Pumpkin spice and all things nice: LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
2021
2021
it’s fall, y’all! In the midst of reveling in my favorite season, I have a confession to make: before I had kids, I was one of those know-it-alls who felt entirely confident in my future mothering abilities. There’s no more perfect parent than one who doesn’t yet have kids — amiright?!? Three colicky babies over five years taught me many humbling lessons about myself as a mom and a person — not the least of which is that to be the the kind of parent I aspire to, I have to rely on the experts and community around me. When I do, my kids are better for it. As my babies have grown, the parenting lessons I seek have become less about sleep and potty training and more about raising empathetic, inclusive humans who are informed and empowered to make good choices. If, like me, you’re a parent who needs tips on teaching your kids financial literacy, explaining the dangers of alcohol, vaping and marijuana or understanding gender diversity, you’ll find expert advice on these subjects and more in this issue. Plus, if you parent a neurodivergent thinker, learn more about supportive classroom environments and accommodations to help them excel. (And if you parent of a typically developing child, learn how to understand and include people who are neurodiverse in your corner of the world.)
2021
2021
Publisher Sarah Taylor Managing Editor Erin Page Assistant Editor Lindsay Cuomo Contributing Writers Toni Allen, April Deocariza, David Dinsmore, Lance Evans, Dr. Ronneal Mathews, Pam McKeown, Debbie Murnan Contributing Photographer
I wish your family a happy season of cooler temps, vibrant fall foliage, autumn adventures as detailed in these pages — and an affirming community to come alongside and support you in your parenting journey. With gratitude, OUR FAMILY LOVES TO WELCOME AUTUMN AT THE WINGS FALL FESTIVAL.
Bridget Pipkin Art Director Stacy Noakes Senior Project Manager Kirsten Holder Director of Events Casey Shupe Editorial Assistant Emiley Bainbridge Account Executive Dana Price Contact us Mailing address: 6608 N. Western Ave., #458 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 Phone: 405-601-2081 tips@metrofamilymagazine.com www.metrofamilymagazine.com
Erin Page Managing Editor
ON THE COVER Sufyan is the winner of our 2022 Cover Kids Search in the 6-7 age category! He is in the second grade at Western Gateway School and he wants to be an astronaut and deliver babies when he grows up. He’s exceptional at running track, has competed at the state level and is one of the fastest kids in his age group in Oklahoma. Sufyan also enjoys playing t-ball and basketball as well as swimming and participating in gymnastics. He’s learning Arabic and Spanish and loves all things about dinosaurs and space. Sufyan is the son of Jihan and Masood and little brother of twins Ahmad and Ma’isah. The family’s favorite place to visit in OKC is Scissortail Park, which was, fittingly, the site of Sufyan’s photoshoot. Special thanks to clothing sponsor Sundara Kids!
MetroFamily Magazine is published bimonthly. Copyright 2022 by MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or MetroFamily HoldCo, LLC. We do not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.
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METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2022 5
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