Manners, Secrets & Sex Ed — Keeping Kids Safer

We are thoughtful parents, friends and relatives, but sometimes we say things that inadvertently contribute to a child’s vulnerability. Here are some everyday examples – and suggestions for how to strengthen communication with children with regard to secrets, consent, manners, sex ed and more.

Secrets – “Let’s not tell Mom about the ice cream.”
Sometimes adults ask children to keep “innocent-like” secrets, but are these so-called innocent secrets actually hurting kids?

What happens, for instance, when you say to a child, “Let’s not tell Mom that I let you stay up past your bedtime?” Well, it turns out that asking children to keep secrets like this is both burdensome and confusing. And without even realizing it, innocent secrets at home can make a child more vulnerable. For instance, a child may then think it’s okay to comply with another person’s request to keep “touching” a secret if the person says, “Let’s not tell anyone because this is our special secret.”

Instead, implement a “No secrets” rule in your home. And if you do let your child stay up past their bedtime, and this causes conflict between you and your partner, rather than asking your child to keep it a secret, perhaps say, CLICK TO KEEP READING

Feather Berkower

7 Tips for talking about drugs and alcohol with kids

It can be intimidating to talk with our kids about smoking, vaping, drinking or misusing prescription medications. Here are some ways to establish trust (and make it less awkward).

It’s hard enough to get a response from our kids when we ask how their day went, so the prospect of starting a conversation with them about tobacco, alcohol and drugs probably seems about as exciting as folding laundry. On the other hand, we know it’s important, and we want our kids to know they can come to us with questions about drinking, smoking or other drugs, so they’ll make healthy choices when we aren’t around.

Building that trust means starting early, and keeping those conversations going. The good news is you’re not alone, there are resources out there to help us get the ball rolling and stay on track.

Here are some tips to help start an ongoing discussion with kids about substance use:

Plan ahead: Are you worried because a friend’s child got into trouble with drugs or alcohol? Do you want to give your child skills to say no to peer pressure before it happens? Understanding what you want to say ahead of time makes it more likely you’ll be satisfied with the outcome.
Create time (and space) to talk: Choose a time and place where neither of you will be rushed, bothered nor distracted.
Be honest: Establishing yourself as a resource means telling the truth about our own substance use. If our kids know we’re being honest with them, they’ll be more likely to return the favor. On the flipside, nothing can damage trust faster than your child finding out you lied to them.
Take advantage of opportunities: Seeing a movie with characters who smoke, watching the local news cover a story about marijuana, driving home from a family gathering where a relative obviously had too much to drink— situations like these are a chance to talk about real-life consequences of substance use and reinforce the message you want your kids to understand.
Lead by example: Our children notice when we have a glass of wine, a cigarette or use prescription medications. Our behavior around substances can reinforce, or undermine, the message we want them to understand about drinking, smoking or using other drugs.
You ARE being heard: Whether it seems like you’re getting through to them or not, research shows kids really do care what their parents and caregivers think about substance use. They may roll their eyes, they may complain, just know you are making an impact.
Keep lines of communication open: Check in with your kids. Ask about their friends, a new favorite band, their job, or what’s going on in their lives. Reminding them you’re genuinely interested in their lives makes it much more likely that they’ll come to you in times of need.

Hopefully this list will help you start having open, honest and ongoing conversations about substance use with your kids, and even more information and resources are available.

A great one is the Speak Now! Colorado website from the Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health. It has age-specific suggestions you can use to have fact-based conversations about how alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, vaping, prescription medications and other substances can affect your kids’ health.

There are also scenarios to help you figure out how to start the conversation, and plans to help your children resist pressure from peers to use substances like marijuana, alcohol and other drugs.

In partnership with Mile High Mamas.

Deals: Cirque du Soleil, Outlets at Castle Rock

I love going to the theater. Did you know that Denver Center has some of the best theater in the country and that many shows start their tours right here. This next season of shows for 2019/2020 goes on sale August 2. Awesome shows returng to town and some that delight every year. Many of the shows are very kid friendly including Disney’s Lion King! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.

Outlets at Castle Rock Back to School 20% Off Promotion. Through August 31st. ROCK Your Back to School Savings with an additional 20% off, exclusively at participating stores at Outlets at Castle Rock! More than 50 stores will offer 20% off a single item OR 20% off an entire purchase, or both! Visit Customer Service in the Food Court for details and to pick up a list of participating stores.

