Close

L.A. Parent

Events, Deals & Kids' Activities

Our Magazines

May-Jun 2021 Cover L.A. Parent Magazine November/December 2021 L.A. Parent Magazine March April 2022 May/June 2022 L.A. Parent Magazine L.A. Parent July/August Edition 2022 L.A. Parent Nov/Dec 2022 L.A. Parent Magazine, May-June 2023 Cover L.A. Parent July/August 2023 Nov Dec 2023 L.A. Parent Magazine May/June 2024 L.A. Parent Magazine July/August Issue of L.A. Parent September/October Issue of L.A. Parent
MenuClose

September Book Corner: Books For Big Emotions

Published

By Emily Ip

As children gear up for another school year, they might find themselves confronting many different emotions. Whether it’s a new school, a tough grade level or a different group of classmates, these books might help you guide your child in navigating a whirlwind of emotions. Read along for more on these kids books for big emotions!

The Love Tank

By Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez

Explaining the importance of giving and receiving love, and why some people might behave hurtfully can be challenging to broach with children. In “The Love Tank,” author Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez writes about a superpower container inside our bodies that fills up with love. Through vivid imagination and Rita Nilson’s endearing illustrations, this book dives into what happens when someone’s love tank is full or empty, and how we can help fill it for others. Ages 4-8.

An Adventure for Lia and Lion

By Al Rodin

As Lia embarks on an adventure, she looks for a companion to join her. She finds Lion, but learns that they both want to be in charge. In the story “An Adventure for Lia and Lion” children will learn about friendship and play, along with conflict and compromise. Ages 3-7.

Stay Angry, Little Girl

By Madeleine L’Engle

Author of the classic tale “A Wrinkle in Time,” Madeleine L’Engle pens the picture book “Stay Angry, Little Girl.” This book encourages young girls to be proud of their ideas and emotions, whilst sharing them freely. Embracing courageousness, sensitivity, curiosity, kindness, playfulness and everything in between, even in the midst of resistance, is what it’s all about! Ages 3-5.

There’s a Robot in My Socks

By Meredith Rusu

“There’s a Robot in My Socks” is a rhyme-filled picture book about Jamie and her robot sidekick who makes sure everything goes smoothly. A wonderful read-aloud book, young readers will explore the many ways to confront and express big emotions alongside Jamie as she prepares for change. Ages 4-6.

For more book options to add to your shelf, visit our August Book Corner.

The Future of Education: Why Virtual Learning Might Be the Right Choice for Your Child

Published

By Deanna Vallerga, Director of Middle School

Education is rapidly evolving, driven by the realization that traditional classrooms may not meet the diverse needs of all students. As families seek alternatives better aligned with their children’s unique learning or lifestyle needs, virtual learning has emerged as a compelling option. Now is the time to explore why virtual learning might be the right choice for your child. There’s still time to enroll for this school year.

The Shift Toward Personalized Education
Personalized learning has gained significant traction, and for good reason. Traditional education models are sometimes challenged to meet the needs of students with unique abilities, lifestyles and schedules. Virtual learning meets students where they are, allows them to engage in learning in a more flexible way and offers a tailored experience that adapts to their individual circumstances.

California Virtual Academies (CAVA) exemplifies this by providing online education that is more customized. In a virtual classroom, students can progress at a varied pace, spending extra time on challenging subjects or moving ahead quickly when they grasp concepts. This more individualized pacing supports academic success and boosts confidence by allowing students to achieve mastery without the pressure of keeping up with classmates or the boredom that comes with slowing down for their peers.

This shift toward personalization represents a fundamental change in what families are looking for and how education is delivered. Virtual schools like CAVA create adaptive learning experiences that adjust in real-time to a student’s progress, ensuring each child receives the support they need to succeed. It’s a model that prioritizes the individual, making education a more inclusive and effective experience for all students. 

Education for Modern Families
The phrase learning happens everywhere has never been more relevant. Parents and children juggle multiple responsibilities, making the ability to be mobile invaluable. Virtual learning allows students to learn from anywhere — at home or on the road — that suits their family.

The ability to adjust some of a child’s schedule is particularly beneficial for busy families, such as demanding extracurricular activities, ongoing medical appointments or needs, travel or non-traditional work. Whether your child is an athlete, musician or someone who benefits from a different environment, virtual learning through CAVA offers the freedom to balance education with life.

Children who struggle with the social pressures or sensory overload in a traditional classroom are more comfortable with virtual learning and its more controlled setting. Learning from home or another preferred location often helps these students focus better, leading to a more positive educational experience and outcomes.

The Rise of the School Choice Movement
More and more parents are taking control of their children’s education, seeking learning environments they believe are more aligned with their values and goals. Virtual learning has become a viable alternative to traditional models.

The appeal of virtual learning lies in its ability to cater to diverse needs while maintaining high academic standards. It’s an approach that not only meets students where they are but prepares them for the future by offering essential digital skills and fostering independence.

As parents demand more options, schools respond by finding innovative ways to engage students and incorporate new technologies into the learning process. This shift represents a broader trend toward more inclusive, adaptable and effective educational environments — where virtual learning plays a leading role.

Preparing for the Future with Virtual Learning
Education is changing in exciting ways. Schools are increasingly incorporating elements like game-based learning and artificial intelligence to make instructions more interactive and engaging. These advancements prepare students for a world where digital literacy and technological proficiency are crucial.

Virtual learning platforms like CAVA are at the forefront of this revolution. By providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and resources, virtual learning helps them develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. These platforms offer a dynamic and immersive experience that goes beyond what traditional classrooms can provide.

Virtual learning also offers a level of parental involvement that can be missing in conventional schooling. Parents can easily monitor their child’s progress through their role as a learning coach, regular updates and direct communication with teachers, ensuring a supportive network that helps students thrive. 

The Future is Waiting
Education is at a pivotal moment. The rise of virtual learning represents a significant step forward in creating inclusive, flexible and personalized educational environments. Students aren’t just learning — they’re part of a dynamic community. With clubs, social events and collaborative projects, students build meaningful connections and develop essential social skills. Choosing virtual learning opens the door to a world of possibilities that can help students reach their greatest potential.

There’s time to act — and now is that time. Explore the options available and consider which offers the brighter educational future for your child. Look at CAVA. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our team is standing by to help you and your child succeed. Their future was always in your hands, and now virtual learning puts your students’ education there as well. 

Deanna Vallerga started her career in education in 1992. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, a multiple subject teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a clear administrative credential. She joined the CAVA staff in 2005 as a K–8 teacher and has served as the lead of language arts, and regional program coordinator for the northern CAVA schools for six years. Currently, she is the Director of Middle School for all nine California Virtual Academies.

How Mom YouTubers Shaped My Childhood

Published

By Emily Ip

Throughout my childhood, summer days were delightfully endless. My sister and I loved to play pretend — doling out scoops of plastic ice cream (though we enjoyed plenty of the real stuff, too) and creating dramatic lives for our Littlest Pet Shops figurines. 

When our 30 minutes of allowed daily screen time rolled around, though, I went straight to YouTube — not to indulge in cartoons or tween shows; I was obsessed with parenting videos. I soaked up the content on channels such as WhatsUpMoms, Millenial Moms and Michelle Pearson’s, who posted DIY activities for kids, school lunch ideas and parenting insights or advice. Whether it was a recipe for slime and homemade watercolor or granola bars and fruit popsicles, I would recreate them and enjoy them for myself. 

Later, in my more formative years between ages 10 to 12, I began to take the video content to heart in a different way. The mom YouTubers touched on myriad topics — from first periods and forming friendships to challenges within their families and the struggles of parenting. Hearing their candid discussions demystified some of the questions I had about growing up and helped me make sense of the conflicts in my own family while holding compassion for them. 

Of course, my parents were always open to sharing advice and quick to insert suggestions of their own, too. And yet, gaining insights about issues I was hesitant to broach with them became a form of guidance I didn’t know I needed. With the quick act of a search and a click, I could access advice about the very things I was too ashamed to bring up to the people closest to me. 

As someone who wants (or attempts) to be everything for everyone, I remind myself how comforting and refreshing it was to gain the wisdom of those outside my inner circle. It was only then that I could view my stressors through a broader perspective and reapproach them with the people in my life. When I would skim the comments of those YouTube videos, I’d come to realize I was one of many young viewers. In retrospect, this doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. No matter our age, we’re all longing to be seen — and deeply understood. 

No matter how present one’s parents are, children and teens can still find refuge in relating to nurturing, guiding figures outside of their family. In many ways, this takes the pressure off. Surrendering to the impossibility of being everything allows us to make space for new ideas and perspectives that we can’t always deliver on our own. 

After years of loyalty to several mom blogs/YouTube channels, it feels full circle that I spent the greater half of this year contributing to a parenting magazine and website I likely would have frequented as a child. I truly felt connected to and inspired by those moms and the community they established. As my internship at L.A. Parent concludes, it is my hope that you continue to feel a sense of oneness as a reader (and participant) in this community, too. 

Emily Ip is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a rising sophomore in college.

Reinventing Leftovers Into Lunchbox Favorites

Published

By Emily Ip

As summer break approaches its end, it’s time to pull out those lunchboxes and return to packing school lunches. If you’re dreading the thought of half-full containers returning home at the end of the school day, or struggling to come up with quick, yet nutritious, food options to fuel your child, you’ve come to the right place.

Weekly meal prepping for large batches of meals might work for some, but for children and families who get bored of repeat meals, I want to suggest a different philosophy. In this post, I’ll be sharing common leftovers that can be transformed into a new meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re packing your child’s school lunches, encouraging them to make it themselves or bringing your own food to the office, I hope these simple, delicious lunch ideas made with leftovers bring some ease to your morning routine.

Leftover Item: Dips & Spreads

Maybe it’s a Costco-sized container of hummus that no one’s interested in anymore, or leftover dips from a party over the weekend — either way, they can breathe new life into a weekday lunch. Mix a couple spoonfuls of your leftover sauce, dip or spread with your protein of choice, and you’ve got a flavorful, low-effort chicken, chickpea or tuna salad. Pair with veggies, crackers, toasted bread or roll it all up into a wrap, and it’ll be one satisfying lunch.

Leftover Item: Breakfast

Breakfast for lunch is always a fun way to switch things up! The next time you find yourself whipping up pancakes, waffles or even French toast on a weekend morning, make extra servings for quick breakfasts and/or lunches throughout the week. Let your leftovers cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and place it in the freezer. I typically reheat frozen pancakes and waffles in the oven at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes, or on the toaster function. On the most hectic of mornings, 30 seconds to a minute in the microwave will do the trick. Add extra nutrients and staying power to the breakfast items with recipes like chia & flax buttermilk pancakes or banana oat waffles. You could also pair the breakfast items with Greek yogurt and fruit, chia pudding, tofu scramble or egg bites to complete the meal.

Leftover Item: Tofu

Sometimes a recipe leaves you with the remaining half of a tofu block, which can seem like a real bother. Not to fret. Place the leftover tofu (soft or firm) in a clean, airtight container and fill it with enough filtered water to cover the tofu. It will keep well in the fridge for a few more days — just change out the water if you don’t use it the next day. When it’s time to pack lunch, drain the leftover firm tofu and add it to fried rice, noodles or use as a filling in wraps and spring rolls. With soft tofu, I often prepare a simple yet flavorful meal by slicing it and adding scallion ginger sauce on top, along with any other leftovers. Reheat some pre-cooked rice and add pre-washed veggies, plus a meal-prep-friendly soy egg to round out the meal.

Leftover Item: Pasta

Leftover pasta is a blank canvas that lends itself to a variety of different lunches and invites other leftovers into the mix, too. The next time you’re making pasta for dinner, just toss extra servings into the boiling water, and you’ll have a component of tomorrow’s lunch ready to go without much effort on either front.

Pro tip: make (or buy) a large batch of pesto, transfer it into a resealable bag, then flatten the pesto into an even layer and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to make lunch, break off a chunk of frozen pesto, toss into reheated pasta and add in leftover protein(s) and veggies. I opted for a pasta salad here, but you could certainly pack it up in a thermos for a warm pasta dish.

For on-the-go snack ideas, visit my previous post here.

Emily Ip is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent and a rising sophomore in college.

Fall Favorites

Published

By Nina Harada

Whimsical pumpkin structures are back at Descanso Gardens’ Carved Oct. 4-30. PHOTO COURTESY DESCANSO GARDENS

Even though we’re still surviving that SoCal sun, a new school year reminds us that cooler weather is just around the corner. And so are the fall festivals, Halloween experiences, DÍa de los Muertos celebrations and more autumnal activities!

Spooky season

It’s always a good time at Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From Aug. 23 through Oct. 31, you can experience the Main Street Pumpkin Festival at Disneyland Park, see the “car-stumes” on display at Cars Land in Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure Park and revel in more spooky fun. disneyland.disney.go.com

On select nights Sept. 19-Nov. 2, Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm. The longest-running Halloween theme park event in Southern California has all the haunts: frightening mazes, scare zones and sinister shows. Recommended for ages 13 and up. $59.99-$199.99. knotts.com

Bring the whole family to Nights of the Jack for its illuminated immersive walking trail featuring hundreds of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. From Sept. 27-Nov. 3, watch a live pumpkin carver, browse the gift shop and enjoy eats and drinks from on-site food trucks and vendors. nightsofthejack.com

Natural History Museum’s annual Halloween event Boney Island lights up the night select evenings Oct. 3-31. The museum’s Nature Gardens are transformed into an interactive, illuminated and whimsical experience for all ages. Expect glowing exhibits, creatures of the night and spooky surprises. nhm.org   

Catch “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 18 at The Culver Steps in Culver City. PHOTO COURTESY THE CULVER STEPS

A fall family favorite, Carved returns to Descanso Gardens Oct. 4-30. Rain or shine, this annual event lights up the night with luminous jack-o’-lanterns, whimsical installations, a large-scale Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar and more. Snap photos at the pumpkin house, find your way through the hay maze and grab a drink from the new beer garden on the Main Lawn. $18-$45. descansogardens.org

For more not-too-spooky fun, The Culver Steps is hosting a free movie night featuring the 1993 comedy “Hocus Pocus” Oct. 18.  The movie begins at sunset, approximately 7:30 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of the complimentary popcorn while supplies last. FREE. theculversteps.com

On Oct. 27, run or walk with the whole family at L.A. Cancer Challenge at UCLA. PHOTO BY NANCY PASTOR

Adults and kids are invited to don their best costumes and pound the pavement to help raise awareness about pancreatic cancer research at Southern California’s longest-running Halloween-themed fundraiser, L.A. Cancer Challenge. On Oct. 27, the 27th annual 5K walk/run event held at UCLA will include the free Fit Family Expo, a costume parade and contest and the enchanting Candyland Kids Zone, which is sponsored by L.A. Parent and will feature a Halloween playground, crafts and more. $25-$55. support.pancreatic.org

Family-friendly festivals

Los Angeles Kids Book Festival is Sept. 8 at West Hollywood Park. PHOTO BY RYAN HARTFORD, ECLIPTIC MEDIA PHOTO

The 2nd annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival takes over West Hollywood Park Sept. 8 with more than 70 vendors, including authors, illustrators and local businesses. Presented by the city of West Hollywood and nonprofit American Born Chinese, this year’s event features live book readings hosted by Children’s Book World and Book Soup, musical performances by The Beat Buds, arts and crafts, giveaways and more. FREE. lakidsbookfestival.com

Celebrate Mexican independence and Santa Ana’s vibrant Hispanic and Latino cultures at the 44th annual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade, which will feature international musical acts, local performers, carnival rides, a food and beer garden and more. Returning to the historic 4th Street, the festival will take place Sept. 14, and the parade will take place Sept. 15. FREE. santa-ana.org

Join the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center Oct. 5 for its Akimatsuri Fall Festival in West Covina featuring a bounce house, face painting, game booths, entertainment, food and drinks. This beloved community tradition embraces the autumn spirit and celebrates Japanese American culture. FREE. esgvjcc.org

Fall Festival returns to The Original Farmers Market from Oct. 19-20. PHOTO COURTESY ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET

Bring the whole family to The Original Farmers Market’s Fall Festival Oct. 19-20 for live music, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, photo ops and more. This annual tradition will be sure to get you into that fall spirit. FREE. farmersmarketla.com

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts DÍa de Los Muertos Family Day Oct. 27. PHOTO COURTESY LA PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES 

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes hosts its annual DÍa de Los Muertos Family Day Oct. 27. Enjoy performances in music and dance, arts and crafts, food and more. FREE. lapca.org

Fall with The Bard

“The Winter’s Tale” performs Sept. 7, 15 and 30 at Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon. PHOTO BY IAN FLANDERS

There’s still time to catch Theatricum Botanicum’s summer season with Shakespeare’s tale of romance, passion and forgiveness, “The Winter’s Tale.” Enjoy the last of our warm summer nights under the magical oaks of Topanga Canyon. Remaining show dates are Sept. 7, 15 and 30. $15-$60; free for ages 4 and under. theatricum.com

“Romeo & Juliet Suite” gets its L.A. debut at The Wallis from Oct. 10-12. PHOTO COURTESY THE WALLIS

On Oct 3 and 4, Dudamel will lead the LA Phil and Los Angeles Master Chorale in Mendelssohn’s incidental music from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The whimsical evening features video projections, Spanish actress María Valverde narrating and the world premiere of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz’s new cello concerto. laphil.com

The Wallis and L.A. Dance Project present “Romeo & Juliet Suite” Oct. 10-12 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Choreographer Benjamin Millepied reinterprets Prokofiev’s ballet based on Shakespeare’s classic tale through film, dance and theater and with a different cast of dancers each performance. $49-$109. thewallis.org

Not your average ballet

Immerse yourself in “Little Women Ballet” at Heritage Square Museum Sept. 27-29. PHOTO COURTESY LITTLE WOMEN BALLET

The site-specific “Little Women Ballet” returns to Heritage Square Museum Sept. 27-29 with an autumn-themed performance featuring music, dance, photo ops, desserts and refreshments. Audience members of all ages can venture into Louisa May Alcott’s classic story following the cast through an immersive walking tour of Heritage Square Museum. Each guest receives a goodie bag to use throughout the performance — no two shows are alike. $60. littlewomenballet.com

Blue13 Dance Company debuts “100 Seconds to Midnight” at The Ford Sept. 28. PHOTO BY ROSE EICHENBAUM

On Sept. 28, Blue13 Dance Company debuts “100 Seconds to Midnight” at The Ford. The show is a new contemporary dance project choreographed by Achinta S. McDaniel, artistic director of Blue13 and professor at the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC. Blending contemporary and traditional dance such as Bollywood and ballet, “100 Seconds to Midnight” explores the complexities of the human experience, with a spotlight on South Asian communities. $10-$65. blue13dance.com

Playful puppets & mythical masks

Family-friendly puppet show “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch,” performs Oct. 12-13 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. PHOTO COURTESY SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch,” a heartwarming puppet play from Vancouver-based Axis Theatre Company. Performing Oct. 12-13, the family-friendly show examines the effect that kindness can have on someone experiencing loneliness. $28.25. scfta.org

Make your own mask at the Getty Villa Sept. 8, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY VILLA MUSEUM

Pack a blanket and some snacks and head over to Barnsdall Art Park Sept. 14 and Oct. 12 for Puppets in the Park. Presented by Bob Baker Marionette Theater and Hollyhock House, these free magical mornings begin with a puppet performance, followed by a family art activity. FREE. bobbakermarionettetheater.com

This fall, Getty Villa’s drop-in family workshops feature Mythical Creature Mask Making. On Sept. 8, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19, you can make your own ancient Greek theater mask, then join local performers portraying Medusa and Minotaur for theatrical play. FREE. getty.edu

Seaside amusements

On Sept. 6, celebrate the legacy of more than a century of fun and community at Santa Monica Pier’s 115th Birthday Celebration. In partnership with Street Food Cinema, the Santa Monica Pier Corporation is throwing a party with an outdoor screening of “Barbie,” live music, activities for kids, birthday cake and ice cream and more surprises. FREE. santamonicapier.org

The Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach will take place Oct. 4-6. PHOTO COURTESY PACIFIC AIRSHOW HUNTINGTON BEACH

Watch U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and fan-favorite F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team dance through the sky Oct. 4-6 at the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach. The three-day event features the world’s best military and civilian display teams, a boat race around Catalina Island, music, beach bars and more. FREE or $30 and up for ticketed areas featuring prime seating and show announcer. pacificairshowusa.com

Feel the ocean breeze as you skate in the heart of Santa Monica at Roll @ Santa Monica through Oct. 14. IMAGE COURTESY DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA, INC. AND ROLL @ SANTA MONICA

Seasoned skaters and first timers of all ages will enjoy skating by the beach at Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.’s inaugural seasonal outdoor roller skating rink, Roll @ Santa Monica. Open through Oct. 14, the retro roller rink features themed skate nights and group skating lessons from LA Skate Hunnies. $15. rollatsantamonica.com

Cirque du Soleil returns to the Santa Monica Pier with “KOOZA” Oct. 19-Dec. 1. PHOTO BY MATT BEARD & BERNARD LETENDRE

For the first time since 2014, Cirque du Soleil returns to the Santa Monica Pier with its internationally acclaimed production “KOOZA.” From Oct. 19-Dec. 1, guests can gather under the iconic Big Top at the pier to watch high-flying acrobatics, mischievous clowns and colorful sets and listen to a live score. $69 and up. cirquedusoleil.com

FUN 4 LITTLES

“Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play” stops by Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept. 17 and Bank of America Performing Arts Center Sept. 18. PHOTO BY LORENZO BEVILAQUA

Ariel from the new series “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” makes her debut alongside Mickey, Minnie and other favorite Disney Jr. friends in “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play” presented by Walmart. The tour, which makes stops at Segerstrom Center for the Arts Sept. 17 and Bank of America Performing Arts Center Sept. 18, will also feature the iconic clubhouse from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.” $30 and up. disneyjuniortour.com 

TWEENS & TEENS

Darby Winn is Julien and Paul Turbiak is Pascal in “Pascal & Julien” at 24th Street Theatre Sept. 7-Oct. 27. PHOTO BY JAY MCADAMS

The U.S. premiere of “Pascal & Julien” runs Sept. 7-Oct. 27 at 24th Street Theatre. Audiences young and old will appreciate this touching story about fathers, sons and friendship. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 24thstreet.org

GET OUT OF TOWN

Non-profit yoga and conscious music festival Bhakti Fest returns to Joshua Tree Lake & Campground Sept. 27-29. Bring the kids to experience music, yoga classes, vegetarian food and conscious activities at this high-desert festival. There will also be a marketplace offering eco-friendly and sustainable clothing, art, musical instruments, crafts and more. $125 and up; free for ages under 5. bhaktifest.com

Family-friendly outdoor light festival Imaginarium is back at Ontario Mills through Oct. 20 with “Where Light Meets Magic.” Spanning 1.5 acres, the immersive walk-through experience features the magical Endless Mirrors, Land of Fantastical Creatures and The Rose Garden, a field of 20,000 LED roses in full bloom, and interactive rooms featuring an all-ages ball pit. Other attractions include BMX shows, an aerial artist and juggler. $19 and up; free for ages 2 and under. imaginarium360.com

On My Own

Published

By Jennifer Gay Summers

For neurodiverse young adults, the journey to independence can be full of stumbles and false starts. Having an intellectual or developmental disability raises the stakes of succeeding in college and the workplace. This time can be very stressful to parents, too, as they navigate the transition with their teen into, hopefully, independent living.

Families in Los Angeles are fortunate to have a number of organizations that help provide a road map with guidance, resources and tools. Here are some wonderful programs in our community that meet this challenge and help neurodiverse young adults fulfill their potential.

The Help Group

Based in Sherman Oaks, The Help Group’s Vocational Programs and Services Department offers numerous programs. Through Advance LA, young adults ages 18 and up are given one-on-one life skills coaching. Clients gain tools that include time management, job skills and college planning. A social group, club l.a., meets once a month for a fun event and gives participants a nonjudgmental, safe place to develop friendships. 

One of the many vocational programs is “We Can Work,” offered through the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), for students 16-21, which helps them gain work experience training under the direct supervision of work experience specialists, according to Kyle Kerfoot, director of vocational services. Students develop resumes, gain interview expertise and work at local businesses. Kerfoot says, “The fact that our clients are able to wield a greater level of self-confidence, self-advocacy and overall autonomy when navigating the workforce, while knowing that they are able to return to DOR or The Help Group for assistance should they need it in the future, has primed them for a greater chance of success.”

The Help Group’s Bridgeport Vocational Center for ages 18-22 has a curriculum that is geared toward internships with local businesses, including Smart and Final, Walgreens and Sharky’s. Students are also responsible for all operational aspects of Lulu’s Cafe on campus. According to Pamela Clark, vice president of school administration, “We are demonstrating to businesses that our students can definitely be assets to their companies at several levels, including dependability, independence and a passion for fulfilling their job responsibilities.” Some of these students reside at The Help Group’s Project Six, located nearby, developing their independent abilities.

A student graduates from Vista del Mar’s certificate track program. PHOTO BY ROBERT LURIE

Vista Del Mar

Vista Del Mar’s 18-acre campus in West Los Angeles houses Vista School, where students 18-22 from the Los Angeles Unified School District and other local districts are enrolled in a certificate track program. Assistant Principal Edie Bartnof says, “The focus is how we get these students out into the world.” This is accomplished through n2y, a curriculum serving learners with unique learning needs and the Workability program, which offers vocational skills with a career counselor and job coach, both on and off campus. 

Social and living skills are addressed with enrichment activities, including a horticultural specialist who helps students work in the campus garden and to prepare produce for sale. Students bake and wait on customers at Vista Cafe and sell items at the popular coffee cart. They take field trips and learn to navigate the Metro, building their self-esteem. There is a strong performing arts and music program, as well. 

This year’s graduates went on to enroll in programs at West Los Angeles College, Performing Arts Studio West, Pathways Programs and Job Corps. “When our kids leave, I’m feeling very confident that they are going to quality programs we can be proud to say that they’re in,” Bartnof says.

In addition to Vista School, another thriving program called Nes Gadol gives young adults a sacred space to experience Jewish life with music, art and movement. And next year, the Vista Autism Center will offer classes for adolescents and young adults to help prepare them for their integration into the general and work environments.

The Ed Asner Family Center

Students in The Ed Asner Family Center Academy provides a weekly day program three semesters a year. PHOTO COURTESY THE ED ASNER FAMILY CENTER

The Ed Asner Family Center, a Studio City-based nonprofit founded by Matthew Asner and Navah Paskowitz-Asner, offers a wide range of expressive arts classes and career programs. 

TEAFC Academy provides a weekly day program three semesters a year, with classes such as improvisation, voiceover, film and video and animation. Career programs include resume building, mock interviews and basic computer skills. Life skills classes offer cooking, hygiene and social appropriateness. The center also provides mental health programs with low-cost counseling services for the entire family.

The organization’s goal is to partner with corporations such as Funko Hollywood, where students volunteer with a job mentor. The founders are thrilled that this year, three of their students were offered employment with Funko Hollywood. 

There are also camps, after-school classes and the popular Dating Spectrum course. All of these programs promote self-confidence, independence and balance. As Asner says, “To see the students’ personalities grow after they’ve been here, to see them become these thriving creative people, is a tremendous joy.”

Golden Heart Ranch

This rancher takes pride in caring for Rosie the cow at Golden Heart Ranch. PHOTO COURTESY GOLDEN HEART RANCH

Golden Heart Ranch sprawls across 22 acres in Agoura Hills, providing programs to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rose van Weir Hein founded the non-profit ranch to help others like Justin, her son who has autism, with programs, classes, seasonal camps and events to foster independence. 

The “ranchers” enjoy a weekly day program during the school year, with activities such as hiking, swimming and community-based volunteering. An organic garden provides job experience, and the ranchers gain life skills with grocery shopping and cooking class, not to mention the fun of caring for goats, chickens, rabbits and a cow named Rosie. Van Weir Hein says, “Everyone has meaningful work and projects. For any person, neurodivergent or not, that’s what feeds your soul.”

Rounding out the activities are yoga, art, dance and a social living club that helps young adults to develop friendships. According to Jeni Pierce, director of Programming, “One of the things that really makes the ranch stick out is the Camp Coyote Ridge program,” an overnight camp that builds independence. “For a lot of ranchers, this is the first time they ever spent away from their home.”

The Miracle Project

A glimpse of performers in “The Miracle Project Takes the Cake” — a fully inclusive showcase. PHOTO BY EVAN GUSTON 

The Miracle Project, a performing arts non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, is a fully inclusive program founded by Elaine Hall. She has created a dynamic neurodiverse community focused on building communication, job and social skills. 

