rides, obstacle course, outdoor water playground and, of course, millions of LEGOs ready for play. Party packages include pizza, drinks and unique add-ons like a mascot meet-and-greet. // 3000 Grapevine Mill Parkway, Grapevine, 469/444-3050; legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ dallas-fw
RUNNER-UP: Crayola Experience
Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center
This freestanding birth center in the heart of Fort Worth’s medical district offers both the home-like setting and peace of mind that many expecting moms want. Deep-water immersion tubs for water births, nitrous oxide, delayed cord clamping and upright birthing positions are among the options for labor and delivery. Full kitchens, private bathrooms, an onsite lactation consultant and an array of classes help make FWBC our readers’ pick for nine years in a row. // 622 Hemphill St., Fort Worth, 817/878-2737; fwbirthcenter.com
RUNNER-UP: East Dallas
Birth & Wellness
Primrose Schools
Early learning happens earlier than you might think. At Primrose Schools, even infants benefit from their “balanced learning” approach, which combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from teachers to encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. With more than 60 locations across DFW, each Primrose School is independently owned and operated by franchise owners who partner with parents to help children develop the foundation for lifelong learning. // Multiple locations; primroseschools.com
RUNNER-UP:
The Goddard School
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano
Personalized support makes every birth at Texas Health Plano special, while their dedicated high-risk pregnancy unit and Level IV NICU provide the advanced care mom and baby might need. Each spacious maternity suite features a private bathroom and shower, sleeper sofa and a family nutrition station. From laboring in water and aromatherapy to medications, there are an array of pain management options during delivery. And after baby’s arrival, the hospital offers lactation support, bedside baby showers and gourmet room service—including a steak and lobster celebration dinner. // 6200 W. Parker Rd, Plano; 972/981-8000; texashealth.org
RUNNER-UP: Medical City Plano
Medical City Dallas
Earning our readers’ votes four years in a row, this hospital is where excellence meets elegance. In addition to its hotelstyle labor and delivery rooms, VIP suites, mother/baby rooms and luxury perks, Medical City Dallas offers award-winning childbirth classes, a choice of delivery methods and pain relief options and 24/7 lactation support. It offers peace of mind too: A full-service children’s hospital, Level IV maternal designation, Level IV NICU and adult hospital are all on the same campus. // 7777 Forest Lane, Dallas, 972/566-7000; medicalcityhospital.com
Medical City Lewisville
Delivering dreams for growing families, this hospital offers complete labor and delivery services in a safe and inclusive environment, supporting childbirth preferences and unique family needs. Postpartum suites include a luxurious bathroom, a living area, kitchenette with a snack pantry and a full-size sofa bed for overnight guests. Patients also have access to award-winning childbirth classes, high-risk pregnancy services, on-site lactation consulting, a breast milk bank, cord blood donation and more. For babies who need extra care, the hospital has a Level III NICU. // 500 W. Main St., Lewisville, 469/3702000; medicalcitylewisville.com
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical CenterFort Worth
RUNNER-UP: Baylor University Medical Center – Dallas
Sweet Dreams Infant Care
RUNNER-UP: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound
A well-rested home is a happy home, and by helping babies learn to sleep through the night, the specialists at Sweet Dreams Infant Care help moms and dads get the shuteye they need too. Using several different methods of sleep training, they work in the home and tailor their program to fit the unique needs of every parent and child. // Dallas-Fort Worth area, 708/429-2229; sweetdreamsinfantcare.com
RUNNERS-UP: Mary Cantwell, Rest to Your Nest / Kaley Medina, Live, Love, Sleep
The only dedicated women’s hospital in Fort Worth, Andrews Women’s Hospital at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth delivers almost 6,000 babies annually, more than any other facility in Tarrant County. The team offers experienced, compassionate care with a variety of services including maternity care, parent education classes, lactation consultations, high-risk pregnancy care and a Level III NICU. // 1400 8th Ave, Fort Worth; 817/926-2544; bswhealth.com
RUNNER-UP: Medical City Arlington
Saturday, April 13 | 10–11:30 a.m. | Free
Sensory Explorations is a free event for families with children of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. Explore artworks that depict nature in the galleries, enjoy interactive experiences, and get creative while making art!
RSVP Today!
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech Therapy
Applied Behavior Analysis
Floor plans, schools and neighborhood details might be what most parents have in mind when hunting for a new house, but Erin Rusling had a different focus: How long would an ambulance ride to the hospital take?
And so the mom of two settled on a house in Aledo—a 15-minute ride to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth—when moving her family from Oklahoma to Texas in 2022. That proximity gave her some peace of mind for when a seizure would inevitably strike her then 3-year-old daughter, Jane. Plus, Jane was already
a patient at Cook Children’s, one of the only hospitals with highly specialized care for her rare and severe epileptic disease.
When it comes to rare diseases, defined as any condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, an expert is not always in your backyard—never mind treatments or therapies, if they even exist. So for the Ruslings, a move to Texas was just another step on a journey that had already taken them all over the country. They had driven five hours from Tulsa to Kansas City to meet the doctor who would finally diagnose Jane after an agonizing year-and-a-half of
and into roles as caregivers, case managers, advocates and fundraisers.
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(24 FREE sessions and subsidized after)
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Digital Music Playground (over 200 songs and activities)
thought seizures were. Instead, baby Jane stared off to the side, shaking one arm up and down.
Many tests later, doctors found nothing out of the ordinary. “They said it’s probably nothing, and it probably won’t happen again,” Rusling recalls.
and thrashing that would sometimes go on for an hour or more.
They took Emma to the pediatrician, a speech therapist, a chiropractor, even a dentist to correct a lip and tongue tie. There was bloodwork, testing for heavy metals, gut tests. “Every doctor was like, ‘We don’t see anything wrong,’” Austin recalls.
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But a few weeks later, it did happen again. And every few weeks, little Jane would have another seizure. At 16 months, she started having even more, up to two a week, and then small, atypical absence seizures began, sometimes 50 a day. Doctor after doctor was puzzled. “They were like, ‘We’re not sure what to give her. Maybe this? Maybe that?’” Rusling remembers. “And I was like, ‘That’s not good enough. We need to know what’s going on.’”
Finally, when she was almost 2, Jane was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a genetic epilepsy that gives rise to seizures that don’t respond well to medication.
The excruciating wait for answers goes on much longer for many families. On average, it takes at least five years for a person with a rare disease to get the correct diagnosis, according to NORD. It’s a journey that can be so prolonged—filled with research, testing, specialists and retesting—it’s often called the
“The time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is significantly influenced by the clinician’s proficiency, informed by both their accumulated expertise and prior clinical encounters, as well as their comprehensive knowledge of pertinent medical Dr. Saima Kayani, a pediatric neurologist at Children’s Health in Dallas and associate professor at UT Southwestern. While an estimated 80% of rare diseases are genetic in origin, there are nuances to finding the right diagnostic tools. “Assessments need to be tailored to detect potential systemic involvement,” she explains.
Then, sitting in her car seat one day while Austin drove down the highway, then 3-year-old Emma had a seizure. She was brought to the hospital and finally—with Austin’s insistence that something was really wrong—was offered genetic testing. At last, the Austins would get an answer, but it was one they didn’t want: Emma had Batten disease, a rare and fatal disease of the nervous system.
Processing that long-awaited diagnosis can take time. For rare parents, it’s the realization that their child may have a lifelong debilitating or life-limiting condition. They worry about access to treatments, supports and therapies—not to mention how they’ll pay for them. And they mourn the life they envisioned for their child.
“You start living in grief,” Austin says. “You’re looking at your child and it’s not just grieving for that child, it’s grieving things that you’re no longer going to see—her getting married or graduating high school, getting her driver’s license. All these little things you have in a normal life are stolen.”
