Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Lauren Greenlee
Where to See Santa and the Grinch in Kansas City in 2026
Santa at Crown Center KC Winter Wonderland and Breakfast with The Mean One at KC Pumpkin Patch Santa at Family Tree Nursery Santa Claus and everyone’s favorite green-hued Christmas curmudgeon are making their way across Kansas City this holiday season! From festive photo opportunities and Grinch-themed breakfasts to holiday train rides and dazzling Christmas light displays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with the whole family.
Tricks & Treats at Worlds of Fun: A Not-So-Scary Fall Adventure for Families
Fall at Worlds of Fun is full of Halloween fun, and you don’t have to love spooky surprises to enjoy it! We visited during the park’s family-friendly Tricks & Treats celebration and found plenty of festive activities, seasonal treats and favorite rides for younger guests to enjoy. From costumed Peanuts characters and Halloween crafts to delicious fall goodies, there’s something magical about experiencing Worlds of Fun this time of year.
Winter Olympics, Family Style
While the Summer Olympics have a long-standing history dating back to 776 BC, the Winter Olympics are fairly new in comparison. The first Winter Games took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924, drawing some 10,000 spectators. This year, the international sporting event will host 116 medal events in 16 sports over the course of 16 days and will include the debut of ski mountaineering.
Sweet Memories: A Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day in KC
Valentine’s Day celebrations can be a family affair, and here in the City of Fountains, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate with your whole crew. Start your day with a heart-shaped breakfast. Heart-shaped pancakes are always a crowd-pleaser. But don’t forget the power of a good-quality heart-shaped cookie cutter to elevate any otherwise drab menu item — from scrambled eggs, to charcuterie, to sandwiches and more.
Holiday Pacing
The Christmas season is magical and wonderful, but without advance planning, it can also become exhausting, overwhelming and financially taxing. Christmas should be a time to savor alongside your kith and kin. Here are some ways to take the stress out of the holiday season so that you can be more present with those you love and less stressed about what to get done before December 25th.
Innovation Meets Urgency: 143 Teams Are Tackling the Global Water Crisis
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of being in New York during Climate Week surrounded by innovators, policymakers, and changemakers all asking the same essential question: how do we secure a livable future for everyone? For me, much of that dialogue centered around one issue that touches everything else - water. One thing was clear: the future of water isn’t just about technology or infrastructure, it’s about resilience, equity, and human ingenuity.
Storytime to Showtime: Summer Read-Alouds with a Twist
Looking to build some intentionality into your summer days as a family? Consider picking a family read-aloud, making a celebratory meal when you complete it and watching the film adaptation afterward. Here are a few ideas to get you started! Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim’s Daughter Longstocking — or Pippi for short — is not your average redhead. The sea captain’s daughter finds herself living alone in a big old house and befriending neighborhood children Tommy and Annika.
Storytime to Showtime: Summer Read-Alouds with a Twist
Looking to build some intentionality into your summer days as a family? Consider picking a family read-aloud, making a celebratory meal when you complete it and watching the film adaptation afterward. Here are a few ideas to get you started! Pippi Longstocking Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking — or Pippi for short — is not your average redhead.
Explore Kansas City’s Top STEM Attractions for Families
Kansas City is packed with family-friendly attractions that combine fun and learning. From exploring wildlife at the KC Zoo to discovering science at Science City and Wonderscope, these destinations are perfect for sparking curiosity and making lasting memories. The KC Zoo & Aquarium Sprawling over 200 acres, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is home to over 1,700 animals, making it one of the city’s largest and most affordable family edu-tainment destinations.
Create Your Own KC Souvenirs: 7 Fun, Hands-On Activities for the Whole Family
Magnets, ornaments and T-shirts make nice souvenirs. But some of my favorite keepsakes are ones my family has made themselves. Whether you’re planning a staycation or visiting the City of Fountains for the very first time, KC is home to a myriad of attractions where you can make your own souvenirs. Here are some of my favorites: Strike Gold at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. One of Overland Park’s greatest treasures is Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.
The Global Water Crisis: A Call For Urgent Innovation
By Lauren Greenlee The Disparate Impact of Water Scarcity Everyone on the planet is currently experiencing some form of water stress. Due to increased consumption, contamination, and climate change, freshwater resources are diminishing, putting billions at risk of experiencing heightened water scarcity in the near future.
