Kim John Payne, author of “Simplicity Parenting,” responds to how she decides what to say in front of her children.

“Before I say something in front of my children I will ask myself three questions:
• Is it true? To this I can usually, though not always, tell myself, with a sense of righteousness, a firm ‘yes.’
• Is it necessary? Now I pause. Do my children really need to hear this? They will know soon enough the world is flawed; for now a good world will do just fine.
•Is it kind? This is altogether harder. Is it kind to this person to say this? Am I modeling being accusative rather than inquisitive, dehumanizing or humanizing?”

Wow! What great food for thought.

When it comes to things like being mean-spirited and getting involved in gossip, our kids could really use a good example.

Guess what else this brings to mind? Driving.

If you swear at other drivers in the car or even show them one of your fingers, it may not be the best thing for your kids to hear or see.

And, what about television?

Keep in mind that what you’re listening to on TV, they probably are too.

They are counting on us to filter certain information. And, well … we may not always do a great job.

Start small. Start a day at a time.

Focus tonight on what your kids hear and do your absolute best to make sure it’s in their best interest.

• An editor by day, Scott Mayes is also dad to Matthew, Micah and Nathan. He’s a high school parent, a youth basketball dad and changes diapers. He has lots of choices to make and six ears to protect.

The program is for students in grades K-5. Tickets are $5 each.

The Capitol Theatre is located at 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Call 509-853-ARTS (2787) or visit capitoltheatre.org for more info.

A gastroenterologist and a dietician will be guest speakers for the day’s program, which is free to attend. This is the first time the foundation is holding an educational event in Yakima.

For more info, contact Kathleen Newbould at 425-451-8455 or knewbould@ccfa.org.

To celebrate Engineers Week, the Yakima branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Engineering Department at Yakima Valley Community College are teaming up once again to host “Engineering Day for Kids,” which runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 25. The event will take place at YVCC’s Hopf Union Building (HUB).

Any elementary school-aged child is invited to attend this free event and get experience with hands-on activities that will help the child explore the connections between math, science and engineering.

No registration is required, but if you have any questions, contact Ben Annen at 509-966-7000 or bannen@hlacivil.com.

The Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Ensemble for Strings are putting together the show, which will be held at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Call 509-248-1414 or visit www.yyso.org for more info.

Athletes, acrobats, jugglers and extortionists show off stunts and feats as the Shanghai Acrobats perform at 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at The Capitol Theatre.

The Chinese circus traditions from 2,000 years ago are brought to life with music, lighting, choreography and scenery. The company’s American division is based at the New Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Mo.

Tickets: $7.50 for youth 18 and younger, $7.50-$35 for adults. The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St. Yakima; 509-853-ARTS (2787). capitoltheatre.org

A girls’ Little League softball program is being assembled for a 2012 season.

Yakima Valley Little League Softball is designed for girls ages 5-10 from the following school districts: Yakima, West Valley, Union Gap, Wapato, Zillah, Toppenish, Parker and White Swan. The program will include T-Ball, coach pitch, and player pitch divisions.

League President Ryan Yates notes that most girls in the area have to wait until age 10 to start playing softball, and the YVLLS will introduce younger girls to the sport so they can make a smooth transition. Yates is hoping to get the community involved with the league, and a board is being formed.

Registration starts 4-7 p.m. Feb. 7-8, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 11 at Kimmel Athletic, 2105 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima. Girls must be 10 before April 30 to register.

Registration: $50 for ages 5-6 (T-Ball), $75 for ages 7-8 (coach pitch), and $75 for ages 8-10 (player pitch).

For volunteer interest, email yakimasoftball@gmail.com or visit www.eteamz.com/yakimavalleylittleleague/.

When two local hospitals join together, everyone benefits from a life-saving educational event. That’s exactly the design of this year’s “Save a Life: The Great CPR Blitz 2012,” a joint effort between Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center.

The CPR Blitz will take place in three sessions Feb. 4 at the Yakima Convention Center, located at 10 N. Eighth St., Yakima. The first two English-language sessions are set for 9 and 10 a.m., and a Spanish session will begin at 11 a.m.

The goal is to teach CPR and other life-saving skills to more than 1,000 community members.

Contact: Nicole Donegan, 509-654-4320. You can also visit savealifeyakima.org or call 509-574-5990.

Kids ages 4-8 are welcome to stop in at Surya Yoga in Scarborough Fair. Classes are offered every second and fourth Saturday of the month, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. $13 drop-in fee per family, but a class series rate is also available. Preregistration is required; call Sarah for more info. 910 Summitview Ave., Suite 6A, Yakima 509-225-0650 • surayogayakima.com