A 2016 study that surveyed hundreds of rare parents found that nearly half of them were being treated for depression and anxiety. Frustration, fear and uncertainty were among the most frequent emotions these parents expressed.
Kirstie Austin, who lives north of Fort Worth, remembers the frustration of knowing something was not right with her daughter Emma, but not finding any answers. At age 2, Emma began regressing—her speech was delayed and she was losing motor skills. Then came the outbursts, or as Austin says, “all-out raging”—episodes of screaming, hitting, biting
The study also highlighted how incredibly isolating a rare disease diagnosis can be. More than half of the parents said their number of friends had reduced. What’s more, 75% of them had no contact with other parents with a child with a similar disease, and 42% had no access to a disease-specific support group.
Navigating the complex healthcare system can be daunting for these parents. And often, they feel they’re doing it on their own. “There’s no advocate who’s like, ‘What about this? Or what about that?’ It is up to the parents to talk to other parents, to look at clinical trials, to go to workshops online
1 IN 10
Americans have a rare disease, a prevalence equivalent to that of Type 2 diabetes
70 % of rare diseases start in childhood
Approximately 7,000 rare disorders have been identified, with numerous others categorized under undiagnosed conditions
80% of rare diseases are genetic
50% of people affected with a rare disease are children
and to start putting the pieces together,” says Rusling.
And so rare parents often pour themselves into their child’s disease, becoming the experts themselves. They read medical journals and research papers, learn the ins and outs of genetics. They keep detailed records and push for new treatments.
“Your brain doesn’t shut down,” Rusling says. “When you go to bed at night, you’re sitting on your phone looking up clinical trials.”
FINDING—OR CREATING— SUPPORT SYSTEMS
Amber Scuderi remembers deep diving into Trisomy 18, or Edwards syndrome, after her daughter Evalyn’s diagnosis. What she found, she says, was “a lot of doom and gloom.” Most experts agreed Evalyn wouldn’t live more than a few months at most. And so after
a month-long stay in the NICU, Evalyn went home on hospice.
But Scuderi wasn’t convinced that research painted the whole picture. She found many statistics around Edwards syndrome were outdated. So even though she was told her daughter had only a 5–10% chance to make it to her first birthday, Scuderi pursued heart surgery, finding a doctor willing to repair her tiny heart at 4 months old.
Then Evalyn’s first birthday came and went, and Scuderi’s perspective shifted.
“We had lived every day of our life waiting for her to pass away, expecting her to pass away. We spent a year grieving and then there was this mental shift of like, what do we do now?” Scuderi says. “How do we help her be functional in our family and in society? What can we do for her?”
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Desperate to find out what Evalyn’s life might look like— and with nowhere to find the answer—Scuderi decided to fill the void herself. After joining the board of directors for Extra to Love, a DFW-based nonprofit supporting children with Edwards and Patau syndromes, Scuderi created a podcast for other parents. The point was to connect families and tell their stories—ones that weren’t always reflected in medical journals and doctor’s offices. She wanted to share that there were options—and hope.
Scuderi believes that sharing stories like Evalyn’s can help change attitudes about treatments that could help children with some rare diseases live longer lives. Heart surgery, for example, was shown in a 2017 study to more than double the life spans of some babies born with Trisomy 13 or 18. But it’s still controversial for these children and not always given to parents as an option.
“There is a bad stigma that surrounds the diagnosis [of Trisomy 18] that they’re ‘incompatible with life.’ And therefore, why are you going to intervene on a child that’s incompatible with life?” she says. “And so we’re trying to remove the stigma.”
Rare parents know well what it’s like to fight for their kids. As Scuderi calls it, they have to “put on their advocacy hats.” It could mean searching for a medical team or hospital that supports their desire to pursue different treatments. Or it could mean convincing researchers and drugmakers that the disease is a good investment. Often, it’s a race against time.
That’s where the Austins find themselves as they navigate Emma’s disease. Currently, there is just one FDA-approved treatment for CLN2 Batten disease, an enzyme replacement therapy Emma receives every two weeks through a surgically placed port in her brain. It’s not a cure, but rather an effort to stall the progression of
Batten; to extend Emma’s life beyond the current expectancy of 6 to 12. They’re grateful for this treatment—of the approximately 7,000 known rare diseases, only about 500 have an approved treatment, according to NORD—but they’re frustrated there’s not more.
Then late last year, the Austins saw a glimmer of hope when researchers launched a clinical trial investigating gene therapy, treating just a single child with CLN2 Batten disease. “It came out of nowhere and it was this huge string of hope basically that they were dangling in our face,” says Austin. But just as quickly, the trial was halted, the biotech company citing “the challenging global economic market.”
It felt like a gut-punch to Emma’s parents. “We feel like our children are not profitable enough. It’s maddening,” says Austin. “We’re running out of time.”
Now advocating for accessible gene therapies, Austin says there are two in the pipeline for CLN2, both from companies seeking funding and partnerships to continue their research and development. With her GoFundMe, “Love to Emma – Cure Batten Disease,” Austin is raising awareness and funds to help her own family and the Batten community as a whole. But knowing there’s more power in numbers, she’s considering starting a nonprofit to pool families together to raise the kind of big funding needed for research.
“I’m trying to make my circle bigger and talk to strangers all over the globe. To advocate for something that I never knew anything about,” she says. “It’s a whole world that not enough people know about.”
And as she advocates for Batten disease research, Austin knows a breakthrough may not come in time to help Emma. “If that’s not our miracle we can’t give up,” she says. “We have to continue fighting.”
Learning
not one-size-fits-all and so education shouldn’t be either. Charter schools bring different missions and models into public education. Plus, they are free to attend and have the same accountability as Independent School Districts. Browse these great options in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Great Hearts Lakeside: 7633 Harris Parkway Fort Worth, TX 76123 817-409-9098
info@greatheartslakeside.org greatheartslakeside.org
At Great Hearts Lakeside, we are thrilled to nuture a community of emerging scientists, ignited by the flame of curiosity and wonder. Our comprehensive Liberal Arts curriculum enables scholars to transcend mere recitation, fostering a level of inquiry that encourages them to explore the profound questions that inspired great minds like Einstein and Galileo.
Gift your children the pillars of a classical education - Truth, Beauty, and Goodnessand pave their way to a bright future. Apply today at greatheartstxschools.org and allow your children the opportunity to experience the joy of learning.
The Quintain jousting ride is one of many human-powered rides (no electricity needed) at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, April 6–May 27.