Students with autism and all abilities rehearse for life through expressive arts and social skills classes. Hannah Warren, program director and clinical supervisor, says, “We use improvisation, roleplay and theater games to help students practice skills for positive social interaction.” Students take into the world increased self-esteem, confidence and self-advocacy.

The classes at The Miracle Project, which partners with the regional centers, include “I Can Do That,” which exposes adults ages 16 and up to a career in the entertainment industry. “Miracles in Action” allows young adults to give back to their community in art-based ways and a social-skills group for women 18 and up hones in on social dynamics women experience in the workplace. As Hall says, “Students find their voice, discover their talent, reveal their authentic selves and live their dreams.” 

For neurodiverse young adults, finding a program that helps them put the steps in place on the road to independent life is a dream come true.

Jennifer Gay Summers is a journalist, author and ADHD mom blogger whose work includes essays published in ADDitude, Adoptive Families and Chicken Soup anthologies. She can be found at jennifergaysummers.com.

Building Careers for Young Adults with Diverse Abilities

Published

By Mike Sonksen

Seven years ago, a brilliant student in my introductory writing course forever changed the way I teach. She was an animation major with an incredible eye for detail. Over the course of the semester, she turned in pages and pages of image-rich writing that crackled with life. Her final portfolio of writing even included a four-minute short film she made based on a piece she wrote in class. I’d never had a student go this far beyond an assignment before. The extra care she put into her work was exceptional. Halfway through the semester, I learned she was on the autism spectrum, but as the semester continued, I realized that her diagnosis was more like a superpower than a disability.

Today, my former student has a master’s degree, owns her own business and has built a successful career in the animation industry. She even mentors other young animators who are on the spectrum. Working with her that semester showed me that when I give students with or without disabilities the proper support and the space to be themselves, magic happens. 

The following semester, I took a course about teaching students with disabilities and learned about “people-first language,” which is a way of speaking that prioritizes the person over their disability or diagnosis. It describes what a person has, rather than who they are, and avoids labels or adjectives that define someone. As an educator who has always put his students first, learning about how people-first language honors a person’s dignity and humanizes them over any stigmatizing condition encouraged me to double down on my practice of revering each student individually in all their respective glory. 

In the last six years, I have had nearly two dozen students on the spectrum, and I have seen how capable they are — inside and beyond the classroom — when given the right tools and encouragement. Fortunately, several organizations across Southern California are assisting neurodiverse adults in finding work and building sustainable careers. 

Here are a few groups doing this important work.   

The Help Group’s Bridgeport Vocational Center students gain work experience at Smart and Final. PHOTO COURTESY BRIDGEPORT VOCATIONAL CENTER

The Help Group

The Help Group is a Sherman Oak-based organization that helps people with disabilities find work and maintain employment. Its vocational programs serve individuals 16 and over. “We have clients that are well into middle age in addition to young adults,” says Senior Director Heather Humphrey. “Our programs offer vocational assessment, paid work experience, job prep, job search and job retention services.” 

The Help Group also provides services funded by the California Department of Rehabilitation, Department of Mental Health and Regional Centers, and many of their services are offered at no cost to the client. The programs have a wide service area, Humphrey says, depending on the funding source. The Department of Rehabilitation services work with clients as far north as the Antelope Valley, as far south as Inglewood and Compton, as far west as Calabasas and as far east as Glendale and Pasadena.

ClearWeave Careers

ClearWeave Careers has been working both behind the scenes and in public for more than 10 years to get its clients employed with small and large businesses.

ClearWeave’s Executive Director Ryan Patrick Casey is passionate about helping companies tap into this talent pool and become more neurodivergent friendly. Casey has designed and taught classes such as “Neurodivergent 101” and “Neurodivergent Interviewing” at companies such as Oracle, CVS and the Guggenheim.

“What many companies don’t understand,” Casey says, “is the value that a neurodivergent individual will bring to their team — and with little accommodations needed. In addition to being loyal and hard-working, there is research that shows that productivity can go up. Even with this, though, there is still great apprehension, and that is why we give companies a roadmap for hiring one of our employees. 

“The roadmap includes ClearWeave staying active in the mix until the employee can be on his/her own,” Casey says. 

Casey tells me that the neurodivergent talent pool is growing. Moreover, the work ethic and loyalty of these employees often exceeds the average worker, especially in this era of “quiet quitting.” ClearWeave’s motto is “weaving talent into the workforce,” and this is a process starting to pick up steam across not only California but America and the world at large. 

The Help Group’s Bridgeport Vocational Center students take a break for the camera while working at Sharky’s. PHOTO COURTESY BRIDGEPORT VOCATIONAL CENTER

Shemesh Farms

Opened in 2013 at the Shalom Institute in Malibu, Shemesh Farms was created as a social enterprise meant to provide meaningful employment and community to adults with diverse abilities. The farm is built upon a foundation of sustainability, inclusion and interconnectedness. The Shemesh Farm fellows, volunteers and staff handcraft and harvest their herb blends, jar their own honey and cultivate a whole slew of other organic products. 

Shemesh’s program initially began with young adults in their early 20s, but over the last decade the founders have expanded their farm fellow cohort to include people who are 18 to 55.

Exceptional Minds Academy

Offering workshops, private lessons and longer running programs, Exceptional Minds Academy is an academy and studio preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for professional careers in animation, visual effects, 3D gaming and other jobs in the entertainment industry. 

The academy provides technical and work-readiness training customized to help students achieve their full artistic and professional potential. The organization consists of a vocational academy, post-graduate program and professional post-production studios. Focusing on cultivating skills for artists on the spectrum, the hands-on training envisions “a future where the neurodiverse perspectives of artists on the autism spectrum are vital to the advancement of our shared goal for a more empowered and inclusive society,” founders say.

David Siegel, executive director of Exceptional Minds, shares a sentiment that corroborates with the other organizations mentioned here: “We believe in a world where neurodiversity is embraced as part of a truly inclusive culture.” 

Mike Sonksen is a third-generation L.A. native, dad of two, poet, professor and author of “Letters to My City.”

Cultivating Multilingualism in Your Children

Published

By Amy Rush Conroy

L.A. kids have it good as a group — growing up in this mecca of pop culture complete with palm trees, sushi, sunshine and Hollywood lore. Another characteristic distinctively native to the region is our historic Spanish heritage that flavors everything from neighborhood names to architectural design and California cuisine. Los Angeles, previously known as El Pueblo, was founded in 1781 by 11 Spanish-speaking families. That’s right, Spanish is our cultural heritage language in Los Angeles.

But while Spanish is prevalent in L.A., any second-language learning is enriching for brain development and advancement of communication skills. I dream of a day when every student in Los Angeles receives primary education that includes multilingual instruction. Here’s to making it the standard instead of the exception!

Hollywood Schoolhouse students enjoy a field trip to Olvera Street in front of Los Pobladores plaque. PHOTO BY AMY RUSH CONROY

Why learning another language early matters 

The reality is that more than half of L.A.’s population speaks a language other than English and more than a third of those people speak Spanish. In a world that begs for greater diversity, more equitable access and inclusion, why not start by offering a second language to our youngest citizens? Why not teach students diversity through languages? 

“We need to think about creating global citizens,” says Hillary Larson of Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles. “Learning another language exposes children to diverse cultures and points of view. A bilingual education provides students with a cultural awareness and understanding that is more open and accepting of diversity.”

Infusing your child’s daily curriculum with another language would simultaneously be more systemically inclusive since it is the heritage language of the largest cultural group of Angelenos who identify as Latine. For English language learners (ELL) students who are Spanish speakers, it might even flip the narrative of leadership in the classroom. We need to be bold, and if we want to make the world outside the classroom more diverse, equitable and inclusive, then let’s start by teaching those values early.

Oasis Trilingual Community School students thrive in Spanish conversations during paired Organic World Language activities. 
PHOTO COURTESY OASIS TRILINGUAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

What it does for the brain

The brain is like a muscle: You have to exercise it to grow bigger, and learning another language is robust brain work. “Our brain’s ability to change is influenced by learning experiences,” says Joyce Hsiao, head of school at Oasis Trilingual Community School. “Multilingualism impacts the brain’s physical structure, affects the brain’s cytoarchitecture and increases brain plasticity.”

Through various languages, not just Spanish or French, but by teaching Mandarin, Armenian or Filipino, for instance, students would learn to translate, communicate and conceptually think differently. For example, monolingual English speakers may “know” a fact or person, but Spanish or French speakers use two separate verbs to describe that knowledge because to “know” a person is quite different from “knowing” that the sky is blue. Students would learn that there is not just one way to think and express themselves, just as there is more than one way to solve a mathematical equation. This process of growth in the brain is called neuroplasticity, whereby the brain makes additional neural connections and sets the stage for even greater complexities and understandings than were possible previously.

Transitional kindergarten students in a Mandarin-guided reading lesson at Oasis Trilingual Community School. 
PHOTO COURTESY OASIS TRILINGUAL COMMUNITY SCHOOL 

Each new language grows connections in the brain internally — and externally increases a person’s connection to the world. Not only is empathy a known predictor and byproduct of second-language learning, but communicating with more people increases social connections, which promotes positive mental health, a matter of growing concern for our youth.

Second-language learning has long been associated with augmenting brain function in a multitude of ways:

  • cognitive flexibility
  • academic performance
  • memory
  • problem-solving abilities
  • empathy
  • connections (neural and social)

The “old school” reason for learning another language was to increase future career opportunities in a more globalized world. “Besides the United States, every country is teaching their students two or three foreign languages,” Hsiao observes, “and by the time they complete high school!” We now know that learning another language is not just about creating a competitive global constituency, but about increasing their social and emotional connections, which can expand their personal and professional opportunities. 

How to engage your children

You’re convinced, so now what? The first step is to engage the young learner. Find their currency to create self-directed lifelong learners. This can be done through food, toys, games, movies, art, gymnastics… Whatever interests they already have, up the ante in the target language. 

OWL is an effective methodology used by Oasis Trilingual Community School and across the nation. At home, ask questions such as, “Oh, you like chocolate chip cookies? Let’s bake cookies together in Spanish!” “Want to learn to surf? I know a great Hebrew instructor.” Language infusion and inspiration can be found anywhere, so keep it lively for emotional engagement, make it relevant and draw connections between the language and their real-world life (the L.A. Zoo is a wonderful destination that translates across languages).

Which brings me to the next point that a beloved kindergarten teacher taught us about literacy that Billy Crystal humorously illustrated in the movie “Forget Paris”: read.

Read everything. As you navigate around town with your tot, read the signs out loud: “El Pollo Loco, you crazy chicken, you!” No kid asks for flash cards, but the real world can serve as your own personal set of flashcards. Throughout Los Angeles, you’ll find a multitude of signs in diverse languages. Grow their confidence by reading them together. Biliteracy is the single most important skill set to maintain and grow a second language. 

Do I hear karaoke in your future? You bet! I start every class with a song that encourages biliteracy to learn the words while simultaneously creating a safe space to practice new sounds alongside the native singer. Last year, my first graders learned “Vivir Mi Vida” in January and were still begging me to sing it in June. 

Silliness is my brand of teaching, so I play with words, and that’s when it gets really fun. My students adore charades, but teaching idiomatic expressions never disappoints when I talk about age and hoot like a monkey: “Tengo nueve años or is it monos?” Kids love to be the expert and correct the adult, so gamify everything.

A collage of L.A. signs in different languages. PHOTO COURTESY AMY RUSH CONROY

Demystified, it’s not hard to start learning a new language, but the trick is engagement plus stamina. This is an endurance project. Everyone will be motivated by different factors, but the outcomes will emerge the same: greater cognitive functioning, diverse connections, increased social interaction and communication abilities, all of which lead to more opportunities for our kids.

Amy Rush Conroy, M.A., is a native Angeleno who founded Habla Blah Blah 20 years ago to engage children with second-language learning through song. She teaches Spanish at the Hollywood Schoolhouse and has a guide to help cultivate bilingualism in kids. Her first book “¿Cómo Te Sientes?” is a Beginner Reader book in Spanish, available next spring. 

How to Talk to Your Child’s Teachers

Published

By Gregory Keer

As a dad and teacher, I have experienced awkward moments on both sides of the fence. I’ll never forget the year a teacher asked my youngest son, who struggled with writing: “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” My wife and I wanted to scream at the otherwise kind instructor, but a productive parent-teacher conference abated our frustration.

And then there was the time when, at a private school where I was teaching, a dad told me: “I’m not paying for my daughter to get C’s.” A snappy retort — “Clearly, you’re not paying enough!” — danced in my head. Instead, we devised a plan for his daughter to improve.

Through mutual trust and communication, it’s possible to optimize your parent-teacher partnerships. 

Good parent-teacher communication starts early

Once academics enter the picture, parents shift more control to the learning experts, but they should maintain a dialogue with the school.

Shelley Lawrence is an educational coach and consultant. PHOTO COURTESY SHELLEY LAWRENCE

Shelley Lawrence, M.Ed., ACC, CPCC, is an educational coach and consultant who served as lower school director at Sinai Akiba Academy for 20 years. Often, parents worry they might seem hovering or accusatory, Lawrence says, but if “there’s something that a parent is concerned about, [they should] send an email.

“Come from a place of real curiosity,” Lawrence advises. “Ask things like, ‘When I was reading with Bobby Sue, I noticed she skipped words. What are you seeing in your class?’”

While email is the preferred method of initial communication, the next step might be scheduling an in-person or online meeting. In terms of whom to contact, Lawrence recommends going to your child’s teacher first. “They appreciate being consulted as the person who knows your student best,” she says.

There are times, though, when an educator might get defensive — or when a concern persists. In such cases, Lawrence recommends going to the program director, chair or principal. When the issue is more behavioral or emotional, a principal might refer the parent to a school counselor. “If something is going on in your family [such as stressors like moving or a separation], let the educators know,” Lawrence says. “They can serve your kid powerfully.”

Contacting a teacher too frequently does not allow a teacher time to assess progress. Lawrence advises finishing a conversation with, “When can I expect to hear an update from you?”

Sometimes, parents feel anxious because of concern for our children, but also about our own effectiveness. “Trust the professionals,” Lawrence says. Moreover, parents should “resist the urge to be our child’s teacher at home.” Occasional assistance is fine, but parents need not play the role of both educator and nurturer/provider.

Not so stuck in the middle

Judy Burbank, head of school for the Altadena campus of Stratford School, works with some of her students. PHOTO COURTESY STRATFORD SCHOOL

In middle school, students step toward self-reliance, creating a challenge for parents to balance monitoring and staying hands-off. Judy Burbank, head of school for the Altadena campus of Stratford School, advises parents not to allow adolescents’ budding independence to push out parental involvement. “Communicate anytime there is a concern,” says this educator of 25 years at the elementary and middle school levels. 

She encourages parents to “reach out to the teacher first for academic issues and to the principal for administrative topics.” Like Lawrence, Burbank believes email is the best initial mode of communication. “We have our teachers respond within 24 hours to any parent request,” she says. But “don’t expect teachers to respond on off days.” As a school leader, she will reply to parents on Sunday evenings, particularly if it regards a student’s well-being.

“If there is a problem with a teacher, contact the principal or chair/director,” she says. Should a child have trouble learning with a teacher, Burbank calls a meeting between her and the parent(s). “We will explore why things are not working, then bring in the teacher to work on a plan together.” Whenever possible, Burbank prefers having all parental figures at meetings to get various perspectives.

To right the balance between too little and too much contact, she suggests parents keep up with all conferences, school events and emails or calls from teachers. And she encourages teachers to reach out to parents not just for problems, but also for the good stuff. “We want parents to know what their child is doing well,” she says.

For teacher appreciation occasions, Burbank says teacher still appreciate baked goods, flowers and gift cards.

Reach out to school counselors

Somalia Miller Salmond is a school counselor for KIPP SoCal Public Schools. PHOTO COURTESY KIPP SOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Somalia Miller Salmond, M.A., is a school counselor at the South Los Angeles campus for KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) SoCal Public Schools, where parents inquire about everything from behavioral to social-emotional issues. One focus is the IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, which the public school district prepares for students with learning differences. “With IEPs and other meetings, our conversations are about creating goals for the student,” Miller Salmond says.

As a counselor, she will “discuss conflicts among students, including bullying. In this case, we have a meeting with families to make their child feel safe at school,” she says.

In addition, the school hosts scheduled conferences with each family. “We start with the student’s strengths, then move to what needs improvement,” Miller Salmond explains. “At home, parents should check with their children about feelings and homework assignments to partner with us to increase the student’s skills.”

Somalia Miller Salmond talks to students at KIPP’s South Los Angeles campus.
PHOTO COURTESY KIPP SOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

At her KIPP school, families use apps such as Parent Square and Class Dojo to message teachers, administrators and school counselors. “Phone calls can be good, but we don’t use email [as] much,” Miller Salmond says. “Overall, I teach students and parents they can express concerns in a safe way.” 

Reaching for higher ground in high school

In high school, students take charge of communication. Barnaby Shepherd, M.A., an English language arts instructor with The Science Academy STEM Magnet in North Hollywood, believes “it is a good idea to … teach [students] to be self-advocates about their grades and assignments.”

There are still back-to-school nights, emails and newsletters to keep families abreast of curricular and policy details. And parents usually have access to their child’s grades via a learning management system. Rather than check too often, it’s wise to talk directly with your student about their progress.

Shepherd appreciates a “heads up” about a student who might need extra consideration. “I like building rapport with parents to reassure them that I know what I am doing and care about their child,” he says.

If there is a particular concern a child won’t fully address, parents should first try to let their student know they are going to get input from school. If there is a more serious issue — signs of depression, anger, fast-dropping grades — parents can request a phone call or meeting to talk further with faculty.

As needed, The Science Academy teachers will contact families with concerns. If the issue is related to well-being, the school counselor calls. If it’s a substantial discipline matter, a dean or school leader requests a meeting.

Largely because of the added pressure to get students ready college and other postsecondary pursuits, parents occasionally exhibit tension with teachers. “Every time that I have a challenging situation, I remind them that I am on their team,” Shepherd says. “It can never be construed as a fight between the stakeholders.”

For Shepherd, the most gratifying connections have been “the in-person conversations and hugs I have received from parents. I believe in being super positive in emails and meetings. I match the level of respect with parents to the way I present to their kids in class.”

Whatever the grade level, the parent-school partnership needs care and communication if we are to successfully guide these most precious entities of our lives. Ask questions, follow up and strengthen the mutual trust that is needed to raise up our kids.

Best Practices for Effective Parent-Teacher Communication

  1. Approach each note or call as a chance for partnership. Teachers want to help your child succeed and respond well to positive collaboration.
  2. Email or other electronic messaging is best for initial contact with faculty.
  3. Give a faculty member at least 24 hours to reply to a message.
  4. Respond to teachers, administrators and counselors within a day or so.
  5. Plan in-person or Zoom meetings for more involved concerns.
  6. Follow up with teachers after communications. Ask for emailed details of any to-do’s agreed upon between parents and faculty.
  7. Feel free to connect with faculty in the high school years, though interactions should scale back in the advancing years.
  8. Give handwritten thank-you notes at holiday and/or year-end times. Gift cards are also appreciated.

Gregory Keer is a husband to one, father to three, a high school educator and veteran writer. Find his columns and more at familyman.blog.

Writing College Admissions Essays

Published

By Ben Urwand

Few things stress high school students out more than the task of writing college admissions essays. After worrying about grades, standardized tests and extracurriculars, they have to write 650 words — a “personal statement” — about what makes them unique. For many students, this will be the first time they’ll ever write a personal essay, but they know their submission will play an important part in their college application process. It’s no wonder they often panic when they sit down to get started.

As a parent, this puts you in a bind: You want your child to go to a great college, but you don’t want them to get overwhelmed, especially when they’re so close to the finish line. So how do you support your high schooler through the college essay process? Here are the four most important things to keep in mind.

The college admissions essay is not about faking your way to impress.

Anyone will tell you that for students to get admitted to a top college, they need to excel. And it’s certainly true that a high GPA and SAT/ACT scores, along with an impressive extracurriculars list, will do wonders for an application.

But students get into trouble when they try to “crush” the college essay. They boast about their achievements — and they act as if they already know what they want to do with their lives. Unfortunately, this often comes off as sounding inauthentic and doesn’t improve a student’s chances of getting into a top college. In fact, it can actually detract from an otherwise strong application.

Remind your teen that the college essay is different from the other parts of the application, and that showing off isn’t the goal here.

Realize that the college essay cannot be “hacked.” 

As you might expect, there’s a lot of bad advice about college essays on the internet. Everyone seems to be advertising the latest clever technique to get admitted to Harvard or Stanford.

If possible, encourage your teen to avoid reading sample essays or watching TikTok videos of fresh admits boasting about how they hacked college admissions and got into their dream school. Not only is this a damaging message to impart, but it’s also extremely stressful for students when they’re applying to college.

At the end of the day, admissions officers are just people like you and me, and every time they see an applicant using some “tried-and-true strategy” for the hundredth time, they roll their eyes and groan.

Instead, encourage your teen to treat the college essay as an opportunity.

Take a moment to look at the college essay prompts on the Common App website. You’ll notice they’re refreshingly honest attempts to get students to think through their life experiences. They’re a great indication of what schools are looking for in the college essay — not boasting or cleverness, but authenticity.

         To make a college essay authentic, students need to be honest about their strengths and weaknesses. One of our recent students suffered from ADHD, but he noticed that when he was applying for his pilot’s license, his concentration difficulties disappeared. He wrote an original essay about how he took what he learned from flying and applied it to his schoolwork. Another student had no major challenges, but he noticed that whenever he was engaged in competitive swimming, he got bored. He came up with a fascinating essay about how something he had thought of as purely negative — boredom — often led him to be most creative. In both essays, the students reflected openly about actual experiences, leading to unique admissions essays that helped catapult them into their top-choice schools.

The college essay is an opportunity for students to stop, reflect on their experiences and discover what they’ve learned about themselves. This isn’t easy; it takes a lot of work to come up with an observation that readers haven’t heard before. But if students invest time and energy into coming up with a compelling narrative, it will serve them not only in this application, but throughout their professional careers. It’s a powerful feeling to be admitted to college after submitting an essay that reflects who you really are.

Gently ask your teen questions and get them to talk about themselves.

If you really want to help with the essay process, don’t get overly involved or tell your teen what you think they should say. Instead, take a backseat and express curiosity about what they might want to discuss. Have they encountered a challenge or setback in their lives? And if not, have they had any unusual experiences or learned any interesting lessons?

Often, the last person teens want to talk to is a parent. If this is the case, the best thing you can do is make sure they’re talking to someone they trust: a friend, a teacher or a college essay tutor. It may take some time, but if they reflect honestly about their lives, they’ll eventually hit on an idea that’s so compelling the writing will happen relatively quickly.

Writing a college essay doesn’t have to be stressful. Helping your teen uncover their authentic self is probably the most helpful thing you can do to support them through the process.

Ben Urwand is the founder of Real College Essays, which helps high school students brainstorm, structure and write college admissions essays. He received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and was a junior fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows.

August Book Corner: Back-to-School Books

Published

By Emily Ip

This month’s roundup of children’s books is for the upcoming back-to-school season. From preschool readiness to first day jitters and adjusting to new environments, these back-to-school books will be the perfect addition to your child’s bookshelf.

Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story

By Reem Faruqi

Lailah is in a new school in a new country and finds herself conflicted with embracing her culture while wanting to be included with her new classmates. As Ramadan begins, she is ready to start fasting, but is worried about what her classmates will think when she doesn’t join them at the lunch table. This story is crafted by Reem Faruqi’s moving writing and Lea Lyon’s beautiful illustrations. “Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story” is the perfect book for children who are anxious about fresh starts. Ages 5-10.

A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School

By Shannon Olsen

“A Letter From Your Teacher: On the First Day of School” is written from a teacher’s point of view, establishing the community rules and procedures of a classroom, in addition to the care and excitement they carry towards getting to know each of their students. This story is one of five books in Olsen’s Classroom Community Collection. Ages 5-8.

Little Yellow Bus: A Back to School Bravery Adventure

By Erin Guendelsberger

The story of the “Little Yellow Bus” serves as a comforting reminder even on our most worrisome, anxiety-filled days, we can find the courage within ourselves to turn it around and take part in a new adventure. Whether it’s first day jitters or general nerves, “Little Yellow Bus” is a book that children can turn back to again and again. This book is part of the Little Heroes, Big Hearts collection. Ages 4-7.

The Name Jar

By Yangsook Choi

After moving from Korea to America, Unhei is nervous about many things at school, one of which being her name. After trying to pick a new name for herself, Unhei comes to realize that the best name she could have is her own. “The Name Jar” is a story that many children who find themselves wanting to fit in will relate to. Ages 5-8.

Preschool, Here I Come!

By D.J. Steinberg

“Preschool, Here I Come!” is a book filled with lighthearted, funny poems about all of the firsts that come with beginning preschool. Steinberg’s joyful writing and John Joven’s excitingly colorful illustrations make this the perfect book to introduce toddlers to their new routine.

For more book suggestions, visit our July Book Corner.

Summer Fun at Outdoor Concerts in L.A.

Published

By Nina Harada

This summer, take your family out to enjoy some live music at these outdoor concerts in L.A.! Each of these events is a fun and free way to keep the fun going this summer.

Off the 405 at The Getty Center

July 20, 27 and Aug. 24, 6 p.m.
1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles

Alabaster DePlume performing at Off the 405 in 2023. The free concert night returns to The Getty Center July 26 and Aug. 30. PHOTO COURTESY GETTY MUSEUM

Getty’s free annual outdoor concert series returns to the museum courtyard select Saturday evenings this summer. The evening begins with a DJ set at 6 p.m., followed by the featured performer at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early to explore the Getty Center’s Central Garden and bring a picnic to enjoy before the show. On-site food and beverages will also be available for purchase. FREE. getty.edu

California Jammin’ at Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center

July 26 & Aug. 30, 6 p.m.
241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim

Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center’s free all-ages summer concert series returns to the Carnegie Courtyard. July 26 features American traditional, Celtic and bluegrass band Lilies of the West. Aug. 30 features country musician Sean Oliu. The family-friendly event will also have an arts and crafts booth that kids can enjoy during the performance. FREE. muzeo.org

Levitt Pavilion’s free concert series returns to MacArthur Park Saturday nights through Aug. 31. PHOTO COURTESY LEVITT PAVILION

Pearson Park Summer Nights Under the Stars

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 7 p.m.
401 North Lemon St., Anaheim

You know it’s going to be a good time if Disneyland is behind the event! Pearson Park Amphitheatre, sponsored by Disneyland Resort, presents free, family-friendly concerts Saturdays in August. Each night features a different tribute band, honoring musicians like Selena, the Beatles and more. FREE. anaheim.net

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles Summer Concert Series

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7 p.m.
2230 W. 6th St., Los Angeles

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles at MacArthur Park brings back its free, family-friendly concerts Saturday evenings through Aug. 31. Genres include soul, funk, hip-hop and more, so there’s something for everyone. You’re welcome to bring your own picnics, blankets and lawn chairs. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available from local vendors. FREE. levittlosangeles.org

KCRW Summer Nights

July 13, 20, 27, Aug. 10 and 30, 7 p.m.
Various locations throughout L.A.

KCRW Summer Nights, the free all-ages outdoor summer concert series, returns to various cultural institutions across L.A. We’ve got our eyes on July 13, which features an evening of cumbia at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown LA. We’ll also bring our dancing shoes to California African American Museum on Aug. 30 for live sets from KCRW DJs Novena Carmel and Francesca Harding. Bonus: After-hours access to all CAAM exhibitions. FREE. kcrw.com

To find more activities and entertainment for summer nights in L.A., visit our full roundup.

Nina Harada is Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.

Muse on Local L.A. Museums This Summer

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Museums are the perfect place to keep kids entertained, while serving as an indoor oasis from Southern California’s heated summers. Read along for our roundup of local L.A. museums for kids and families!

To stir the kids’ imaginations and help geographical history come alive, take a trip to The Autry Museum in Griffith Park. The Autry is dedicated to telling the stories of the American West and how it was won, and it offers a family play space with free entry days once a month.

Family playing games. PHOTO COURTESY AUTRY MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN WEST

The Getty in West L.A. offers several family creative courses, such as creating your own scent, ceramics and pressed-flower cyanotypes (a photographic technique of using the sun to create floral images without a camera.)

