Reading Time: 26 minutes  We asked our readers to nominate the outstanding moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, aunts and other caregivers in their lives in our 2024 Awesome Mom contest and we were truly amazed, humbled and inspired by the wonderful stories that we received. Our editorial team had the difficult task of selecting one winner and two finalists from all the nominees received, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you in our May/June issue.  We also want to pay tribute to the wonderful moms who were nominated, so we are pleased to share these stories with you, in th ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes  Summer vacation does not have to mean a vacation from reading! The summer months are a great time to expand your child’s literary world, teach them to enjoy reading for pleasure, help sharpen school skills and bridge the gap between school years. There are also many programs available to reward your reader this summer! In addition to this comprehensive list of reading programs to get your kids into books this summer, Oklahoma City is packed with storytimes to keep kids engaged and entertained. Consult this list of metro storytimes to find one happening near ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes  Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s mission—not just as an organization, but for individual employees and those inspired to take conservation action. “We know change can be difficult, even if it’s a change for the better,” said OKC Zoo Sustainability Coordinator Kelly Dillow. “That’s why we know the Zoo has to do more than talk the talk. We also have to walk the walk, which is why we encourage employees to achieve conservation engagement goals each year.” From picking up litter and tagging butterflies locally to taking ..read more

Reading Time: 2 minutes  Access essential resources for families to effectively manage childhood asthma On Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, metro families are invited to the OKC Zoo for Asthma Awareness and Safe Kids Day, hosted by Bethany Children’s Health Center and Safe Kids Oklahoma. Admission to the events is free with the purchase of zoo admission. Asthma Awareness Day Bethany Children’s Health Center’s Asthma Awareness Day raises asthma awareness among local parents and children. At the event, the center’s respiratory therapy department will provide essential education, valuab ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute  In this episode of Raising OKC Kids, Dr. Melisa Holmes shares expert advice on teen sexual health. Dr. Holmes is a mom, ob-gyn and co-founder of Girlology, a digital health platform supporting youth and their caregivers in their personal health and wellness journeys. She has more than 20 years of experience as an ob-gyn with expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology and as an educator for medical students, residents and colleagues. She has authored five books for youth on puberty and sexual development, including her new book, Youology: A Puberty Guide ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute  In this episode of Raising OKC Kids, Dr. Melissa Holmes shares expert advice on teen sexual health. Dr. Holmes is a mom, ob-gyn and co-founder of Girlology, a digital health platform supporting youth and their caregivers in their personal health and wellness journeys. She has more than 20 years of experience as an ob-gyn with expertise in pediatric and adolescent gynecology and as an educator for medical students, residents and colleagues. She has authored five books for youth on puberty and sexual development, including her new book, Youology: A Puberty ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes  There’s nothing more joyful and fulfilling than parenthood — from taking family trips and helping our kids overcome challenges to cheering them on as they develop their talents and pursue their dreams. That being said, we parents also go through periods of worry, sadness and overwhelm. If you ever catch yourself snapping at your kids more often than usual, dreading the alarm clock on school mornings or reminiscing about the freedom you had (and likely took for granted) pre-parenthood, you’re not alone … and you don’t need to feel guilty. These are natural feeling ..read more

Reading Time: 3 minutes  Beginning April 1, more than half of the Oklahomans who use SoonerCare will have their health care needs covered by SoonerSelect, the new comprehensive health delivery system for SoonerCare members. Members can now begin using their new coverage and value-added benefits that promote health and wellness both inside and outside of the doctor’s office. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority wants SoonerSelect members to feel comfortable and confident with their benefits and new health plan. Below is a guide for what members need to know before heading to ..read more

Reading Time: 6 minutes  Katelyn Day has spent her life helping others. She may be young, but her experience as a special education teacher and now a single foster mom has bestowed upon her the wisdom and perspective of parents more than twice her age. Eager to learn and understand the ‘why’ behind children’s behaviors, Day navigates the complexities of both her personal and professional lives with care and compassion. She also challenges community members to help care for children in foster care by becoming a foster parent or supporting foster families. From caring student to dedicated ..read more

Reading Time: < 1 minute  At Rose State Kids College and Teen Scene, kids in grades kindergarten through 9 can explore a wide variety of topics — from video game design and aerospace to art and chemistry. Students enjoy small class sizes with certified teachers. Matt Weinrich, Rose Ignacio and Arilee Robinson from Rose State give us a sneak peek at their new and most popular courses for this summer, designed to engage kids in hands-on learning in their areas of interest. Enrollment begins March 14. Watch time: 20 mins The post Summertime learning & fun at Rose State Kids College ..read more