Twelve years ago. Storytime at the public library. Ten little three-year-olds sit on their bottoms watching the librarian perform a lively and entertaining puppet show. The children’s mothers lounge on the floor by their children, laughing along with them and delighting in the enraptured look on their young faces.

Except for one mother. Me. I try to look relaxed and engaged, but the truth is my internal pressure gauge is rapidly rising. Oakley is not sitting with me. He has wiggled out of my grasp and is now in the front of the room trying to converse with the puppets in the show. He keeps leaning his head into the puppet theater to see where they go when they are not on the stage. He is speaking loudly, asking the people in the audience where they are hiding, and pushing against the flimsy puppet stage in an uncoordinated manner.

“Oakley, come sit down,” I say as gently as possible. As if. I know all too well where this is heading. He shoots me a look, full of impish daring. I eye the nearest exit. It seems miles across the library. “Oakley, come here.”

I start to crawl up to where he stands in front of the crowd. My cheeks redden, and I feel uncontrollably hot. Why did I ever try to bring him here? Something about the fluorescent lights, the quiet tones, and the cavernous space always makes Oakley become unglued. I must have had a lapse in judgment when I thought it would be fun.

Oakley looks at me again, grins, and snatches a puppet right off the librarian’s hand. “No Oakley!” I half-shout and half-groan. I reach for him, but it is too late; he is off. All the mothers smile sympathetically at me, and the librarian pops her head up. “Uh-oh,” she says.

Uh-oh nothing… this is just the beginning. I stand up and walk swiftly after Oakley. I do not dare run in the library. “Oakley,” I call in my best public I-can-handle-this voice. “This is not funny. Come back.” He darts between two shelves of books and sprints with the puppet in his hand to the farthest recesses of the library; I am in hot pursuit. He weaves from one aisle to the next and squeals with delight as I gain on him. “Oakley,” I hiss when I think no one can hear. “Stop.”

He is little but nimble, and without sprinting, there is no way I can get him. He seems to know that I don’t want an embarrassing scene and uses it to his advantage. He zooms out to the study corral area and shrieks with unbridled joy. He is obviously enjoying the sound of his own voice bouncing off the high ceilings in this quiet atmosphere.

People all around the library are now watching: Many look annoyed, a few curious about who will win our little game of tag, and one or two look genuinely sympathetic. The puppet show lady is now standing up staring at our spectacle, and all the children who were watching her show are now watching our show. As he flies by the check-out area, another librarian calls out, “He can’t do that in here!” Obviously, I think, but I just smile at her and weakly reply that I know.

He spins down a reference aisle, and I start to lose it. I am now openly running, realizing that it is the only way. Again I hiss, “ Stop or I will pull your ear!” Somehow that sounds more dignified than shouting that I will spank him. I close the gap between us, then lunge. I grab the back of his shirt and pull him to me. His squeals of delight turn to screams of outrage. “Let me go. Let me go!” He thrashes and writhes, and I can barely hold him.

Tucking his 40-pound body under my arm in a football hold, I try to walk back to the children’s section to return the puppet. It is no easy task. Sweat covers my body. He is putting up an intense fight to match his intense fury. I return the puppet and beg forgiveness. The mothers are no longer smiling; many are averting their eyes.

I realize that I can not leave the library carrying him and our assorted bags while he is tantrum-ing, and we have to get out of here. So, praying no one in this library knows me, I take his jacket and tie it around his arms and torso like a straight jacket. I tie it in the back, grasp the knot tightly in one hand, hold our things in the other, and drag him against his will out of the library like a trussed turkey. Everyone watching us.

Finally, we make our way out the doors and onto the sidewalk. Exhausted and in desperate need of a regroup, I sit us both down on the curb. I look at Oakley. The fresh air has stilled him. He is not screaming anymore; he has moved on and is blissfully watching the cars pass by.

“Oakley, you can’t do that. It makes mama so sad.”