Plum Consignment. My favorite consignment store in all of Colorado is Plum Consignment in Stapleton. The last week of their progressive end of season sale is this week with a whopping 50% off seasonal merchandise!

Let’s Roam. A couple weeks ago, I got to participate in a Let’s Roam scavenger hunt. It is an app based hunt that lets you discover all kinds of great places in Denver and restaurants afterward (with the membership on the app you can download specials at different restaurants). It is great fun for the whole family to discover together (and you’re not locked in a room together). Give it a try and here’s a discount code you can use to make it cheaper!

CycleBar. CycleBar’s newest location at Union Station is having a Grand Opening. You can book up to three free rides between August 1 and August 4. Be the first on the new bikes, enjoy the live DJ, Win some office raffle prizes, win giveaways, neighbors and more! The Patio Party will be Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil. Have you always wondered what the big deal is with Cirque shows? They are really something you have to experience. Even I have a hard time explaining what exactly a show is. Right now, you can save up to 25% off tickets for Corteo August 15-22 at the Pepsi Center.

JC Penney $10 Kids Haircuts. Getting that perfect back to school look is easier than ever. For just $10 students K-6^th Grade can get the perfect new look haircut! The promotion runs through September 15 – but you’ll need an appointment and coupon.

Gigi’s Cupcakes. Gigi’s Cupcakes has a special cupcake weekly on Tuesday for just $2.

Cheesecake Factory. On Tuesday, July 30, it’s the annual half-price Cheesecake Day at the Cheesecake Factory! Get a slice of your favorite cheesecake for half-price all day!

Happy Colorado Day! Colorado’s Birthday is August 1 (1876), in celebration History Colorado Center if free that day with loads of fun including balloons, birthday cake, bounce house, chalk art, dancers, face painting, live music and Denver mascots.

Rockmount Ranch Wear. On August 1^st a special performance by world champion trick roper, Trevor Dreher will show off his impressive skills at the LoDo Rockmount store. In the mean-time Lucchese Boots and Stetson Hats will host a trunk show (both Aug 1&2).

Denver International Festival. Saturday, August 3 is the Denver International Festival in Civic Center Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Experience cultural music, art, kids activities, and of course food. The event is free.

Free Summer Concerts and Movies. One of the best parts about summer is being outside in the warm evenings and what could be better than a picnic in a park and free live music or a movie? Nothing! We’ve rounded up some of the best of the best in town here: Summer Concerts.

What’s Going On In Your Child’s Brain When You Read Them A Story?

“I want The Three Bears!”

These days parents, caregivers and teachers have lots of options when it comes to fulfilling that request. You can read a picture book, put on a cartoon, play an audiobook, or even ask Alexa.

A newly published study gives some insight into what may be happening inside young children’s brains in each of those situations. And, says lead author Dr. John Hutton, there is an apparent “Goldilocks effect” — some kinds of storytelling may be “too cold” for children, while others are “too hot.” And, of course, some are “just right.”

Hutton is a researcher and pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with a special interest in “emergent literacy” — the process of learning to read.

For the study, 27 children around age 4 went into an FMRI machine. They were presented with stories in three conditions: audio only; the illustrated pages of a storybook with an audio voiceover; and an animated cartoon. All three versions came from the Web site of Canadian author Robert Munsch. While the children paid attention to the stories, the MRI, the machine scanned for activation within certain brain networks, and connectivity between the networks.

Click to keep reading at NPR.

-ANYA KAMENETZ

Welcoming a new baby? Ways to help your older child adjust

If it takes a village to raise a child, raising a child and their sibling(s) may require a metropolis. Luckily, you can practice some simple strategies and techniques to help siblings get along as they each grow independently!

Welcoming a new baby? Congratulations! Here are some ways to help your older child adjust.

Some children are very excited about a new baby and are very gentle. For others, the arrival of a new baby is stressful and can feel like a loss of attention. Here are some tips to help with the transition.