Meanwhile, over in Exposition Park. The California Science Center will display 30 recreations of Leonardo da Vinci machines including The Great Organ and the Flying Bicycle. For “Goosebumps” fans, there is an exhibit with the books — one that will dive into the science of fear. Getting a little spooky beats the heat any day.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

Hideaway from Heat at These L.A. Bookstores

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Our public libraries are always welcoming, but if you’re looking for a quaint bookstore to read and relax in, L.A. County has some must-try gems. In this roundup, we’re featuring kid-friendly bookstores complete with inviting lounge areas and expansive shelves filled with everything from children’s stories to adult novels.

In Pasadena, the hometown of the late science fiction novelist Octavia Butler, visit the bookstore named in her honor: Octavia’s Bookshelf. This cozy and beautifully designed literary space is sure to inspire hours of reading.

A young reader at Octavia’s Bookshelf enjoys the reading nook. PHOTO BY CHERIE COFER

With three floors of books, games and gadgets,  Barnes & Noble at the Grove is another favorite family hangout, and the bookstore has regular events for young readers.

The Salt Eaters Bookshop in Inglewood prioritizes books, zines and comics by and about Black women, girls, femmes and gender-expansive people. Inspired by Toni Cade Bambara’s novel “The Salt Eaters,” this stylish shop located on Queen Street is a peaceful and joyful place to read, relax and meet new friends. And when quiet reading time is over, it’s always popping with live events — from Beyoncé album listening parties to story time for kids in an enchanting children’s reading area.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. 

Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

Stay Cool at These Family-Friendly Breweries and Wineries

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Beat the sweltering heat whilst embracing warm summer nights at these family-friendly breweries (and a winery!) throughout L.A. Each of the spots featured in our roundup include kid-friendly entertainment, along with food, drinks and a relaxing atmosphere so parents can sit back with ease.

The whole family can engage in games at Campsite Brewing. PHOTO BY MYRIAM SANCHEZ/CAMPSITE BREWING

For some Downtown L.A. suds and fun, check out Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District, which has beers on tap for the adults and lemonade and soda for the little ones. Boomtown also hosts some family-themed nights as well, as carnival-themed days with face painting and games.

Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s Venice Taproom will give you and the fam a taste of rustic in a gastropub with a menu “geared for beer.” Venice-only beers are made in the adjacent Propagator brewhouse.

If you’re even a little bit into wrestling, you likely know about the lucha libre wrestlers, or luchadores, an exciting form of professional wrestling in Mexico, where the masked wrestlers incorporate awe-inspiring acrobatic moves in the battle to win. Get a taste of the culture at the wrestling-themed decor and menu at Luchador Bar and Kitchen in Pomona.

In Orange County, 4 Sons Brewing and Flashpoint Brewing Company also provide spaces for the whole family to unwind. 

Our L.A. River has gone through its trials and tribulations, but with ongoing revival efforts, it’s now a sight for sore eyes. Good thing Frogtown Brewery looks out over the river and proves such a family-welcoming space with a beer garden, tap room, food trucks and plenty of room for the kids to roam. Try the Painkiller, a tiki-inspired IPA made with toasted coconut and pineapple, for a tropical escape as you listen to the river.

The enchanting entrance at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula invites you to leave all worries behind. PHOTO COURTESY WILSON CREEK WINERY

For those of us who enjoy a good glass of wine and scenery to boot, a drive to Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula is the perfect answer. At just an hour’s drive south of Los Angeles, the picturesque landscape will melt all memories of traffic away. Feel free to wine taste or have a picnic complete with a play area for the little ones.

For more activities to stay cool this summer, visit our full roundup of indoor escapes. Cherie Cofer is a writer, mom, educator and editorial fellow for L.A. Parent.

A Family Day in the OC: Where to Eat, Play and Stay

Published

Esther Carlstone

Orange County is just an hour away from Los Angeles, but for Angelenos it often feels like an entirely different world. As someone who grew up in the OC, I love taking day trips with my three kids to introduce them to the places I used to love to frequent — and to discover new ones along the way.

The short distance, combined with tons of family-friendly activities, easy beach access and top-notch food choices, make the OC an ideal day trip for those idle summer days when you’re wondering: “What should I do with the kids today?”

What to Do

Balboa Fun Zone

Take an auto ferry from Newport to Balboa Island to play games at the arcade, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, indulge in sweet treats and, basically, live life like you’re on the boardwalks of yesteryear. balboafunzone.com

Pretend City Children’s Museum

Pretend City is a role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas. PHOTO COURTESY PRETEND CITY

Located in Irvine, little ones will adore this role-playing wonderland dotted with tot-sized replicas of places such as the post office, a movie theater, a farm and even a Trader Joe’s to create an entire mini city. There are costumes, arts and crafts, exhibits and special events to entertain the kids all day long. pretendcity.org

Zoomars at River Street Ranch

We’ve been to several birthday parties here, and it’s always a hit for both kids and adults alike. There are petting zoos, pony rides, mining, a train ride, a playground and even mini tractors and excavators the kids can ride and work on. It’s located in San Juan Capistrano, so you can pair this with a stroll around the famous missions afterward. riverstreetranch.com

Adventure Playground

This vast playground in Irvine has massive Lego blocks, a treehouse, sensory garden, fort zone, mud area and so much more. Just remember to bring a change of clothes, as chances that the kids will get wet or muddy are high. In case they need some quiet time after all the play, the playground is conveniently located right next to a library. cityofirvine.org/parks-facilities/adventure-playground

Book a boat for a memorable half day out at sea.
PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Whale Watching in Dana Point

As an OC native, I remember seeing whales and dolphins at all times of the year from the beach. Book a boat from a reputable company such as Captain Dave’s Whale & Dolphin Watching Safari for a memorable half day out at sea. dolphinsafari.com

Hit the Beach

Orange County has no shortage of world-renowned beaches — from Crystal Cove State Park to Laguna Beach. Main Beach, the most popular stretch of beach in Laguna, has a playground for kids and easy access to Park Street, which is filled with shops and eateries. And don’t forget the beloved Huntington Pier, which is one of the longest piers on the West Coast and offers panoramic views spanning Catalina Island, Long Beach, San Pedro and Newport Beach.

Where to Eat

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

ICYMI, America’s only Hello Kitty Cafe is only an hour away. This huge pink wonderland for Sanrio fans young and old is in the Irvine Spectrum Center. Make sure not to miss Hello Kitty’s signature afternoon tea (reservations required) — or just pop in for a coffee and sweets. sanrio.com

Las Brisas

This iconic Laguna Beach restaurant has been around for ages and boasts an amazing weekend brunch with stunning ocean views. Even after I moved up to L.A., my family would meet here regularly for brunch — kids in tow — then head down the hill to Main Beach afterward. lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

La Sirena Grill

This is my go-to for a more casual Laguna Beach lunch option. I used to frequent the tiny cottage La Sirena Grill started in back in the day, and the restaurant has since opened up a much larger outpost, still serving the delicious fresh Mexican food it’s known for. The kids gobble up the carne asada quesadillas while I opt for the filling burritos. lasirenagrill.com

Heritage BBQ

Some claim it’s the best Texas barbecue in California. All I know is it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Just know wait times get long for this Michelin-honored eatery (as in people bring lawn chairs and start camping out in the morning), so you may need to designate a person to wait while the other explores the adorable downtown San Juan Capistrano area. heritagecraftbbq.com

Where to Stay

If you want to make it a staycation instead of driving back in one day, check out some beloved hotels in the area. 

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa is close to Dana Point Harbor. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa

With close proximity to the Dana Point Harbor and San Juan Capistrano missions, this gorgeous resort is a great home base for exploring southern Orange County. I recently stayed here with my kids, and we spent the day playing on the great lawn, enjoying movie night, swimming and walking to the nearby playground. marriott.com

Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim

If you’re planning a Disney trip, this hotel has spacious rooms for families, a water park in the pool area and, best of all, is a short walk to both Disney entrances. Some rooms even boast a view of Disneyland, so you can watch the nightly fireworks from the comfort of your own room. marriott.com

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Staying here as an L.A. local makes you feel like you’ve traveled to some epic beach vacation without all the travel time. hyatt.com

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach

Luxuriate in generously sized rooms, award-winning dining and three sparkling pools at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. PHOTO BY ESTHER CARLSTONE

If you really want to splurge, you can’t get better than this stunning resort with generously sized rooms to accommodate families, award-winning dining, three sparkling pools and access to the Monarch Bay Beach Club. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com

Esther Carlstone is a parenting and travel writer/editor who’s always looking for the best places to see, eat and stay with kids. 

Great Local Farms and Nature Escapes 

Published

By Emily Ip

Yearning for a slice of rural bliss amidst the urban sprawl? The summer is the perfect time to explore the diverse farm and nature experiences in and around Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for a farm tour, a peaceful sanctuary visit or a chance to pick your own fresh produce, this curated roundup will help you reconnect to the earth and bring joy to your little ones. 

Kids can meet farm animals and pick fruit at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. PHOTO COURTESY TANAKA FARMS

Tanaka Farms: Located in Irvine, Tanaka Farms offers an array of u-pick tours where you can harvest your own seasonal fruits and vegetables. Kids will love meeting the friendly farm animals, and the farm’s educational tours make for a fun and informative day out. tanakafarms.com/u-pick-farm-tours

Pick fruits and vegetables and meet animals at Underwood Family Farms and other area farms. 
PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Underwood Family Farms: Head to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark for a delightful experience picking your own fruits and vegetables. With a petting zoo and seasonal festivals, this farm provides endless entertainment and fresh produce to take home.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/pick-your-own

Farm Sanctuary: Visit the Los Angeles branch of Farm Sanctuary to meet rescued farm animals and learn about their stories. This sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat and an educational experience about animal welfare. farmsanctuary.org/the-sanctuaries/los-angeles-ca

Gilchrist Farm: Nestled in Santa Clarita, Gilchrist Farm offers a variety of activities, from farm tours and horseback riding to a charming petting zoo. It’s a great spot for families to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventures. gilchristfarm.com

Picking from the abundance of sweet summer strawberries. PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Kfar Saba Urban Farm: At this rescue farm in Winnetka, you can support its mission of animal care and enjoy the simple pleasures of farm life. Follow updates for volunteer opportunities and events. facebook.com/kfarsabaurbanfarm

Manassero Farms: Manassero Farms in Irvine is another fantastic destination for u-pick fun. Enjoy the fresh air as you gather your own produce and learn about sustainable farming practices. manasserofarms.com/experience

Canzelle Alpacas: For an unforgettable encounter, visit Canzelle Alpacas in Somis. These farm tours include up-close interactions with alpacas, making for a picture-perfect day out. canzelle.com

Families meet the farm animals. PHOTOS COURTESY UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS

Cherry picking: There’s still time to catch the end of cherry season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by picking your own at these local cherry farms. Keep an eye on their websites for the upcoming picking dates. cherriesupick.com

L.A. Green Grounds: Join the grassroots movement with L.A. Green Grounds in South L.A., where you can learn to cultivate your own edible garden. Volunteer for a “Dig-In” or attend a class to gain green-thumb skills that will flourish in your backyard. lagreengrounds.org

Wattles Farm: Get involved with the community at Wattles Farm in Hollywood. The volunteer events here are a great way to give back while enjoying the serenity of the historic gardens. Mark your calendar for a clean-up weekend or a leisurely visit. wattlesfarm.com

We Love It: Toys & Shoes Fit for Summer Fun

Published

By Elena Epstein

Foster color recognition and counting skills while promoting eco-consciousness in a fun and interactive way. Features adorable flowers, pots and a guide filled with kid-friendly sustainability facts. $24.99, ages 18 months+, learningresources.com

Perfect for kiddos on the go. With a neoprene upper, lining and footbed atop a durable injected outsole, this is a quick-drying shoe suitable for play in and out of water. $21.99, ages 3-11, oomphies.net

Visit 10 incredible landmarks across the globe as you embark on an adventure of logic and strategy. Packed in a compact travel edition to enjoy anywhere. $19.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

Scoop, squeeze, decorate and customize. Place the cone under the dispenser and push the sand through to create colorful swirls. Add some sprinkles and extra toppings, then squish and create all over again. $14.99, ages 3+, spinmaster.com

Gallop into adventure with this fully furnished home where you can cook breakfast, take care of the horses in the stable and go for a ride around the ranch. $149.99, ages 5+, playmobil.com

This cute puppy is ready for a stroll. Her bouncy walk and wobbly head move just like a real pet. Listen for barks, howls, a “rwar-ing” happy tune and other adorable noises. $19.99, ages 4+, justplayproducts.com

This toy transforms from cards to superfast racing cars with the press of a button. No pull back needed. Portable and fits perfectly in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go play. $12.99, ages 5+, lukilab.com

Constructed from 100% cotton canvas, these shoes feature two touch fastening straps specifically designed for the barefoot concept. The zero-drop design provides flexibility and a soft feel, with the added option of a removable sole. $49, ages 6-13 months, justshoesforkids.com

July Book Corner: Books for Beginner Readers

Published

By Emily Ip

Summer break is the perfect time for your children to get to all of those books they might not have had time for during the school year. Story time is always a welcome activity to break up the day or spend some time away from the screens. These interactive, engaging books are great for beginner readers, or little ones who are just starting to sound out their words. A number of these books are brand new and will be released in August to close out your child’s summer reading list!

The Shape of Things

By Dean Robbins

For the child that loves to embark on adventures and learn about new places, “The Shape of Things” is a vividly illustrated and written nonfiction book about mapmaking. Maps are the visual fabric that weave together the world around us, and this book explores everything from the earliest cave dwellers to ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Chinese scholars, to European explorers and modern computer scientists. “The Shape of Things” is a great introduction to developing an understanding for geography. Available Aug. 20. Ages 4-8.

The Boy and the Elephant

By Freya Blackwood

“The Boy and the Elephant” is a wordless picture book perfect for children who aren’t ready to begin reading yet, or simply just enjoy illustrations without a predetermined storyline. In this book, a lonely young boy finds solace among the trees near his apartment. One day, the boy spots an elephant behind the trees, whom he visits throughout each season. When the lot is sold and the trees are marked for removal, the boy must find a way to save the elephant and the other creatures of the wild space. Available Aug. 27. Ages 4-8.

My Big Book of Nature Sounds

By Lucie Brunelliere

Storytelling is usually a one-way interaction when reading to babies and toddlers. With “My Big Book of Nature Sounds,” little ones can further develop their listening and language skills while having fun. The 20-button side panel on this book contains 100 sounds and words of nature, like crunching leaves, barking dogs and more! Added bonus: this book is durable enough to come along for summer road trips and plane rides, and is the right size for little hands to hold. Ages 0-3.

Somewhere in Between

By Laan Cham

For children who always feel stuck in the middle, “Somewhere in Between” will be a relatable, fun read about conflict resolution, friendship and complex emotions. This story of fairness, sharing and concession is perfect for sibling quarrels, challenges at school and everything in between. Ages 4-8.

For more books to add to your shelf, check out our June Book Corner.

June Book Corner: Honoring Juneteenth

Published

By Emily Ip

Juneteenth has long been celebrated as a day that represents freedom and liberation within the African American community. On June 19, 1866, the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in Texas, the last confederate state. Although emancipation still came gradually for enslaved people, Juneteenth became a significant symbol of hope. Whether you are celebrating Juneteenth with your children, or want to educate them about the holiday, books are a great place to start. Read along to find children’s books that share why Juneteenth is a significant holiday, the stories of historical figures, delicious recipes and more!

The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story

By Glenda Armand

Vivid, richly colorful illustrations from artist Corey Barksdale and the rhyming verses of Armand’s writing blend together to tell the story of Juneteenth. Though “The Night Before Freedom” makes for a beautiful addition to young readers’ bookshelves, even the most seasoned readers will appreciate the story, too. Ages 4+

Juneteenth for Maizie

By Floyd Cooper

Young Maizie reflects on the struggles and triumphs throughout Black history as she prepares to celebrate Juneteenth. In “Juneteenth for Maizie,” Maizie celebrates a day symbolizing liberty and freedom: the day her ancestors were no longer enslaved. Ages 4-8.

Ice Cream Man: How Augustus Jackson Made a Sweet Treat Better

By Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman

“Ice Cream Man,” is the story of Augustus Jackson, the man who is responsible for the beloved cool, creamy treat we now know as ice cream. As a child, Augustus dreamed of becoming a professional chef and set off to work in the White House at the age of 12. Working his way up from kitchen assistant to head chef, Augustus began experimenting, creating an expanding variety of flavors. Augustus’ invention was soon enjoyed by everyone, just as this book will be. Ages 4-8.

Juneteenth Is

By Natasha Tripplett

The book “Juneteenth Is” captures the warmth and unity of Black communities and families. Read along to learn more about Juneteenth, which is not only a holiday, but a day that symbolizes freedom. Ages 4-8.

The Juneteenth Cookbook

By Alliah L. Agostini

With historically accurate recipes and educational family activities, “The Juneteenth Cookbook” is a fun, delicious way for children to connect with their culture, or learn something new. Some of the family and kid-friendly recipes include sweet potato pie bars, Mac ‘n’ Please, Frances Price’s Calico Potato Salad and more! Ages 8-12.

For more book suggestions, check out our May Book Corner.

We Love It: From Toys and Games to Strollers and Swim Diapers

Published

By Elena Epstein

Birdfy Feeder Bamboo 

Enjoy nature with this smart bird feeder made from FSC-certified bamboo. Features a solar-powered camera for eco-friendly operation, allowing for bird watching with minimal environmental impact. Supports AI recognition to identify more than 6,000 bird species. $279.99, birdfy.com

“Dear Graduate”

This book challenges that age-old question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” by changing it to “What will you do when you grow up?” It asks 33 questions of graduates of any age about how they want to spend their time and what values they’ll develop. $15.99, ages 5-18, deargraduatebook.com

Joolz Aer+

Designed to make traveling with your little one smooth and comfortable, this stylishly designed stroller features a one-hand, one-second fold and is airplane compatible and lightweight. The reclining seat makes it perfect for napping on the go. $449, birth+, joolz.com

First Crafts Pets Carnival Collage Sensory Craft Box

Explore a vibrant carnival of textures, shapes, colors and sizes to craft delightful pets and party-inspired creations. Includes more than 1,000 pieces neatly packed in a sturdy portable box. $34.95, ages 3+, mycreativebox.com

“The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids”

A fun guide packed with tips, tools and checklists to plan the perfect outdoors adventure with your family. Includes new gear recommendations, practical advice, recipes, activities and art projects to keep your kids engaged and connected to nature. $24.95, shambhala.com

“A Year of Celebraciones”

Take a tour around the world as you learn how other cultures celebrate their new year through decorations, gifts, foods, gatherings and more. $18.99, ages 4-8, apa.org

Happy Nappy DUO 

A sustainable alternative to disposable swim diapers, this 2-in-1 design contains solids while its innovative silver lining is designed to kill fecal bacteria. $27, ages 0-3 years, us.splashabout.com

VTech Bopping & Cruising Baby Driver

Vroom, vroom — let your littles take a road trip fueled by their imagination! Features bright colors, soft textures and tons of role-play car gears. $17.99, ages 3 months+, vtechkids.com

Baby GUND Sustainably Soft Dolls 

These dolls are great for cuddlers. Each cuddly friend is sourced from 100% recycled materials (plastic bottles) and crafted with luxe ultra-soft recycled plush, fiber fill and threads. Featuring six beautiful and diverse dolls. $20, ages birth+, gund.com

How to Keep Your Family Healthy on Vacation 

Published

By Elena Epstein

Colleen Kraft, M.D., pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
PHOTO COURTESY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES 

Family vacations are one of the best ways to bond and make lifelong memories. But we all know that the change in schedule and adjusting to sleeping and eating in new places can be challenging, especially for kids. We reached out to Colleen Kraft, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, for some tips on how to incorporate wellness into your next adventure.

How important is staying hydrated when traveling, whether by car or plane?

It’s important to stay hydrated. Here’s a good chart on how much water [per day] a child should have by age:

Age in yearsNumber of 8-ounce cups
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88
9 and older8
Eight 8-ounce cups = 2 liters

How do you ensure good hydration for both kids and parents?

When we are on vacation, we often don’t know that we are thirsty, but we see some of the following signs. This is especially true for active children and parents, as well as during warmer weather. These signs include:

  • Dry lips
  • Sticky mouth
  • Infrequent urination or dark-colored urine
  • Sleepy and irritable
  • Flushed skin
  • Lightheadedness
  • Cramps
  • Thirst
  • Headache
  • Rapid pulse
  • Feeling excessively hot or cold

Eating well can become challenging while traveling. What are some of your tips?

Keeping healthy snacks available can ensure that kids and parents have good options in between restaurants and other places to eat. If you are staying in a location with a kitchen, you can shop and make your own snack bags before you head out for the day. If you don’t have a kitchen, there are some good packaged options, including:

  • Fresh fruit slices
  • Dried fruit — raisins, cranberries, bananas, cherries, apricots
  • Baby carrots
  • Popcorn (for children over 4 years of age)
  • Peanuts, almonds, cashews
  • Pretzels
  • Veggie Straws
  • Snap peas

Stick to snacks that are primarily made with whole-food ingredients (beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, whole grains).

How about staying “regular,” which is a problem for many while traveling?

A combination of enough water, high-fiber foods (like the snacks above) and lots of physical activity will ensure that you and your kids will remain “regular” during your travel. Make sure you know where the bathrooms are located. For some kids, they will prefer to do this in the same location — like a hotel room or condo bathroom — so make sure you have some “down time” in the afternoon or evening for this to happen.

What are some activities to incorporate into our travel plans so we don’t return from our trip completely frazzled?

A balance of activity and rest really helps make a vacation fun and “doable”. Keep some of your usual family routines while away. Things like a bath, brushing teeth and a book at night are comforting for children and help make the daytime activities that much more enjoyable.

What do you recommend for getting a good night’s sleep in a new environment?

Vacation often includes later bedtimes than usual, but try not to make this any later than one hour past your child’s usual bedtime. Incorporate your usual bedtime routines while you are away to ensure that your child sleeps well.

What are some things to avoid while traveling to ensure a calmer, more enjoyable experience?

Vacations are a time when we all try to do too much — too many rides or activities or places to visit, too much junk food or treats. Keep a plan for a morning and an afternoon activity. Give yourself and your kids some down time. Make sure you include some of your family routines throughout your day and evening. Don’t worry if you don’t see or do everything — there will always be times to return. The important part is to celebrate your children and family while you visit a new or fun destination or relatives. The time and attention you spend with your children will create lasting memories. 

Editor’s Note: Wherever You Go, There You Are

Published

By Cassandra Lane

When I was a kid, my family didn’t get to travel, so I’d spread one of my grandmother’s patchwork quilts under the fig trees in our backyard, lie down and stare at the sky.

I envisioned myself on adventures in New York City, Barcelona, Paris, Greece, Morocco — places I read about in my mother’s romance novels and in the National Geographic magazines she bought from our local newsstand.

A dreamer herself, my mother would carefully tear out the magazine’s maps and tape them to the fading floral wallpaperin her bedroom, inviting us to explore these paper depictions of the world with our fingers and eyes. One day, I will go there.

Pointing out the protea flowers at Highline Adventures in Buellton.  
PHOTO COURTESY CASSANDRA LANE

As an adult, I’ve gotten to travel a bit and enjoy taking my curious son along to explore, but what I never imagined I’d wish is that I could go back and visit the world of my childhood. Of course, I can always return to that town (DeRidder, La.) for a visit, but the tin- roofed house on Elm Street that held our dreams, hopes and wishes has long been torn down. The fig and plum trees are gone. The rose bushes: vanished. Those old maps have returned, I imagine, back to the soil from which the trees that made them sprouted.

One of my favorite aspects of my job here at L.A. Parent is that we cover travel — family excursions, solo journeys, couple and friend voyages. We travel to expand our understanding of people, place and history. What is just as essential is acknowledging that, wherever we go, we are bringing our foundation — our childhood dreams, accomplishments, wisdom, assumptions and limitations — with us. To travel is to navigate this two-way relationship. Whether we are visitors or the ones being visited, we are simultaneously students and teachers.

My son reminded me of this while I was on a work trip in Mexico recently. As we FaceTimed, I showed him the ocean from my spot on the hotel balcony. “No fair,” he said. “You should’ve taken me with you.”

“But you would’ve missed four days of school,” I said.

“Travel is the best kind of education,” he shot back.

Every other month, you’ll find at least one travel-related story in our magazine (and many more on LAParent.com) —and sometimes my son gets to help us tell the story.

This issue is dedicated mostly to travel. Come along for Margot Black’s exploration into the Fiji islands with her family and Shelley Gaske’s expert guide on how to get your play on in Portland, Ore. Along the way, you’ll find my familyflying in the air over the Santa Ynez Valley, Lynell George’s up-close look at a destination close to home and Digital Editor Nina Harada’s bountiful roundup of local fun. And to keep it real, Creative Director Elena Epstein interviews a local pediatrician for tips on keeping the family healthy while on vacay. 

Bon voyage!

New Podcast Celebrates Nontraditional Paths to Parenting

Published

By Nina Harada

When L.A.-based postpartum doula and lactation educator Maria Pasquarelli heard comedian and actor Molly Hawkey’s podcast “SpermCast,” she realized how many people in her own orbit had unique stories on how they formed their families. And so, she turned to her longtime friend, Ann-Sophie Morrissette, an L.A. native and communications consultant, to co-host a podcast of their own. 

“Our Families Ourselves” launched in January with Hawkey as their first guest. The podcasters discussed the highs and lows of navigating sperm donors, miscarriages and solo parenting.

Morrissette, who lives with her wife and two kids in Northeast L.A., always wanted to create a podcast to help people who are trying to start a family. “A podcast like this would have been a comfort to me, and brought some levity, when we were starting our family,” she says. And Pasquarelli, who just gave birth to her third child, was frustrated with seeing mainly one version of family defined in the mainstream. “I really wanted to find a way to celebrate and highlight the many ways that families are formed — and that people identify as a family,” she says.

Friends, moms and co-hosts Maria Pasquarelli and Ann-Sophie Morrissette.
PHOTO COURTESY MARIA PASQUARELLI AND ANN-SOPHIE MORRISSETTE

As first-time podcasters, the friends are still learning how to navigate a self-produced podcast. But that hasn’t stopped them from putting out new episodes each week, featuring touching, hilarious and in-depth conversations with individuals and couples who have created their families in myriad ways. From adoption to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to child-free by choice, listeners hear stories about the pain, joy and humor that can be found in both starting a family and parenting.

Episode 3 features Atlanta-based actor Bill Murphey, who shares his journey into single parenthood as a foster parent, then an adoptive parent. Episode 9 features Morrissette’s friend and mentor Mark Caffee, who tells the story of reconnecting with his biological parents 50 years after being adopted. And episode 10 is all about the roles aunts and women who aren’t parents play in children’s lives. 

Pasquarelli and Morrissette hope to shine a light on more nontraditional or challenging journeys towards parenthood, including hearing from experts and authors on adoption, fertility, reproductive rights and divorce. “If anyone out there has a story they want to share, please reach out,” says Pasquarelli. “We’d love to hear from you.”

The entire first season of “Our Families Ourselves” is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hollenbeck PAL: A Community Passion Project

Published

By Cherie Cofer

Nestled squarely in the heart of East Los Angeles is a nonprofit proudly serving three of the oldest neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Hollenbeck PAL is an organization on a mission to heal its community by providing a safe environment during non-school hours for kids ages 10-17.

Donald Levier of Hollenbeck PAL (center) poses with graduates. PHOTO BY OFFICER EUGENE OLEA

Founded in 1992 by the Hollenbeck division of the Los Angeles Police Department and community residents in response to the increase in juvenile crimes, Hollenbeck PAL offers several programs: career development (PAL-UP), sports recreation and leadership skills. The cornerstone of the organization is the 12-week Diversion program, which offers a comprehensive curriculum, conflict resolution and communication techniques for parents and their children. While participating, parents are required to attend weekly sessions. The program covers several core areas: delinquency and crime prevention, financial literacy and fitness and nutrition. 

“The PAL program can have a huge impact on the trajectory of a kid’s life,” says Donald Levier, associate director of Hollenbeck PAL’s Leadership and Development department. “Many of the youth in our community deal with trauma. By giving them the tools to help cope with and work through what they have been through, it can have an immeasurable impact on their lives.” 

To learn more, visit lapdhollenbeckpal.org.

                                                     

May Book Corner: Celebrate AAPI Heritage

Published

By Emily Ip

This curation of books celebrates AAPI authors and the stories they have penned. From enthralling tales about food, family memories and different generations to inspiring biographies, each of these books will teach your young reader a little something about other cultures, and the power of embracing their own.