“You proud of me?” he asks.

“No, Oakley. I am angry that you ran away and screamed in the library.”

“Don’t be angry. Be proud!” Oakley grins wildly, and his eyes shine.

It is obvious that he doesn’t get it. He thinks that we just played a romping game of chase. He was only angry because he lost. Now he sparkles. “Ugh,” I groan. How can I love this little nut so much? Another trip to the library, another year off my life.

This story sums up Oakley’s and my life together. He has brought me to my knees countless times and filled my heart to the brim with pride. He has an incredible love of life and readiness to take on the world. Now, at 15, he bikes on six-foot-tall unicycles, does backflips, juggles, and still laughs with maniacal glee. He is still the same nut he was at three—and he still doesn’t do well keeping his bum on the floor.

Originally posted February 2019.

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Beginning in August 2019, my son Oakley and I will cycle across America over the course of three months. Oakley is a spirited 15-year-old boy who has always struggled to fit into the confines of mainstream culture. I am Leah, his mother—and we are ready for adventure.

 

 

Dolphins that glow neon. Manatees and manta rays shining the brightest of blues. Fluorescent fish that kerplunk into your kayak. These may sound like visions only possible in whimsical dreams, but this natural wonder is absolutely real at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. The window of opportunity to experience this underwater phenomenon is small, so read on to learn how to infuse a little magic into your summer family vacation plans.

Where

From June to October, the water at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Florida's Merritt Island glows blue because of single-cell bioluminescent organisms that gather here annually. The resulting unusual light show gives the illusion the world has turned upside-down and you're paddling through comets, shooting stars and fireworks when viewed from a kayak.

The Science

Bioluminescence feels more like something out of a sci-fi movie than a reality, but it's one of nature's most incredible phenomena. It's the ability of a living organism to create and emit light. When these organisms move through the water, they create a dreamy glowing effect that allows you to see fish underwater at night.

Edith Widder, founder of the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, says the bloom is consistent in this location because it happens in an estuary that tends to be protected and stable.

Best Way to Experience

For the most memorable way to experience the glow, book a Get Up and Go Kayaking excursion. Your paddle will glow as you maneuver through the waterways and the natural flow of water will illuminate the organisms. The clear bottoms of their kayaks allow you to see what's below, as well as what's all around you. They launch from the northwest side of Haulover Canal, which is an area that's home to large manatee and dolphin populations, making it very likely they'll make an appearance during your ride. 

Best Time to Go

For bioluminescence at its brightest, book your trip in July or August. The best nights for viewing are the darkest with a moon phase that's at 55% or less. Get Up and Go Kayaking has a handy calendar on their website to help you plan the best date for your experience. 

Other Things to Do on Merritt Island

Merritt Island is also home to NASA'S Kennedy Space Center. Kids who are intrigued by space travel will flip over the Visitor Complex that's organized into Mission Zones with attractions and tours grouped by chronological era. You'll leave with a good understanding of the history of humans in space, from the dawn of exploration to current missions. 

If luck is on your side, you'll even get to meet an astronaut or experience an unmanned rocket blast from the space center or from the adjacent Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

For ideas on where to stay, NASA's website has a comprehensive list of hotel options that fit a wide range of budgets. If you decide to fly vs. road trip, book your flights into Orlando International Airport (MCO). 

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo: Credit Tony Catalano

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I loved my daughter before she was even born. I made a promise to do everything I could to make her life as promising as I could. Once we received her autism diagnosis, this promise didn’t change. We changed a lot for her: any accommodation that could make her life easier we did. So, as a dedicated and exhausted mother, I want to share with you some of the things that helped my daughter that might help you.

Learn as Much as You Can

The first thing I would suggest is to learn as much as you can. That being said, make sure that you’re getting your information from sources that are devoted to helping you and are reliable. Trust me, there are some sources out there that are scarier than they are helpful.