Involve the older sibling in the baby’s care, with your supervision. Allow him to hold the baby with you sitting right next to him. Let your older child help with diapering.
Ask your child to show visitors the baby’s room.
Giving your older child the opportunity to help is great, like asking him to get a blanket, a diaper, or a pacifier, but make sure to avoid asking him to run too many baby errands.
Set aside a special time every day just for the older child and use that time to hold, hug, and love just him.
Expect some “acting out” behavior while your older child adjusts to the new baby. Allow him to talk about his feelings, and offer reassurance that he is loved.
Don’t punish your child for behavior that shows frustration. Let him know you understand having a new baby is frustrating, but everyone will adjust to the change over time.
Rather than scolding your older child, acknowledge his feelings: “It seems like you’re feeling sad right now. Do you want a hug or a story?” Or “It’s hard when you want me to do something and I need to help the baby.”

It can be hard bringing a new baby into the family. Families First Support Line is available to listen, as well as to help you find solutions. Call them at 877-695-7996 anytime!

If you have a toddler and an older sibling, here are some ideas to keep your older child engaged.

Toddlers need lots of help to handle conflicts. Help your older child recognize that she was little once and had to learn all these things, too. She can help teach her younger sibling.

If your older child has a skill she’s proud of, let her show off to you. Pay attention to her and offer lots of praise and encouragement.
Toddlers like to imitate their older siblings, and toddlers learn by doing things they see their big sisters or brothers do. Invite your older child to be part of the “teaching team.”
Bring me a discovery. Ask your older child to find a rock, a bug or a flower and bring it to you. Say things like, “My goodness, you always find interesting rocks when you’re outside. You are such a good explorer!”
Draw a picture for me. Children love to draw and paint. Show interest and comment on her efforts. Say things like, “Look at all that blue! That’s so beautiful. Can I hang it by my desk?”

A little healthy competition is normal, but if you’ve got a sibling rivalry on your hands, take a look at these suggestions to calm the waters.

The best thing a parent can do is to acknowledge sibling conflicts and pay attention (so that no one gets hurt), give them time and space to try and work it out, then help them resolve the problem if they are not able to solve it themselves.
Try to help your children develop skills to work out conflicts on their own. Teach them how to compromise, respect one another, and divide things fairly.
When parents jump into sibling arguments, they often protect and defend one child (usually the younger sibling). This may make the conflict worse, because the older child resents the younger, and the younger may feel that she can get away with more since the parent is “on her side.”

Get more parenting tips, games, and other resources, based on the age of your child, sent right to your cell phone 2-5 times a week for FREE with Bright by Text. Text BRIGHT to 274448 or click here to sign up!

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Hop on the potty training train with these helpful tips

First of all, is your child ready for toilet training?

Toilet training is most successful when your child shows signs of readiness- both developmentally and behaviorally. Every child is different, with some showing signs of readiness between the ages of 18 and 24 months and others showing signs of readiness at older ages. In the U.S., successful completion of toilet training frequently occurs at around age 3, with girls typically completing the process a few months before boys.

Problems in toilet training often come up because parents don’t wait until their child is ready. Successful toilet training requires help from patient, understanding adults, and a child who is ready for the transition.

Specific signs of toilet training readiness may include when your child:

Can follow simple instructions.
Understands words about going to the bathroom (pee, poop, potty, etc.).
Knows what the toilet is for.
Can “hold it” for a short period of time when needing to go.
Can use words to express needing to go.
Is willing to stop activities to go to the toilet.
Shows interest in wearing a clean diaper or “big kid” underwear.”
Keeps a diaper dry for two hours or more.
Can pull down training pants or underpants and clothes.
Shows an interest in using the toilet.

Here are some ideas for getting your child started with toilet training:

Talk about going to the toilet and use words to describe it.
Talk about the body sensations your child may feel when needing to use or when using the toilet.
Read books about going to the toilet.
Let your child watch you (or another trusted adult or siblings) use the toilet and talk about it. Imitation is a very good way for children to learn.
Dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off or pull down.
Involve everyone in the family, and make sure all caregivers follow the same routine.
Encourage your child to tell you when their diaper is wet or soiled.
All aboard the porcelain or plastic (in your kid’s case) train! There is so much information available on toilet (AKA potty) training, and we want to provide a quick guide for when your kids are ready for that transition. Follow these tips and your child will be ready for restroom independence in no time.
Empty soiled diapers into the toilet and tell your child, “This is where poop goes,” and let your child flush the toilet. Or try to “catch your child in the act” and suggest sitting on the toilet or potty chair at these times.
Go together to purchase a potty chair and “big kid” underpants. When using an adult toilet, consider putting a footrest in front of the toilet so that your child’s feet are supported when trying “to go”.