DALLAS BLOOMS
Through April 8
DALLAS ARBORETUM
Don’t miss the final days to see the living selfie walls and the thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils at the height of their blooms, plus the final week of Mommy & Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays for the spring. $22 adults; $13 children; under 2 free. Tip: save your trip for April 6–7 during Kelley Family Days when you’ll get free
admission to the arboretum’s Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. 214/5156615; dallasarboretum.org/ dallas-blooms
FUNBOX
Through May 26
NORTH EAST MALL, HURST
Through June 2
STONEBRIAR CENTRE, FRISCO
This one’s for all the kids out there who go gaga for bounce houses. This mega-sized bounce house is more like a bounce mansion—with 10
play zones. Each jump session runs 80 minutes, so the kids will hopefully be worn out. Get your timed tickets online for $19 and up, depending on the day; under 3 free with a ticketed adult. funbox.com
Through May 30
FORT WORTH
BOTANIC GARDEN
The botanic garden is the temporary home to a herd
of animatronic dinosaurs, including the mighty T. rex and triceratops, but that’s just the tip of animal life you’ll see around the garden. Even more unexpected, a small herd of goats and curly-horned sheep will be let loose to eat (clean up) the overgrowth around the Native Texas Boardwalk around April 5–15. Garden/ conservatory combo tickets are $22 for adults and $12
for children. 817/463-4160; fwbg.org
DISNEY ON ICE
April 3–7
COMERICA CENTER, FRISCO
Especially if your kids loved the new Wish movie, don’t miss this new show, Magic in the Stars, starring heroine Asha. But what your little kids will be most excited to know is that they get to meet Elsa from Frozen and Mirabel from Encanto dur-
ing the preshow meet and greet, for an extra $55. Tickets from $25 for regular seats. disneyonice.com
THE EYEBORETUM
April 5–14
THE JOULE, DALLAS
“The Eye” is a 30-foot-tall sculpture with a blue iris (that of artist Tony Tasset) and, for the second year now, the centerpiece of this all-ages, pop-up garden exhibition with giant mushrooms, walk-through flower arches and swings. General admission is $10 for adults and free for kids, but you’ve got to reserve your time slot online. theeyeballdallas.com
Tollway Authority? Totally worth the drive to join these STEM activities, snap pics with massive construction vehicles on display, and munch on free snow cones. Best of all, your kids will get to meet a state trooper and take a look-see inside their patrol car. FREE 214/224-2237; ntta.me/ pavethewayday24
ZOO RUN
April 6
FORT WORTH ZOO
The fastest animal in the wild is the cheetah, known to run up to 80 miles per hour, and Zoo Run participants are welcome to dress up like their favorite animal, so expect to see more than a few cheetah faces running alongside you in this 25th annual 5K and 1K fun run in and around the zoo. Be sure to stay for the 9am animal outreach presentation. $40 on race day. 817/759-7555; fortworthzoo.org
SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
April 6–May 27
SCARBOROUGH FAIRGROUNDS, WAXAHACHIE
The mermaidens are getting new digs! Don’t miss the newly redesigned Mermaid Lagoon, the all-new Royal Menagerie Petting Zoo (additional fee required for both), plus dozens—no, hundreds—more activities, stage shows and ways to entertain your kids at this annual fest, a replica 16th-century English village set deep into the Waxahachie woods.
Advance tickets: $32 adults; $14 children; under 5 free. Come on opening weekend and Mother’s Day weekend when all kids 12 and younger get in free. 972/938-3247; srfestival.com
PAVE THE WAY
April 6
NTTA HEADQUARTERS, PLANO
Sitting in traffic? Not fun. But this free family day hosted by the North Texas
CHANGING PERSPECTIVES
BLOCK PARTY
April 13
SAMMONS PARK & WYLY THEATRE, DALLAS
To see the featured act at this year’s Dallas Arts District festival, take a look straight up to the sky where aerial performers with BANDALOOP Vertical Dance Company will be leaping off buildings. This would be a good time to remind your own kids not to try that at home. FREE 214/7446642; dallasartsdistrict.org
MAIN ST. FORT WORTH ARTS FESTIVAL
April 18–21
DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH
ping center, so here’s where you’ll want to go: First, for some artistic inspiration, take a peek at the youth art on display next to Mi Cocina. Then take a few steps over to the Zone, behind Williams Sonoma, for lots of active fun for kids, like bounce houses and rock climbing. Then head over to the Kids Korner, next to Lululemon, for crafts. Free admission, fee for some activities. 817/944-4408; artinthesquare.com
HARRY POTTER
CHILDREN’S SUITE
April 27
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL
C.S. LEWIS’ THE MAGICIAN’S NEPHEW DALLAS CHILDREN’S THEATER
April 27–May 25
This first book in the Chronicles of Narnia begins before The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe. Come discover the story following a young Digory, whose uncle accidentally awakens an evil queen. This play is best for kids 7 and up. Tickets from $15, and only $5 for the sensory-friendly show on May 4. 214/740-0051; dct.org
BEAUTY & THE BEAST BALLET
May 3–5
WILD SYMPHONY
April 7 MOODY PERFORMANCE
HALL, DALLAS
Speaking of zoo animals, a menagerie of kangaroos, whales, bats and others will be represented through music in this live concert by Lone Star Wind Orchestra. Each movement of Wild Symphony corresponds to different animals shown in the picture book by Dan Brown, and it’s a darling way to familiarize your kids with musical instruments. Tickets from $20. 214/8715000; ticketdfw.com
GREAT NORTH
AMERICAN ECLIPSE
April 8
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Many cities and venues across North Texas are hosting watch parties as this natural phenomenon passes overhead. Some of these parties require tickets, but not all. The one at Arlington’s Levitt Pavilion offers free admission and free solar eclipse glasses for the first 3,000-plus guests, offered as part of Arlington Parks & Rec’s Centennial Celebration. See dfwchild. com for our roundup of local watch parties.
All the kid-centric fun will be happening on the north corner at the TCC Makers Zone. There you can expect not only lots of arts activities—like henna and glitter tattoos, sand art and printmaking—but also virtual reality gaming and STEM programming too. Free festival admission. Some activities require coupons. 817/336-2787; mainstreetartsfest.org
ERTH’S DINOSAUR
ZOO LIVE
April 20
COPPELL ARTS CENTER
Thanks to a team of puppeteers who know exactly how to work their oversized puppets, young audiences get to see and interact with dinosaurs and other giants from pre-historic Australia. This live show is best for kids 5 years and older, and you can choose from two showtimes. $33. 972/304-7047; coppellartscenter.org
MARY POPPINS JR.
April 20–May 12
CASA MAÑANA, FORT WORTH
Supercali—Well, you know the rest. This tongue-twister of a song and show are returning to DFW, this time to the Casa Mañana stage, and made for and with young theater lovers. Get your tickets for four weekends of performances, including a sensory-friendly show on April 28. Tickets from $19. 817/332-2272; casamanana.org
ART IN THE SQUARE
April 26–28
SOUTHLAKE TOWN SQUARE
This annual fest takes up the entire outdoor shop-
Costumes are welcome at this Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s family series concert. You’ll hear a full orchestra perform all the wonderful and recognizable songs from the movies, including “Hedwig’s Theme.” Tickets from $11. If your little wizard needs a booster seat, pick one up at the cloak room for $5. 817/665-6000; fwsymphony.org
MY FIRST CLASSIC: SLEEPING BEAUTY
April 27
MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL, DALLAS
During this special performance, you won’t merely watch this classic ballet from your seats, but your kids will also get to take part in an interactive ballet pantomime and dance lessons, plus a Q&A with the artists at Ballet North Texas who are staging the show. Ticket from $10. 214/871-5000; ticketdfw.com
WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE, DALLAS
May 17–19
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH
For ballet lovers, there’s nothing more magical than a fairy tale princess en pointe. This professional dance company presents two weekends of performances in two cities. If you have extra funds and would love to meet Belle in-person, book your family’s tickets for the kid-friendly tea on Sunday, April 28 (happening before that day’s matinee) at The Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth. Pricing varies. 877/828-9200; texasballettheater.org
MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU
May 4
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
CARROLLTON
It’s every Star Wars fan’s favorite pun, and it’s a great day to dress up like your favorite character, hang out with Stormtroopers and
play in a laser tag arena. They’ll be handing out costume contest awards for the best group/duo, best overall and most creative costumes. Perhaps you and the kids can use the force to sway the judges in your favor. FREE 972/466-9135; cityofcarrollton.com/downtown
MEXICAN ROOTS
Opens May 4
FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