The first person you should ask is your child’s doctor. Trained professionals typically know more about the specifics of what they’re diagnosing a child with than speculation that you might see from strangers on the internet.

There are sites you can trust, though! I found organizations such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society very helpful to learn about what ASD entails.

Find a Schedule That Works for Them

Children with ASD do very well on a schedule. It’s important to find a schedule that works for your child and stick to it. This includes a morning schedule, school if they are old enough, and an afternoon and evening schedule. I can’t stress enough that this schedule should be adhered to.

My mistake initially was to have a different schedule for the weekend and throughout the week. I quickly realized that this was difficult and confusing for my daughter, though. This was especially true concerning differing sleeping hours. For example, letting her stay up late and sleep in on the weekends didn’t work out.

Getting & Staying Asleep

On the topic of sleep, bedtime can sometimes be a nightmare. Over time, however, we found a few ways to help her out.

First, is what I just mentioned – the need for a schedule can’t be overstated. Once again, this helps her stay on track and she’s comfortable in knowing what to expect. For bedtime specifically,  the routine starts early with no television or rough play two hours before bedtime. Then, about 30 minutes before bed, we start to brush teeth, read a bedtime story, etc.

Yet, as any parent of an autistic child can tell you, staying asleep through the night is a struggle in and of itself. Our first instinct was to sit with her and stay with her while she slept. It didn’t take long to realize that this wouldn’t help prepare her for the future. It also didn’t take long to realize that it was a great way to tire ourselves out by staying up all night.

One thing that helped us was buying her a weighted blanket. I’d read about them online and heard that they helped keep anxiety down and helped with sensory sensitivity, so I picked one up for her. I wasn’t entirely sure it would work but – to my great relief – it helped her stay comfortable and sleep through the night.

Starting School

I was incredibly nervous as it got closer to her starting school. After all, there I couldn’t control her environment to not cause a sensory overload. I’ll be honest, it was hard at first. It took a while for her to feel comfortable around the other kids and she was easy to agitate. The fluorescent lights, certain textures, and the other kids talking all at once were upsetting.

Since I couldn’t be there to help her every second, I decided it was best to discuss things with the teacher. Luckily, she was a seasoned teacher and had taught another student with ASD in the past. We discussed some of my daughter’s triggers and figured out some ways to help her in the classroom. For example, she created a more rigid schedule for day-to-day learning and used plenty of visuals in her lessons.

This was a big deal to me. To have back up in a teacher willing to make accommodations to help my daughter.

This brings me to the final point. It is exhausting to be a parent to any child, but this can be especially true for cater to a child’s special needs. Remember, you aren’t alone in this. There are resources available to help you and the benefits of a support system can’t be overstated.

I'm Annabelle Short, a writer and seamstress of more than five years. I love making crafts with my two children, Leo (age 9) and Michelle (age 11). I split my time between London and Los Angeles and write for Wunderlabel. 

With millions of Instagram posts tagged #slime and an endless loop of goopy YouTube tutorials, slime is oozing out just about everywhere. If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve experienced a slime-related clogged sink or carpet cleaning emergency. Slime has become a tactile trend that serves as a meditative moment for some and a STEM-based learning opportunity for all. Start your slime journey by whipping up your own batch with this Museum of Science and Industry approved recipe, then set off on a slimy adventure by attending one of the following slime workshops or even a SlimeFest.

photo: giftedstudieswku via flickr

Chicago Slime Bash
Billed as the ‘World’s Largest Slime Convention’, the Slime Bash is bringing the best slimers in the biz to far west suburban St. Charles. The star of the event is Youtuber Madison Rae, who launched a slime-based company of her very own after noticing that few stores carried slime-making-worthy glue. This two-day affair, hosted at Pheasant Run Resort, will give slimemakers the chance to meet the stars of slime, shop Slime Alley, where local slimemakers can sell their slimy concoctions and a dedicated Slime Pit where workshops will teach up-and-coming slimemakers the latest recipes, tips and trends.

Dates: March 30-31, 2019
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles
Online: Slimebash.com

photo: Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon SlimeFest 
Nickelodeon started the slime trend back in the ’80’s, when it famously began dumping the green goo on celebrities. This summer, the Nick crew will be bringing bucketfuls of its trademark, fluorescent green slime to the Nickelodeon SlimeFest, a two-day family friendly music festival in Chicago hosted at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Headliner JoJo Siwa will lead the festivities which promise a variety of slime-filled workshops and games, mosh pit audience slimings throughout the day and slime-themed photo opportunities galore.

Dates: June 8 & 9
Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
1300 S. Linn White Dr., Near Southside
Online: Nickslimefest.com

Messy Time Slime Classes at Kid Create Studio Lakeview
Lakeview’s brand new Kid Create Studio is hosting several drop-in, slime-centered workshops where your kids ages 4-9 can express their slime creativity minus the at-home prep and mess. The Insane Slime Workshop promises to take slimemaking to the next level, while the Glitter and Slime Workshop adds a rainbow of glitz to the mix. Mommy’s Time Off Messy Muck and Other Stuff keeps the focus on all things slimy, sticky and messy. More slime-centered classes will be added to the roster, so check the schedule early and often at

Kid Create Studio
3709 N. Southport, Lakeview
Online: kidcreatestudio.com

photo: Josh Hallett via flickr

Kids Slime Workshops at Local Color Art Studio
Local Color Art Studio  in Pilsen is the place to be for kids looking to add more slime styles to their repertoire. Kids will whip up slime batches in different colors and mix in some sparkle with glitter and other fun add-ins. Intended for ages 4 – 14, each drop-in workshop costs just $12. Check out the robust schedule of upcoming classes and register STAT via Eventbrite.

Local Color Art Studio
2151 W. 79th St., Pilsen
Online: artstudiolocalcolor.com

—Amy Bizzarri

If you’re a child of the ’80s, we know at one point you loved fluorescent clothing and wore jelly bracelets up to your elbows. And when it came to school, the gear was, shall we say, a bit more interesting than what our kids use today. From hand-operated (gasp!) pencil sharpeners to everyone’s favorite folders, scroll down to re-discover some of the school supplies you probably couldn’t live without.

Jessica Lucia via Flickr

1. Scented markers made your papers smell delicious. Lucky for kids everywhere, they're still going strong and available anywhere school supplies are sold.

Michael Coghlan

2. You hand-crank sharpened your pencils.

Louise McLaren via Flickr

3. You put trolls on your pencils way before Poppy and Branch were cool. 

st_jerome_homeschool_library via eBay

4. You kept your papers in the whimsical yet slightly psychedelic Lisa Frank folders. 

Amazon

5. You kept your Dep hair gel close for quick bathroom touch-ups. 

twitchery via Flickr (cropped)

6. You hoped Kissing Potion lip gloss really worked. You can still find it on Amazon!

henry via Flickr

7. You loved your Walkman ... and the mixed tapes your friends made for it! 

Enokson via Flickr

8. You loved when your teacher rewarded good grades with Scratch And Sniff Stickers on your test papers. 

giveawayboy via Flickr

9. Trapper Keepers helped you stay organized. But it was the outside design that stole the show. 

Isriya Paireepairit via Flickr

10. You used a tape recorder and had to hit rewind ... a lot.

11. Remember when all your information came from the Encyclopedia? Yup, no Google for us. 

Jim Hickcox via Flickr

12. Learning to spell was fun with Speak & Spell. And then E.T. used one and sealed its fate as a classic '80s relic. 

Can you think of any throwback school supplies that aren’t on the list? Share with us in a comment below!