A desalination prize focused on equitable global access to freshwater - Nature Water
XPRIZE Water Scarcity was introduced to stimulate measurable innovations in desalination systems and materials, which will contribute substantially to solving the water crises of the coming decades.
Fall Day Trips
Kansas City is where it’s at for family fun, whether you’re seeking indoor or outdoor attractions. But for those that call the metro home, one of the best-kept secrets is the bedroom communities that surround it, providing exclusive charm and local wares. Check out these day trips that KC natives can find just a hop, skip and a jump away from their stomping grounds.
Gymnastics: A Henry Family Affair
For Melissa Henry, gymnastics is no passing fancy. Like the parents of many rambunctious youngsters, Henry’s enrolled her in a gymnastics class to burn off the endless energy 6-year-olds are notorious for, while also building increased physical fitness. During her third grade year, Henry’s family decided that opportunities for her and her siblings warranted moving from their Sedalia home to Blue Springs.
Olympic Party at Home
The 2024 Summer Olympics is finally upon us! This elite competition gives viewers young and old the opportunity to root for the home nation team and discover new athletes while also learning a little geography and world culture in the context of the broader event. Looking for a few ways to make the Paris Olympics come to life in your own home? Check out these five tips for an epic Olympic family party.
Tech Wellness
Every generation has its own set of unique challenges. Ours, I’m convinced, is the challenge of tech addiction. This new and uncharted territory is made more perplexing given that today’s parents represent the final generation that experienced an analog childhood while their offspring mark the first generation of digital natives. It truly is a great divide.
Soil profile distribution of nutrients in contrasting soils amended with struvite and other conventional phosphorus fertilizers
CPST chemically precipitated struvite ECST electrochemically precipitated struvite MAP monoammonium phosphate TSP triple superphosphate UC unamended control 1 INTRODUCTION Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development and cannot be substituted in the plant for another element (Cordell et al., 2009; Li et al., 2019; Mew et al., 2018; Steiner & Geissler, 2018).
Still Learning from Dad
5 Things Kailyn Rhinehart Learned from Her Dad It didn’t matter where we were in our small town, someone seemed to know my dad. In parking lots and on soccer fields, a shout of “Hey, Rich!” would bring a pause and a conversation. My dad embraced others with his kindness and sincerity, sending them on their way feeling seen.
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed Review
Get ready to rock and roll with everyone’s favorite hairless rodent, the naked mole rat! Inspired by Mo Willems’ book of the same name, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, The Coterie’s most recent production chronicles the story of Wilbur, a brazen mole rat that feels inspired to blaze his own path against the wishes of his pack that loves nothing more than being…well, naked! The ensemble includes a trio with coffee-shop inspired monikers, Tall, Grande, and Venti, their beloved patriarch Grand-pah,...
To Know Or Not To Know
One of life’s biggest surprises is finding out whether you’re having a boy or having a girl. Throughout history, moms and dads were left guessing what their little one was until delivery. Consequently, some pretty hair-brained old wives’ tales and prediction calendars made their way on the scene! Don’t believe me? Just Google them! Finding out a baby’s sex during pregnancy is only a relatively new development.
Supporting Special Needs Parents
Parenting is hard work. Parenting a special needs child, however, amplifies everything. There’s more exhaustion, more overwhelm, more expense, more need for advocating and intense research to advocate further. There are also limitations: lack of equipped childcare options, lack of time for self-care, developing a healthy work/home life balance, enriching a marriage or spending individual time with other children in the family who do not have special needs.
Go Green to Save Some Green
One of the hidden benefits to living sustainably is that it can actually be more cost-effective than not. By implementing small changes incrementally, we can add up a big difference both in the environment and our budgets. Here are some ways that going green can save some green. Embrace Reusable Resources One of the simplest ways to make the biggest impact is to ditch single-use disposable plastics.
The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs: Review
Thought you knew the story of the Three Little Pigs? Well, think again! Everyone’s favorite fairy tale takes a few twists and turns in Theatre for Young America’s current live show, The Life and Times of the Three Little Pigs. This prehistoric adaptation gives tropical island vibes that will have your crew feeling like they just landed on a sunny shore far away.
Preparing Hearts for Easter
One of the most significantly meaningful aspects of parenting for me has been preparing for holidays side by side. Advent, in particular, is a beautiful process in which both sacred and secular aspects collide with the lighting of candles, daily readings, acts of service, memorizing and singing carols and more. Having time to ponder, reflect and anticipate the season helped me to appreciate and savor it more thoroughly.