In this new exhibition, your kids will get to see a collection of hand-carved masks and relief prints and other items that represent over 150 years of Latin American and indigenous history. With Cinco de Mayo coming up, this is a great way to really learn more about the country’s culture. Included with general admission: $16 adults; $12 children; under 3 free. 817/255-9300; fwmuseum.org
COTTONWOOD ART FESTIVAL
May 4–5
COTTONWOOD PARK, RICHARDSON
You’ll see many more smiling faces at this outdoor arts festival—yellow, spherical faces made of clay, that is. These smiley face sculptures are a signature of the featured artist, ceramicist Gregory Story. Check out his booth before heading over to Children’s ArtStop for your kids’ own opportunity to get creative with clay. Free admission; fee for some activities. 972/455-4580; cottonwoodartfestival.com
A PEEP AT THE COOPS
May 4
MOSS HAVEN FARM, DALLAS
If you’ve ever wondered, “Just how hard would it be to raise my own chickens?” here’s your chance to see how other locals are doing it. Join this tour of backyard chicken coops in East Dallas, and then enjoy educational talks, entertainment and food truck access at the country market for $5 admission. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit urban farm at Moss Haven Elementary. 817/542-9232; mosshavenfarm.org
THE AMAZING
ACRO-CATS
May 9–12
STAGE WEST THEATRE, FORT WORTH
If you’re not a cat person,
disregard, but for all those feline-friendly families, you’ll be tickled pink at this show of rescue cats and kittens. They’ve been clicker-trained to perform tricks like jumping through hoops, playing instruments and yes, walking the catwalk. See this wholesome show for tickets starting at $35. 817/784-9378; rockcatsrescue.org
MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT ON THE GREEN
May 12
WATTERS CREEK, ALLEN
If your ideal Mother’s Day activity is lounging outdoors, with a cool breeze, and listening to live orchestra while the kids run around on the lawn, don’t miss this afternoon concert on the Village Green by the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra. This will be offered during the Allen Arts Alliance Arts Festival, which runs all weekend. FREE allenphilharmonic.org
AAPI FAMILY WEEKEND
May 18
SAMMONS PARK, DALLAS
Food, music and dancing are central to what defines a culture, and you’ll get to experience many during this second annual fest celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Don’t miss the dragon dance and the Snack Passport activity: collect stamps and stickers from booths representing different Asian communities, and as a prize, you’ll get a shot at winning tickets to an upcoming show. FREE 214/880-0202; attpac.org
RODEO CELINA
May 31–June 2
SOUTHFORK RANCH, PARKER
That’s right. The ranch famous for its spot on the TV show Dallas is now the site of Celina’s inaugural rodeo. And while it is their first rodeo, they know what they’re doing. It’s sanctioned by PRCA, and competitors are going full throttle for a shot at winning the big bucks. Take your kids for their own first rodeo to experience the bull riding, barrel racing and many more roping competitions. Each night is $20 adults, $12 children; under 3 free. 972/382-3300; rodeocelina.com
LOOKING FOR MORE PLACES to explore with your toddler? Mark your calendar for these sweet activities, friendly competitions and live shows designed with the youngest audiences in mind.
➽ BABY SHARK’S BIG BROADWAVE TOUR
BABY SHARK’S BIG BROADWAVE TOUR
April 13
TEXAS TRUST CU THEATRE, GRAND PRAIRIE
Baby Shark and friends are on a mission to save their Party Puddle Theatre and it’s quite possibly the cutest show ever in the eyes of preschoolers. Take your 1- to 6-year-olds to this new live show with all the songs stuck in your head and more. Best for kids 1–6. Tickets from $25. $57.46 for post-show photo experience. 972/854-5076; texastrustcutheatre.com
WYLIE 500 PEDAL CAR RACE
May 5
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WYLIE
Go, greased lightning! Well, almost. These cars are pedal-powered and driven by toddlers and preschoolers, going down a 500-inch track on Wylie’s North Ballard Avenue. Sign up online for your 2- to 5-year-olds to compete against their age group. $15 registration includes a T-shirt. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics and Wylie beautification. 972/516-6016; wylietexas.gov
BLIPPI:
May 10
COMERICA CENTER, FRISCO
Could the “Garbage Truck Song” be the key to getting our kids excited about taking out the trash? Maybe. But your 2- to 6-year-olds are welcome to join in with Blippi and best friend Meekah as they sing all about garbage trucks, monster trucks, excavators and other construction vehicles. Tickets from $23.50. $58.45 for meet and greet. 214/3875600; comericacenter.com
GRADUATION CELEBRATION
May 24 & 26
AMERICAN GIRL, DALLAS
There’s a brand new American Girl store at The Shops at Park Lane (it moved from Galleria Dallas earlier this spring), and this scheduled event is one among several “extra-special activities” open to kids as young as 3. This one is a great way to mark your little’s graduation from their Pre-K program and runs at $38 per person. Pricing for other activities vary. 877/247-5223; americangirl.com/dallas
Since 1963,
School has helped children excel by employing proven, effective methods in a fun and structured environment that inspires them to achieve.
The Challenger difference is evident from the moment you set foot on campus. Students bubble with enthusiasm as they make connections between their prior knowledge and new concepts. In order to facilitate setting crucial learning patterns, Challenger accepts students as young as 3 years. Challenger School has two campuses in Plano.
The DIS Summer Enrichment Camp is a 6-week program offering all campers ages 3–17 the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities—from Arts to Science—in a safe and caring environment.
Campers may enroll in a full-day or half-day program for any combination of activities they choose.
Lunch is provided at no additional cost to all full-day campers. Extended day options available on both campuses.
972-991-6379 camps@dallasinternationalschool.org
dallasinternationalschool.org
The Texas Center for the Arts + Academics is thrilled to share the news of an incredible summer filled with arts workshops.
From June to July, we will be hosting week-long camps for children aged 3 to 12th grade.
Whether your child is a beginner or has previous artistic experience, they can dive into the captivating world of visual art, theatre, music and dance.
Join us for one or multiple weeks of fun and exploration.
Register today and let your child’s creativity soar as they embark on a journey of imagination and inspiration.
3901 South Hulen St. Fort Worth, TX 76109
817-717-4544
artsacademics.org/summer
Experience the ultimate summer adventure with YMCA Summer Camps! From thrilling activities to unforgettable memories, our camps offer something for every child.
Immerse your child in the excitement of Summer Day Camps, where they’ll enjoy diverse activities, crafts, and games while making new friends and building lifelong skills.
For a waterfront escape, Camp on the Lake is the perfect destination. Surrounded by nature, campers can dive into watersports, explore hiking trails and bond over campfires under the stars.
Teenagers seeking an adventure will thrive at Kamp K’aana, where outdoor challenges and leadership opportunities await. It’s a chance for teens to discover their strengths and make lasting connections.
At Camp Grady Spruce, nestled on the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake, campers will embark on thrilling adventures like rock climbing, horseback riding and zip-lining, all while building confidence and resilience.
For the ultimate outdoor experience, Collin County Adventure Camp offers exciting activities like archery, ropes courses and team-building challenges in a beautiful natural setting. Don’t let summer slip away without securing your child’s spot at YMCA Summer Camps. Enroll today for an unforgettable journey filled with fun, friendship and growth!
ymcadallas.org/youth_development/summer_camps
Year-Round Swim Opportunities at Cooper Fitness Center!
Dive into Cooper swim programs for a fun way to learn and grow a skill you can enjoy for a lifetime. Swim Pro Bobby Manning and his team of swim instructors provide private and semi-private lessons in a positive and nurturing environment.
Make a splash year-round with our swim programs:
• Swim academy: ages 3–5, June–August
• Swim team: ages 6–17, year-round
• Swim lessons: ages 6 months and up, seasonally; weather permitting in outdoor heated pool
For more than 30 years, Cooper Fitness Center has taught children the lifelong sport of swimming. Our goal is to make strong and secure swimmers by teaching swim skills and water safety. Open to the public. Seasonal triathlon swim training and competitive swim training available.
Register today!
cooperyouth.com
12100 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75230 972.233.4832
All-day camp, all summer long!
Skylark offers affordable summer day camp programs for completed K–5th graders. Mix and match any of the weekly camps to fit your schedule. Spend a week or the entire summer—it’s totally flexible!