We Are Here

By Naomi Hirahara

Twenty-three million people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent live in the United States. Amidst the depth and nuances of each of these individuals, “We Are Here” is a collection of biographies. These biographies highlight 30 AAPI individuals who have impacted the social, cultural, and political scene of the United States. Complete with a reflection guide including questions, links and a glossary, “We Are Here” is not only a beautiful book, but an excellent start to enlightening conversations, too. Ages 8-12.

Everyone Loves Lunchtime But Zia

By Jenny Liao

Many school-aged children (and even parents reading to their little ones) will identify with Zia, whose school lunchbox, filled with traditional Cantonese dishes prepared by her parents, is a source of anxiousness. As Zia begins to learn more about her culture through food, along with the meaning behind certain ingredients and flavors, she fosters an appreciation for her heritage and food. “Everyone Loves Lunchtime” is a fun read for everyone, and will inspire children to take pride in their identity. Ages 3-7.

The Magic Paintbrush

By Kat Zhang

“The Magic Paintbrush” is a vividly illustrated fantasy story about Amy, a Chinese American girl, who finds an ancient paintbrush upon visiting her grandmother. The paintbrush sends Amy into an adventure-filled journey that unleashes her inner creativity. Readers will enjoy following Amy’s discovery towards forging her own path, tapping into her imagination, and reconnecting with her family. Ages 10-13.

Always Anjali

By Sheetal Sheth

Anjali is tired of her name — the other kids are always teasing her for it, and when she wants to get personalized bike license plates with her friends, her name is nowhere to be found. Anjali’s frustration comes to a head when she demands that her parents let her pick a new name. In “Always Anjali,” readers will enjoy learning to embrace their own unique identities alongside Anjali. To continue the journey, grab “Bravo, Anjali!,” Sheth’s second book in the series. Ages 4-8.

Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store

By Sophia N. Lee

For one girl, helping her Lolo (grandfather) pack rice and eggs for Tonton, shampoo packets for Ate Jane and tend to the regulars at the Sari-Sari Store marked her summers. Now that she is far from the Philippines, she must find new ways to connect with her community and culture. “Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store” is a delightfully comforting read, particularly for children who are missing their relatives or pieces of another place they call home. Ages 4-8.

The Spice Box

By Meera Sriram

“The Spice Box” is the story of a father and son who share a spice box beholding pungent, fragrant spices for cooking all of their favorite dishes. The ruby and gold box is also special because it holds all of their memories and has been passed down from one generation to the next. When Rishi accidentally drops the box, he must connect his past to his present to set things right again. Ages 3-7.

For more books to add to your shelf, check out our April Book Corner.

Freedom in Play: Why Children Should Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Published

By Stratford School

The old adage “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” still holds true even today. Playtime and extracurricular activities help contribute to a child’s overall development.

If we want to raise successful children, it’s important to acknowledge that learning isn’t something that only takes place within the four walls of a classroom. A tremendous amount of learning also happens outside of a classroom setting.

According to Jeanne Huybrechts, Stratford School’s Chief Academic Officer, the most tangible benefits of getting your child involved in extracurricular activities include teamwork, a sense of belonging and early skill development that results in cognitive imprinting and muscle memory.  

Undertaking extracurricular activities has far-ranging benefits that touch on many aspects of a child’s development. Here are five advantages of extracurricular activities, demonstrating why you should encourage your child to take on something away from the classroom. 

Learn new skills: One of the fundamental benefits of extracurricular activities is that they allow your child to learn something that could stay with them for a lifetime. Directly, that skill could be the basis of a hobby or passion that enriches their life for many years. Everything from playing sports to learning an instrument could lead to hours spent doing something they truly enjoy. 

Understand a routine: Extracurricular activity involve structure and a predictable series of events that help children get on a schedule. The more they get comfortable sticking to a routine, the easier it gets for them to adhere to a schedule of activities both at home and school. And because their expectations are set, anxieties and stress in children are reduced.

Boost academic performance: Education requires solid problem-solving skills, memory, creativity and critical thinking. To varying degrees, you can find an extracurricular activity that has an impact on these areas. Research has been carried out that develops a link between extracurricular participation and better academic performance. In one such study, important academic outcomes like reading, math achievement and course grades were all found to be positively influenced by children who engage in extracurricular activities. 

Broader social skills: The very nature of many extracurricular activities means that your child will be engaging with other children in a social setting. Away from the classroom, it’s a good opportunity for them to mix with likeminded children in something they all enjoy. This is another key benefit of extracurricular activities: they give children a chance to develop their social skills, meet new friends and become more confident communicating in groups.

Well-rounded individual: Well-rounded children are known to thrive better in life. These are the ones who grow up with more confidence, sense of independence, creativity and ability to collaborate with others with fewer conflicts and behavioral issues. They are also the children who tend to adapt to change easily and handle life’s challenges more effectively.

To help children receive the most benefits from extracurricular activity involvement physically, emotionally and socially, Huybrechts recommends they participate in the right amount of activity for their age level and abilities.

“Exposure is key as it is impossible to predict what children will enjoy and be able to do well so allow kids to try several activities,” Huybrechts says. “Insist on completing whatever the original agreement was – a season, a semester, etc. – and then allow them to step away if it’s not what they like. At the same time, I think it’s fair to expect children to eventually commit to one or more extracurricular activities for an extended period. Extracurricular activities can develop into life-long pursuits, even passions, yet that won’t happen until a person has developed a certain level of proficiency. Adults who regularly play golf, tennis or chess well, or participate in a community orchestra, probably developed their passion – not to mention muscle memory – in a related activity as a child. We give our children a gift when we encourage them to stick with an activity that they clearly like for as long as it takes to get good at it – with foundational skill development that makes it easy for them to return to the activity at any time in their lives.” 

In addition, there are parents who may be concerned about their child participating in too many activities outside of school. Diversity in extracurricular activities promotes development as long as the child balances activities with the demands of school and family life. As Huybrechts notes, “Kids have different capacities, and activities can be seasonal and consume different amounts of time, so there is no single number. I would aim for a couple, and perhaps activities that tap into different capabilities and teach different skills: a soccer team and an after-school coding club; violin lessons, a school or community orchestra, or a swim team. The combinations I mention would not be taxing to children (or the parents who drive them to practice and rehearsals) and both include physical activity and a genuine team or ensemble experience.” 

When you give your child the chance to participate in school activities, they learn a lot more than just the things that are covered in class. The skills and knowledge they acquire shape their well-being and help round out their holistic development.

Schools and local communities are full of exciting activities that could spark your child’s imagination and capture their attention. Gauge your child’s general interests and consider what they may be interested in taking part in. Then look to their school or the wider community to find an appropriate program for your child. As Huybrechts concludes, “When your child enjoys the activity on a regular basis, looks forward to continued participation and sees the activity as part of their identity, you can be reasonably assured that the activity is a success.”If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

Caring for Your Kids Starts with You: Self-Care Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Published

If you’re a caregiver, you need to be a care receiver, too. 

Devoting your days (and nights) to caring for infants, toddlers, teens or adults who need it can be both rewarding and exhausting. The hours spent making sure that person (or people) are fed, hydrated, safe and healthy are worth it. That said, sometimes that effort leaves you too tired to take care of yourself. You might find it easy to prioritize others, but it can be just as important to move your own needs up that list at times. After all, if you’re worn down, unhealthy, hungry or too tired, you won’t have the energy to do anything for anyone. And when others keep pulling from your empty well, feelings of resentment might start to build. 

Self-care isn’t selfish. You might be thinking that putting self-care on the calendar is just one more task you can’t make time for. But self-care doesn’t have to take hours (or be expensive) in order for you to feel restored by it. Also, caring for yourself can look like not doing everything alone. Whether help is offered or you have to ask for it, letting someone else handle a task might make them feel useful while bringing your own stress level down a bit.

Think about the small, simple things you do for the people you love and how special it can make them feel. Then, think about little things that can make you feel happy, energetic or loved, and do those things. And consider this: Self-care is actually good for everyone. Here are some easy ideas to try:

  • Meditate, stretch, dance or do a deep-breathing exercise for five minutes.
  • Spend a few minutes every day in nature. 
  • Sit down to eat your meal — taste and enjoy your food (yes, even if it’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich).
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day.
  • Read a few pages of a book or listen to a podcast. 
  • Pick a flower or some greenery and keep it in a vase by your bed.
  • Ask for help, find help around you or take someone up on their offer to help.

Whatever it is, take a minute to put it on the calendar — and then, make it a non-negotiable. You wouldn’t push off a doctor’s appointment for your infant, right? You’d never miss your 3rd grader’s holiday lunch or your teen’s basketball game, either. Now it’s time for you to make what you need a priority as well. And remember, if it’s not something you can do alone, don’t be afraid to ask for the help you need. 

The better you feel, the better job you can do as a caregiver. So make yourself a priority today. You, and the ones you care for, will be better off because of it. 

You can also turn to BrightLife Kids for additional support to help you become the parent you strive to be. All California parents and caregivers with kids ages 0-12 now get free behavioral health coaching through BrightLife Kids. 

Chat with a credentialed expert and get answers to the toughest parent questions, like how to effectively manage kids’ tantrums, outbursts, meltdowns, and more. Sessions are just 30 minutes long, so they easily fit into your busy schedule. It’s 100% paid for by California –– which means it’s 100% free for you. Visit brightlife.kids to get started.  

We Love It: A Few of Our Editor’s Favorite Toys and Books for Kids

Published

By Elena Epstein

Bababoo and Friends Horse Stable Play World

Merge the power of storytelling and traditional playtime with this beautifully crafted wooden set that encourages caring and kindness. Includes horse stables and horse showers, play figures, horse obstacles, universal rail tracks and three vehicles. $63.99, ages 2+, us.bababooandfriends.com

Rubik’s Sensory Cube

Feel the colors with this unique 3×3 cube that has six distinguishable tactile markings for each color. Designed to enable visually impaired and unsighted users or those who enjoy the challenge of solving the cube by feel alone. Launched in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind. $12.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

Share Your Love

The rhyming couplets and beautiful art in this charming book carry children through the thoughtful process of extending love and kindness to themselves and the world. $18.95, ages 3-7, shambhala.com

Gotta Go Green by Debi Derryberry 

A musical album celebrating sustainability, going green and recycling. Debi is the voice for many beloved cartoon voices including Jimmy Neutron, Draculaura (Monster High), SharkPups (SharkDog). $11.98, debiderryberry.com

Asian Cultural Dolls Collection

Representing diverse Asian cultures, these 18-inch dolls promote self-love, heritage pride and respect. The initial collection features six dolls, representing Chinese, Filipina, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Indian cultures. $55, ages 2+, joeydolls.com

Puffin Rock and the New Friends

This action-packed movie celebrates our magnificent natural environment and features themes of belonging, courage and friendship. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock. $2.99 to rent/$6.99 to buy, ages 2-5, puffinrock.com

Sprinx – Bumpas Weighted Stuffed Character

Features three pounds of distributed weight to deliver deep pressure stimulation which helps promote a sense of security and calming. The soft and adorable plushie’s arms are perfectly sized to give realistic hugs and hold on to you − hands free. $39.99, ages 3+, mybumpas.com

Helping Your Kids Navigate Friendships 

Published

By Elena Epstein 

Friendship. When it’s right, our kids feel seen, supported and connected. But when so-called friendships veer towards jealousy, disrespect and manipulation, they can make children feel sad and inadequate. 

Watching our children go through tough peer relationships can be heartbreaking, while also evoking a sense of helplessness. We want our kids to move through life with confidence, connecting with their peers in fun and healthy ways as they build strong and mutually respectful relationships. But we don’t always know when to step in. 

Suzanne Silverstein is founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program. 
PHOTO COURTESY CEDARS-SINAI

I reached out to Suzanne Silverstein, a registered art therapist and founding director of the Cedars-Sinai Share & Care program, to gain some insight into ways we can help our kids develop stronger relationships and navigate unkind peers. She talked to me in-depth about this delicate issue and offered some critical do’s and don’ts. 

What is the Share & Care program? 

Cedars-Sinai Share & Care is a school-based mental health prevention and early intervention program that applies art therapy, mindfulness and council interventions to help children, educators and families who have been impacted by traumatic events and/or stressors. 

This academic year, Share & Care is at 28 [Los Angeles Unified School District] schools — 23 elementary and five middle schools. The program currently provides services to approximately 800 students per year. 

How important is having friends in a child’s life? 

Friendship is a critical component in the lifetime of adults and children of all ages. It plays a major role in life and development. Relationships with friends are one of the cornerstones of emotional development in a child. Children need to learn how to deal with their emotions when they get upset with peers. Friendships teach children social skills, how to communicate with others, how to problem solve and how to share. All these skills create an impact on the child and help develop positive self-esteem. 

How can parents help their children navigate making friends and keeping friends? 

Parents serve as a role model for their children. They see how you relate with others, how you talk to them and what you share with friends. If you have problems making friends, this message will come across to your child. All your relationships with friends send strong messages to your children. 

For younger children, you can help them make friends by setting up play dates. This will allow you to observe how they play with others. Are they able to share, can they communicate with their friends and problem solve? If your child has a problem in one of these areas, talk about what you observed, explain what didn’t work and why it might have been upsetting, share with your child what could have been done differently. Give your child lots of positive feedback when your child has play dates that went well.

How can parents help their child understand the difference between a true friend and one who is not? 

As a parent, it’s important for you to help your child understand what a true friend is. The following are characteristics of a good friend: one who respects you, supports you, someone you enjoy spending time with, someone who is not judgmental, [someone who is] a good listener and someone who has a sense of humor. 

A good relationship with friends can help your child develop positive self-esteem. As you observe your child making good friendships, point out the positive aspects that you noticed. 

Share with them what you like about the friend. 

If your child leans towards friends with negative actions that cause your child to feel bad, this is where you can step in and help your child understand why this friend is not the best choice. 

Should parents get involved when they sense that their child is being left out? If so, how? 

It really depends on the age of the child. For younger children, talk to them about being left out and how they feel. Give them tools and role play how to respond. If your child is getting into a fight with a friend, then it is best to step in if your child is unable to resolve the argument. Look at both sides of the situation. Don’t just take your child’s side. The next time your child is with friends, remind your child of your discussion and go over the suggestions you made together. 

Older children often want to handle situations on their own. Ask how things are going. If you notice your child is down or hasn’t talked about a friend in a while, you can share that you noticed and ask, “Has something happened?” Your child might elect not to share the situation with you at that time, [but] let them know you are available when they want to talk.

How does social media come into play in our kids’ friendships? 

In the 21st century, social media has become a major aspect in the lives of so many. As adults, we turn to technology to connect with family members, friends and colleagues. It is important to remember that parents serve as role models for their children. Youth observe how the adults in their home use technology (cell phones, social media, gaming, etc.). For younger children, phones, TVs and computers can become addictive. It is recommended that young children not be exposed to these devices. As children get older and begin using computers for school, it’s recommended that the computer be in a location outside of their bedroom, where you as the parent can see what your child is working on. 

Older children tend to spend hours captivated by social media, texting and scrolling though phone apps. Teens turn to cell phones to communicate and build relationships rather than communicating directly in person. Gaming is another major social media area. Many children and teens spend countless hours playing video games. They play online group games which serve for many as their social contacts and friends. In many cases, gamers only know each other by their online names. They have no idea how old other players are, where they live or what kind of person they are. The hours spent gaming can limit in-person connections and friendships. 

Below are do’s and don’ts to review with your children. These are extremely important tips. 

Do:

• Be aware of information you share about yourself, your family and friends. 

• Be aware who can access your information. 

• Trust yourself. If something looks or feels funny, check in with an adult. 

• Be aware before you post anything. Once information is online, you have lost control of it. 

Don’t: 

• Assume everyone online is who they say they are. 

• Share other people’s personal information or photographs. 

• Post information that could tell someone who you are or where you live. 

• Respond to disturbing or harassing messages. Cyberbullies are looking for reactions from you. 

What friendship-related stresses have you witnessed through Share & Care? 

For the elementary-age child, the school playground can be a source of stress. Boys often can’t tell the difference between the aggressive child who’s good at sports from a child who is being overly aggressive in a negative manner. Fourth-and fifth-grade girls tend to have a great deal of social problems, such as picking on one another or singling one girl not to be friends with. Some children don’t have the skills to communicate positively and are not always nice to one another. Cyberbullying has become a big issue for many kids due to social media. 

Some children are inherently more social than others. How can parents help nurture friendships for the kids who are less socially skilled? 

For the child with less social skills or possibly a shy child, there are steps a parent can take to help the child feel more comfortable in social situations. Start your child off with play dates when your child is young. That is the time children begin to learn  and develop social skills, which is how they make and keep friends. Expose your child to activities and sports that your child likes. 

Your child can also get involved in activities with friends so they won’t feel all alone. Reach out to your child’s teacher, see if the teacher has any tips for you since the teacher observes your child interacting with peers daily. As your child gets older, try role playing situations that make your child uncomfortable and give your child social tools to help connect with peers, such as making good eye contact, talking about activities other people like as well, demonstrating how to focus on the other person (being empathic). 

What’s the worst thing a parent can do when it comes to their kids’ friendships? 

There are two things that come to mind that set a bad example. If you’re helping your child learn how to make and keep friends, you need to model that yourself. If you talk negatively about your own friends to others, you are giving your child the message you don’t value friendships. 

The other is being a pushy parent by making your child do things that are uncomfortable for your child. For example, let’s say your child is uncomfortable in groups, and you invite several children over at once for play date. This could make your child feel more uncomfortable and not want to participate in play dates in the future. 

What is one thing you wish all parents knew about their children’s inner world of friends? 

I wish all parents could recognize the importance of children’s inner worlds, their uniqueness, which is made up of their memories, energy, creativity, wishes, friends and worries. The more you as a parent can recognize this part of your child and allow your child to share that part with you, the more you are able to see the different aspects of your child and appreciate your child’s individuality.

Editor’s Note: Mothering is Always in Season 

Published

By Cassandra Lane

Ah, spring. In SoCal, we are not shoveling the last of winter’s snow from our driveways or marveling at nature’s first buds piercing through frost, but, even here, spring ushers in a shift we can feel in our bones. 

I like to begin preparing for this seasonal change in February (after the excitement of the new year cools) by ramping up my health and fitness goals, sketching out three-, six- and 12-month plans and staying on top of my son’s second semester progress. 

Cassandra Lane was the featured National African American Read-In author at Tarrant County College in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
PHOTO BY IRWIN THOMPSON

This February, however, found me off-kilter. In addition to my work here at L.A. Parent, I agreed to take on five creative writing students. This, in the middle of performing in local literary events and traveling to Kansas City, Mo., to serve on a panel about motherhood and labor and to Dallas to serve as the featured author for a college’s participation in the National African American Read-In program. 

Did I mention I’m also a mom? 

But in the midst of whirlwinds, moms will always find a way (a superpower that deserves to be acknowledged outside of Mother’s Day). During my panel called “Rewriting Motherhood, Reimagining Essential Labor,” I held up a copy of L.A. Parent’s last issue and talked about how the stories of the mothers in our community — those parenting through health battles and grief, those finding creative ways to connect to their children — help sustain me and my colleagues. My fellow panelists and I vowed to keep shedding light on how unsupported the act of mothering continues to be — economically, socially, politically. 

We all have experience with the act of mothering and nurturing, whether we are biological mothers or not. We are all part of the human cycle of conception, gestation, delivery, growth and, yes, death. Like the seasons. Like Mother Earth. 

I believe that if we re-center the power and lessons we learn from nature and from nurturing, it would do the whole world a whole lot of good. In between my trips, I flew back to L.A. for a day, squeezing in a gym class, family time, some student time and a moment in my garden. I planted some wildflower seed balls I had picked up a few weeks before from Earthing Earth, a low-waste vintage home décor shop in Long Beach. Everything in this gorgeous shop feels, well, earthy — used clay pots, lush plants, art and textiles crafted by loving hands. In my garden, I sunk my own hands into fresh soil, inserting each seed ball deeper into the earth. The next day, I was off again to talk to college students about the importance of telling their stories and the urgency of hearing all stories. Teaching, like working as a nurse, like making art, is another form of mothering. 

I hope you can feel the care that went into putting together this spring magazine. It’s an issue we hope will inspire you to foster a deeper love of nature in your kids — and to nurture yourself as well.

Happy spring!

Cassandra

Cassandra Lane is Editor-in-Chief of L.A. Parent.

Meet: Vanaman German LLP: Helping Families Navigate the Education Process

Published

Each month, we feature a different business serving families in our community who have children with learning or developmental differences. We tell their story to showcase some of the wonderful people who are our neighbors – and the services they provide.

If you have a neurodiverse child, you know that the road to help in school isn’t an easy one, and it often starts with the IEP process. An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that is developed for each public-school child in the U.S. who needs special education. It is created through a team of the child’s parent and district personnel who are knowledgeable about the child’s needs, and the goal is to develop a plan so that the student who is attending elementary or secondary school receives specialized instruction and related services.

But it can be a daunting process. So there are individuals and organizations who will jump in and not only lend a hand, but advocate for you and your child to ensure their academic needs are met.

One such firm is Vanaman German LLP. The Sherman Oaks-based law firm was founded in 1982, according to David German, co-managing partner, with a mission of fighting for the educational rights of students with disabilities and their families.

“Over the years, we have built on our expertise in handling special education cases under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to develop experience in Regional Center representation, Disability Discrimination and Civil Rights, and the representation of students who have been injured or abused at school,” German says. “Our core focus has always been helping families obtain the benefits of a free public education which effectively addresses all of their child’s disability-related learning challenges.”

Valerie Vanaman, Founder and Managing Partner. Photo Courtesy of Vanaman German, LLP
David German, Co-managing Partner. Photo Courtesy of Vanaman German, LLP

The nine attorneys at Vanaman German LLP spend much of their time in the area of special-education due process, and German estimated they have helped “many thousands” of families over the years. The team, which includes paralegals and support staff, is actively involved in a variety of forums as they seek to improve the services children and adults with disabilities receive.

“Helping people fight for the rights of their children is the best job imaginable,” German adds. “Every time a family trusts us to advocate for their child is an honor. We’re grateful for that every day.”

If you or your family need help in the area of special education, the team at Vanaman German is standing by. Fill out the request for consultation page on vanamangerman.com and you’ll be contacted by an intake coordinator to arrange a consultation, or call 818-990-7722. Note that the form, and the entire website, can be translated into Spanish by clicking on the English or Spanish button in the nav bar.

Parenting through Play

Published

By Kim Van Dusen, Psy.D.

Kim Van Dusen, Psy.D., uses play to help parent her children, even during challenging times. PHOTO COURTESY KIM VAN DUSEN

As a mom of two kids and a licensed therapist specializing in play therapy with children, I often get asked what the secret is to getting children to behave. It takes nurturing and patience, but there is also a secret ingredient that doesn’t come naturally to a lot of parents: play.

Through play, children learn to communicate with others, develop critical problem-solving skills, regulate their emotions, express their feelings and even modify their behavior. Most parents don’t think of playing when their child is acting out. In fact, many parents think the exact opposite. But play-based parenting is a practical, modern and unique method that works, even in the midst of meltdowns!

Play-based parenting is about shifting your perspective on what play is and how it can work in your favor. It’s about the lens you see parenting through and how you approach your children through your unique parenting style. Play-based parenting is understanding that children will respond better when you speak their language.

Being a play-based parent takes a lot of child-like thinking. Children don’t think like parents. And parents often forget how to think like a child. Many times, when a child is dysregulated or overstimulated, they may not respond to talking to a parent, which is why play is so valuable for shifting behavior. What if I told you that you could minimize and even eliminate your child’s problematic behaviors with a few moderately quick and easy changes? Do you want to get rid of power struggles, decrease the number of tantrums and get your child to do their chores without defiance or complaint?

You can make that happen!

Open your mind — even in tough times

Cover models Mackenzie and Brock Odom jump from a boulder on the playground at Bognadovich Park in San Pedro. PHOTO BY PHILICIA ENDLEMAN

To become a successful play-based parent, start with an open mindset. This will allow you to try new techniques and interventions instead of automatically parenting in the way you may have been trained to parent. For example, if you were taught that the lines between children and adult activities are thick, try slowly erasing that line.

One way to do this is to tap into your creativity and imagination. Release your inhibitions and connect with your child-like self. What did you like to play with when you were a kid? And how did you play? Talk to your children about your childhood play style and reenact moments with them. Observe your children playing to help reignite your abilities to be more spontaneous and think outside the box.

Having a playful approach to parenting is critical even when you are stretched thin. Trust me, I know what it’s like to be a stressed, overwhelmed and flustered parent. Parenting is hard work! But when I am calm, my mind is open to thinking up all sorts of playful ideas to help solve the problem at hand.

One day when my son was younger, he was playing with some of his friends at a park and didn’t want to leave. Asking him to leave wasn’t working. Telling him that we had to leave wasn’t working. I felt desperate, so I bribed him with a treat, but when even that failed, I resorted to punishment, threatening to take away his video games if he didn’t comply. That didn’t work either. I even tried to physically pick him up, but he yelled and kicked his legs. The power struggle was real. Eventually, I decided to use a preferred play activity instead.

“All aboard! The train is leaving in one minute!” I yelled. He turned around almost immediately and said, “OK!” He didn’t get up to follow me, but I could tell I had his attention. I walked over to our car, started the ignition, put the window down and yelled again, “All aboard! The train is leaving now!” My son said goodbye to his friends and hopped in the car with no apprehension. We never had a problem leaving when I said it was time to go ever again.

Your turn

Let’s imagine for a moment that you are in a power struggle with your child. They are being defiant, and you are starting to feel angry, resentful and disrespected. If nothing else seems to be working, use play as a communication and behavior tool, not as a reward. Let me show you how to flip the script.

For years, I struggled with trying to get my children to clean their items that were strewn up and down the stairs. I tried writing notes and taping them on the stairway, putting the misplaced items in baskets with their names on them, bribing them and even disciplining them. Nothing worked.

I finally put my play-based parenting hat on and came up with a unique solution. I asked my children to stand at the bottom of the stairs while I went to the top, then asked them to throw me the misplaced items. We would do this until the stairs were clean. Like my kids, in such playful moments, your child will giggle and have fun and won’t even realize they are cleaning. You aren’t duping them; you are simply speaking a language they comprehend — and you are cultivating a shift in how they get tasks done.

When it comes to cleaning toys wherever they happen to be in the house, ask yourself: “How can I turn this situation into a playful one?” Maybe you get a toy dump truck and ask your child to put all the toys inside and deliver them to the toy box before the toy factory closes for the day. Or, you can challenge them to pick up and put their toys away while pretending they are a frog or bunny, hopping on one foot instead of two, just to make the job a little more fun. Another option: Try challenging them to play “Freeze Clean.” Put on some music and have your child clean while the music is on and then have them freeze when you turn the music off. They will have so much fun, they will forget they are cleaning and get the job done quickly.

When a new client tells me their child is misbehaving, one of the first questions I ask is, “How often do you spend one-on-one time with your child in a playful way?” More often than not, the parent doesn’t spend much dedicated time with their child, and play isn’t part of the equation. And almost every time we shift this, the child’s negative behaviors decrease, the parent-child bond deepens, the parent is less stressed and the level of positivity and peace increases in the home.

So, even if you only have five minutes a day, I suggest spending some dedicated time with your child and finding ways to be more playful together. I know we are all busy and tired, but just keep showing up. Make it a daily habit to walk to the park and play together or cook dinner together once a week, cutting fun shapes out of the food you make. Before you know it, playing together will become a habit you won’t want to break.

A few ways to play

I know we’re all exhausted and overwhelmed on a daily basis, but did you know there are ways you can play with your child that don’t take much energy at all?

If your child is a toddler or preschooler, ask them to put on a show for you. Toddlers love to perform, sing and dance. As they perform for you, you get to sit down and be present enough to watch, but not have to actively play with them. Playing with your child doesn’t always mean you have to play with them on the floor. Engaging with laughter, clapping or even singing along will delight them. Watching toddlers play and being in the same room is good enough on those long, exhausting days.

Kim Van Dusen, Psy.D. PHOTO COURTESY KIM VAN DUSEN

If your child is elementary age, have them role play with you. Children at this age love to use their imagination. My daughter loves pretending she works at a spa and that I am her client. She has me lie down on a lawn chair or on the couch with a pillow and blanket and directs me to close my eyes. Then, she proceeds to paint my nails, brush my hair and read books to me. I am an active participant by playing with her, but I get to relax, close my eyes and get pampered, which takes little to no energy. In fact, I sometimes get some energy back because I get a moment of rest, which is a good thing because sometimes she asks me to take a turn and pamper her, too.