The ABCs of Preschool
Roughly half of Americans send their 3- to 5-year-olds to preschool. Many parents have their sights set on academic preparation for formal school years.
Growth Mindset
Ask any parents what their deepest hopes and dreams are for their children, and they are likely to respond that deep down, they just want their children to be happy and well-adjusted. But what exactly makes for a happy childhood? It turns out the secret lies in two simple words: growth mindset. What is growth mindset?
Birthdays with Intentionality
When I became a parent, Pinterest was at its advent, and a whole new world of inspiration presented itself. Themed parties weren’t just showcased, they were broken down and explained to the masses, allowing any mom the party planning prowess of a professional, depending on how far down the rabbit hole she wished to go. If I didn’t have the wherewithal to make my own custom banners and entry decor, I could buy from one of dozens of moms side-hustling their Cricut skills on Etsy.
From Fear of Motherhood to Joyful Ambassador
Being a mom is wonderful, exhilarating, exhausting, confusing, guilt-inducing and everything in between. Whether you go into parenting trembling or with open arms, one of the greatest surprises is just how all-consuming it is. As an older mom friend of mine likes to remind me, the trials of her time of mothering young children was feeding them, getting them to bed at a decent time and making sure they got on the school bus on time.
Be a Parent, Not a Referee
One of the hardest parts of parenting is seeing your children in pain. When they are little, their pains are seemingly simple and easy to cure. Hugs and Band-Aids may suffice as good medicine for a skinned knee, for example. But then there are more complex pains a child will suffer over time from events like being excluded from a used-to-be-best-friend’s birthday party, getting in trouble with a teacher or being accused unjustly.
Why Game Consoles Are Left Out of Right to Repair Laws
This post was originally published November 2023; it was updated in April 2024. We’ve made some great progress toward protecting our right to fix the things we own. But if you’ve been reading the fine print on recent Right to Repair laws, you might have noticed that the laws have a big hole for game consoles: California’s Right to Repair law includes tablets and phones and laptops and refrigerators and washing machines… but not game consoles.
Something Seems Off
When you have a child, it’s said you develop a sixth sense that you didn’t have before: mom gut. Though it’s not an actual organ, scientists can back up that parental intuition actually holds a connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, hence its name. Mom gut can intuit when something is off socially, emotionally, academically or physically with a child. Much remains to be discovered about mom gut.
The Art of the Apology
Have you ever heard the expression, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry?” It might make for a good movie line, but it’s terrible life advice! Apologizing is actually a hallmark of a healthy relationship. If anything, love requires saying sorry—a lot—and that’s just the beginning of a good apology. Learning how to make things right after a mistake can be hard at any age, but it can be particularly challenging for children.
First-Time Mom … for the Fourth Time
There are 13 years between my oldest and my youngest, and it’s fair to say I’m a very different mom with my youngest than I was as a new mom to my oldest. Sometimes, I’d love to go back in time and impart the wisdom that’s come through experience, garnered from both wins and losses, to my young self. I realize that’s not reality and that if growth has transpired, then it’s not all been for naught. But if I could roll back the hands of time, these are some of the things I’d tell myself as a new mom.
The Great News About Homesickness
One of the primary reservations parents have about overnight summer camp experiences for their kids is homesickness. We tell ourselves that our kids will be ready to go to camp when they don’t have fears about being homesick at all. But what if I told you homesickness could actually be not only a good thing, but a great thing in your child’s development? Homesickness is not the exception, it’s the rule.
Pregnancy Problems
Nausea, fatigue and unexplained cravings for dill pickles and ice cream may be the classic telltale signs of pregnancy. But some pregnancy symptoms are so unique, they almost sound like a curse right out of Greek mythology. Here at KC Baby & Maternity, we’ve got the 411 on pregnancy problems, sorting out fact from fiction. Allergies This lesser-known symptom is actually one of the most common.
Special Delivery!
When I found out I was pregnant with my firstborn, I had two primary goals: to have an unmedicated delivery and to be seen by a female doctor. Living outside of the Kansas City metro area, I knew the first goal would be obtainable at my local hospital. However, there were no guarantees that the second goal would be within reach. That led me to research options beyond my hometown. I landed on a women’s health care group in Kansas City.