Hosted at locations across Allen, Mansfield, North Dallas and Plano, each week features exciting new activities to keep your campers entertained all summer long.
Robots, medicine, art and more!
Explore Club SciKidz Summer Camps! Connect science, technology and art. Unleash your child’s creativity! Offering camps in Fort Worth and North Lewisville. Camps are 9am–4pm M–F, ages 4–13. Use coupon code DFWCHILD for $40 off, expires 4/15/24.
Visit FtWorth.ClubSciKidz.com for more information.
Club SciKidz Ft. Worth, 817-674-7443 1981 N. Mill St., Lewisville, TX 75057 6824 Randol Mill Rd., Ft. Worth, TX 76120
$325/week PLUS multi-week and sibling discounts.
Our multi-week discount is 20% off each week if registering for 3–8 weeks or 25% off each week if registering for 9–11 weeks. The sibling discount is $15 off each sibling. Early and late care is also available.
See you soon!
Allen, Mansfield, North Dallas and Plano 214-531-3203, call or text admin@campskylark.com campskylark.com
Good Shepherd Episcopal School’s Summer Program provides students the opportunity to take risks and try unique and fun activities in a safe and nurturing environment! With diverse camp offerings in traditional day camp, STEM, art, sports, music and dance, there is something for everyone to find their passion!
The program runs from May 28–August 8.
If you have any questions, please email summer@gsesdallas.org.
11110 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75229
214-432-8146 • gsesdallas.org/summer
Summer camp at the Heritage Farmstead Museum is an unforgettable opportunity for children to get outside, explore nature and connect with history. Open to students entering Kindergarten–5th grade in Fall 2024.
Week-long camps offer outdoor activities with a focus on history and farm life in the heart of Plano. Camp runs from 9am–1pm, Monday–Friday. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle each day. A snack will be provided.
Camps are held rain or shine!
1900 W. 15th St., Plano, TX 75075
Anne Luke, Education Director, education@heritagefarmstead.org heritagefarmstead.org/learn/summer-camps
Join Texas Ballet Theater Schools this summer! Each camp is offered at both our Fort Worth and Richardson locations for multiple weeks.
• Ballet Basics introduces dancers ages 3–6 to the art of ballet. The camp also includes crafts, story time and choreography correlating with the theme of the week.
• The Young Dancer Intensive introduces students 7–9 to a busier training schedule as they attend a daily ballet class, jazz, tap and more.
• The Junior Intensive, for students 9–14, concentrates on technique training and performance experience through daily classes in ballet technique, as well as jazz, modern, Broadway and more.
Fort Worth School: 1540 Mall Circle, Fort Worth, TX 76116
Richardson School: 300 North Coit Road, Suite 231, Richardson, TX 75080 817-763-0207 • txballet.me/summercamps-DFWchild
Get ready for a summer of discovery at River Legacy Nature Center! This summer you could investigate the pond and its inhabitants, explore the science of ornithology, or even learn some survival skills for the next time you’re out in the wild.
With an extraordinary range of classes, activities and educators, River Legacy offers an engaging way to learn about wildlife, ecology and the environment.
Camps range from preschool to 8th grade, and there are multiple classes per age group for double the fun! Camps run from early June to late July and range from $225 to $315 per camp.
UA+ summer camps are designed to stimulate curiosity, spark innovation, encourage collaboration and embrace the spirit of Ursuline’s motto, Seviam (I will serve).
Adventure camps for kids entering grades 3–8 lets kids explore new interests, experiences and skills all summer long! Campers make new friends participating in engaging programs. Half-day, full-day and extended-day.
Athletic camps for girls entering grades 5–12 lets girls try a new sport or master fundamentals. Campers have fun while building skills needed to be a more consistent and effective athlete.
All-State Audition Prep Camps for musicians entering grades 9–12 at TPSMEA affiliated schools. Introduces the TPSMEA 2024–2025
All-State Literature.
Ursuline Academy of Dallas
4900 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 • www.ursulinedallas.org/summer
Join us for an unforgettable summer adventure at Kidventure Summer Camp, the top choice for Texas families for three decades! With seven convenient DFW locations, our day camps cater to children ages 3–5 years and grades 1–5 and 6–9, offering a diverse range of activities from rock climbing to art and science.
Kidventure Camp Office: 3330 Keller Springs Rd. #230 Carrollton, TX 75006 214.303-9789 • dallas@kidventure.com
Our music mentors are passionate about teaching and have been serving in DFW for over 10 years. Developing a love for music helps to instill confidence, community, self-discipline and joy that will last a lifetime. Students enjoy lessons in the comfort of your home. Summer allows for flexible scheduling and is the best time to get started, but space is limited. Instruments: piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, drums, violin, viola and cello. Ages 3+. Summer session begins June 3.
6060 N. Central Expy. Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206 214-764-6627
newsongmusicacademy.com
Explore literature in a fun and creative way at NTPA. Kids transform into their favorite storybook characters as they bring popular stories to life on stage. Popular themes like Mario, Frozen, Harry Potter, Descendants and more. Camps and productions are available all summer long for grades K–12. Accessible camps are available for Deaf students and students with disabilities.
Locations in Plano, Fairview, Frisco, Dallas and Southlake 972-422-2575 ntpa.org/camps
Don’t take a vacation from learning just because it’s summer. Shelton School offers academic and enrichment courses, the Scholars program, speech courses and sports camps for students in Early Childhood through 12th grade. Summer programs include reading, writing, math, STEM, robotics, LEGO’s, theatre and more. Summer classes take place June 12–July 3.
shelton.org/the-school/summer-school
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge. Campers aged 4–12 choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, maker crafts, sports and more!
Families can buy any number of days to use at any time. If your plans change, we’ll automatically refund any unused passes in full. Lunch, snacks and all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Winston School, 5707 Royal Ln., Dallas, TX 75229 972-640-2383
steveandkatescamp.com/dallas
Come explore outside with our weeklong summer camps for ages 4–12 and a new Green Teen Leader Camp for ages 13–17. Participants spend most of the day outside (weather dependent) in our 7.5 acres of organic gardens. Campers have fun while engaging in plant and animal-themed activities, creative crafts and plenty of free nature play.
3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fair Park Gate 6 Dallas, TX 75210
214-428-7476 x270
txdg.org/summer-camp-2024
1
Amon Carter Museum of American Art cartermuseum.org 817/738-1933
2 Art in the Square artinthesquare.com
3
Dallas Museum of Art dma.org/programs/family-programs/free-family-fun
Carter family events offer playful experimentation and unique opportunities for all families—from tips for grown-ups on how to help kids get to know art to classes for all ages, workshops and events! See ad on page 30.
Art in the Square, presented by Methodist Southlake Medical Center, April 26–28 at Southlake Town Square, offers family and friends a funtastic weekend of art, music and children’s activities. See ad on page 6.
Round up the family and join us at the DMA! Whether it's quiet time with your baby, messy fun for your preschooler or an art workshop for your tween, we have something for everyone. See ad on page 4.
4
5
Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation farmersbranchevents.com 972/919-2620
Fort Worth Stockyards fortworthstockyards.com 817/625-9715
6
7
Irving Archives and Museum irvingarchivesandmuseum.com 972/721-3700
NTPA Repertory ntparep.org 972/422-2575
8
9
Texas Ballet Theater texasballettheater.org 817/763-0207
Visit Rockwall visitrockwall.com 972/771-5733
Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation has spring fun for families. Enjoy the award-winning, free outdoor concert series Denton Drive Live! and reel in the excitement at our annual Fishin' Fun tournament. Details on our website.
Round up the family for a wild west adventure in the Stockyards! Enjoy kid-friendly activities including horseback riding, championship rodeos, petting zoo, twice daily cattle drives, mini train rides, the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze and more. See ad on page 13.