Kim Van Dusen, Psy.D., is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a registered play therapist. She is founder of The Parentologist and a parenting team contributor to NBC’s “Today” show.

Foster Bonding through Toys and Games

By Elena Epstein

One of my favorite aspects of working with the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards) is having a close-up view of how kids and parents interact with toys and games. We see the magic happening when a product goes beyond simply being a play object to becoming a beloved source of creativity, laughter and connection between child and parent.

We evaluate hundreds of products each year, and what we hear most from families is the unexpected joy they discovered while playing with their child through the evaluation process. Having discovered engaging and hilarious board games, for example, have inspired many families on the NAPPA Awards team to begin their own family game night tradition.

One mom who spent a couple of hours building an intricate marble run with her son shared with me how much she loved the teamwork that went into putting the tracks together. This wasn’t an activity she would naturally gravitate toward, yet working alongside her son and sharing in his excitement turned out to be the best part of this new toy.

Another family discovered a park near them with designated airspace for model planes while testing a stunt plane for the awards program. “My husband and 9-year.old went back and forth taking turns,” the mom said. “I’m not sure who enjoyed it more to be honest. We are planning on going again this weekend to further enjoy it.”

The best advice I have for parents when purchasing toys is this: Get in on the fun! Both you and your kids will treasure the memories you create. NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in kids, baby and family products for 34 years. For more toy and game inspirations, visit nappaawards.com

Helping Kids on a Pathway to Environmental Stewardship

Published

Stewardship means a sense of connection to, caring about, and responsibility for each other, and the natural world around us.

How do we as parents inspire and empower our children to become environmental stewards, building hope instead of harboring “ecophobia” (afraid to do anything positive for the environment because it all seems so hopeless)? No matter how young your child/children are, they can become an engaged steward at every age and at any stage of their development.

Studies have shown that today’s children are more anxious, more distracted, and less healthy than the last generation. It may be hard to believe, yet the average child spends more than seven hours a day in front of a glowing screen and less than 20 minutes in active outdoor play! At the same time there is mounting evidence that exposure to nature while growing up reduces stress, improves physical and mental health, stimulates creativity, builds self-esteem and encourages co-operation, collaboration and self-regulation. Further studies have shown that regular exposure to nature is the single most important factor in fostering care and concern for the environment. With that in mind, here are 10 simple tips to teach environmental lessons to those children and adults too, in your life.

  1. Lead by example. Have you heard that a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, an action is worth millions. The same way your kids could learn an appropriate behavior can be used to develop environmental awareness.
  2. Take your kids outside. Learning to enjoy nature is the first step to care about it. Studies show that more outdoor activity can improve your overall health and help reduce obesity and other diseases.
  3. Teach children to use the appropriate receptacle for their waste: reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as you can. Little things, like packing a waste-free lunch, can provide a powerful lesson for your children. Get a favorite character reusable lunch bag, fork and spoon that your child can reuse; encourage your little one to drink water from a reusable water bottle; and buy more organic fruits for snacks.
  4. Give them chores, like helping you classify your recyclables. As a reward, they can save money earned by recycling to buy a cool toy.
  5. Work together in a garden or compost project. If you can, buy one plant for them to learn to take care of; it’s a fun way to grasp how plants need sun, water and soil. Use your senses and enjoy the flowers. Take them to a compost garden to see the worms in action, how they can decompose since science and the environment are an important part of the life cycle.
  6. Teach them to close the faucet while brushing and bathing. Water is precious.Turn off the water while brushing their teeth or soaping up during bath or shower time. You can use stickers as a reward for remembering to save water.
  7. Flip that switch! When you are out of the room, your toys don’t need the lights on. You can order a free sticker to remind you to switch them off. Better yet, make your own sticker.
  8. Participate in a beach cleanup. It’s does make a difference! If you live near a beach, visit a tide pool or enjoy other beach activities that help them realize the importance of keeping the ocean clean. And don’t forget, at the end of a visit to a beach or waterway, pack up and carryout all that you brought in, especially the trash! 
  9. Give away to others the toys and clothes that you don’t use. Sharing is nice. Take your kids with you when you donate to make them aware of the people in need, while keeping more items out of the landfill.
  10. The same way you teach kids to respect others, you can teach them to respect nature. In your bedtime story, incorporate environmental books. Make a movie night more educational with one that teaches about the consequences of endangering our environment. You can also download a cool app (eBook’s or games) to teach little ones about environmental conservation. Remember kids learn by playing and doing!

Imagine the journey of stewardship as a pathway. Along this journey, children need certain experiences in nature and in the world around them as they grow to become confident and active stewards.

Teaching children to take care of the planet is an insurance policy for the future, and doesn’t need to cost money or be all that difficult. Simple, user-friendly resources are available for use at home and in the classroom and present sustainability as an opportunity that everyone has a stake in. It takes a village to raise a child, and takes a collective community of conscious individuals to raise the next generation of environmental stewards.If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

ZOOZ Fitness, an Inclusive Gym for all Abilities

Published

Each month, we feature a different business serving families in our community who have children with learning or developmental differences. We tell their story to showcase some of the wonderful people who are our neighbors – and the services they provide.

For Jake Weiner, his journey toward ZOOZ Fitness began in 2011 when he graduated from the University of Arizona. He had a degree in psychology with a minor in marketing, but was unsure what path to take. He heard about an opportunity at a summer camp in Ojai. Camp Ramah supports young adults with developmental disabilities in achieving independence through a 4- or 8-week vocational training program, and Jake signed up to be a coordinator.

It changed his life forever. He learned how to lead vocational programs, life skills classes, social skills workshops, etc., and got to interact with and learn from some amazing individuals throughout the summer. 

Jake found his calling, and developed a passion to work with and support this community. Over the next 5 years, he found as many opportunities as possible to do so: in public schools, private schools, non-profit organizations and respite care, all in pursuit of finding the right fit that aligned with his skillset and passion.

Throughout those 5 years, Jake noticed a consistent challenge that most of his clients/students faced, which was movement — more specifically exercise. No matter the job, no matter the city, no matter the organization, Jake picked up on the fact that there were a limited number of movement-related opportunities geared for individuals with disabilities. He wondered why.

Jake had the benefit of leading an active lifestyle while growing up in Valencia. He played several sports and competed nationally in the martial art of Judo, so sports, exercise and anything movement-related were always his passion. “And once I recognized that there was this huge gap when it came to movement opportunities for folks with disabilities, I knew I could and had to do something about it,” Jake says.

That’s what sparked ZOOZ Fitness, and Jake’s goal was to create an inclusive gym that would empower individuals with developmental and other disabilities to lead more physically active lifestyles.

ZOOZ is a Hebrew word that means movement. “When thinking of a name for the gym, I wanted a name that had meaning to me, was easy to say and spell, and embodied the essence of what we do — move!” Jake says. “Our mission is to create positive movement experiences for everyone, regardless of starting level, ability/disability and/or diagnosis.”

ZOOZ was the featured fitness program at L.A. Parent’s Inclusive Day program several years ago, and it moved into its Encino location in April 2019. On the horizon is another move, into a larger space in Woodland Hills in March. The new space, Jake says, will allow ZOOZ to increase the number of athletes who want to join and offer more group classes to meet the needs of our community. Jake’s team trains 50-60 athletes per day between private and group sessions, and works with people age 6 and above.

The private training is designed based on each athlete’s specific needs and goals. Sessions are tailored to meet each athlete where they are, capitalizing on their strengths while targeting their objectives. Sessions are 45 or 60 minutes in length and typically include a warm-up, cardiovascular training, muscular strength and endurance training, balance and coordination, and flexibility. As the framework for health and well-being, the client-trainer relationship is designed to help build self-esteem and self-confidence, while also fostering friendship, trust and supporting lifelong healthy choices.

In group training, standard sessions include a circuit-training type workout designed to keep energy high and keep clients actively moving through a variety of workouts. These workouts are geared towards cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength/endurance and balance/coordination. “We also offer specialty classes such as Zumba, Yoga and Martial Arts,” Jake says. “These classes are designed to foster an inclusive social environment for everyone involved. Although attention is spread throughout the class, each individual always has a chance to receive feedback from our trainers.”

You can find out more at zoozfitness.com, call 818-646-6914 or via email at tahlia@zoozfitness.com.

-Ron Epstein

Eight books that will inspire your child to find bravery through adversity

Published

Isabella Melendez

Staying true to yourself is a challenge many kids face going into the new school year, and while navigating this takes time, here are eight books that give insight into being brave in new experiences. Our picks for our Fall Book Round-Up show us that during adversity, there is beauty and strength in being fearless.

Brave Like a Buffalo

Written by Melissa Allan and illustrated by Jadyn Fischer-McNab

“Brave Like the Buffalo” is a children’s book with a message that will inspire all readers to face the storms in their lives with the help of their support systems and with a brave mindset. Baby buffalo is surprised and scared when a storm on the prairies passes through. Mama Buffalo puts on a brave face and demonstrates how to use courage and bravery to get through the literal and metaphorical storms we may face in life. This story uses a powerful animal, the buffalo, as a symbolic message and connection to Indigenous ways of knowing and being that helps to create a wonderful narrative rich with Indigenous ties and a heartwarming message around facing adversity. Ages 0-6.

Black Diamond Collection: Volume 1

Written by Isabel Cintra and illustrated by Zeka Cintra

Her latest book, “The Special Edition Hardcover Black Diamond Collection,” contains three charming tales (“The Princess and the Mirror,” “The Great Little Tailor” and “The Sweetest Lady Bug”) that explore the power of friendship, the importance of nurturing dreams and the magic of imagination. In “The Princess and the Mirror,” a kingdom’s obsession with beauty summons a wise fairy to restore balance, weaving a lesson on love and vanity. “The Great Little Tailor” spins a tale of adversity, resilience and hope set in a humble village, reminding us that optimism and courage can reshape destiny. “The Sweetest Ladybug” invites you to witness how Johana’s imaginative whims become a reality, painting a vibrant landscape of backyard mysteries. Ages 6-12

Princess Cupcake Jones and the New Baby Prince

Written by Ylleya Fields and Illustrated by Darrin Drda

If you’re in need of books to read to your oldest in preparation for a new baby, look no further. The latest installment of the “Princess Cupcake Jones” series follows Cupcake Jones on her journey to becoming a big sister. She is so excited about his arrival that a classmate tells her that babies are a bad idea! Cupcake is then determined to convince her parents that a new baby won’t work in their home. Author Ylleya Fields delivers a story to help children with the adjustment process that occurs when a new sibling comes along. In “The Princess and the Mirror,” a kingdom’s obsession with beauty summons a wise fairy to restore balance, weaving a lesson on love and vanity. “The Great Little Tailor” spins a tale of adversity, resilience, and hope set in a humble village, reminding us that optimism and courage can reshape destiny. “The Sweetest Ladybug” invites you to witness how Johana’s imaginative whims become a reality, painting a vibrant landscape of backyard mysteries. Embrace the charm and wisdom of these captivating fairy tales, offering a timeless exploration of universal truths. This collection is a must-have gem in every fairy tale lover’s library. Ages 0-6

Oh, Olive!

Written and illustrated by Lian Cho

Olive is an artist just like her parents—except instead of following in their prim and proper black-and-white footsteps, her canvases are smeared and splattered with vibrant colors. Presenting Olive Chen in “Oh, Olive!” The most magnificent and brilliant artist in the whole wide world! Her parents are also artists—serious artists—who paint prim, proper, perfect shapes. They know Olive has the talent to follow in their footsteps. But Olive likes to smear, splatter, splash, and even lick. With a brush in each hand, Olive cascades through town with her friends in tow, painting what she wants to, what she feels—until she reaches her parents’ pristine art museum. Ages 4-8

Let’s Share, Panda Bear

Written by Leslie Stratton and illustrated by Zuzana Svobdova  

Have you ever wondered why panda bears are black-and-white? “Let’s Share, Panda Bear” is an enchanting tale, filled with friendship, sharing, and self-discovery, that celebrates the importance of spreading happiness everywhere you go. Take a journey to a world where pandas aren’t just black-and-white but come alive with hues of green, blue, and even purple! Panda Pete, an incredibly kind panda, discovers a magical way to share colors with his animal friends. As the forest transforms into a vibrant rainbow, each creature joyously embraces their unique shades. Yet, in a touching twist, Pete and Jack learn that being black-and-white has its own special magic. Young readers will be captivated by the delightful illustrations and the heartwarming message that true beauty lies in celebrating one’s authentic self and in sharing the colors of happiness with those around them. Ages 10+

The Hat Diaries

Written by Nadine Haruni

This imaginative, action-packed novel, “The Hat Diaries“, follows a teen struggling with loss, love, bullying, and loneliness. By day, 13-year-old Ryan Rigbee is the shaggy-haired loner getting bullied, still reeling from losing his dad. By night, it’s another story. He puts on magical hats that whisk him and his dog, Shadow, into adrenaline-rushing roles. The imaginary adventures he writes about in his diary transform him from an awkward teen into someone confident who can handle anything. Ryan’s mentor, Merl, helps him navigate clues that lead to startling discoveries, as the distinction between Ryan’s real life and exciting world of adventures becomes hard to discern. Ages 8-18

Warrior Girl

Written by Carmen Tafolla and illustrated by Jadyn Fisher-McNab

An insightful novel in verse about the joys and struggles of a Chicana girl who is a warrior for her name, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life. Celina and her family are bilingual and follow both Mexican and American traditions. Celina revels in her Mexican heritage, but once she starts school, it feels like the world wants her to erase that part of her identity. Based on Carmen’s own experience as a San Antonio native, “Warrior Girl” brings both the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 to the forefront of Celina Guerrera’s life. As a Chicana girl living in 2020, Celina learns to find herself through thought-provoking poetry sure to spark discussions on topics like racism, equality, cultural biases and social justice. Ages 10+

Iconic Composers, A Celebration of Music’s Extraordinary Composers

Written by Nicholas Csicsko and Emi Ferguson and illustrated by David Lee Csicsko

Bold, whimsical illustrations by David Lee Csicsko, along with concise, engaging bios by Nicholas Csicsko and Emi Ferguson, celebrate a diverse group of composers from the past 1000 years. Iconic composers feature historical giants of music like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven alongside 20th-century composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Meredith Monk. Showcasing the true range of classical music history not typically acknowledged–exhibiting a wide number of genders, races and nationalities–“Iconic Composers” celebrates 50 composers who have influenced the field of music and collectively broadened its scope. Ages 8-12

City Threads: Falling in Love with the Basics

Published

Isabella Melendez

When Joe Willis and Shayna Samuels first met at Santa Monica High School in 1994, they had no idea they would launch and scale a successful business that tied them to a family tradition of apparel makers.

“My grandparents were in the kid’s clothing business,” Samuels says. Next year, the sustainable children’s apparel brand, City Threads, that she founded with her husband, Willis, will celebrate its 20th anniversary. The company, located in the fashion district in Downtown L.A., exclusively sells locally knit and dyed styles, fashions the brand promotes as bringing “comfort and joy.” “Comfort is very important to us, and trying to get the comfort right for our customers in the development process takes almost a year,” Willis says.

The name was inspired by Willis’ musical life. One evening, as he and his band members sat together discussing the apparel company’s possibilities, guitarist Aron Cowen blurted out the words “city threads,” and it landed. 

During the early stages of the company, Willis and Samuels were focused on making children’s sweatshirts and hoodies with embroidered city names. Eventually, they started to sway away from the 2000s fashion trends and turned towards organic cotton and sensory-friendly basics.

“I think becoming a basic line is a lot easier than before,” Samuels says. “We used to go to trade shows in New York and kept having to come up with new samples of fashion lines.” Turning to the basics allowed them to focus on making their products as environmentally clean as possible. The company prides itself on partnering with local manufacturers to create dyed and sewn products in L.A.

Joe Willis and Shayna Samuels are owners of the sustainable children’s apparel brand City Threads. PHOTO COURTESY LIZ LONKY

“Manufacturing locally allows us to oversee our production and be involved in the process and to ensure the best quality and consistency in all our styles,” says Willis.

As they approach their 20-year anniversary, Willis and Samuels say they hope more people fall in love with the basics they create for children — one born out of a family legacy and the couple’s contemporary twist on it. Learn more at citythreads.

Actor Rushi Kota: On Creative Spaces, the Strike and Dreams for His Son

Published

Cassandra Lane

Rushi Kota, his dog, Oscar, and his son, Rydin. PHOTOS BY PHILICIA ENDELMAN

Four months after becoming a dad, actor Rushi Kota faced an unexpected challenge: SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, went on strike, joining the Writers Guild of America in a season where creators and workers in various industries are demanding more of the corporations that hire them.

On a recent afternoon, we joined Rota, who has starred in a variety of TV shows and movies — “Make Me a Match,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Dumb Money” — in his home studio to talk to him about his work, the strike, how he and his wife, Reeshelle, are navigating their new roles as parents, and to photograph him and baby, Rydin, for our cover.

Let’s start in your studio: When did you turn this room in your condo into a studio and what do you use it for?

A room in the house was always meant to be a studio so that I can have a space dedicated to creating self-tapes/VO auditions, or if I have interviews and Zoom sessions. I think it’s crucial as an artist to have a dedicated space to create. I have a writer friend who has a closet in his office where he goes to write exclusively because it is devoid of all distractions.

Are Rydin and Oscar [family dog] allowed in, or is it off limits?

They are more than welcome — as long as they are being quiet. Oscar loves sitting in the office chair and watching me when I’m putting my tapes together, and Rydin is in there while I do vocal warm-ups. I talk and read out loud, so hopefully, he’s picking up on sounds and articulation quickly. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say, though I fear it’s going to be quite a lot. I think the biggest challenge for me right now as a parent is time. Having enough time to make sure the baby is getting enough stimulation, but also having time to be able to be creative. I have so much anxiety trying to make sure he’s getting everything he needs, but also making sure I’m able to give a 150 percent when these auditions/jobs come in.

The biggest joys are watching him learn new skills every day. I get surprised at how he just learns something new at random times. And hearing him laugh. The other day, he was having a full-on meltdown while eating watermelon — full-on screaming with tears streaking down his face, but he kept eating more and more watermelon. It was fascinating to observe him express his euphoria through what I conceived as anger and frustration because he doesn’t know which one is which yet. I don’t know, but it was the most hilarious thing that I am still laughing about it days later. Also, it was really nerve-racking to see him have two extreme emotions at the same time.

Tell us about your upbringing. Did you always feel the inner call to act?

I was born in India and came to New York [Queens] when I was 8 years old with my brother who was nine years older. I didn’t speak any English at the time. I was in a single-parent home.

Mom was a real estate agent who always said the harder you work, the more money you make, which meant she was working all the time.

Most of my childhood was spent trying to figure out what my passion was. I wasn’t really driven towards anything except being lost in the allure of movies and Formula One racing. I guess fiction was better than reality at the time, and movies and racing provided the escape.

You majored in engineering initially, not acting.

That’s right. I majored in automotive engineering because I really loved cars at the time and thought maybe that… could be a path to racing.

I was dabbling in modeling during college, but I never really thought about acting until after graduating. I didn’t think there was a place for people like me in Hollywood, and so the arts wasn’t really a career path to pursue. But while I was interning one summer during college, I met an actor who gave me the 411 on how to start, which I kept tucked away until it was time to explore it.

Then I graduated during the 2008-09 mortgage crisis, and I couldn’t find a job in my respective field. Feeling hopeless, I turned to acting as an outlet to let myself be free — free from any conformed way of being. I thought as an actor I could go live the life of all these different people and find out what it’s like to work in so many different professions and constantly learn new things. So far, I’ve played an agent, a robot, a doctor, a professor, a political aide, a chef, a really good guy, a matchmaker, a billionaire and more. I guess escaping into my dreams has become a reality.

When did you move to L.A.?

I moved to L.A. about 10 years ago, as soon as I graduated with an M.F.A. in acting from Harvard. I was going to take a month off and spend it at home before I made my move, but I was offered a role in a play, “The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,” in Sacramento. I packed up  all my stuff in my Ford Taurus immediately after graduating and started my journey to California.

That was the first time I drove across the country. And after I finished my run in Sacramento and was on my way to Los Angeles, my transmission gave out on the 405. Which was really fun, as I was trying to navigate to an exit without using the brake and the accelerator not working. It set me back three grand to get that fixed. So that was my start to life in L.A.

How are you and your family doing during the SAG-AFTRA strike?

It’s been really weird because I have a few projects coming out this year that I am beyond excited for, but I am not allowed to talk about or promote them in any capacity. All of this life-changing momentum that’s been building up is slowly and painfully dying out. I guess at first glance, it’s hard to see all the good that’s come of it because I am someone who tends to measure success based on what’s next versus looking at the bigger picture. I had to remind myself that I can’t control what’s out there and really take note of everything I do have, which is that we got to spend so much quality time with Rydin, and that precious time with him is priceless and such a huge blessing.

What do you have to say about the state of the industry and the future of creatives in Hollywood?

This is a very exciting time in the industry! We are in a huge shift towards equality and fairness not just for all people of color and the opportunities we now have, but also financially for everyone. When I started 10 years ago, nearly everyone I came across said what an exciting time it was to be a South Asian actor, and five years later…I saw was how hard it was to get cast as a South Asian actor. But in the recent five years, I have been observant of how many Indian American actors have been on the rise. Finally, we are starting to get our time in the spotlight. It is very cool to see this growth.

With this strike, there’s hope of at least getting some semblance of fairness between the top brass and everyday actor/writer. The old model of quantity over quality and not paying the people creating the content while the executives make bank has become obsolete, especially with the streamers. Glad we are all getting on the same page about who actually makes what.

Rydin did such a wonderful job on his first shoot. Think a modeling or acting career is ahead for him?

I know! He absolutely crushed it. We weren’t expecting him to bring that much cuteness. I mean, I don’t know if we want to push him to acting or modeling because, on one hand, we don’t want him to have such an uncertain, confusing and complicated life of an actor, but on the other hand, I am there to guide him through all the obstacles. Our dreams for Rydin is that he would become a world-famous DJ or a Formula One racer so we can accompany him across the world to all the music festivals and exotic party places, which would be a dream come true! Ultimately, we will be there to guide and support in whatever path he gravitates toward.

Tell us a little about the difference between your and Reechelle’s career.

She’s a “scientist of cancer immunotherapies,” meaning she develops autologous and allogeneic therapies for various types of cancers. Disclaimer: If you didn’t understand that, don’t worry…neither did I. [When] I was working on “Grey’s Anatomy,” she would come home and say, “We made a huge discovery today that saved a person’s life,” which she did, and I would come home and say, “I had an intense eight-hour fake surgery and ate from three different food trucks that were on set today,” which I did.

Parenting: Encouraging Children to Read and Fun Activities to Help Motivate Them!

Published

Keira Pride
Manager of Library Services – Stratford School

“You are never alone when you are lost in the magic of a book.”

– Marie Lu, Author

A love of reading opens the door to adventures, learning new things and a whole host of key language skills such as speech development and vocabulary building. Spending time with books also creates special moments for you to bond with your child and enjoy each other’s company. . Recently we had the opportunity to discuss top tips on fostering a love of literature with Stratford’s Manager of Library Services, Keira Pride, and here are some excerpts from that conversation.   .

1.  How can parents encourage their kids to read? Children love to see their parents reading, and will imitate them. If they see Mom or Dad enjoying a great book as a part of their day, the children will want to read as well. So consider creating a reading nook in the house with fun pillows, lots of light, and a shelf full of books. Allow them to stay up fifteen minutes later, but only if they are reading. Small steps daily are how habits are created. 

2.  What qualities should someone look for when shopping for children’s books? First, bring your children to the bookstore or local library and ask for help. The trained experts there are full of ideas. Secondly, allow your child to look around at the library or store, ask questions, and read a few pages of several books. Plan to spend an hour leisurely browsing around. Lastly, when in doubt, go for a stretch towards a book that is a bit above your child’s reading level rather than below. That’s where you come in: be ready to answer questions about new words!

3.  Are there any specific children’s books you recommend? I fill the libraries at Stratford School with lots of series, that way the students are always looking for the next book. Children love familiarity and repetition – the characters in the stories become their friends. Rick Riordan Presents series is one of my favorites. Great middle grade authors write these from underrepresented cultures and backgrounds, telling their own stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their heritage. Aru Shah and the End of Time, by Roshani Chokshi, for example, is the first in a series of five middle grade fantasy books rooted in Hindu mythology. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole, written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, is my desert island book – if I was stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one picture book, it would be this one. After reading it aloud over 50 times, it still makes me laugh, and I will never tire of the joy it brings to students of all ages. Sam and Dave are young boys out in the backyard with their dog, a canteen, and a few shovels, looking for “something spectacular.” No internet, no video games, no phones, nothing but the open sky and the earth below them. They find an adventure for themselves, and how they do that is magical. 

Ms. Pride concludes with “while it is important for children to learn, try not to overthink the content of the books your children are reading. Any reading is good reading. A child with a book is improving not only their vocabulary and comprehension, but also exploring a new world. Concentration and attention span will improve because reading a book stimulates children’s brains in ways that are unique. And remember, if your child has chosen a book themselves, they are more likely to read it!” 

Four Fun Activities To Further Motivate Your Children to Help Engage Reading!

Now let’s explore a captivating collection of activities that are sure to spark your child’s love for reading. From bookmarks to creating a character profile, these activities are sure to prepare your child for endless fun and learning!

1.  Make a Bookmark – Making a special bookmark is a fun way to get children into the habit of reading more regularly.  In this activity, children make their own bookmark based on their favorite book and include a drawing of their favorite scene.  Include a space for them to write about their favorite character and include any new words they learned.  

2.  Create Their Own Story – This activity is creative and asks children to choose their favorite book and then use their imagination to write a short story about what happens next.  They can place characters in a completely different story using their own creativity and send them off on a new, exciting adventure or decide to place them in the original story to explore what happens next?  Writing stories help children explore their ideas, express their own creativity, and reinforce sentence structure, vocabulary, and grammar all at the same time!

3. Develop a Character Profile – Ask children to choose their favorite character and produce a poster of that character. Ask the child to draw a picture and write key details about their character including physical appearance and interests.  This activity can be motivating for a child as they see their favorite character in a different context that can be both entertaining and engaging.  

Making reading an enjoyable part of your child’s life starts with incorporating books into your daily routine. And part of learning to enjoy reading, is being around books at home.  Try starting a book collection for your children and, if available, check with your local library for information on story time programs. These meet-ups can be a great way for children to enjoy books while being social with other children and families, and helps reinforce the wonderful, magical world of reading and the vast array of places it can take them!  

If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

Autism Resource Podcast: Gilda Evans’ Call to Action

Published

By Luke Perez

Since 2021, Gilda Evans has hosted and produced the Autism Resource Podcast while being a single mother of three. Through personal experiences and research, she has become an advocate for parents of children with autism. Now her platform has the opportunity to grow and reach a wider audience.

With over 20 years of research, life experiences with her son of special needs, and helping fellow parents, Evans realized she could help on a bigger scale. The “self-taught advocate” took charge to create a platform to help many.

Now reaching 100 episodes, Evans has covered an array of topics such as education, therapy, neurodiversity and disability, and autism research. There is also a variety of guests, ranging from California State Sen. Anthony Portantino and Temple Grandin to leading researchers and practitioners.

Gilda Evans. PHOTO BY LYNN LEVITT

Soon, Evans’ podcast will become the Autism Resource Project (ARP). ARP will serve as the center for numerous resources like supports and products to help families, educators and caregivers in the autism field, community connections, and more.

To learn more about Gilda Evans and her mission, visit her Linkedin. You can listen to her podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Autism Resource Podcast website.

Connected: Parenting Tips to Help Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

Published

By Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Officer at Stratford School

“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, integrity and love, they think of you!”
-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Author

Positive relationships between you and your child are built on quality time together. Time when you get to know about each other’s experiences, thoughts, feelings and changing interests. 

Quality time can happen anytime and anywhere — in the middle of ordinary days and situations. It can be a shared laugh when you’re bathing your toddler or a good conversation in the car with your teenager. These moments give you the chance to communicate positive messages with smiles, laughter, eye contact, hugs and that special one-on-one interaction.  

Researchers remind us that we need five positive interactions to every negative interaction to keep any relationship healthy. And since we spend so much time guiding — aka correcting, reminding and suggesting — it’s important to make sure we spend five times as much time in positive connection.

Given that parenting is the toughest job on earth — and we live in a world with incessant demands on our time and attention, after being separated all day — the only way to keep a strong bond with our children is to build in daily habits of connection. Here are five examples that won’t add time to your day yet does add connection. Simple, and incredibly powerful, these can help heal the distractions and disconnections of everyday life and using them daily can change everything.