Lastly, here are some essential do’s and don’t when potty training your child:

Do:

Start the process when your child shows readiness.
Practice using the toilet or potty chair at times that you think will be successful. For example, if your child’s diaper is dry after a nap, ask your child to sit on the toilet potty chair and try to go. Other good times to ask your child to try may include a half hour after drinks or food or at the time of day your child typically has a dirty diaper.
Encourage your child to try, even if nothing happens.
Set routine times to try, and gently guide your child to use the toilet at these times.
Show support by staying in the bathroom if your child wants you to.
Teach healthy hygiene habits such as wiping from front to back and washing hands when done.
Point out effort, successes, and progress with hugs, kisses, and praise!

Don’t:

Force your child to sit on the toilet or potty chair.
Punish or make your child feel bad when accidents occur.
Nag or lecture about toileting. At this age, children are establishing independence so avoid creating battles over toileting.
Be disappointed or angry during the toileting process. It takes time for children to learn how to relax the muscles that control the bowel and bladder. At first, your child may have a bowel movement or urinate right after being taken off the toilet. While this may be frustrating for adults, it’s important to continue to praise your child’s effort.

*Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to 274448 to stop. Text HELP to 274448 for help.

26 things to do in Denver this week

Awesome events this week include Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, 5th Anniversary Grand Re-opening and Buffalo Bill Days. See our event calendar for full listings and don’t miss our Denver summer activity guide with 150+ ideas.

Buffalo Bill Days at Parfet Park
Jul 26 – Jul 28
The old west comes alive as Golden will once again be hosting its annual Buffalo Bill Days celebration July 26-28. There’s something for everyone in the family including a traditional pancake breakfast, “Best of the West” parade, Cody’s Wild West extravaganza, kids vs. sheep Muttin’ Bustin’ contest and a classic car show.

Indigenous Pop X at McNichols Civic Center Building, Denver Arts & Venues
July 26 – 28
In collaboration with the Denver American Indian Commission, Native Realities presents Indigenous POP X Denver, the most exciting pop culture convention to hit the Mile High City. Born from the Indigenous Comic Con, IPX Denver is a three-day Comic Convention and Pop Culture Festival highlighting the incredible artistic and creative contributions of Native American and Indigenous people in the areas of comics, film, futurisms, fashion, and much, much more.

Splash into Arts – Parker!
July 26, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
2019 SPLASH INTO ARTS featuring Stratus Chamber Orchestra performing music to highlight the “Colors of Summer.” Sit within an orchestra or next to a musician plus musical crafts, Life Art Dance Ensemble, Hawkquest (Sat. only), and more will be there to make the day EXTRAORDINARY. This concert is FREE for EVERYONE. Bring your Entire Family & Splash into Arts this summer.

5th Anniversary Grand Re-opening at Denver Union Station
July 26, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Denver Union Station is excited to be celebrating the 5th anniversary of its grand re-opening on Friday, July 26th with an evening of special events, including a free outdoor summer concert and a ticketed VIP party in the Great Hall.

Dive-in Movie: Mary Poppins Returns at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
July 26, 7:30 – 9:45 pm
Dive-In Movies are shown in Island Kingdom Water Park every Friday night June 28 – August 2. The Water Park closes at 6pm with the exception of the Wave Pool, movies beginning around 7:30 p.m. Movies are free with any park admission or Season Pass.

Bubble Run at Great Lawn Park
July 27, 8:00 – 9:30 am
If you’ve done a traditional 5K, you know they can be a bit lackluster. But the BUBBLE RUN™ is the running equivalent to the whimsical bubble room in Willy Wonkas factory.

Kids Obstacle Challenge at Apex Center
July 27 – 28
Kids Obstacle Challenge (KOC) – an obstacle and adventure course event series for kids ages 5-16 and their parents.

Cheeseman Park Art Festival at Cheesman Park Art Festival
July 27 – 28
This colorful outdoor festival was ranked #4 in the nation for sales of Classic & Contemporary Craft by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2016, and Top of the Town by 5280 (Denver’s Magazine), in 2015. Charming & walkable, with work that is top-notch yet attainable, the Cheesman Park Art Fest has you culturally covered from live music beneath the trees to Denver’s best food trucks!