Spark!Lab engages visitors in hands-on activities that combine STEM with art, history and creativity to explore the invention process and learn about the role of invention throughout history. Second Saturdays and every Sunday are free! See ad on page 27.
Anastasia: The Musical is a spectacular, family-friendly production about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. See the adventure unfold on stage, performed by professional actors. Showing June 14–23 in Plano. See ad on pages 14 and 46.
Texas Ballet Theater presents the Beauty and the Beast Tea on April 28. Enjoy tea and treats with your children and friends. If you are interested in sponsoring a table, please contact specialevents@texasballet.org . See ad on page 45.
Rockwall offers abundant family-friendly activities, from scenic lakeside picnics at Lake Ray Hubbard to exhilarating adventures at Shenaniganz Entertainment Center, ensuring unforgettable moments for every member of the family. See ad on page 29.
· HOW BIG IS BABY THIS WEEK?
· WHAT CHANGES ARE HAPPENING WITH YOUR BODY?
· HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR PELVIC FLOOR?
· ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A VBAC?
ALL THOSE QUESTIONS, PLUS MANY MORE, ANSWERED IN AN EMAIL TAILORED TO YOUR CURRENT WEEK OF PREGNANCY
WE ALL WANT OUR CHILDREN TO BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY. Dig into these facts and figures around kids’ well-being.
40% 40%
of school-age children in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition
Texas children have special medical need
THE NUMBER OF AMERICAN CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX MEDICAL ISSUES GROWS BY ABOUT 5% EVERY YEAR
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pregnant moms start looking for a pediatrician at least 3 months before the baby is due
THE CDC RECOMMENDS ALL KIDS 6 MONTHS AND OLDER GET A FLU SHOT EVERY YEAR
Over the last five years, the number of children in North Texas with diabetes has grown by
140% 140%
Honey is shown to reduce coughing better than storebought cough syrups for kids ages 1+ (no honey for babies under 12 months)
On track?
Standard developmental screenings are conducted at 9-, 18-, and 30-month well-child visits
The number of colds most children have in the first two years of life—often more if school-age children also live in the house
COMPILED BY EMILY
READER-NOMINATED AND TRUSTED BY MOMS LIKE YOU
FORT WORTH
Rogers, Amber MD
Amber Rogers, MD
FRISCO
Abraham, Jemini MD
Inspire Health, PLLC
MANSFIELD
Georgekutty, Nancy MD
Methodist Mansfield
Medical Center
See ad on page 53
PLANO
Hewitt, Ryan MD
Village Health Partners
RICHARDSON
Golwala, Amol DO
Family Healthcare Associates
ARGYLE
Jones, Carrie MD, FAAP
Argyle Pediatrics
ARLINGTON
Hossaini, Mahinalsadat MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Arlington
See ad on page 52
Masters, Heeten DO
Cook Children’s
Pediatrics Arlington
See ad on page 3
Nussbaum, Sherry MD
Sherry Nussbaum MD
CARROLLTON
Abid, Afsheen MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Carrollton
See ad on page 52
Jaoude, Roland MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Carrollton
See ad on page 52
Rivera, Richard MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics
North Carrollton Hebron
See ad on page 3
CEDAR HILL
Mancia, Eduardo MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, Cedar Hill
See ad on page 52
COLLEYVILLE
Henderson, Elizabeth MD
Baylor Scott & White
Colleyville Family Medicine & Pediatrics
COPPELL
Shumate, Lisa MD MD Pediatric Associates
Ulanoski, Pamela MD
Stepping Stones Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
DALLAS
Anglas, Pablo MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood
See ad on page 52
Bacsik, Susan DO Oak Cliff Pediatrics
Bourland, Christina MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas
Clarke, R. Adrian MD
Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
Curry, C. Daryl MD, PA
C. Daryl Curry MD
Do, Bich MD
Pediatric Associates of Dallas
Drake, Casey MD
Pecan Tree Pediatrics
Fernandez, Ernesto MD
Clinical Pediatric Associates
Gonzalez-Morales, Ruben MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Lancaster Kiest
See ad on page 52
Gracia Saad, Daisy MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, Lake Highlands
See ad on page 52
Guimont, Sheree MD Children’s Health Specialty Center Dallas
Karam, Albert G. MD Karam Pediatric Group
Khambaty, Ruksana MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Saner
See ad on page 52
Khouri, Grace MD Inwood Village Pediatrics
Levin, Lorin MD, FAAP Preston Hollow Pediatrics
Lluberes, Karla MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Bachman Lake
See ad on page 52
McClard, Karen MD
Pediatric Associates of Dallas
Mitchell, Damien MD
Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
Moore, William H. MD
Pediatrics at Campbell Center
Patel, Nikita MD, FAAP MD Kids Pediatrics, North Cockrell Hill
See ad on page 52
Peterman, Joseph MD Preston Center Pediatrics
Prengler, Rebecca MD Karam Pediatric Group
Singirikonda, Navya MD MD Kids Pediatrics, Pleasant Grove
See ad on page 52
Solis, Erica DO MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood
See ad on page 52
Straughn, Christopher MD
Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
Waters, Melissa MD Pediatric Associates of Dallas
Velez, Eduardo MD
Velez Pediatrics
Velez, Jorge MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Oak Cliff
See ad on page 52
Weiss, Shelley MD, FAAP
Healthy Texan Pediatrics & Family Medicine
Wheeler, Jennifer MD
Preston Center Pediatrics
DENTON
McLeod, Crystal DO, FAAP Health Services North Texas
Nuby, Marquis MD Nuby Pediatrics
EULESS
Nnamani, Ijeoma MD, FAAP
Ivy Children’s Clinic
FARMERS BRANCH
Seidel, Jack MD, PA
Jack D. Seidel Pediatrics
FLOWER MOUND
Lewis, Kelly MD, FAAP
18 & Under MD
Walters, Elaine MD, FAAP
18 & Under MD
FORT WORTH
Gutierrez, Yesenia DO
Care 4 Kids Pediatrics
Hamilton, Rachel MD
Cook Children’s
Pediatrics Henderson
See ad on page 3
Kinloch, Ramon L. MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics
Forest Park
See ad on page 3
Mandal, Kathryn MD, FAAP
Continuum Pediatrics
Martin, Bruce MD
Alliance Pediatrics
Naidoo, Randy MD, FAAP, ABIHM
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Natterer, Ann MD
Cook Children’s
Pediatrics Cityview
See ad on page 3
Phillips, Alice MD
Cook Children’s
Pediatrics Cityview
See ad on page 3
Ramirez-Mercado, Sadi MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, 8th Ave.
See ad on page 52
Valdes, Julio MD
Clinicas Mi Doctor, Seminary FRISCO
Blair, Ronald MD
Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
Crow, Susan MD
Centennial Pediatrics
Gondol, Sara MD, FAAP, DABP
Starside Pediatrics
Newton, Christopher MD, PhD
Centennial Pediatrics
Okammor, Chioma MD, FAAP
NXTStep Pediatrics
Olteanu, Alina MD, PhD
Whole Child Texas
GARLAND
Char, Vandana MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, North Garland
See ad on page 52
Naz, Saima MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, North Garland
See ad on page 52
Thomas, Renita MD MD Kids Pediatrics, Garland
GRAND PRAIRIE
Ahmad Anwar, Ayesha MD, FAAP
Pediatric Center of Grand Prairie
GRAPEVINE
Tran, Trung MD, FAAP
Clinical Pediatric Associates of North Texas
HASLET
See, Paulette MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics Haslet
See ad on page 3
Soria-Olmos, Bianka DO
Cook Children’s Pediatrics Haslet
See ad on page 3
HIGHLAND VILLAGE
Adams, Amy MD
Preferred Pediatrics
Primary Care
Parikh, Rachana MD, FAAP Kids First Pediatrics
See ad on page 53
IRVING
Askari, Nasser DO USMD MacArthur Clinic
Asim, Farhana MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, MacArthur
See ad on page 52
Muir, Amanda Pauline MD
USMD MacArthur Clinic
KELLER
Jacob, Shelby MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics
Heritage Trace
See ad on page 3
Matlock, Kimberly MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics
Keller Parkway
See ad on page 3
MCKINNEY
Chung, Jennie MD, FAAP
Happy Bun Pediatrics
Farhad, Nishath DO, FAAP MD Kids Pediatrics, McKinney
See ad on page 52
Rosales, Marisa MD ABC Pediatrics
Truong, Hung MD, FAAP
MD Kids Pediatrics, McKinney
See ad on page 52
MESQUITE
Blair, Ronald MD Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
Lalwani, Mansi MD
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center, Mesquite
Wilson, Destiny MD Forest Lane Pediatrics
See ad on page 52
PLANO
Aviles Martinez, David MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, West Plano
See ad on page 52
Berry, Marcy L. MD
A Bright Future Pediatrics
Le, Janet MD
Willow Bend Pediatrics
Maun, Dimple C. MD, FAAP
A Bright Future Pediatrics
Wong, Jenelle MD
Pediatric Specialists of Plano
PROSPER
Chacko, Kevin MD Cook Children’s Pediatrics Windsong
See ad on page 3
Hogan, Halley MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics
Prosper Trail
See ad on page 3
Newton, Christopher MD, PhD
Centennial Pediatrics
Sood, Meenu MD
MD Kids Pediatrics, Prosper
See ad on page 52
RICHARDSON
Henderson, Allison MD
Allison Henderson, MD
Kim, Heidi MD
Richardson Pediatric Associates
Lange, Rose MD
Rainbow Pediatrics of Dallas
Naidoo, Randy MD, FAAP, ABIHM
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Porter, John R. MD
John R. Porter MD
ROCKWALL
Drake, Casey MD
Pecan Tree Pediatrics
TROPHY CLUB
Smith, Justin MD
Cook Children’s Pediatrics Trophy Club
See ad on page 3
WYLIE
Pecson, Edilgrace MD
Pecan Tree Pediatrics
ALL DFW (TELEHEALTH)
Fowler, Gina DO, FAAP, ABOIM
PK Lakeside Wellness
NURSE PRACTITIONERS
ALEDO
Harper, Lauren MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC
Harper House Pediatrics
ARLINGTON
LeMoine, Melissa APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC
MD Kids Pediatrics, Arlington
See ad on page 52
DALLAS
Arnett, Pat CPNP-PC MD Kids Pediatrics, Bachman Lake
See ad on page 52
Davies, Mitsy FNP-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Pleasant Grove
See ad on page 52
Hardin, Leslie RN, FNP-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood
See ad on page 52
Palmer, Gillian NP
Citra Urgent Care, North Dallas
Rej, Iwona APRN, FNP-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Saner
See ad on page 52
Rico, Francisco A. PNP-C
MD Kids Pediatrics, Oak Cliff
See ad on page 52
Stokes, Kimberly FNP-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Lake Highlands
See ad on page 52
EULESS
Bildner, Monica MSN, APRN, FNP-C
True Connections Pediatrics
Featherston, Elishia DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
True Connections Pediatrics
Gulsby, Colette FNP-BC
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Ingram, Sarah PNP
Cook Children’s Ear, Nose & Throat
See ad on page 3
Tatum, Leilani NP
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
FRISCO
Britton, Melissa APRN, CPNP-PC
Natural Choice Pediatrics
Luck, Ashley APRN, CPNP-PC
Natural Choice Pediatrics
Muilenburg, Nicole APRN, FNP-BC
Healthy Kids
Pediatrics Center
Potter, Christie APRN, CPNP-PC
Natural Choice Pediatrics
Simko, Sarah MSN, CPNP Pediatric People
GARLAND
Asadifard, Farnaz FNP-C
MD Kids Pediatrics, Garland
See ad on page 52
IRVING
Battad, Rosanna AGNP-C
Healthcare Associates of Texas, Irving South
MCKINNEY
Boniol, Jessica MSN, RN, FNP-BC
Wonderfully Made Wellness
Sanctuary
Clayborne, Annalise APRN, CPNP-PC
Well Rooted Pediatrics
MESQUITE
Allen, Stephanie PNP-C
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite
PLANO
Skaliks, Viviane FNP-C
MD Kids Pediatrics, West Plano
See ad on page 52
RICHARDSON
Bond, Dana CPNP-PC
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Garvey, Chandra MS, RN, CPNP
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Gelai, Fnan MSN, FCP-C
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
ROCKWALL
Hamilton, Tiffany MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Reclaim Wellness
ROWLETT
Campbell, Rose APRN, C-PNP
Luv Kids Pediatrics
DALLAS & COLLIN COUNTY (HOME VISITS)
Rich, Candace APRN, MSN, CPNP-C
Healthcare Today
PEDIATRIC SPECIALISTS
DALLAS
An, Jack MD
Gastroenterology
Digestive Health Associates of Texas
Caraballo, Michelle MD
Pulmonology
Children’s Health Specialty Center & Children’s Health
Sleep Disorders Center
Chan, Lillienne MD
Gastroenterology
Digestive Health Associates of Texas
Ryan, Mark L. MD Pediatric Surgery
Children’s Health Specialty Center Dallas
FRISCO
Berry, Lindsay OD, FOVDR Optometry Vision
Advancement Center
See ad on page 53
Dave, Mona MD
Gastroenterology
Texas Digestive Disease Consultants
MCKINNEY
Mireku, Nana MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI
Allergy & Immunology
Texas AllergyMD
See ad on page 53
PLANO
An, Jack MD
Gastroenterology
Digestive Health Associates of Texas
Brunstrom-Hernandez, Janice MD
Pediatric Neurology
1CP Place
Ryan, Mark L. MD
Pediatric Surgery
UTSW General Surgery Plano
ROCKWALL
Chan, Lillienne MD
Gastroenterology
Digestive Health Associates of Texas
Mireku, Nana MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI
Allergy & Immunology
Texas AllergyMD
See ad on page 53
CARROLLTON
Bandelaria, Jeanne PA MD Kids Pediatrics, Carrollton
See ad on page 52
DALLAS
Hammer, Carli PA-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Wynnewood
See ad on page 52
Martinez, Jesse PA-C Clinicas Mi Doctor, Cockrell Hill
Ramirez Salas, Lucia PA-C MD Kids Pediatrics, Saner
See ad on page 52
FORT WORTH
Bradley, Nicolas PA-C Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
GRAND PRAIRIE
Salaices, Veronica PA-C Clinicas Mi Doctor, Grand Prairie
IRVING
Yu, Allyson PA MD Kids Pediatrics, Irving See ad on page 52
RICHARDSON
Li, Janet PA-C
Shine Pediatrics & Wellness Center
Afsheen Abid, MD; Pablo Anglas, MD, FAAP; Pat Arnett, CPNP-PC; Farnaz Asadifard, FNP-C; Farhana Asim, MD, FAAP; Jeanne Bandelaria, PA; Vandana Char, MD; Mitsy Davies, FNP-C; Nishath Farhad, DO, FAAP; Carli Hammer, PA-C; Leslie Hardin, RN, FNP-C; Mahinalsadat Hossaini, MD; Roland Jaoude, MD; Ruksana Khambaty, MD; Melissa Lemoine, APRN, MSN, CPNP-PC; Karla Lluberes, MD; Eduardo Mancia, MD, FAAP; David Aviles Martinez, MD; Sadi Ramirez Mercado, MD, FAAP; Ruben Morales-Gonzalez, MD; Saima Naz, MD; Nikita Patel, MD, FAAP; Lucia Ramierz Salas, PA-C; Iwona Rej, APRN, FNP-C; Francisco A. Rico, PNP-C; Daisy Gracia Saad, MD, FAAP; Navya Singirikonda, MD; Viviane Skaliks, FNP-C; Erica Solis, DO; Meenu Sood, MD; Kimberly Stokes, FNP-C; Hung Truong, MD, FAAP; Jorge Velez, MD; Allyson Yu, PA Pediatrics
5x Mom Approved
No matter what their future holds, we’re here to help give your little one the best start possible. With 20 offices in North Texas, our caring providers offer excellent care close to home.