1.  Listen to your children. Really listen, especially when it’s your child who initiated the conversation. Extend conversations by saying, “tell me more” or asking follow-up questions. Give your full attention to your conversations with your child by putting down your cell phone when conversing or during family-time activities.

2.  Don’t be afraid to “parent.” Children and adolescents of all ages need strong guidance and limits. There are times when it is appropriate to be your child’s friend but, for the most part, they need you to be the authority. They will feel loved and connected by feeling safe in your care.

3.  Share your daily world. As appropriate, bring your child into your world, remembering that you are raising adults. If possible, occasionally take them to your work and/or give them grown-up responsibilities that connect them to your world.

4.  Participate in their activities and play. Rather than watch your child play at the playground, join in the fun. Discover/cultivate fun activities that you can enjoy with your child. The goal should be to have a common hobby, something you enjoy doing together.

5.  Remember, a child’s path to adulthood is seldom linear. Children and adolescents will regularly advance, then regress, then advance again in their development. They seldom advance to developmental milestones on time or without detours or bumps in the road. During these cycles, they will necessarily want more autonomy or perhaps need more structure. Learning to read your child is an acquired skill, yet it is definitely worth cultivating.

Although there’s no set formula for getting your parent-child relationship right, when we make it a priority and do the things that make children feel loved, we create an upward parenting spiral. When children feel loved, they feel happy and are more positive, more cooperative, more loving and more lovable. And when we build on warm, loving and responsive interactions, most of the time your child will feel loved, secured and connected.

If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

Back to School Heat Safety Tips That You Need to Know

Published

By Julia Hansen

As another school year is off and running, summer is sticking around, with heat waves expected to continue to surge throughout the Los Angeles region next week.

School often means extended outdoor time for kids, which, combined with scorching temperatures, can lead to increase in heat illness. This is an especially pressing issue for children with pre-existing conditions such as asthma and diabetes, as well as in Black and other communities of color. 

“As a doctor and mother, I understand how vital it is that we prioritize our children’s safety during extreme heat,” says Sharon K. Okonkwo-Holmes, M.D., a family-practice physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California and an instructor at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena. “Their bodies are more sensitive to high temperatures, and simple steps can make a big difference in preventing heat-related issues,” she says.

SHARON K. OKONKWO-HOLMES, M.D. PHOTO COURTESY HEAT READY CA

A great resource for information and news about extreme heat events in California is Heat Ready CA, a community outreach and awareness campaign from the Governor’s Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications. According to their website, “Heat Ready CA offers simple yet essential tips and resources for parents and caregivers to create a safer environment for children as they head back to school, allowing them to focus on learning and play without worry.”

 With the following five tips from Heat Ready CA, we can learn how to handle extreme heat so that our kids can go to school and play outside without putting their health and safety at risk.

  • First and foremost, it is essential that children stay hydrated and protect their skin with sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays can cause sunburns and heat rashes, and in order to prevent this, kids need to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Kids should also be hydrating consistently throughout the day and should wait  until they feel thirsty to drink water. It’s best to avoid drinks with caffeine or high sugar because they can worsen dehydration.
  • Additionally, kids’ clothes should keep them cool and comfortable with lightweight and breathable materials, loose-fitting fits and light colors. Teachers and yard duty should also pay special attention to kids’ body language when outside, because unlike adults, children have a harder time regulating their body temperature on their own.
  • Another option is to ask your child’s teacher to reduce outdoor time altogether during an extreme heat event, especially between the times of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If kids are playing outside, make sure they get frequent rest and cool-off breaks.  
  • Children can also learn how to recognize heat illness symptoms in themselves and others. Parents and educators can encourage children to seek help if they or someone else is experiencing heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting.
  • Last but certainly not least, keep children in mind when planning errands. Never, ever leave a child in a parked car, even for a few minutes! Temperatures inside a car can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open or in more moderate temperatures.

With these tips, we can enter the back-to-school season feeling confident about our ability to protect kids from extreme heat. If we all work together, we can make sure that schools are a safe environment for kids where they can learn and play without being affected by heat illness. For more information and resources about heat protection, check out HeatReadyCA.com. 

Planet Earth: Go-To Nature Books About Bugs, Birds and Animals Too!

Published

“I love all animals. I have a fascination with fish, birds, whales – sentient life – insects and reptiles.”
                                                                                                    — Nicolas Cage

No one can deny the enduring appeal of books that feature animals, whether tales of animals in the wild, animal heroics (think Togo the sled dog or Scarlett the cat), animal antics that make us laugh, or fictional animals that take on human characteristics – both good and bad. 

Why is animal fiction so plentiful and popular? Neuroscientists suggest that our brains treat reading about an experience almost as if living the experience in real life. In children’s books, animal characters can portray a broader range of traits, both good and evil, than we would tolerate in stories about humans (think the “big bad wolf”). These portrayals allow the reader to process powerful emotions and to imagine how others process feelings and experiences. The stories can be scary, but ultimately the characters aren’t human and the story isn’t real. The power of the well-written allegory, whether featuring humans or animals, is to deliver difficult messages and complicated themes in easy-to-read stories. 

So for all those children who are fascinated by bugs, birds, snakes and other animals, we’ve gathered up a great collection of books for animal lovers, inquiring minds or any child looking for a brave new world of discovery and learning.

Grades Kindergarten to Second
What’s Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle, various authors
Thirteen beloved authors and illustrators, including Jon Klassen, Lane Smith, Mo Willems and Rosemary Wells, collaborated with Eric Carle to draw their favorite animals and explain why they love them. This successful collection of old favorites and newer names is sure to keep youngsters engaged and may inspire them to write about and draw their favorite animals. At the end, the reader will find a childhood photo of each contributor with their pet, as well as information about their books.

Panda Kindergarten written by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Katherine Feng
This beautiful book focuses on the care and learning opportunities that are given to new panda cubs at China’s Wolong Nature Preserve. Beginning with birth, the author describes how panda mothers care for their newborns and how the Preserve helps. Clear and detailed photographs are visual treats, giving readers a glimpse into the feeding and care of the young pandas. There’s a high cuteness factor as the adorable cubs play, sleep and interact with caregivers. 

Grades Three to Four
Misty of Chincoteague (series) written by Marguerite Henry, illustrated by Dennis Wesley
Marguerite Henry wrote nearly 60 children’s books and stories based on real animals, but this Newbery Honor book is by far her most well-known. In the 1940s, she went to a Virginia island, where she learned all about the herd of wild ponies originating from a sunken Spanish galleon off the coast. Spending time on the island, getting to know the families and even bringing a Chincoteague Pony back to her home in Illinois to spend time with while writing were all part of the creation of this historical fiction series. This is a charming and memorable tale of a young boy and girl living in a much simpler time, whose hard work and patience paid off. Misty’s descendants still roam the beaches of Chincoteague, partly in thanks to this compelling novel. 

I am Jane Goodal – Ordinary People Change the World (series), written by Brad Meltzer
This series was written for the author’s own children so that they could understand that the power to change the world is within them. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and understandable to young children. This book has more than just the story of how Jane met the chimpanzees and changed the way scientists think about wildlife. It starts with her love of animals as a very young child. It will inspire the reader to believe that they too can overcome their fears and make a difference. This book has a beautiful message to children about accomplishing your dreams by being patient, working hard and knowing that each of us has an impact on the world. 

Grades Five to Eight
Song for a Whale, written by Lynne Kelly
Twelve-year-old Iris, the only deaf student in her sixth-grade class, struggles to communicate with kids at school. She feels a strong connection with Blue 55, a lone whale that can’t communicate with others because its voice is on a different frequency. Iris becomes determined to compose a song for Blue 55 at his frequency and to play it for him in person. This story is great for anyone who loves animals or has struggled to fit in.

The One and Only Ivan written by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home — and his own art — through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better. If you like this Newbery Award winning book, try the sequel, The One and Only Bob.

Integrating books about nature can teach a child many important concepts, such as respect, caring for planet earth and the interrelationships among humans and the habitat. Children can learn how they affect the environment – and how the environment affects them.  If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/tours.

Local Teen Author Offers Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Published

You’re never too young to make a big impact, and 13-year-old Alessandro Concas is living proof. Alessandro began charting his own path at just 8 years old when he released his first coloring book titled, “The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom.” Concas went on to author two more books, “Life of the Time Cat: Rise of Catastrophyre,” and “Life of the Time Cat: Warning of the Ultimate Element.”

Alessandro is the ultimate budding entrepreneur. He is the son of Oksana Kolesnikova, an award-winning pianist who dynamically transitioned to the CEO of three successful ventures. Born in 2009 and bred in a family of talented individuals, Alessandro’s own talent and extraordinary capabilities come as no surprise to his family. Alessandro’s first achievement was learning the alphabet backward at the age of 2, and within a span of 3 years he also started piano lessons under his mother’s mentorship.

Alessandro’s entrepreneurial path began at age 8 when he wrote his first book, The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom. As the title suggests, the book includes a variety of fun activities to keep children engaged and active. The book came about during a summer when Alessandro himself was quite bored. In his words, “One day, during a summer break, I found myself feeling quite bored and that’s when I came up with the idea of The A to Zs of Fighting Boredom. At first, my dad didn’t take me seriously, but when he saw all my notes and drawings for the cover, he believed me and decided to help me put it all together.”

Alessandro further added through this book, his aim to help children like him make their free time productive and fun, and to use the proceeds from the book to contribute to welfare organizations and fund his college education. The book was well received by the community, and that played a key part in his growth as he fell in love with entrepreneurship and decided to pursue it as his career.

Currently, Alessandro is a student at Rio Norte Junior High School in Valencia. Although his favorite subjects are science and math, he’s a straight-A student who has exceled in every subject. Still, Alessandro takes out time for his hobbies and extracurricular activities, namely mastering Italian and his business ventures. He recently worked with his mother’s company, Oksana Management Group, to spearhead an after-school enrichment program called “Financial Literacy for Children and Teens.” The program aims to empower the upcoming generation by teaching them the fundamentals of finance and entrepreneurship.

Alessandro is also working on one of his main projects, “Life of the Time Cat,” a series of sci-fi books featuring his real pet cat Bijou as the main character and source of inspiration. The young entrepreneur also has plans to turn this book series into a movie series one day. A skilled musician, he composed the soundtrack for the trailer of Life of The Time Cat book.

Parents and children are invited to meet Alessandro and attend a free book signing at the iconic Urth Caffe’ Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, Aug. 6 from 12-3 pm for an inspirational afternoon. Alessandro will talk about his three books and what it means to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. For more information, visit AlessandroConcas.com

Summer Fruit Cake Via Lemon Poppy Kitchen

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

In Glassell Park, Lemon Poppy Kitchen has welcomed diners for more than a decade, serving up delicious brunch dishes and from-scratch pastries, plus savory entrees like chicharron tacos and chicken schnitzel. This year, the beloved neighborhood cafe is sporting a new look, including an updated dining room and a reimagined patio for al fresco dining.

PHOTO COURTESY LEMON POPPY KITCHEN

Restaurateurs Katie Kildow, Anca Caliman and Jack Wilson are the dynamic trio behind the restaurant, offering a market-driven menu that blends Romanian fare and Mexican influences. It may be the perfect example of a hidden gem, tucked away in Northeast L.A. and delighting anyone who comes in, from near or far. Also new this year: a happy hour menu, served 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and featuring craft cocktails, fresh fruit and herbal teas, and a rotating beer and wine list. Full-service dining is also part of the refreshed version of Lemon Poppy Kitchen.

PHOTO COURTESY LEMON POPPY KITCHEN

“Our recent remodel and new full-service dining perfectly blends the vision we’ve been crafting for over a decade of being in business together,” Katie Kildow said in a statement. “We’ve always envisioned a sunny, warm, welcoming environment to match our hospitality and ever-evolving bright and flavorful menu. Our newly renovated outdoor patio is going to be the perfect spot to enjoy our house sangria at golden hour, or that morning espresso with your best friend.”

We connected with chef/owner Anca Caliman to talk summer cooking, and she shared her recipe for pandispan cu fructe de vara, or summer fruit cake. Here’s how to chanel Lemon Poppy Kitchen in your own home.

“I love this recipe because it’s delicious and light and super easy to make: one bowl and no mixer needed,” Caliman said. “It’s a perfect summer snack cake, sturdy but soft, easy to pack for a picnic.”

For the fruit, she suggests a mix of berries and stone fruit, and a sprinkling of walnuts or almonds if you like.

Pandispan Cu Fructe de Vara, or Summer Fruit Cake

PHOTO COURTESY LEMON POPPY KITCHEN


4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g sugar
1/4 cup canola or other neutral oil
1/4 cup greek yogurt or lebne
Zest of one lemon
Pinch of salt
125g AP flour
1/2 tspn baking powder
A pint of your fave ripe summer fruit I love a mix of berries and stone fruit and a sprinkling of walnuts or almonds.
This time I used:
2 small nectarines
6oz box of blueberries
1/4 cup rough chopped walnuts
2 tbspn Demerara sugar (optional)

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, sugar and vanilla for about 2 to 3 minutes; mixture will look looks smooth and slightly frothy.

Add the yogurt, oil, salt, and lemon zest, and whisk again until the mixture is smooth, for about another 1-2 minutes.

Finally, add the flour and baking powder and whisk until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.

Grease a 9×13 pan with butter or spray, and turn on your oven to 350F. Let the batter rest while oven comes to temp.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and top with your prepared fruit/nut combo and sprinkle the demerara sugar on top. Keep the fruit to a single layer and spaced out a bit, so the cake can rise and form crispy sugary crusts and jammy fruit dimples.

Bake for roughly 25 to 30 mins, depending on your oven. Cake is done when the middle is fully set and golden brown on the edges, pulling away from the pan.

Let cool and top with powdered sugar, or serve immediately with ice cream on top.

Getting Organized With Clea and Joanna of ‘The Home Edit,’ Now on Tour

Published

By Erin Epstein

If you’ve seen “Get Organized with The Home Edit” on Netflix, or listened to the “Best Friend Energy” podcast, you’re surely ready to see hosts Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin in person. So grab your bins, labels and best friends, because the duo is hitting the road on their “Summer of Fun Tour,” bringing their infectious enthusiasm and organizational skills around the country, including a stop in Los Angeles on July 13.

PHOTO COURTESY SUMMER OF FUN TOUR

We had a chance to chat with Clea and Joanna about their eight-city tour. Here’s what they shared about staying organized, summer travel tips and what we can expect at a live show.

The ‘Summer of Fun Tour’ is kicking off. What can ticket holders look forward to?

Each show will feature what we (Clea and Joanna) do best: candid conversation, plenty of laughs, and deep dives on life, parenting, pop-culture, business and myriad organization solutions. Plus, we’ll have some special guests at each show (more to come soon on that).

When you visit L.A., what are your favorite things to do/places to visit?

Clea: Disneyland is a must on both of our lists. For me, I like to shop and eat. A few of my favorite places are Nobu, Mozza, and Katsuya. Since my family is still there, we’ll sometimes go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

Joanna:  Disneyland, yes! For me, too!

Let’s talk summer travel. When you travel with your kids, what are your best family travel tips?

Clea: Make sure your kids’ electronics are fully charged and fill their backpacks with snacks so you can enjoy champagne.

Joanna: Organize the car to accommodate any and all potential situations. For myself and the kids, that’s road trip games so no one gets bored.

PHOTO COURTESY ‘GET ORGANIZED WITH THE HOME EDIT’

As professional organizers, how do you help your own families stay organized, especially in the summer when everyone’s at home more?

Clea: Create “drop zones” in every room of your home, so things don’t wind up where they shouldn’t. And always add a label. 

Joanna: Keep them out of the house! Marlowe and Miles are currently at camp and having the best time. Other than that, label everything so there are no excuses.

What are your favorite things to do with your families during the summer?

Clea: We have been going down to our beach house a lot this summer, and I have been really enjoying sitting in a beach chair—touching as little sand as humanly possible—with a glass of champagne, reading on my kindle and watching my kids enjoy the ocean. I can’t relate!

You have a lot going on, between the tour, recording your podcast, helping people stay organized through “The Home Edit,” and the upcoming reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!” How are you staying organized in your own lives?

Joanna: I live and breathe by my calendar and ensure everyone has visibility into what I am doing—I even put my morning workouts on there. Nothing is too small to put on your calendar.

Clea: I have the systems in my house that keep me sane but more importantly, my husband, John.

In your podcast “Best Friend Energy,” we know you usually end with a segment called “5 Minutes for Hugs.” We’d like to do something like that too, with some fun, quick-answer questions, so our readers can get to know you both a little better. Here we go:

What is your favorite summer fruit?

Clea: Grapes, a form of champagne. Does that count?

Joanna: Clementines.

Would you rather go on an adventure vacation or a leisure vacation?

Both: Leisurely vacation.

Joanna: I prefer to be horizontal if I can.

Do you prefer early mornings or late nights?

Joanna: Early mornings; working out in the morning helps me start my day right.

Clea: Late nights, preferably with a good TV show and glass of champagne.

What are your summer BBQ essentials?

Both: Our husbands and bug spray.

What are you most looking forward to about “The Summer of Fun Tour”?

Both: We are excited about the opportunity to finally connect, in person, with our friends and fans. It’s our first-ever live tour, and we can’t wait to leave behind the chaos of the past few years and hit the road. We are excited to mingle with everyone, answer all your questions and share our expertise in organizing.

NAPPA’s Summer Fun Guide is Here

Published

School’s out, as is the sun, and we hope you’re filling these warmer weeks and weekends with all kinds of kid-friendly fun. To that end, NAPPA has published its annual Summer Fun Guide, and it’s brimming with inspiration for parents, from items that will turn your backyard into a water park to toys for imaginative and creative play.

Check out terrific picks from NAPPA in the digital issue!

Love to Cruise for Good

Published

Local staffing agency Recruiting for Good helps companies find talented professionals, generates proceeds to fund The Sweetest Gigs (work program for kids) and rewards referrals to companies hiring professional staff with cruise savings.

Love to save $2,500 or more on your next cruise?

Participate in Recruiting for Good’s referral program. Simply introduce Recruiting for Good to a company executive (CEO, CFO or VP HR) you personally know. When Recruiting for Good gets retained for a search, we help the company find a talented professional.

Recruiting for Good then earns a finder’s fee to fund Sweet Kid Programs and rewards a $2,500 Cruise (via a travel gift card). If Recruiting for Good gets retained again by company, the family that made the intro will earn a $500 cruise gift card for every future hire made.  

“One more sweet benefit; families that successfully participate in our referral program; help their kids land gigs to earn travel!”  

Carlos, Sweet Founder
Recruiting for Good & The Sweetest Gigs


Recruiting for Good created The Sweetest Gigs to prepare kids for life by creating a work program (creative gigs) that teaches sweet skills, success habits and positive values. Kids on The Sweetest Gigs quickly learn there are no free lunches in life. Anything worthwhile takes time and effort to earn. Kids raise their self-confidence and appreciate everything more — including themselves.

Kids who successfully complete gigs have positive work experiences that prepare them for tomorrow.

Love to Cruise for Good, join the club at www.LovetoCruiseforGood.com

A Kid Again Coming to Los Angeles

Published

Nonprofit helps kids with life-threatening conditions and their families find hope, happiness and healing through Adventures.

Kids with life-threatening conditions and their families face hard days — ongoing doctor appointments, therapies, surgeries, hospital visits, bills and the emotional toll of complex medical needs. 

For these families, moments of joy and experiences that allow the whole family to feel “like a kid again” become incredibly important, and connecting with other families experiencing similar medical journeys is helpful. 

That’s where A Kid Again comes in. The nonprofit serves nearly 13,000 families across the U.S., helping them have carefree fun and create meaningful moments through group activities called Adventures. 

A Kid Again is thrilled to be expanding its programming into L.A. and throughout California, bringing fun-filled Adventures to families and kids facing challenging medical conditions and helping them build connections and community with other families going through similar medical journeys.

Whether it’s a day at the amusement park, museum, zoo or a sporting event, there’s always something to look forward to. Adventures are ongoing throughout the year, 100% planned and cost-free — relieving the burden for families. And A Kid Again is the only childhood-disease nonprofit that focuses on supporting whole families, including parents, siblings and caregivers.

A Kid Again serves families like that of 10-year-old Mariah Jade Gaytan, her parents and two older siblings, Joaquin (17) and Delilah (13). Mariah Jade was diagnosed with two rare genetic disorders, MCADD and Koolen-de Vries syndrome, and experiences epileptic seizures, nonverbal autism and hypotonia. The family lives in Pacoima and has been part of A Kid Again’s supportive community for nearly two years. We asked Jade’s parents, Carlos and Marissa, to share some thoughts on their daughter, and the role A Kid Again has played in their family’s life.

Tell us about Mariah Jade and her positive outlook on life. 
Despite everything Mariah Jade has gone through medically, she loves life and always has a smile on her face. While Mariah Jade is nonverbal, she communicates in her own special way. Our family is incredibly close — we adore Mariah Jade, and everyone has come together to care for her. 

Describe how A Kid Again has impacted your family.
When we first got involved with A Kid Again, we participated in Adventures-In-A-Box, which are designed for families that are not near an adventure venue and for kids who are unable to take part in in-person Adventures. These special activity kits, delivered to your doorstep, gave us everything we needed to make memories at home or at the hospital. When A Kid Again began offering in-person Adventures in California, our family quickly joined to participate in local activities.

Which A Kid Again Adventures are your favorite?
Our special needs daughter enjoyed a wonderful day exploring and learning at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Mariah Jade loved the whole experience, especially the dinosaurs. After everything she has been through, we’re glad to see her have some fun. We look forward to joining future Adventures!

Enroll Now: Upcoming A Kid Again California Adventures

Families of kids with life-threatening conditions are invited to enroll now to take advantage of A Kid Again’s upcoming free events this summer and fall throughout the Golden State. Visit www.akidagain.org to enroll and find more information about these events.

Rides & Slides Adventure at California’s Great America
Santa Clara, CA
August 3, 2023

Rides & Slides Adventure at Knott’s Berry Farm
Buena Park, CA
August 7, 2023

Monterey Bay Aquarium Adventure
Monterey, CA
October 8, 2023

In the US, 1.5 million children suffer from life-threatening and life-altering conditions like pediatric cancer, Cerebral Palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, heart conditions, brain tumors and other serious health issues. A Kid Again has the goal of reaching every one of these youth and their families — and delivering much-needed hope, happiness, and healing. Now is the time to give illness a time out. Visit akidagain.org to learn more.

10 Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day In and Around L.A.

Published

By Nathan Corrál

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and while we do try to celebrate our parents in small ways throughout the year, the holiday is always a nice opportunity to put Dad on a pedestal. Whether you are looking for a scheduled activity out in the city or just inspiration, here’s our list of event ideas to help you honor Dad.

Father’s Day Frame Making
On June 10, local nonprofit Piece by Piece is hosting an art exhibit and sale along with a Father’s Day frame making event. If Dad and the kids are crafty, this is a great way to celebrate. Or, if you’re not feeling so crafty, spend the day simply admiring art. 

Giants Versus Dodgers
One of my favorite ways to celebrate my dad is to go to a Dodgers game, because there’s nothing quite like enjoying a hot dog and cotton candy with the family, all while cheering on our favorite team with tons of other fans. The Giants play the Dodgers at home all of Father’s Day weekend, and you can get your seats now.

Daddy Daughter Dinner and Dance
Looking for a night out with dad? Chris Aaron & the Girls are hosting a Daddy Daughter Dinner and Dance on Friday, June 16. The event includes raffles, photos, food, a live band and dancing. General admission is $70.

Live Music at LACMA
If Dad loves a live music show, consider heading to LACMA on Father’s Day weekend. June 16 is Jazz at LACMA night, which runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. And on Saturday, June 17, festivities begin at 5 p.m. with Latin Sounds at LACMA. Pack a picnic dinner, or get a restaurant reservation nearby, and make a whole night of it. LACMA music events are free, and the energy is always festive and fun.

Father’s Day Soundbath
Start Father’s Day bright and early with Sunrise Community’s Father’s Day Soundbath. This event is perfect for the parent who rises early and would enjoy either a morning to himself, or with the whole family. For 30 minutes, sit at the beach, relax and unwind.

Go Geocaching
This is great activity to get the whole family outside, and it requires no reservations — just a sense of adventure. Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt that utilizes GPS and allows you to hide and seek geocaches with participants across the globe. No matter where you are, there are geocaches nearby to find. Pick a place in town, say, Elysian Park, Downtown L.A. or Pasadena, and use the app and your detective mind to find hidden geocaches. Add a picnic to the adventure and you’ve got a great Father’s Day plan.

Storytelling in Burbank
Listening to stories about fatherhood might be the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. On June 11, Manectodes 2023 takes place at the Colony Theater in Burbank. Enjoy a collection of funny and meaningful stories about fatherhood from a fantastic cast of writers and storytellers. Musical guest Bishop will start the night off. Tickets range from $25 to $100, with proceeds benefitting the Family Service Agency of Burbank.

Pasadena Chalk Festival
Looking for some fun in the sun? On June 17 or 18, head to the Pasadena Chalk Festival. Enjoy 200 chalk murals, plus an art gallery, silent auction, concessions and a beer garden. This event is open and free to the public. It’s in a new location this year, The Plaza at the Pasadena Convention Center. To add some fancy to your day in Pasadena, book a table for a steak dinner at the local Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Father’s Day Ride 2023
Is your dad into cars? Consider going for a drive around El Segundo in a classic car driven by a knowledgeable and experienced docent from the Automobile Driving Museum, all part of the 2023 Father’s Day Ride. For those who wish to partake, local beer tasting will be available, too. Tickets range from $5 to $15.

Backyard BBQ With Dad
Looking for a more DIY activity? Our very own Ron Epstein shared his preferred way to celebrate the holiday: “My favorite thing on Father’s Day is to have our girls come over to hang by the pool and barbecue, with the Dodger game on the radio in the background.” If your Dad is anything like Ron, a low-key backyard gathering or day at the beach is just right…and no reservations are needed.

Date Beyond L.A.: San Luis Obispo and Edna Valley

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

Driving north out of Los Angeles on Highway 101 is especially lovely once the sea comes into view near Ventura. Whether the view outside my windshield is misty or sun-drenched, I don’t mind. California’s coast is a muse, inspiring me to drive miles and miles and miles. 

Recently, I cut through the San Fernando Valley on the 101, then curved into Santa Barbara before rolling onto the 154, a highway that swiftly climbs the San Marcos Pass and past Lake Cachuma before gently setting you in Santa Ynez Valley. Drive through this wine region and you’re in yet another: Edna Valley, where the landscape is full of golden-grassed and green hills, many striated with meticulously cared for grape vines.

The region claims more than two dozen beautiful wineries, all with easy access to the Pacific Ocean and beloved shores like Pismo Beach, Avila Beach and Morro Bay. The cool sea air is invaluable for the grapes here, keeping temperatures in check year-round. My husband and I wanted to see — or rather, taste — the region during a mini vacation, so we convinced the grandparents to fill a weekend with board games and park visits with our daughters so that we could fill our own weekend with wine and lobster, thanks to Chamisal Vineyards in San Luis Obispo.

PHOTO COURTESY CHAMISAL VINEYARDS

Now in its 50th year, Chamisal Vineyards is an 82-acre oasis for oenophiles, but also for wine novices like me. I love a glass of wine on a California vineyard, and I don’t really need any other details. The original winery structure and crush pad at Chamisal has been outfitted as a fantastic tasting patio, where you can reserve a tasting of five estate wines every day but Tuesdays. There are charcuterie boxes for purchase here, but you’re also free to bring your own snacks if you prefer your wine with diverse or abundant options. To procure them locally, check out all the delicious food stalls at the newer and nearby SLO Public Market.

Chamisal does pinot very well (shoutout to head winemaker Brianne Engles and those who came before her), but I found myself asking for extra sips of the rosés, grenaches and cinsaults under the Malene label, which is soon to be known as Malene by Chamisal. Malene also has a separate tasting area a short walk down the hill. The wide lawn is perfect for games and running around (should you choose to bring your littles along). If you’re heading this way as a family on a weekend, this is the place to stop.