Rock the Runway at Outlets at Castle Rock
July 27, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Rock the Runway’ Model Search. The competition is open to all aspiring models, ages 5-23. Each of the winners will be given the opportunity to appear in future advertisements and fashion shows for Outlets at Castle Rock and Outlets at Silverthorne.

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake Park
July 27 – 28
Celebrate! Join Colorado’s annual celebration of Asian and Asian American heritage with the biggest Dragon Boat Festival in the US.

Colorado Renaissance Festival
July 27– 28
Flashback to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans.

Vegfest Colorado sy 1STBANK Center
July 27 – 28
VegFest Colorado is a 2 day community event that promotes a plant-based/vegan lifestyle. This event features renowned speakers who speak on health, diet, compassion, and environmental issues. VFC also features expert chefs who demonstrate how to prepare delicious healthful plant-based/vegan dishes.

Splash into Arts – Adams County at The Lutheran Center
July 27-28
2019 SPLASH INTO ARTS featuring Stratus Chamber Orchestra performing music to highlight the “Colors of Summer.” Sit within an orchestra or next to a musician plus musical crafts, Life Art Dance Ensemble, Hawkquest (Sat. only), and more will be there to make the day EXTRAORDINARY. This concert is FREE for EVERYONE.

Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field
July 29 – 31
Enjoy exciting major league baseball and come out to this series between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Kids Film Series: Zootopia at Longmont Museum
July 30, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
This summer, cool off in the Stewart Auditorium with a bag of popcorn in a place where your don’t have to worry if your kiddo cries in the middle of the movie. Your ticket gets you $1 off the hands-on rodeo exhibit too! Buy tickets ahead; these movies sell out!

Ongoing General Events

Summer@DEN Series
May 24-Sept. 2
Denver International Airport is brimming with free family-friendly activities all summer. DEN Park on the Plaza will include gardens featuring native Colorado trees and plants, live music, lunchtime fitness classes and family activities. Each Wednesday, join a free, weekly lunchtime workout. Fitness classes include yoga, Pilates, Krav Maga, Zumba and more! Each Friday, enjoy a variety of free, fun, cultural and family-friendly activities and performance and from June 14-July 14 you’ll find free 18-hole mini golf course! Test your putting skills while you wait for your flight or simply as a fun outing. www.flydenver.com/events

Summer of Play
June 21 – August 2
On Friday, June 21, the Art Students League of Denver will launch “Summer of Play,” an invitational exhibition featuring a commissioned piece by the Ladies Fancywork Society, displayed alongside artworks by ASLD’s KidART Camp and Teen Studio instructors. The exhibition, which will r27un through August 2, is focused on playfulness and interactivity.

Moon Month
July
Neil Armstrong said the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” on July 20, 1969. In honor of this achievement, get your space suits on and come celebrate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery this July. The #MoonMonth at FCMoD celebrations continue with programs and events all month long! fcmod.org/

Colorado Shakespeare Festival: Twelfth Night at Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre
June 7 – August 11, 2019
Ring in the summer season with an uproarious comedy about thorny love triangles, mistaken identities … and a pair of twins lost at sea. When Viola finds herself shipwrecked and her brother drowned (or so she thinks!), she begins to dress as a man named Cesario. Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has delighted audiences with professional theatre on the CU Boulder campus. Complete your Colorado summer with Shakespeare under the stars in the historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre—complimentary seatbacks included. cupresents.org

Butterflies at Chatfield Farms
May 25 – September 2
$4, $2 Gardens or Butterfly Pavilion member, free for children 2 and under
This seasonal habitat is home to hundreds of native butterflies such as swallowtails, monarchs, mourning cloaks and painted ladies. The plants in this house are used as a nectar source for butterfly food and designed to create a whimsical atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Learn what types of plants you can add to your garden to attract butterflies and other pollinators. Presented with Butterfly Pavilion.

Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America at the Denver Art Museum
May 5 –August 25
Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America presents the concept of playfulness in postwar American design as a catalyst for creativity and innovation. This exhibition explores how employing playfulness allowed designers to bring fresh ideas to the American home, children’s toys and play spaces, and corporate identities. The cost is included in general admission which is free for kids 18 and under every day.