MD Kids Pediatrics is dedicated to delivering quality newborn and pediatric care. We offer complimentary pediatric prenatal visits during your third trimester to help you establish your child’s medical home.
We’re in-network for most commercial insurance, self-pay and Medicaid/CHIP is accepted. Sick kid now? Use KidzDocNow, telemedicine is available 7 days a week—kidzdocnow.us.
Offices in Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties.
MD Kids Pediatrics
1-888-776-5252
mdmedicalgroup.us
Call 888-776-5252 or text 844-395-4340 to schedule an appointment.
mdmedicalgroup.us
Ronald Blair, MD; R. Adrian Clarke, MD; Damien Mitchell, MD; Christopher Straughn, MD & Destiny Wilson, MDPediatrics
12x Mom Approved
We are thrilled to once again have multiple doctors recognized as “Mom Approved”! Forest Lane Pediatrics started in 2001 with one doctor and has grown to include 19 outstanding pediatricians, with offices in Dallas, Frisco and Mesquite, who are dedicated to optimizing the physical, mental and emotional health of your child.
All well and sick visits are with a board-certified pediatrician so you can be confident that your child is getting the best care possible. In order to maintain the safest environment for your family, we have separate waiting rooms for well and sick patients and we have air purifiers in each exam room. We also have virtual visits available for conditions that do not require an in-person exam.
In addition to our amazing doctors, we have award-winning lactation consultants, courteous staff and an extensive website with helpful information.
We love partnering with parents to care for and nurture children from birth to college, and it would be our pleasure to be your child’s pediatrician!
7777
4461
5858 Main St. #210, Frisco, TX 75033 • 469-915-3700
forestlanepediatrics.com
4x Mom Approved
Dr. Lindsay Berry is a developmental optometrist serving the needs of patients both young and old. She is one of only five optometrists in Dallas-Fort Worth to be fellowship trained in Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation (FOVDR), making her an expert in her field. We provide a non-surgical approach to improving visual delays, including eye turns, lazy eye, eye tracking difficulties, spatial awareness issues, double vision and more. We offer comprehensive eye care services for children of all ages and abilities including routine eye care, glasses, contact lenses, myopia management and vision therapy.
Vision Advancement Center
12950 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 900 Frisco, TX 75033
972-440-2428 • visionadvancement.com
2x Mom Approved
Introducing Nancy Georgekutty, MD, a family health physician proudly endorsed by moms in the DFW area and featured in DFWChild magazine. Dr. Georgekutty is renowned for her compassionate approach and commitment to quality care, ensuring every child receives the attention they deserve. Specializing in pediatric care, she offers innovative treatments while prioritizing the wellbeing of her young patients. Dr. Georgekutty is board certified in family and obesity medicine and is dedicated to community health and excellence in medical services. Trust your family’s health to Dr. Georgekutty, where compassionate care meets the endorsement of local moms. Visit our website to learn more and schedule an appointment today.
Methodist Family Health Center—Mansfield North 1601 E. Debbie Lane, Suite 2109, Mansfield, TX 76063 817-473-9125 • Monday–Friday, 7:30am–5pm methodisthealthsystem.org/doctors/nancy-georgekutty-md
Allergy & Immunology
4x Mom Approved
Dr. Mireku is a board-certified pediatric allergist/immunologist who has been serving patients in the DFW metroplex for over 15 years. As a parent of two kids with seasonal and food allergies, she is passionate about providing relief for her patients. TexasAllergyMD has two offices conveniently located to serve families in Southlake, Grapevine, McKinney, Prosper, Frisco and surrounding areas. Virtual allergy care is also offered via the AllergenIQ platform.
TexasAllergyMD
1400 N. Coit Rd., Ste. 405, McKinney, TX 75071 630 North Kimball Ave., Ste. 110, Southlake, TX 76092 469-375-1525 • texasallergymd.com • go.allergeniq.com
I’m honored to be a Mom-Approved Pediatrician! As a mom myself, I appreciate the trust that caregivers place in me for the health and well-being of their children. In 2019 I joined Kids First Pediatrics, where we provide evidencedbased medical care, share knowledge and practical advice, and enjoy building meaningful relationships with our patients and families.
Village Parkway, Highland Village, TX 75077 972-317-6000 kidsfirstpediatrics.com
“We’re actually going to do it!” the team uttered excitedly.
To appreciate how my group of third and fourth graders arrived at this moment, you have to understand the journey. I signed up to coach my son’s elementary school basketball team. I wanted to offer my knowledge and love for the game. Plus, I’d get to spend more time with my son.
While some of my 11 players were seasoned competitors, many had never played organized basketball before. We were green, but I felt we had something. And wow, they were something, alright.
There was Joey, whose greatest joy was hiding in the empty rubber trash bin. There was Doug, who danced while he dribbled. There was Missy, who in the middle of a drill stopped and alerted me she lost a tooth.
“Do you want it?”
No, Missy. I don’t.
There was Aaron, who late in the season informed me he was trading himself to the “other” team that was winning games. Sorry, general manager, but you’re stuck with me.
As for my son, he was excited for the social part of the team. Playing basketball just happened to be the thing he’d put up with to hang with his best friend and classmates. His main goal? Score at least one basket. And, at the start of the second game, the ball took a strange ricochet right to him and he hoisted up a shot. Swish. He stopped and watched the scoreboard change from “0” to “2” with such satisfaction.
I gave him his moment, and then promptly reminded him to get back on defense.
The message in most practices was about having fun—and patience. You know, that thing all 9- and 10-year-olds have loads of and are great at? Nice move, rookie coach.
We went over a zone defense. We talked about being aggressive. Mostly, however, we got to know each other. We talked. We listened. After a few practices, they even stopped in complete silence when the whistle blew. Magic
And so, try, we did. And get better, we did. Win? Well, we did not. In fact, we lost all the regular season games. After each one, I took stock of how they reacted. As more and more losses piled up, I worried they would lose heart. To their credit, they continued to show up with positivity. Their resilience was spectacular.
Finally, the weekend of the playoffs arrived. We were placed into the consolation bracket with one final game. And then, it happened.
Everything we practiced for weeks came together. We made shots. We played more aggressively. Our zone defense was phenomenal. We didn’t have all our teeth but played with all our hearts.
As the buzzer sounded at the end of the third quarter, we had a huge lead. Cue the elation. I wasn’t their dad (well, one of theirs)—not even their wacky uncle, but as their coach, I felt something akin to fatherly pride. Not for our inevitable first win, but more importantly, in the feeling of accomplishment they earned together. Their moment had arrived.
As the fourth quarter was about to start, we huddled. I felt like Gene Hackman in “Hoosiers” before the championship game, when he looked around the room and said from the huddle, “I love you guys.”
WE DIDN’T HAVE ALL OUR TEETH BUT PLAYED WITH ALL OUR HEARTS.
That may have been a bit heavy for this group. But, wow, was I proud of all 11 of my resilient players. They grew. They showed patience despite defeats. They got the triumph they deserved. So, I said the only thing that captured this wondrous moment.
“Proud to be your coach. Tigers on three.”
Josh Farnsworth is a nationalaward-winning parenting columnist who lives with his wife and two goofball sons. You can reach him for column ideas at josh.farnsworth@yahoo.com
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