PHOTO COURTESY CHELSEE LOWE

Chamisal builds community with different festivities on winery grounds, and these events are yet more reasons I’d drive miles and miles. Now in its 13th year, Chamisal’s lobster festival is a sight to see and experience — a utensil-less and delicious feast of garlic, shrimp, corn, potatoes, artichokes and, of course, lobster. I attended the mid-May event (it also takes place in July, thanks to demand), and there’s nothing quite like dredging bites of seafood through drawn butter and enjoying every morsel alongside strangers at a 50-foot-long table, the vineyard surrounding you. Morro Bay Oyster Company kicks these dinners off in a delightful way, shucking local oysters right in front of guests as their mouths water. A pinot and pizza series is planned for the summer. Become a wine club member, and you’re privy to even more fun at the site.

We all know that wine and driving do not mix, so I highly recommend staying put in San Luis Obispo for a few nights, so that you can imbibe safely and explore this thriving college and agricultural town. Hotel SLO, set right in the heart of the city’s charming downtown area, is the place to hang your hat. Opened in 2019, the property feels practically brand new, with a modern industrial vibe throughout the lobby and exterior, plus chic coastal-style rooms. My husband and I grabbed coffee from the lobby cafe both mornings we were there, and we had drinks with newfound friends at S.low Bar, also on the first floor. On a Friday night, the entire lobby restaurant and bar was full of revelers. Guests spilled out onto the back patio, too, where live music often plays.

PHOTO OF HOTEL SLO COURTESY TANVEER BADAL

Staying at Hotel SLO means you’re just steps from downtown retailers and restaurants, plus the incredible Thursday night farmers market. It opens at 6 p.m., and we arrived hungry, snacking on pie and a to-die-for raclette and mushroom sandwich from SLO Meltdown as we walked the length of the market. This is truly a community market, with families feeding their kids casual dinners on the sidewalk and Cal Poly students wandering in small, slightly awkward crews. And that’s the best way to explore a new-to-you place — right alongside the locals. 

SLO FARMERS MARKET PHOTO BY CHELSEE LOWE

Other Nearby Suggestions: 
For coffee, try the downtown location of Scout or Field Day Coffee.

For thrills, book a Sun Buggy ride in Pismo. 

For incredible Italian food, reserve a table at Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana.

For another winery stop, try Baileyana.

Expo Notes: The Latest in Baby and Toddler Gear

Published

Elena Epstein

Creative director Elena Epstein at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas

The ABC Kids Expo took place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino last month, and I was thrilled to be in attendance. This year’s event once again brought together companies focused on baby and toddler products, ranging from strollers and car seats to smart monitors and anything else that might make parenting and childhood more fun, comfortable and safe.

The expo featured 250 exhibitors from the around the globe, and as I walked through exhibit halls — 15,000 steps the first day — I was thrilled to see many NAPPA Award winning companies showcasing their latest line of products.

Safety and innovation in car seats and strollers were two big trends, as were gender-neutral tones and natural and breathable fabrics.

Take a look at the video below for a sneak peak of what’s new in the world of parenting gear. And for more gift ideas and product reviews on award-winning baby and toddler essentials, visit nappaawards.com.

ABC Kids Expo at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas

Interview with the inspiring Kheris Rogers, Author of ‘Shine Bright’

Published

Tracy Martin

PHOTO COURTESY KHERIS ROGERS

Kheris Rogers is a 16-year-old whirlwind taking the world by storm. At just 10 years old, she came out with her own fashion line, “Flexin’ In My Complexion,” that works to inspire young girls. She’s done empowering work through the Kheris Rogers Foundation and continues to inspire through her children’s story “Shine Bright.”

Rogers chatted with us recently about her endeavors and “Shine Bright.”

When writing “Shine Bright,” how did you imagine your younger audience’s reception to its message?

Writing the book, I wanted it to be for kids who are being told they look different, knowing they really don’t. I wanted to remind them at a young age, because no one wants to be older and [searching] for self-confidence in themselves. It’s important for young kids to find it young, and I feel like a lot of parents and a lot of adults don’t see that. [By writing the book], I wanted to make sure that all kids realize they should love themselves no matter what anyone says.

What was the process for creating “Shine Bright?”

The process of creating “Shine Bright was super fun [and] it was easy. Once you find an illustrator, everything should just flow after that. It was just such a fun experience creating these characters — Imani, how I wanted her to look. I wanted her to represent Black girl[s], like “Oh, my God, Mommy! She looks just like me!” I wanted that, and I feel like I got that reaction. So creating the book was so fun. It was so easy, and I’m just glad everyone loves it.

You do a lot of work to empower and spark confidence. Were there any role models you had, and still have, who helped you feel empowered and confident?

Definitely my family. I feel like growing up, especially being a Black girl, you don’t have a lot of representation to look at. Or a lot of good representation.

PHOTO COURTESY KHERIS ROGERS

The Kheris Rogers Foundation hosted the “Women’s History Month Roundtable on Colorism, Representation and Issues Black Women Face in America.” What was that experience like for you?

It was super fun, especially to see other young people my age not being scared to be vocal that they go through things as well. Not being afraid to know that they don’t know what to do with their life, even though college is coming around. It’s OK!

Do you have any advice for children or parents of young children who are experiencing bullying?

Don’t let what other people say about you get into your head. No one knows you more than you know you. No one can change the definition of you but you, OK? And also for the parent: If you see your child crying for help, help them! It can be different cries of help, not just walking up to you and saying, “I need help.” It can be a change in behavior, change in how their day-to-day lives go when they’re just [lying] in bed all day. You know, peep the little things.

What is next for you, Kheris? What are you looking forward to?

Definitely expanding “Flexin’ In My Complexion,” definitely some more big jobs coming. I’m just super excited for the future. I started “Flexin’ In My Complexion” when I was 10 years old because I was being bullied for my dark-skinned complexion. I started it because, for one, I was going viral on Twitter. I started to see the reaction of how much people were saying they loved my hair, my skin, everything about me. I was just, like, “I was bullied for these things.” And it really helped me gain confidence in myself. “Flexin’ In My Complexion” was really for everyone, including me, to help love myself, and it became a thing really for everyone.

Check out Roger’s clothing line, “Flexin’ in my complexion,” and learn more about the Kheris Rogers Foundation.

Great Gift Ideas For Dad, Just in Time for Father’s Day

Published

By Ron Epstein

Team Digger
This cooperative game makes for a fun afternoon with Dad. Cards direct you to move your dog from one site to another, and players win as a team when they find all four bones buried in the park. Great for sequencing, spatial awareness and teamwork. $36, ages 6+, simplyfun.com
Atomic Power Popper + Sticky Target
Blast into fun with this classic popper, now with a new sticky target that rocks back and forth. Great for the father who’s ready to play outside. $29.99, ages 4+, hogwildtoys.com
Earth Rangers
Learn about wildlife and conservation with this app. Dad and kids can create and customize their own avatar, then participate in dozens of “missions” that help make a real impact — from planting pollinator gardens to reducing energy consumption and food waste. Free, ages 6+, earthrangers.com
Game On
Amp up the fun on your next road trip with audible stories full of comedy, sports history, fun facts, celebrity impersonations, interviews and more. Great for kids and adults. Free, ages 4+, storypirates.com
Sprout Single-to-Double Stroller/Wagon
Dad will love the innovative design of this wagon, which expands from a single-seater into a double with no tools or kits required. Need extra cargo space or to add a seat for an extra kid? Expand the chassis to make room for it all. Taking one kid to a playdate before running errands with the other? Shorten the chassis for more compact strolling. $699.99, ages 6 months+, or 120 lbs total weight capacity, larktale.com
Aerobie Sonic Bounce Ball
Defy gravity and have a blast with this high-density foam tactile grip ball. Perfect for slipping into your bag for a road trip. $8.99, ages 8+ spinmaster.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com

Trending Birthday Party Themes for Kids

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

As parents, we look forward to so many milestones once a baby arrives. We wait for these moments with patience, but also little to no control. We don’t know when a baby’s first giggle or first steps will happen, or when they’ll utter their first understandable word. But other milestone moments are curated by us, especially the birthday party.

As an L.A. mom of two children, ages 10 and 3, I have seen the gamut when it comes to birthday parties, from casual backyard and park gatherings to immersive, themed affairs, including farm extravaganzas with goats, chickens and bunnies to pet, plus pony rides and barnyard decor.

Some parents are true DIYers and tackle the workload alone, while others outsource some (or all) party tasks to a party company. L.A. Parent talked to two So Cal party and entertainment businesses – Little Artist Party and Littles Party Co – to find out what they’re seeing in the world of birthday parties today, from one-year-old celebrations to tween and teen parties. May these inspire you to organize (or book) that upcoming birthday party.

PHOTO COURTESY LITTLES PARTY CO

For Ages 1 to 4

For the youngest in the crowd, it’s nice to give them space to wiggle and move — and to let them experience the setting through physical and sensory play. Christie Topjian, owner of party rental service Littles Party Co, says that means ball pits, tunnels, soft-play climbing blocks and slides. She regularly sets such items up in a corralled, matted play area so that babies and tots can play safely. Balloon arches are common requests, too, as are bounce houses. You can get smaller versions of these nowadays, appropriate even for crawlers. 

Topjian says families with young children are also requesting parties themed to “Bluey,” the hit television show. “Roar I’m four” is another cute theme for dinosaur lovers.

Arsineh Hoonanian, owner of Little Artist Party, offers a “Play-Doh Discovery Experience” for this age group – another safe and sensory way to entertain young children. The company will bring in all necessary supplies and decor. She has also done “Furry Friend Stuffing” parties (guests build their own stuffed animals), canvas and ceramics painting parties, and cupcake decorating parties.

For Ages 5 to 10

PHOTO COURTESY LITTLE ARTIST PARTY

In this age group, both Littles Party Co and Little Artist Party get lots of requests for slime-themed parties. Guests make their own slime creations, complete with scents and mix-ins (proving that even older kids love some sensory play time). 

“A Spa-Tacular Party,” which includes face masks, mini manicures and more, is another oft-booked theme, as are spray-paint parties, sand-art parties and celebrations that lean into favorite films, from “Toy Story” to “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter.”

For Teens and Tweens
Those of us with children in this age range know that tweens and teens don’t want things to feel too “kiddie.” But themed parties and hands-on activities can still work, so long as the decor and activities lean a bit more mature.  

PHOTOS COURTESY LITTLE ARTIST PARTY

Little Artist Party says that means tie-dye, jewelry or bead creations parties, and even a Spray Paint n’ Patching party, when guests personalize their own hat or denim jacket with patches and spray paint. For all of these, party favor bags aren’t even needed, as what the guests create are memento enough.

Littles Party Co is a party rental service that currently specializes in infant and toddler soft-play and entertainment. Later this year, they will expand with offerings for older age groups, including slumber party packages, bumper cars and more.

Artist Party Co offers comprehensive party packages and services. Find details on the company website and photos on Instagram.

5 Self-Care Items for Your Mother’s Day Wish List

Published

By Elena Epstein

Mother’s Day is a terrific time to pause, celebrate all that you do, and schedule some time for self-care. Our picks for a bit of pampering include a beautiful diaper bag, a lactation massage tool, a book that takes the guilt out of work, a comfy and organic pillow and a mattress you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re looking to treat yourself this time of year, consider these NAPPA award-winning items.

This massage tool with deep-shiatsu kneading massage balls moves like real hands to help empty milk when you’re pumping or breastfeeding. The vibration and scoop functions assist with breaking up clogs and emptying ducts faster. It also has a heat function to help stimulate milk flow and soften the breast. $44.99, momcozy.com
Designed for comfort and flexibility, this mattress offers a better sleep experience. Its multi-layered, zippered construction allows you to customize the comfort of your mattress. $2199, naturepedic.com
For a fashion upgrade, consider this luxe diaper clutch made with 100% vegan leather. Users can also carry it as a crossbody bag by using the detachable strap. $85, twelvelittle.com
A luxurious fiber-based pillow that provides comfort in its simplest form. Derived entirely from sugarcane. Outer cover is 100% certified organic cotton. $79, naturepedic.com
Working parents often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and riddled with guilt. But parenthood can also be a source of joy, inspiration, and creativity. This book is a toolkit that helps even the most stressed of working parents “grow the good” by better managing inevitable challenges. $19.95, shambhala.com

Woodcraft Rangers Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary 

Published

By Nathan Corrál

Summer camp season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the start of summer camp than with a brand-new summer camp theme song?

COURTESY OF WOODCRAFT RANGERS

 In honor of its 100-year anniversary, Camp Woodcraft Rangers has collaborated with Grammy-winner Lisa Loeb to produce a new signature camp song for the campers called “Oh, Camp Woodcraft!” Loeb has been involved in summer camps since she attended them as a kid. She even started The Camp Lisa Foundation for children who may not have the funds to attend a sleepaway camp. Every child, she says, should have the opportunity to attend summer camp.

When working on the theme song, it was important to Loeb that the campers’ voices were part of the song literally and lyrically. “The project wouldn’t really exist without the campers and the counselors, because it’s their song,” says Loeb. The song had to be a collaborative project because the campers know the heart of the camp, the traditions and activities. In the songwriting process, Loeb used her experience as a songwriter and her connection to summer camp to create a song that was unique for the campers.

COURTESY OF WOODCRAFT RANGERS

As a busy musician, Loeb is always trying to work on projects that she is passionate about, and summer camp is clearly one of them. In our conversation, she expressed how unique and important the things we experience at summer camp are in creating long-lasting memories. By writing the Woodcraft Rangers’ theme song and featuring the campers, they have created something that will last forever — just like the summer camp memories Loeb cherishes.

Woodcraft Rangers is at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities in the greater Los Angeles area. From the start, Woodcraft challenged the norm by opening its programs to all children from every race, religion and socioeconomic background. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually at after school enrichment programs, summer day camps and overnight camps. Visit www.woodcraftrangers.org

We Love It: Editor Picks for Families

Published

Elena Epstein

As parents ourselves, the L.A. Parent editorial team is always on the lookout for must-see products for families. Here are our pick’s this month. We hope you find a just-right toy or tool for your family.

Tula Hemp Explore Baby Carrier

Super soft, yet strong and supportive. Featuring multiple carrying positions — front facing in, front facing out and back carry — this carrier is great for sightseeing adventures. $199, ages birth-4 years, babytula.com

12little Luxe Clutch in Toffee

Luxe 100% vegan leather with beautiful and compact design perfect for on-the-go moms. Can be carried as a clutch or crossbody bag with room for everything baby needs. $85, twelvelittle.com

Aerobie Sonic Bounce Ball

Redefine gravity and have a blast with this high-density foam tactile grip ball. Perfect for slipping into your bag for a road trip. $8.99, ages 8+, spinmaster.com

CoComelon HugMees

Lovable and squeezable friends are made with high-quality and ultrasoft materials. Perfect size for a travel buddy on the road or the plane. $9.99, ages 3+, jazwares.com

Caravan Coupe Compact Stroller/Wagon

Perfect for a family adventure with a nimble and compact design and impressively small fold. Seats up to two kids in individually reclining seats and a shared foot well area for stroller-style seating. If you need space to haul cargo or let your littles stretch their legs, you can securely invert the foot well to provide a flat base interior. $499.99, ages 6+ months up to 147-pound weight capacity, larktale.com

LeapFrog Fruit Colors Learning Smoothie

Take a smoothie break on your next road trip. Swivel the straw to choose from five fruit flavors, and the cup will change color to match. The straw is also a teething toy for kids to nibble as they listen to fruit-themed sing-along songs and music. $10.99, ages 6+ months, leapfrog.com

VTech Kiddie Cat Cassette Player

Bop to the music with this retro-designed, head-bobbin’ kitty — from jazz, country and rock ‘n’ roll style melodies to the Alphabet Song. $10.99, ages 9-36 months, vtechkids.com

Game On Podcast

Amp up the fun on your next road trip with comedy, sports history, fun facts, celebrity impersonations, interviews and more. Great for kids and adults. Free, ages 4+, storypirates.com

Naturepedic PLA Pillow

Feel like you’re on vacation every day with this luxurious fiber-based pillow that provides comfort in its simplest form. Derived entirely from sugarcane. Outer cover is 100% certified-organic cotton. $79 (standard size), naturepedic.com

The Genius of Play’s ‘Emotional Wellness Playbook’

Published

By Nathan Corrál

One of the best things we can do for our kids is aid them in their development of emotional well-being. What better way to do that than through play? 

PHOTO COURTSEY GENIUS OF PLAY

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and organizations, companies and individuals everywhere are using this month to continue talking openly about the state of mental health. But when it comes to helping children, Talia Filippelli, founder of Starr Therapy in Hoboken, N.J., says we need not forget about play. 

Filipelli is a leading mental health expert and winner of numerous “Top Kids Doc” awards, and she has partnered with  The Genius of Play to create a new Emotional Wellness Playbook. The Genius of Play is: a non profit that provides families with the information need to make play an important part of their child’s day. This free resource provides parents and caregivers with screen-free, play-based activities that were designed to help children develop emotional intelligence and to learn how to express their emotions in a healthy way.

PHOTO COURTESY GENIUS OF PLAY

Filippelli has worked with The Genius of Play for several years, contributing expert articles that offer parents free resources on a variety of subject matters. At the end of last year, the organization asked Filippelli to create a playbook with a list of concrete activities for parents to use as a resource to engage with their kids in ways that are creative as well as collaborative. In the process of putting together the playbook, Filippelli examined each activity via a lens of what emotional health benefits could develop as a result of play. Play is so much more than just quality time with your kids, she says. It is also an opportunity to help them grow emotionally. “We like to look at play as an opportunity to build emotional wellness skills in children,” she says. 

What is great about the Emotional Wellness Playbook is how open-ended it is. Collaborative play is at the center of each activity, so the activities in the playbook can be between a parent and a child, a caregiver and a child or even multiple children. The emotional health benefits remain the same regardless of who engages in the activities. No specific family dynamic was targeted, so the playbook is accessible for all family types. There are even solo activities for kids, such as word searches and coloring pages.

The activities in the playbook are meant to inspire parents to connect and bond with their kids. With the numerous long-term benefits that come from the playbook, a prominent one is normalizing the discussion of emotions with parents and their children.

Talia Filippelli, LCSW, CHHC, CPT, is the founder of Starr Therapy. Visit thegeniusofplay.org for play ideas, expert advice and more play-inspired resources for families and educators.

PHOTO COURTESY GENIUS OF PLAY

What To Do if Your Kid Gets Sick on Vacation

Published

By Elena Epstein

When planning family travel, it’s a good idea to put a health plan in place, too. We spoke with Leian Chen, M.D., a mom of two and a pediatrician at UCLA Health Marina del Rey, about what to do if your child gets sick or injured while you’re traveling.

PHOTO COURTESY LEIAN CHEN, M.D.

What should parents do if their child gets sick during a road trip or in another state?

For traveling with children, it is always a good idea to plan ahead with packing some commonly needed items so that you aren’t scrambling at the drugstore while on the road. Examples of things to include would be a simple thermometer, liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol), liquid ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil, for infants/children 6 months and up), sunscreen and first-aid items. Other things to consider would be saline and a snot-sucking device in case your little one gets a cold, motion-sickness medications (such as Dramamine, but check with your doctor) if your child is prone to carsickness, mosquito repellant and some hydrocortisone for itchy bug bites if you’re going to a mosquito-heavy area and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) if your child might be at risk for allergic reactions. Of course, if your child is on any chronic medications or has any prescribed emergency medications, make sure those prescriptions are filled and carried with you — not checked into luggage — at all times.

Fortunately, when on a road trip or traveling domestically, you should be able to get help if your child gets sick. Since the pandemic, many pediatricians have been using telemedicine platforms to provide remote care. You can check with your doctor to see if that’s available in case your child gets sick while you’re on the road and you’d like to see a familiar face for help. Otherwise, urgent cares and the ER are always there for you.

What if your child gets sick when traveling abroad?

When traveling abroad with children, there is a bit more advance planning that is needed. I recommend starting this a few months ahead of your trip, if possible, in order to have time to get everything done. You can start with a consultation with your pediatrician for specific travel advice and reference the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travelers’ health website for the country to which you are traveling. There may be additional recommended vaccines for your child, and some of these may not be readily available and need to be arranged in advance or even at specialty travel clinics. If your child has chronic or complex health conditions, it would be even more important to get some expert advice before you leave.

Depending on where you are going, common medications for children may not be readily available, in which case you may want to pack more of the over-the-counter medications mentioned already. Remember to also consider things like access to formula, baby food and clean water.

You should discuss with your pediatrician whether you need to bring any additional prescription medications in case of an emergency. Doctors will sometimes provide these to international travelers on a case-by-case basis, but it can be hard to know what might be needed, especially when it comes to antibiotics. Chances are that if your child becomes sick enough to consider antibiotics, they should be seen in order to determine which ones are appropriate. For example, the antibiotic your child would need for traveler’s diarrhea is very different from what they would take for an ear infection. In case your child needs to be seen more urgently or emergently while in another country, make sure to have some local contacts who can help guide you, whether a local host or a hotel concierge. You may also want to think about travelers’ insurance, which can help offset the costs of seeking emergency care in another country.

PHOTO COURTESY LEIAN CHEN, M.D.

What is your top advice for parents in general when traveling with kids?

We’ve covered a lot about what to do to prepare for your child possibly getting sick when traveling, but the best-case scenario would be if we can prevent illnesses and accidents in the first place. Just like with sickness prevention at home, things like staying up to date with routine vaccinations, hand washing, sanitizing and masking (if appropriate) can help reduce transmission of many infectious diseases. It’s also easy to become lax about car seats and safe sleep recommendations when traveling, but please don’t forget about those!

My best advice for traveling with children is to plan ahead, but expect the unexpected and just go with it. With my own kids, I’ve dealt with a fever on a cruise ship, an ear infection on a ski trip and many, many complaints about itchy mosquito bites. While it would have been easy to let these things ruin our time, we had to learn to be flexible, make the best of it and still try to have some fun. Traveling with kids may not be much of a restful vacation, but it will definitely be memorable. Safe travels!

What health & wellness questions are keeping you up at night? Send your questions to elena.epstein@laparent.com, and we’ll ask the experts.

Response: Strategies for Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences

Published

“Children are the Priority. Change is the Reality. Collaboration is the Strategy.” – Judith Billings, former Washington State Superintendent for Public Instruction.

Parent-teacher conferences can be stressful, which is why planning ahead can make the most out of your brief one-on-one face time with your child’s teacher. The relationship formed with a child’s family is often impacted by how well the parent-teacher conference is conducted and how productive the conference is in helping your child succeed. With that in mind, we consulted with several of our Stratford School experts to help develop tips to ensure a successful parent-teacher conference.

Do Your Homework
Preparation is vital to conducting a successful parent-teacher conference. Taking time to make note of what you want to discuss in the conference is paramount. According to Loren Gustafson, math and history teacher at Stratford Middle School in San Jose, “Understand that our time is limited. When you come with questions already prepared that shows you have thought about the purpose of the conference. Preparing questions beforehand allows us to focus on specifics rather than simply exchanging pleasantries without a specific goal in mind.” 

Additional advice comes from Mary “Kate” Kiely, second grade teacher at Stratford’s Sunnyvale campus: “I love when parents bring questions because it shows that we are building a partnership for their child’s education and also helps the meeting feel comfortable. As teachers, we can speak to the areas of growth we see and often they are similar or related to challenges parents might be seeing at home. It allows us to strengthen our relationship with their child and celebrate their achievements.”

Accentuate the Positive with a Cooperative Team Effort
Parents are often anxious about what teachers will say regarding their child, so a conference should be started with positive comments according to Emily Ersboll, first grade teacher at Stratford’s Online Academy (Grades K-5). “Parent-teacher conferences are especially important to create connections between a student’s home and school life. Parents should come prepared with observations from their point of view at home,” she says. “Think about how they handle homework, how they interact with other kids (during playdates, extracurricular activities, etc.), how the child reacts when their behavior is redirected at home. These can be clues as to how the child behaves at school, too. If you feel concerned about behaviors at home, they may be having the same issues at school and it would be beneficial to work with your child’s teacher to come up with a plan to support your child together.” 

Gustafson adds, “Your child is the light of your life, and many times they are perfect in your eyes. Yet as a teacher, I am looking through the lens of academic growth and sometimes we may see a different side of your child. Our expectations in this context may just be different than yours.”

Be Prepared to Discuss Your Child’s Strengths, Behavior and Performance
Make use of the conference to identify and discuss the areas that need to be addressed. According to Kiely, “I think it is really important, on both fronts, to come with an open mind. Behaviors in school and at home can be similar or very different. I have had parents shocked when I tell them what a social butterfly their child is because at home it is the opposite or vice versa. It is great though to hear because if, in this case, they are not opening up at home and the parent is asking for tips, you can open the door more to the conversation of what you as a teacher have been implementing in your classroom or suggest other ways to help support your child. This goes for any area of growth. With an open mind, it is important to note that both teacher and parent want what is best for your child.” 

This is further emphasized by Ersboll, who says, “Come to the meeting with an open and honest mind. We are both here because we care about your child and want what is best for them. It makes it easier for teachers if we can have the whole picture of who your child is and what we can do to accommodate the best support for your child. “

Plan a Follow-up Conference
Parent-teacher conferences are most effective if they’re not a one-off event and instead are part of the larger relationship with parents. As Gustafson comments, “Parents looking for long-term academic and personal growth, and not just aiming for a targeted grade, are a joy to work with every time.”

Adding to that, Ersboll concludes, “Every child is different and teachers are always trying their best to support each individual student’s needs, so if you have suggestions, we’re open, listening and would love to hear them!”

While parent-teacher conferences are not the only forum for parents to get involved in their child’s education, and for teachers to get a greater insight into their students, these interactions are an important first step. So make a game plan to maximize your next parent-teacher conference time, and continue to build this essential relationship that will ultimately have the greatest positive impact on your child’s success now and in the future.If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

10 Mother’s Day Events L.A. Moms Will Love

Published

Chelsee Lowe

My husband has an annual calendar reminder set that nudges him in April to book or plan something for Mother’s Day. I find this simple technological gesture very sweet, actually. He knows I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way, and he also knows his own penchant to forget that I’d like to celebrate the date in some small way. “It’s the thought that counts” rings true here.

And for many mothers, there’s no need for a grand gesture. Lots of us appreciate a simple celebration, but even simple tends to require some forethought. Want to go to brunch? Booking a table in advance is a good idea in our city. Prefer to catch a movie? You’d better purchase those tickets in advance. So, in hopes of helping anyone out there who’s helming the holiday planning, here are 10 local Mother’s Day events that the mamas at L.A. Parent wouldn’t mind attending ourselves.

Garden Party at California Botanical Garden

PHOTO COURTESY CALIFORNIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

On May 14, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., bring Mom to the California Botanical Garden for a holiday garden party. Themed activities, one drink, food and treats are included in your ticket to this Claremont event, and harpist Phoebe Madison Schrafft will play live. Entry is $15 and up for the general public. Buy your tickets in advance here. Wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Seal Beach Symphony

For the mom who loves music, pick up tickets to the May 14 performance of the Seal Beach Symphony. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and takes place at Old Ranch Country Club. Passed appetizers and a cash bar will be on hand. Guests can expect international artists to play songs by Chopin, Debussy, Mozart and more. Tickets begin at $25.

Motherhood-Themed Short Films

If we’re being honest, letting us do something all alone is a great Mother’s Day treat. And if the mother in your life is into movies, try this screening of a trio of motherhood-themed short films by Sarah Moshman. It takes place at the North Hollywood Laemmle, and a panel discussion follows the films. Tickets are $10.

Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine

For the mom who loves to get out of the house with the kids, maybe a whole family trip to Pretend City Children’s Museum is the move. The museum is hosting a special Mother’s Day Celebration on May 13, and it includes card making, painting, sensory tables and even mommy-and-me yoga. Book tickets online.

Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day

PHOTO COURTESY FARM SANCTUARY

Another whole-group outing, Farm Sanctuary’s Family Day is set for May 13 and includes time for animal encounters, vegan high tea, a create-your-own mini garden station and a story time and book signing with author/illustrator Ruby Roth. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $20 and up. Proceeds go right back to the farm, supporting animal rescue and advocacy efforts.

Unique Markets L.A.

PHOTO COURTESY UNIQUE MARKETS

If Mom likes to shop, consider sending here on an adventure to the 14th annual Spring Market at downtown’s California Market Center. On May 6 and 7, more than 150 indie artisans will descend on the venue, selling their unique work. $15 general admission tickets include market access, an original tote bag, free drinks, DIY activities and a family fun zone, in case the kids are coming, too.

Sun & Sea at The Point

PHOTO COURTESY THE POINT

In El Segundo, more than two dozen vendors and performing musicians are part of Sea & Sun at The Point on May 13. Entry is free, and there’s plenty of other entertainment and dining options at The Point, including Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream to Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Build Your Own Succulent Garden

North Hollywood’s Teapop is hosting a two-hour, hands-on succulent party on May 13, and guests will design their own potted garden to take home. All supplies are included in the ticket price of $35. And, you can try one of Teapop’s delicious milk teas while you’re there.