Our Senses: Creating Your Reality at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
April 12 – August 4
When it comes to our senses, hasn’t the number five had enough time in the spotlight? Now other sensory heroes get some overdue attention in Our Senses: Creating Your Reality, a new exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the whole family where you play with color, patterns, sounds, scents, and textures to discover there’s so much more to human senses than just the famous five. www.dmns.org

Denver Art Museum
Visit the Denver Art Museum this summer where kids receive FREE general admission every day! There is plenty to do during #SummerofPlay2019 at the DAM including family-friendly artmaking in the galleries and in the Paint Studio (opening June 1). Step into the shining world of the new First Light Family Space (opening June 1) and try hands-on activities inspired by the exhibition The Light Show. Don’t miss this summer’s main exhibition, Serious Play: Design in Midcentury America, opening May 5, where children are invited to play in the Free Play Zone at the end of the exhibition where they can try on bold masks and bring them to life in a colorful theater, climb on a wavy playscape by sculptor Isamu Noguchi and creatively combine the pieces of the Tyng Toy.

Images from the Tracks at the Colorado Railroad Museum
January 28, 2019 – January 5, 2020
One of the foremost photographers to photograph the great American West, William Henry Jackson’s images had an immense influence on the public’s perception of the American West. A portion of those images were captured here in Colorado as Jackson traveled throughout the west by rail. This exhibit not only showcases the Museum’s collection of Jackson photographs but provides visitors with the opportunity to visit the rail car he traveled and lived in – the Denver & Rio Grande Western business car – the Rico.

Marine Biologist for a Day at the Downtown Aquarium
Jan 1- Dec 31, 2019
See if you have what it takes to become a Marine Biologist! Spend a day behind the scenes where all the scientific action happens. Experience close encounters with exotic species from the deep sea to shallow reef and everywhere in between. You’ll even get to dissect a squid! Program includes guided tour, biologist dive show, squid dissection, animal feedings and much more! T-shirts & lunch included.

Friday Night Bazaar
June 7- September 27
Celebrate the return of Friday Night Bazaar as they open on June 7th and pop-up weekly in RiNo, River North Art District all summer long from 5-10 p.m. for your shopping & sipping needs! Weekly features include 25+ Local Makers, Food & Fashion Trucks, live DJ and more. denverbazaar/fridaynightbazaar

Packz 4 Kidz campaign to help low-income kids on August 1

Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life?

FOX31 and Colorado’s Own Channel 2 are proud to again support this year’s Packz 4 Kidz campaign as part of the Kenzi’s Causes program. Tune in Thursday, August 1st for the FOX31 and Channel 2 hosted phonebank all to benefit Packz 4 Kidz.

As a former teacher for Denver Public Schools, Jessica Bachus, founder of Kenzi’s Causes and Packz 4 Kidz, saw first-hand children arriving on the first day of school without the necessary supplies to be successful and feel like everyone else. This would spark the idea and creation of the Packz 4 Kidz campaign. It is the goal this year to again provide over 1,500 low-income children with new backpacks full of school supplies to ensure they start the first day of school with the confidence and supplies they need to be successful. This program serves children in ECE through 12th grade.

Those wanting to support this cause can donate to help in the purchase of these supplies. Donations can be made in the way of supplies or monetarily by tuning in to the FOX31 and Channel 2 phone bank on Thursday, August 1st from 6a-Noon. All donations collected will benefit the Packz 4 Kidz campaign.

Phone bank number: 303-218-2337

All proceeds raised will go directly to the purchase of backpacks and the accommodating items. Backpacks will be stuffed with supplies and will be ready for distribution on Saturday, August 10th.

For more information, click here.

Packz 4 Kidz Pick Up Event

When: August 10, 2019
Location: TBD

Details for backpack pickup:

Parents or legal guardians must attend with their children in order to receive backpacks with supplies
Children must be present to receive a backpack unless you have a picture ID and a birth certificate for a child or children unable to attend
First come, first served for backpacks and school supplies – no pre-registration
A survey must be filled out before children can pick out a backpack

For more information, click here.