Making the Move with Kids
To say that 2022 was a big year for my family would be an understatement. After 12 years of employment with a local company, my husband began working fully remote for a company headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Our “surprise” baby turned 1. Meanwhile, my firstborn teenager grew 6 inches and found himself standing eye level with his 6-foot-tall father. And then, to top it all off, we moved. As someone who moved a dozen times before I was even 13, I saw moving as a natural part of life.
Say Goodbye to Mom Burnout
Whether you have one child or a passel of children, stay at home or work full time, have teenagers or toddlers, send your kids to school or homeschool, motherhood is all-consuming. If you’re not with your kids, chances are you’re either preparing for when you will be with them next or you’re worried about them while they’re not in your presence. (I hear this doesn’t particularly go away when your kids get older either!) Parenting is a 24/7 investment in a life outside of your own.
Why Am I SO Busy?
When someone asks you how you are doing, do you find yourself giving a rundown of what you are doing instead of how you’re actually doing? In our fast-paced world, busyness isn’t just accepted, it’s often celebrated as something virtuous.
How Parts Pairing Kills Independent Repair
The biggest threat to repair is no longer hostile hardware. Today, many independent repair shop owners are most worried about the trend in electronics manufacturing known as “parts pairing.” This term refers to the software barriers used by electronics manufacturers to prevent consumers, fixers, and repair pros from replacing parts the way we have for decades.
Boredom Busters for Wintry Days
You and your crew wish you could kick Old Man Winter to the curb. Cold and gloomy days have been a mainstay of the forecast for the past month, cabin fever is alive and well, and everyone is bored. Don’t fret! Here at KC Parent, we’ve got you covered with things to do here, there and everywhere in between. OUTDOORS There’s an old Scandinavian sentiment that says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather.
Solutions to Sibling Strife
Even on the best of days, sibling rivalry is bound to rear its head. Children may fight for any number of reasons, whether it’s over possessions, a desire for attention, a need for control, pure boredom, a competitive nature or simply because they are tired or hungry.
Brushing Up Before Baby
You’ve spent your pregnancy dreaming of what your baby will look and act like, and pretty soon that dream will become a reality. Preparing for life with a newborn—in the first 28 days of life—can be intuitive for some and overwhelming for others. Rest assured you’ll probably do just fine. Babies are surprisingly more resilient than we think they’ll be, and parents are quick learners.
10 Ways for Kids to Give Back During the Holidays
If there’s anything better than creating holiday magic for your children, it’s letting them in on what a gift it is to share that magic with others. Although many nonprofit organizations prefer financial donations, there are still several that will let you “get your hands dirty,” giving of your time and talents side by side with your children. Here are a few such organizations, as well as some other ways that you can give back to your community as a family.
Teaching Kids to Share
Young children don’t need to be trained to be self-preserving. It’s innate for them. What isn’t natural, however, is sharing and taking into account other people’s feelings. Because parents desire to raise children that grow up to become kind and generous people, it’s important that moms and dads know what’s going on developmentally within their children. This way, they can temper their own expectations, as well as help foster an environment that teaches the art of kindness.
The Problem With Glue In Our Devices
Glue can fix a lot of everyday problems. It’ll stick a broken vase back together, help you make a sweet collage, and it often keeps your electronics in one piece. Key word: one piece. Adhesives aren’t very forgiving. Maybe your phone took an ill-fated dip in the pool and now some parts need to take a purposeful dip in isopropyl alcohol (we suggest you skip the rice bags). Maybe you’ve cracked your screen, or your battery has finally kicked the bucket.
Electrochemical biomass upgrading: degradation of glucose to lactic acid on a copper(II) electrode
This article is Open Access Please wait while we load your content... Something went wrong. Try again?
The drive toward sustainable phosphorus (P) recovery from agricultural and municipal wastewater streams has intensified. However, combining P recovery with energy conservation is perhaps one of the greatest challenges of this century.
Top Five Things Parents Should Know About Concussions
By Lauren Greenlee For every kid eager to hit the gridiron, there’s a parent anxious about what might happen to him. Injuries can be par for the course with any physical activity, and chances are, you know someone (or are someone) who has experienced a concussion, a brain injury caused by a mild blow or jolt to the head. Thankfully, with increased information, many brain injuries that take place are now being properly diagnosed.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Lauren
Contact Lauren, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack