Dear Friends,

As parents and caregivers, we long to have a deep connection with our children, but it’s difficult when most of their answers to questions about their day are simply, “Fine.” I’ve learned that we can’t let their short responses keep us from creating a meaningful bond with them—deep down, our kids want to connect with us, too.

Here are my five favorite questions that can help you kickstart meaningful conversations with your kids. And remember, timing is everything. Sometimes, your child may need some time to decompress and PLAY after their busy day. Read their cues and find the right time to have these conversations. 

1. What are you most excited about right now?

This might just be the best (and easiest) jumping off point for connection. Ask the question and be prepared to listen…for a while. After all, kids are often bursting with excitement about one thing or another. To have an adult’s willing ear is a treat like no other. They truly do want your time and attention.

2. What do you and your friends laugh about these days?

Take advantage of your access to youth—ahem, your kids—to learn more about what’s funny to this generation. Then, look for ways to incorporate more laughter in your home. 

3. What do you want to happen on your birthday (or a specific holiday)?

Special occasions give kids an opportunity to dream BIG. The occasion doesn’t even have to be right around the corner—kids can tell you their birthday dessert and activity of choice, and the item they want most in the world within just a few minutes of conversation. Consider it a window into your kid’s imagination.

4. What’s making you mad lately?

Kids are happy-go-lucky creatures, but they also have things they’re affected by. Asking this question gives credibility to your concerns and helps your child work through their emotions in a safe environment. 

5. What’s something cool you heard or learned about recently?

Kids like to feel knowledgeable, especially if it’s about a topic you don’t know about. Give your kid’s brain a chance to shine and look for ways to learn more about their interests together.

These questions are just a starting point that will hopefully break through the distracted exterior and help us to get to the heart of the matter: helping our kids feel seen and loved exactly as they are.

Looking forward to seeing you at Explore & More soon,

Lisa Chrapowicz
Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives

Across Western New York, September means back to school, getting ready to head back into a classroom. This time is often filled with excitement and enthusiasm, but these emotions also frequently come with anxiety and uncertainty.  Understanding and addressing these emotions can go a long way in helping ease the transition into the school year, and ultimately lead to a better experience at school.  Thus, resulting in a greater chance for academic success!  Most children have some back-to-school jitters, though anxiety can persist and snowball into a more complex issue.  

Some common themes that persist are as follows:

“Common worries children may feel are: will my friends still like me?  Who will my teachers be, and will they like me?  Will I be able to get good grades under new pressure?  They may also feel nervous about their new environment, new classroom, new structure, and new routines.  The added stress of a transition year – elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to college creates a whole set of worries that may range from “where will I eat lunch” to “will I be safe in this new environment.” (University of Utah Health, 2021)

As a parent or caregiver knowing this may stress you out, but it is important to know that the fears of your child are completely normal and with your help will likely subside!  Some simple steps to take to relieve this stress are as follows:

• Validate the emotions!
• Acknowledge worries, but also challenge unrealistic worries.
• Shift into a routine before school begins.
• Work with your child to come up with solutions: working together to find a solution will be rewarding.
• Keep attending school: data proves attendance is key!
• Build a positive relationship with educators.  
• Check in with your community: people with shared experiences are always great resources.  

Going back to school might be a difficult time for a child in your life, but there are many resources to alleviate anxiety and make the September back to school transition an easy one.

September is here and you may notice the signs of fall! Now is a wonderful time for a walk in a park, Canalside, or your own neighborhood. While you’re on your walk, collect some leaves and twigs! There are some cute crafts you can make using recycled and found materials. 

 Leaf crowns

Supplies: 

• Found leaves
• Paper 
• Glue 
• Scissors
• Tape

Steps: 

• The paper will be the base of your crown, make sure it will fit around your head. You can cut your paper however you’d like. 
• Glue leaves to your crown! You’ll have a lovely autumn headpiece in no time! 
• Tape the ends of your crown together so it fits around your head, and wear your creation!

Leaf confetti wand

 Supplies:

• Found leaves
• Found stick
• Cardboard 
• Glue 
• Scissors
• Tape

Steps: 

• Cut your cardboard into a fun shape, maybe a star!
• Cut your found leaves into confetti- this is a great way to practice using scissors for little ones.
• Glue your confetti to your cardboard.
• Tape the stick to the back of the cardboard.
• Use your magic wand!

Be sure to have fun finding the materials and making your creations! What else could you make using found & recycled materials?

Happy crafting, 

Ms. Jackie

Did you know that Grandparents Day is celebrated on September 10th, 2023? Grandparents are wonderful caregivers that we often get to see at Explore & More, when they bring in their grandkids to experience the power of play!

Being raised by a grandparent has been associated with a number of benefits for children. These include greater stability and safety, the maintenance of relationships with siblings and extended family members, and the continuation of cultural identity and community ties. 

We are celebrating grandparents with a special Sunday of play at Explore & More on September 10th from 10:00 am-3:30 pm. Grandparents will receive free admission and we will have special activities all throughout the museum. It’s sure to be loads of fun!

Did you also know that the museum has a membership level where you can add on a caregiver? For $50, you can add one caregiver (like a grandparent!) to a family membership so the fun in your family can continue no matter who brings the children to play.

Not a member with Explore & More yet?  Check out our membership information, here.

By Silvia Steele
Access & Inclusion Specialist

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Rehabilitation Act banned exclusion and discrimination of people with disabilities in federally funded programs. This was a historical shift in perspective with the law recognizing that barriers in society are what deny people opportunities, not their disabilities. This law predated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prevents discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. (ADA.gov) It is important that adults and children learn about the history of the disability rights movement, and families have conversations about respecting diversity, and human rights.

In the book, Just Ask, author and United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities children (and people of all ages) have. This book is a great conversation starter for children who have questions about disabilities. 

People with disabilities in the U.S. represent all races, classes, and cultures. Yet, many people are unaware of the history of the disability movement. The United States Department of Labor-Office of Disability Policy provides an overview of major milestones in disability history on their website.

Judy Heumann, a disability rights advocate, fought for the passage of the Rehabilitation Act, after years of facing discrimination due to her own disability. Judy contracted polio at the age of two and was never able to walk again. She was initially denied the right to attend school and her family fought to keep her out of an institution. After graduating from college in the 1970’s, the NYS Board of Education refused to give Judy a teaching license because they feared she could not help evacuate students or herself in case of fire. She sued and went on to become the first teacher in the state to use a wheelchair.

Throughout her life, Judy was instrumental in developing and implementing national disability rights legislation. Sadly, she passed away this year, but her legacy lives on. Children can learn about her remarkable life in the books, Rolling Warrior (grades 5-9) and Fighting for Yes (young readers)