How to Encourage Girls to Lift Each Other Up, Instead of Tearing Each Other Down

Too often, girls and women are taught to think of other girls and women as competition or even threats, not as allies. In fact, Caroline Adams Miller, a positive psychology expert and the author of Getting Grit, says that when she asks female professionals if they feel like one of the biggest challenges they face isn’t just how they are treated by men but also getting torn down by other women, “It’s not half the room raising their hands — it’s 100 percent of the women.” When girls are empowered and confident, however, they can learn how to team up in ways that encourage and support one another, making it more likely that all of them will find success! Phyllis Fagell, a professional school counselor, spoke with a variety of experts for a recent Washington Post article to find out why girls are prone to see one another as competition — and how parents can encourage them to build empowering friendships that lift each other up instead.

Part of the reason girls are prone to compete is that they worry about losing out on opportunities: “scarcity theory might lead young girls to believe that there are limits around how many good things can happen to any one person,” Miller says, “which could also lead them to believe that their own success will be limited.” A recent survey by Plan International USA showed that 30% of teenage girls felt they had fewer opportunities at school than boys do, particularly when it comes to sports and leadership opportunities. That means that girls may conclude that losing one chance to another girl means they’ll never get another one, says business leader and pro basketball pioneer Donna Orender: “Unfortunately, it’s been communicated to us over the years that there are fewer spots for women — a limited inventory.”

So what can parents and educators do to help girls understand that it’s not a zero-sum game? An important first step is helping to grow her own confidence, which tends to drop significantly in girls as they reach the tween years, since confident girls are more likely to see one another as allies rather than threats. One way to do this is by encouraging girls to use expansive body language, says Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and author of Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, since she observes that girls often start showing “shrinking behavior,” where they try to take up less space, around middle school.

CLICK TO KEEP READING AT MIGHTY GIRL

-Katherine

Deals: Buffalo Bill Days, Cheesecake Factory, Cirque du Soleil and more!

My family had a little get away this weekend. We went to Crested Butte – which is perhaps the most wonderful place on this planet. But we had a discussion there that maybe you can help resolve. Is a trip to the mountains a “getaway” or a “vacation”? What is the difference? How many hours in a car is a “road trip”? It takes me an hour to get to work each day – is that a road trip? Is it only a road trip if you feel the need to get snacks or travel so far you need to “pit stop”?

Outlets at Castle Rock Back to School 20% Off Promotion. July 15th-August 31st. ROCK Your Back to School Savings with an additional 20% off, exclusively at participating stores at Outlets at Castle Rock! More than 50 stores will offer 20% off a single item OR 20% off an entire purchase, or both! Visit Customer Service in the Food Court for details and to pick up a list of participating stores. Do your kids want to be models? Sign up for the Rock the Runway model search on Saturday, July 27.

Plum Consignment. My favorite consignment store in all of Colorado is Plum Consignment in Stapleton. They are starting their progressive end of season sale this week [week of July 23], the discount is at 40% off seasonal merchandise and the week [week of July 30] it will be a whopping 50% off!

Butterfly Pavillion Half Off. Explore the Butterfly Pavilion for just $5 per person on July 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. See free-flying tropical butterflies, hold the tarantula, dive into coral reefs, and explore invertebrate habitats. Who says learning in summer can’t be fun?

Gigi’s Cupcakes. Gigi’s Cupcakes has a special cupcake weekly on Tuesday for just $2.

Cheesecake Factory. On Tuesday, July 30, it’s the annual half-price Cheesecake Day at the Cheesecake Factory! Get a slice of your favorite cheesecake for half-price all day!

Go Broncos! Pre-season training camp are FREE for fans of all ages. Camp takes place mostly at the UC Health Training Center except one special featured practice at Mile High Stadium on Saturday, July 27.

Buffalo Bill Days in Golden. Since the 1940’s Golden has celebrated Buffalo Bill Days. Activities include Cody’s Wild West, Best of the west Theme parade, Muttin’ Bustin’, live music, car show, golf tournament, food and more! The events will take place July 25-28.

Downtown Aquarium. The Aquarium if offering an awesome summer special through July 25 with discounted tickets from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. During Summer Family Nights, exhibit tickets are $8 for kids and $14 for adults (making them about half off) plus, you get fun free activities.

Denver Union Station 5^th Anniversary Party. Put July 26^th on your calendar! Strange Americans will be in concert for FREE from 7 p.m .to 9 p.m.