—Melissa Heckscher

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Bowling has come a long way since our childhood days of crouching down to push a way-too-heavy ball down a fluorescent-lit alley. Now, bowling alleys rock groovy jams and disco balls, and even the tiniest tots can score that once elusive strike thanks to gutter bumpers and ball ramps. These 7 places to bowl are sure to be up your alley… and most offer fun perks like arcades, billiards, and more. So, all you need to do is get rolling.

photo: Michael Bentley

Tavern and Bowl
Let the good times roll at these uber-hip bowling lanes with colorful lights, pop-up bumpers, and a bowling ramp for beginners. When your mini bowlers work up an appetite trying to get that first strike, you can order a meal off the alley’s full restaurant menu. We love the flatbread pizza and southwest salad, which are a cut above your average bowling alley fare. We recommend making online reservations if you go during a peak time.

Cost: $19-$40/hour (Up to 6 people); $4/shoe rental

200 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
Escondido, Ca
760-690-2300

881 Showroom Place
Chula Vista, Ca
619-565-2695
Online: tavernbowl.com

Kearny Mesa Bowl & Mira Mesa Lanes
If your kids are early risers on Sunday mornings, then make lemonade out of lemons and take them bowling on the cheap. Deals like $1.50 games and shoe rentals are certainly up every parent’s alley… and you’ll be thankful that wee bowlers will go right down for that afternoon nap.

7585 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-279-1501
Online: kearnymesabowl.com

Cost: $17-$26/lane (per hour); $4/shoe rental

8210 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-578-0500
Online: miramesalanes.com

Cost: $1.50 games/ $1.50 shoe rental. Games must be purchased before 10 a.m. and completed by 11 a.m.

photo: Richard Giles

AMF Eagle Lanes
Kid’s will have a ball when an afternoon bowling session turns into an outright party as the lights go down, and the disco-inspired fun begins. Your whole family will get a kick out of turning a ho-hum weekday afternoon into an impromptu trip to this bowling alley, which has 40 all-star lanes, a mini-arcade, snack bar, smaller-sized balls for kids, and a bowling ramp to ensure scoring that first strike!

Cost: $3-$6.69/game (per person); $4.69/shoes

945 San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, Ca
760-744-7000
Online: amf.com

photo: Travis I. via Yelp

Viejas Bowl
There will be fun to spare at this twelve-lane boutique bowling alley in Alpine, which has a friendly staff, stylish couches and an upscale vibe. Kick back and relax while the kids bowl. Order anything from a healthy turkey wrap to pizza or buffalo wings off the tasty menu.

Cost: $3.50-$5/game (per person); Shoes, $3.50/adult, $2.50/child

5005 Willows Rd.
Alpine, Ca
877-303-2695
viejas.com/bowling

Parkway Bowl
Grab the ramp, put up the bumpers, don those crazy shoes and get ready to roll. This large, reasonably-priced bowling alley with state -of-the-art lanes boasts plenty of good times beyond the wood floors. Hit up their booming arcade and billiards tables once your lane time is up.

Cost: $2.35-$4.60/game (per person); $3.75/shoes

1280 Fletcher Pkwy
El Cajon, Ca
619-448-4111
Online: parkwaybowl.com

photo: JP G. via Yelp

Brunswick Zone
Looking for an alley that can accommodate a big family or group for a day of bowling? This Chula Vista hot spot has forty-eight lanes and automatic bumpers. Daily specials make Brunswick Zone as affordable as it is amusing. And with ten billiard tables and a pretty killer arcade, this is your one-stop shop for family fun.

Cost: $3.49-$5.59/game (per person); $4.69/shoes

845 Lazo Ct.
Chula Vista, Ca
619-421-4801
Online: bowlbrunswick.com

Where do you take the crew bowling? Let us know in the comments below.

—Nikki Walsh

One of the latest contenders to arrive at Seattle’s growing doughnut scene is General Porpoise in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Open for just a short time, this eatery is already becoming a number one stop for custard filled doughnuts and a tasty cup of joe. Put aside those “eat healthier” resolutions (if you haven’t already) and read on for the delish deets.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Curds, Custards and Creams. Oh my!
Before you grab the Littles and run out to taste one of these delicacies, you should know there are no fluorescent pink-iced or sprinkle covered doughnuts to be found in the case here. General Porpoise doughnuts are delicate clouds of fried dough, slathered with sugar and filled with jams, creams, custards and curds made fresh with LFdA farm eggs. Vanilla custard (one of our favorites!), chocolate marshmallow and lemon curd are mainstays along with a couple of rotating seasonal fillings (think peaches and cream, plum jam and white nectarine jam), depending on the day and what local purveyors provide.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

What’s likely to catch your small fry’s attention is the eye level case of several dozen sugar-laden doughnuts, the hot pink espresso maker, that ever so sweet blue porpoise on the cups of steamed milk, lattes and Americanos and the absolute deliciousness of the entire tiny cafe. Little legs will need a boost to get into the tall bar seats at the garage-style front window, but they will be able to peer outside while devouring doughnuts and licking sugar covered lips and fingertips.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone
General Porpoise pastry chef, Clare Gordon, fries up dozens and dozens (and dozens!) of doughnuts every day, hoping to have enough to last until at least 2 p.m.; they close at 3 p.m.. For parents who need a little more fuel than the high-octane of an Americano, General Porpoise has a fridge with bubbles and wine.

photo: Natalia Dotto Photography

Work off the Sugar High
After you and your crew have devoured your share of doughnuts, walk off the sugar overload with a stroll to Cal Anderson Park, less than a half mile away on 10th Ave. This park has plenty of paths to run, walk or scoot along, a children’s play area, a number of oversize chess boards and plenty of space to run off the crazies.

Good to Know
Doughnuts are available for pre-order. Give them a ring and 10 freshly made doughnuts, chef’s choice, will be ready for pick up. Note: fillings vary day-to-day, but they will try to accommodate tastes depending on what’s available. The latest in Renee Erickson’s food empire, General Porpoise sits on East Union St. next to two more of her popular (and super tasty!) restaurants, Bar Melusine and Bateau.

General Porpoise
1060 E. Union St.
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-900-8770
Online: gpdoughnuts.com
Open: Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Have you been to General Porpoise? What’s your favorite flavor? Dish in the Comments below!

— Natalia Dotto

When your bed has become the new bouncy castle because your little monkey has outgrown their old play space, you know it’s time to move onto bigger kid grounds. Built to satisfy even the most hyper spitfire, these expansive play palaces go beyond your average ball pit to include obstacle courses, multi-level mazes, laser rooms and more. Check them out in our album below!

Dogpatch Boulders – San Francisco, Ca

Get a psychedelic climbing experience at Dogpatch Boulders. Fluorescent rocks will keep even your wildest one engaged as they reach for the skies. Smaller bubbles of energy can tackle the shorter slab walls of the kid-sized castle before taking a victory slide all the way back down.

More Info: touchstoneclimbing.com/dogpatch-boulders

Photo credit: dbldtch via Instagram

Did we miss out on your kiddo’s favorite play space? Share them in the comments below! 

— Christal Yuen

Win A One-Year Membership to Club One!

here’s our pledge to you, our popstar moms:

no fake colors, no fake flavors, no preservatives, no fluorescent orange fingertips, and no wiping your greasy chip hand on your jeans. no, really. we only use ingredients you can feel good about eating and sharing.

now raise your right hand out of the bag and make a pledge to us to say “spare me the guilt chip!” and take a little time for yourself this month.  join us on march 20th at one of the below club one fitness locations for a complimentary “popstar” work out and a chance to try new tortilla popchips (on sale this month at whole foods market, 2/$5)!

and while you’re indulging in your not-so-guilty pleasures, enter here to win a year club one fitness membership and a popchips snack pack. sweeps ends march 31, 2013.

keep poppin’!

your friends at popchips

photo courtesy of popchip’s Facebook page.