Doughnut Delivery

PHOTO COURTESY PRIMO’S DONUTS

Who wouldn’t like a fresh doughnut t in the morning? Add a cup of coffee, a good book and a quiet house for two hours and I’d be a very happy parent. Primo’s Donuts, with one location on Sawtelle and another in Westwood, makes some of our favorite doughnuts in town, and even a few fancy ones on Mother’s Day. A simple doughnut delivery for the holiday is a sweet plan if we ever heard one. A sprinkle doughnut from your favorite local shop works perfectly, too.

DIY Mother’s Day

Ultimately, you know what Mom will like best. Skip the ticketed events and plan your own “party” if you think she’d prefer it. Let her chill at home all by herself. Pack up her favorite snacks and head to a great local trailhead for a family hike and picnic. A beach day is always a pleasant outing, weather permitting. If the temps are comfortable enough, consider a walk in Point Dume, followed by dinner at Taverna Tony’s or your favorite coastal restaurant. Or plan an afternoon or full day away to local gems like Descanso Gardens, The Huntington or The Getty. Whatever it is, Mom will appreciate your effort to acknowledge her and all that she does.


Checking In: The Pierside Now Open In Santa Monica

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

Other than the Hollywood Sign, there may be no site more iconic in greater Los Angeles than the Santa Monica Pier. The arched neon sign at its entry debuted in 1940 when the pier actually led to the stated “yacht harbor.” Today, it’s more of a family fun zone. My 10-year-old daughter adores cruising the pier, riding a few rides and trying a snack or two. If I’m with her, we’re definitely stopping at the teeny Hot Dog on a Stick just south of the boardwalk. This red shack, opened in 1946, is as vintage as the pier.

PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

I don’t get to Santa Monica that much anymore, but I see the joy of a staycation here, especially for beach-loving families. If you seek a room that’s just steps from the sand, check out The Pierside, a brand new hotel at the corner of Ocean and Colorado avenues (aka, right at the pier). Though the ground floor restaurant and gym are still under construction, the hotel has been welcoming guests since January. There are 132 rooms and suites ready to book, plus a cozy lobby that includes The Board Shop, a one-stop shop for beach necessities, from boogie and surfboards to paddle ball gear. Guests can check out such items at no charge for two hours, perfect for an afternoon by the sea.

The Pierside offers 132 rooms and suites in a cool, coastal color pallete.
PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

In the lobby and in guestrooms, a cool, coastal color palette creates a sense of ease and relaxation: You’ve made it the beach, man, so just chill out and have some fun. I love the blue day beds in the rooms (it’s also a pull-out bed) and the cheeky beach wallpaper hidden in the closets. The team has also replaced the hotel desk with a multifuctional living space with mod pedestal table, great for a take-out dinner, but also for a spot to work or just fire off a quick email.

Hotel restaurant The Surfing Fox will debut this summer. PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

Outside, a brilliant mural by Shepard Fairy graces nearly the entire west side of the hotel, and there’s a pool perched above the 10 Freeway. Onsite restaurant The Surfing Fox faces Colorado Avenue and is a great place for a meal, whether as a family, as a couple or as a group of friends having cocktails at the bar. If you want views of the neon Santa Monica Pier sign, settle yourself out on the bar-adjacent patio. My husband and I brought our two kids, ages 10 and 3, for an early dinner recently, and everything we tried was impressive. Favorites included the burrata with salsa macha, peaches, arugula and toasted bread; the incredibly aromatic cilantro rice; the “Fox Fries,” which of course pleased the youngest in our bunch; and my husband’s “Caulilini,” a dinner entree of an expertly roasted cauliflower head dressed up with calabrian chili tahini, mint and a garlic-miso oil. Note that happy hour snacks and drinks are offered on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (great hours for families), and there’s live music every Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

And of course, this corner of Santa Monica is full of additional family-friendly activities, and you don’t really need to get in your car for them. Walk in bluff-side Palisades Park or Tongva Park (both neighbor the hotel) and take the littles to Cayton Children’s Museum. If you want to try a part of the beach that’s particularly great for kids, hike it to Annenberg Community Beach House, where a historic pool, splash pad, playground, and a beach restaurant await. This is one of my family’s favorite Santa Monica spots.

Guests can borrow beach gear from The Board Shop in the lobby. PHOTO COURTESY THE PIERSIDE

There are must-visit places nearby for adults, too. If you can manage to sneak away for an evening, grab a steak (and some complimentary peanuts) at local haunt Chez Jay, which has been operating since 1959, or visit Ester’s Wine Shop for a wine-and-cheese filled escape. And do not miss some of the best sandwiches in greater L.A., which you’ll find at Bay Cities Italian Deli on Lincoln Boulevard. These make for perfect picnic food, no matter where you’re setting up your blanket.

After all of your adventures, you’ll be thrilled to head back to The Pierside, your (temporary) home by the sea.

Family Road Trip: The Carlsbad Flower Fields

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. PHOTO COURTESY MARCIE GONZALEZ

All this rain has left many of us more than ready to get outside. In my own yard, orange blossoms have begun to bloom, the grass is a vibrant green, doves have made a nest and my kids are happy as clams when they’re out there burning all that energy we adults can only envy.

It’s also that time of year when I look at the calendar and wonder where an easy road trip or getaway might be plugged in, just a jaunt to get us in the sun, soaking up Vitamin D and all that warmth. Recently I was reminded of a great (and seasonal) road trip I took with my oldest daughter when she was about five: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Open every spring for more than 60 years, this curated hillside is a spectacular flower display that you get up close and personal with. Brilliant ranuculus are planted across 55 acres of Carlsbad hillside, and when I visited years ago, my daughter was thrilled to walk along the dirt paths that edge the fields, noting petals and insects and the fuzzy, gangly stems of these cool flowers. And because I’ve long counted ranunculus among my favorite blooms, I was pleased to be in their company as well.

Every year it seems that the family-friendly offerings here grow and grow, right along with the flowers. There’s a tractor-drawn wagon ride, a two-acre area for u-pick blueberries (always a fun and delicious activity for kids), a greenhouse full of poinsettias (in case that’s among your own favorite flowers) and a demonstration garden to inspire your own plantings, even if the space you have to work with is small. A flower field grown as the American Flag is also rather astounding. Yoga by the fields, picnics, sunset wine tasting and more are part of a very full events calendar, too.

Of course, many families will opt to add this destination to an itinerary that includes Legoland, which is less than one mile from here (and just opened the first ever Miniland, a city with more that five million Lego bricks). Other local points of interest include Batiquitos Lagoon (great for a family stroll) and Carlsbad State Beach.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch opened March 1 and will welcome guests until Mother’s Day, May 14. Buying tickets in advance is suggested. Entry is $12 and up, though children under 3 are free. $23 for adults, $21 for seniors 60+ and military, and free for children under three.

Aeriel view of the fields.
PHOTO COURTESY THE FLOWER FIELDS OF CARLSBAD AT CARLSBAD RANCH

Let’s Read: Excellent Texts for Kids and Parents

Published

By Elena Epstein

Our NAPPA Awards team loves celebrating great reads. Check out our latest NAPPA Award winning books for all ages.

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams
Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Enjoy this inspiring story that tells how the sister went from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth to 2, silverdolphinbooks.com
Farm Animals
Bond with baby and build emotional security with a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months to 3, lilbigworld.com
Messy Time
This book shows joyful, messy play in different environments: in the kitchen, in the garden and in the bathtub. It is messy play (think mud, sand and water) that provides children with rich sensory experiences and unstructured play. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips for making the most of messy play, including clean-up time. $8.99, ages 1 to 5, freespirit.com
Sing A Song of Kindness
Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with the touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, for ages birth and up, silverdolphinbooks.com
Try-Again Time
Helps young children develop a growth mindset, learn how to persevere and practice self-regulation skills. The back of the book provides active suggestions for adults to manage try-again time together. $8.99, ages 2 and up, freespirit.com

Preschool & Early Elementary

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms
A retelling of a classic Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4 to 8, shambhala.com
The Moon is Broken
A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2 to 5, amazon.com
We Listen to Our Bodies
Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3 to 5, freespirit.com

Teens & Tweens

You Got a Phone! (Now Read This Book)
Features a humorous yet supportive tone and hilarious illustrations that draw readers in and keep them engaged. Provides important information on cyber bullying and the hazards of too much screen time. $10.99, for tweens, freespirit.com
Slaying Digital Dragons
With a frank and humorous approach to a timely topic, this book pulls back the curtain on the hidden aspects of the digital world. It shares how screen time can affect the lives of young adults and gives tips for protecting their privacy, safety and reputation on social media. $24.99, ages 10 to 18, freespirit.com
My Little Pony: Virtual Magic
Ever wondered what it would be like to visit modern-day Equestria? This 18-chapter extended reality (XR) adventure will take you deep inside — with the exclusive prequel content of Izzy’s backstory. $39.99, ages 7 to 11, quantumstorey.com

Parents

Work, Parent, Thrive
Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage daily challenges and to focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com
This May Be Difficult to Read
Brings cognitive and developmental research to life for parents to help their child with reading and comprehension. Transform interactions at home so that learning becomes a byproduct of fun by thinking as a child thinks and learning as a child learns. $19.99, parents, amazon.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com

Learn in Unique Ways With These Games and Toys

Published

By Elena Epstein

As parents, we’re always looking for fresh ways to engage our children. These unique items are NAPPA Award Winners, each one a game, toy or activity to help your kids learn in new, exciting ways. We hope they inspire so much fun in your home.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies
A unique children’s movement and play deck featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Use it to celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4 to 8, shambhala.com
LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)
This set makes writing easier and more fun with writing prompts that provide clever topic suggestions for adults and kids. There’s also a tracking postcard to keep the pen-pal momentum going, and replies can be quick thanks to perforated reply postcards attached to each child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5 and up, lollipost.com
Epic
Encourage kids to explore their interests and learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2 to 12, getepic.com
LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game
This is no ordinary scavenger hunt. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands, so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties and classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative and stay active. $34.99, ages 3 and up, amazon.com
Bebi Toddlers
Educational games and puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines and written formulas. It is fun to play games, and those games affect our brain, improving our logical thinking, fine motor skills and more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2 to 5, bebi.family
Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers
This app is jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschool skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Kids can enjoy classic puzzles, turning the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin columns to find the picture or put the scattered parts in place. Free, ages 2 to 4, apps.apple.com
bekids Reading
Engaging stories that help young readers learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are also captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful tunes. Free, ages 2 to 4, bekids.com
bekids Coding
A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5 to 8, bekids.com
bekids Science
A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2 to 4, bekids.com

Must-Try Items for Baby and Family

Published

By Elena Epstein

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners, just for baby and family. Check out all the great products featured below.

Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress
This mattress checks all the boxes, with organic materials, chemical safety with waterproof protection, breathability and flexibility. The washable cover provides excellent airflow should baby turn face down, while the underlying mattress is firm, waterproof and provides excellent edge support. It has no flame retardants whatsoever or other questionable materials. $399, ages birth to 2 years, naturepedic.com
Snuggleluvs
These soft and whimsical stuffed animals are oversized and super fun with long fluffy hair. They make any child smile and are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. With their added weight, extra softness and optimal cuddling size, Snuggleluvs are a stress-relieving companion for all ages. $50, all ages, wildrepublic.com
Premium Contoured Changing Pad
Designed to make changing your baby a clean and secure process, this pad is made of a durable water-resistant material that’s easy to wipe clean. For extra security, it features contoured walls and a safety belt that has an ultra-soft, luxurious and comfortable buckle cover. Also includes two straps to secure it to your changing surface, as well as a non-skid bottom to help keep the changing pad in place. $29.99, for parents, storkcraftdirect.com
Hoop™ Glider & Ottoman
A complete two-piece nursery set. Comfortable, padded arm cushions with pockets for added storage convenience. Enclosed metal ball bearings make for a smooth and gentle gliding experience. Made with durable, easy-to-clean polyester material. $229.99, for parents, storkcraftdirect.com
SplashEZ Mold Free Bath Toys
Make water play wildly fun with these no mold bath toys. Your baby bath set includes 5 adorable animal friends——Tony Tiger, Leo Lion, Quentin Quail, Freddy Frog and Uma Unicorn. BPA-free with hole-less design means no water seeps in. After bath time, the toys dry off and stay odor, slime and mold free. $9.99, ages birth to 2 years, amazon.com
Papablic Baby Bottles Sterilizer and Dryer
When feeding with a baby bottle, it can be difficult to keep the bottles clean and 100% safe, even if washed thoroughly after every use. This tool cleans your bottles with penetrating steam that is hotter than the dishwasher, and its dries items safely with hot air. It will completely clean your baby bottles in 8 minutes. $79.95, for parents with babies age 0 to 24 months, papablic.com

March/April Issue of L.A. Parent

Published

By Cassandra Lane

Welcome to March, that special time of year that gifts us with the first sprouts of spring and 31 days of celebrating the immeasurable contributions of women.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” is music to our ears. Our L.A. Parent team loves sharing stories — the stories of our parenting journey and the stories of our communities. We hope you love our spring issue as much we do!

Here’s to all the women — our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunties, grandmothers, friends and mentors — who lead us, teach us, love us and inspire us. Thanks for allowing us to soak in your stories. 

Happy spring!

PHOTO BY ROB FLATE. COVER DESIGN BY EDWIN ALPANIAN.

On the Cover

This month’s cover model is actress/singer/songwriter Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, who stars as Tuk in James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar: The Way of Water.” Follow her on Instagram: @misstrinitybliss. 

Trinity’s stylists were: Stacy Hummell (hair and makeup), Cristina Ehrlich (stylist) and Bridget Blacksten (stylist assistant).

Our cover photographer was Rob Flate. You can find him at robflatephotography.com.

On LAParent.com

Get our newsletters every week!

Sign up at laparent.com to receive our two weekly newsletters. On Mondays, we highlight some of our most useful (and fun) articles. And we round up the very best events of the weekend on Thursdays! 

L.A. Favorites: The Trails Cafe

Published

By Chelsee Lowe

Don’t miss the lavender chocolate chip scones. PHOTO COURTESY CHELSEE LOWE

Blurting car horns and the whistle of fast-moving freeways become white noise to most Angelenos after a while. Even folks living near an airport say they stop noticing the sounds of the metal birds as they take flight or descend – it’s incredible how adaptive our brains are, blocking out unwanted stimuli.

That being said, I still crave quiet every so often, and if I can get that within the city limits, all the better. There is almost no place in L.A. I like more than Griffith Park to find such peace. More specifically, I take my kids to The Trails Cafe and the playground across the road.

Open since 2005, The Trails Cafe is a straightforward operation. A few workers man the inside of the rustic walk-up shack, serving good coffee and tea, even better pastries and an avocado sandwich I can’t not order, even if it’s not really meal time when we’ve arrived. The sandwich is stacked with sprouts and cheese and of course avocado, cubed, gently mashed and salted with a touch of bacon bits. You can easily split it with someone, if you’re not feeling greedy about it, and my oldest daughter is usually happy to oblige. We also never skip the lavender chocolate chip scone, which is larger than a hockey puck, fragrant and buttery. My three-year-old tried this one for the first time ever last year, giddy as she ate. Pie and quiche slices, plus the “snake dog” (hot dog wrapped in croissant dough) are other options liked by other cafe fans.

All of this works well because young kids are so snack-happy – or is that just mine? We take our goodies to the adjacent tables, heavily shaded by oak trees and more, and enjoy the calm as we share treats. It’s off to the play structures. We carefully cross Fern Dell Drive (it’s not a car-free experience, sadly) and then the pedestrian bridge over the dry creek bed. Then the kids are gone, running fast as lightning for the slides.

Avocado sandwich from The Trails Cafe. PHOTO COURTESY CHELSEE LOWE

You can spend any amount of time here that suits your schedule. Sometimes that’s just 30 minutes for us, getting our wiggles out with strangers who become friends as we play. Other days we add to the excursion with a “hike.” If there are toddlers involved or babies in strollers, you can walk south along Fern Dell Trail, which curves under the road and alongside small ponds home to koi, crayfish and red-eared turtles. If your party is up for it, take Fern Dell Trail up its steep ascent to the Griffith Observatory. City and mountain views from here never disappoint, though you’ll surely share them with a crowd.

The large, updated playground across from The Trails Cafe. PHOTO COURTESY CHELSEE LOWE

I’ve been returning to this part of the park for a decade, and each visit makes me feel lighter. Rather than blocking out sensations, I breathe them in – the rustle of the leaves, the dancing sunlight as it reaches through branches. It even smells good here, like earth kicked up by happy feet. 

When To Go: Posted hours for Griffith Park are 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, and The Trails Cafe is open Thursday to Monday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cafe and playground are least crowded early in the morning. Keep in mind that the cafe line can get long, so if you do visit later in the day, pack your patience – the scone and sandwich are worth the wait.

The Trails Cafe, 2333 Fern Dell Drive, Los Angeles, 90068 

Celebrity Chef Devin Alexander on the Power of Veggies

Published

By Nina Harada

Chef Devin Alexander and 5-year-old Cayenne spend quality mother-daughter time. PHOTO COURTESY DEVIN ALEXANDER

When chef, author and TV host Devin Alexander first moved to Los Angeles from her small town of Reading, Penn., she was an aspiring screenwriter. She quickly realized her Hollywood writer aspirations weren’t unique, but her cooking was.  

Alexander practically grew up perched on kitchen counters, where her two Italian grandmothers taught her how to make homemade pasta and meatballs. She absorbed the way the women were kneading, rolling, seasoning and cooking until, eventually, she began to prepare their recipes for the whole family herself. 

 She loved cooking and eating such good food, but she struggled with her weight as a teenager. At 15 years old and 200 pounds, she tried all sorts of diets. She didn’t find success until she made healthy substitutions in the foods she ate. “You don’t have to deprive yourself to be fit and healthy,” she told herself, and it’s been her mantra ever since. 

While trying to break into the movie industry as a writer, Alexander cooked her signature healthy comfort food at celebrity charity events, where people complimented her again and again on her delicious and nutritious dishes. She decided to change career aspirations and attended Westlake Culinary Institute to become a chef. After her training, she launched a catering business, cooking for celebrities such as Reba McEntire. Her big break came when she landed a role as the health chef on “The Biggest Loser” for almost 10 years.  

Alexander wrote cookbooks for the reality TV show and, eventually, penned her own cookbooks. Although she held many titles (author, chef, TV host), there was one title she desperately wanted: mom. 

In 2018, Devin’s dream came true when she adopted her daughter from the Los Angeles County foster care system. Now, 5-year-old Cayenne is the one sitting on the kitchen counter learning to cook — and critique — her family’s recipes. At 2, she was creating basic recipes. By 3, she was giving her mom feedback: “This needs more lemon, Mommy.” Cooking with Cayenne has inspired Alexander to get even more creative in the kitchen, making healthy meals and snacks that both adults and children will love.  

Her latest book, “The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables,” inspires kids to eat veggies by teaching them about the different “powers” we get from vegetables. Another way to get more vegetables in our family’s diet is by making plant-based substitutions, Alexander says.  For instance, she will swap out regular burgers for beef and mushroom burgers or use almond milk over whole milk for her daughter’s cereal or overnight oat cups. 

Here, Alexander shares one of her favorite vegetarian entrees that can also be served as a healthy side dish. It’s quick and easy to make, and the whole family will love it. 

Mushroom parmesan
PHOTO COURTESY DEVIN ALEXANDER

“Fried” Mushroom Parmesan Bake 
Makes 4 servings 

2 (8-ounce) packages button mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed* 

½ cup all-natural marinara sauce (preferably low-fat, low-salt, no sugar added; Alexander uses Organics pasta sauce.) 

½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 ounce (about ¼ cup) shredded plant-based mozzarella cheese (such as Open Nature plant-based mozzarella shreds) 

2 tablespoons all-natural whole wheat panko-style breadcrumbs 

2 teaspoons all-natural grated Parmesan cheese 

Note:  When cleaning mushrooms, Alexander says, don’t run them under water. Instead, peel them or rub them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Mushrooms are like sponges, so if you run them under water, they’ll absorb a ton of moisture. The end result could be mushy or tough. 

Preheat the oven to 425°F. 

Add the mushroom caps to an 8x3x8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. 

Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the mushrooms. Sprinkle them evenly with the oregano, followed by the garlic powder. Toss them gently to combine, flipping the mushrooms so they lay stem side down in the dish. 

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and mostly cooked through. Sprinkle the mozzarella, breadcrumbs and Parmesan evenly over the mushrooms. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes longer, or until the cheese is melted and the mushrooms are tender but not mushy. Let them rest for 5 minutes and serve. 

*You can save the mushroom stems to eat in a salad, or sauté them and serve over a grilled buffalo steak or other extra-lean steak. 

Explore Summer Reading with These 5 Top Picks!

Published

“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.”
– Jeannette Walls, Author & Journalist

We know summertime can provide opportunities for kids to accelerate reading and experience the social-emotional impact of good literature and stories. Research has shown that in a typical year, summer reading supports skill gains, and its absence leads to widening skill gaps. In addition, reading helps children discover new favorite books, explore different genres to discover what kinds of books they like to read while staying on track for the next school year.   

The selection of books we have curated is intentionally different from books children might read during the school year. Some are fanciful or fantasy (dogs that accompany their kid-owners to school, for example), most have pictures (illustrations and infographics, or graphic novels); and most can be read in short bursts, for example in the car or during 30-minute reading bursts – which work especially well in building capacity in reluctant readers. 

Grades K-2
The Rock from the Sky written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
A beautiful work of art with a hilarious story to go with it by Caldecott winner Jon Klassen. This picture book will be read and re-read by your family, and each time the thoughts and discussion around the story will be different. Turtle and Armadillo leave one stone unturned when it falls from the sky, right in Turtle’s favorite hangout spot. It’s a good thing he meandered out of the way in time! This inspires their simple chats about the ever-changing landscape, including the potential ominous cryptid creatures that might make their way into their environment. It’s not really possible to perfectly sum up a Klassen book – it’s something one needs to experience to fully appreciate. 

Wild Symphony written by Dan Brown, illustrated by Susan Batori
Davinci Code author Dan Brown brings us a book that has a code to crack throughout. Children and adults can enjoy this as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to original musical compositions as they read – one for each animal – with a free interactive smartphone app. This book brings music, animals, instruments and word searches together. 

Grades 3-4
Scientists Get Dressed written by Deborah Lee Rose
Have you ever wondered what kinds of clothing and personal equipment are needed for a volcanologist or a glaciologist? Eighteen different people are introduced with the gear they need to collect data for their scientific studies and protect themselves. In addition to briefly describing what they actually do as scientists, there are lots of facts about the sorts of things they research. Colorful and packed with photographs, the book uses two fonts and types of information, one for younger readers and one with more information for older readers. 

Two Dogs in a Trenchcoat (series) written by Julie Falatko
Hilarious stories about dogs that wear clothes so they can attend school with their owners. Dog antics and adventures include starting a school club, going on a class trip, and even participating in a school play. 

Grades 5-8
Me and the World: An Infographic Exploration written by Mireia Trius, Illustrated by Joana Casals
This fascinating book pairs visual literacy with data literacy, using colorful illustrations and infographics to present information in a way young readers will understand. The infographics focus on personal things like family structure, most popular names, living spaces and breakfast foods in different places in our world. It also looks more broadly at things like world population, city populations, traffic in cities, schools and homework. There are more lighthearted infographics too, like most popular dog breeds, summer vacations, sports and birthdays. The author found a way to make data and statistics fun! 

Whenever and wherever, reading can be an amazing activity to have some fun and bond with your child this summer. Bring some summer-themed books with you to the beach or to the pool, cuddle up at home when it’s too hot outside, or explore with them in a favorite backyard hideout to jumpstart your summer reading adventure!If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

Award-Winning Gear for Baby, Toddler & Mom

Published

By Elena Epstein

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners, great for babies, toddlers and Mom.

Alphapals Sets
A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face, giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com
Momcozy Video Baby Monitor
Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com
Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer
Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com
Hubble Connected Guardian+
Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com
Farm Animals
Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com
LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision
A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch-screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk, and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com
Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress
Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion-firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com
Hubble Connected Eclipse+
A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com

Celebrating Kindness and Positivity

Published

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are full of kindness and positivity.

Sing A Song of Kindness
Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com
The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms
A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com
Work, Parent, Thrive
Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com
“I’m a Great Recycler”
Sing along with your little one on how you can help save the earth by recycling, composting and donating. Catchy tune with a positive message. 99 cents, ages birth+, debiderryberry.com
Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams
Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com
More Than Affirmations: Inspiring Affirmation Cards, Reflection Prompts and Activities for Kids
Features 30 positive affirmation cards for kids with different and unique reflection prompts, mindful activities and exercises. Promotes confidence, positivity and self-reflection. $19.99, ages 4-11, meditationfairy.com
‘The Moon is Broken’
A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com
We Listen to Our Bodies
Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com
Be Bright Lulu Doll
Help your child discover their strength and courage with this unique doll whose lilac hair has a UV activated blonde streak that turns pink in the sun. Kids can join five animal guardians and use their spirit to be confident, dream big and change the world. $49.99, ages 3+, adora.com
Care Bears Dare to Care Bear
A new friend whose all about kindness, compassion and acceptance to all around her. This multicolored plush wants everyone to know that “it’s cool to be kind!” $14.99, ages 4+, basicfun.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com.

UNICEF Launches Gabby’s Kid Power Challenge

Published

By Anna Gregory

For over 75 years, UNICEF has been giving their all to support the world’s most vulnerable children–through their annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign and other donation platforms. Beginning this September, UNICEF will team up with DreamWorks Animation for Gabby’s Kid Power Challenge, a program that helps make a positive impact on children worldwide. Gabby is the main character on the Netflix TV Show “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” which focuses on working together, learning from mistakes, solving problems and being reliable for each other.

Gabby with Pandy and Cakey Cat. PHOTO COURTESY UNICEF USA.

Through this new challenge, kids can watch Gabby’s Kid Power Challenge videos that will teach them valuable lessons on social and emotional well-being. As kids make their way through these videos, children will learn that they can help ensure that the rights of kids around the world are upheld. 

“Not only do kids get to have some fun with new crafts, dance moves, and costume parties, but they’ll also be getting to choose how they want to help. Kids can be pretty powerful and this is a fun way for everyone to get involved,” says actress Laila Lockhart Kraner who plays Gabby in the show. 

Gabby with Pandy. PHOTO COURTESY UNICEF USA

The more videos watched during the challenge, the more kitty hearts will be added to a kitty bank on the Gabby’s Kid Power Challenge website. Once the bank is full, families can decide which area of UNICEF’s work they would like to see DreamWorks’s donation support.

Some of the many areas of support include:

  • Food packs for children with severe acute malnutrition
  • School supplies for children who can’t afford the basic back-to-school needs
  • Blankets for children and families who have been displaced from their homes

The program will run from Sept. 6 through World Children’s Day on Nov. 20. 

New on Screen: What to Watch in August

Published

By: Anna Gregory

luck

Luck

Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation present the story of Sam Greenfield, a person with what seems to be the worst luck in the world. She stumbles upon the Land of Luck, where she has to make friends with the magical creatures to flip her unlucky qualities. “Luck” will feature the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Jane Fonda, Lil Rel Howrey, Flula Borg, Simon Pegg, Eva Noblezada, and is directed by Peggy Holmes, and will be available for streaming on August 5, 2022. 

team zenko go

Team Zenko Go

Dreamworks Animation presents a new season of “Team Zenko Go.” The team, Niah, Ari, Ellie, and Jax are ready to use their various skills and teamwork to help their neighbors, bring the community together, and save the residents of Harmony Harbor from a few problems that arise. Available for streaming on Netflix on August 8, 2022.

lucy's school

Lucy’s School

Apple TV+ presents “Lucy’s School.” Lucy from the Peanuts gang decides to start her own school, not realizing how difficult teaching will be. “Lucy’s School” recognizes the effort and dedication it takes to be a teacher and explores the fear of change. Lucy will have to face her fears with the support of her friends. “Lucy’s School” is a love letter to all the wonderful teachers out there. Available for streaming on August 12, 2022. 

summering

Summering

Bleecker Street presents “Summering.” Four best friends bond, adventure, and come across some possible supernatural occurrences during their last summer before middle school. Covering themes of coming of age, friendship, and courage, “Summering” follows these four friends on the adventure of a lifetime. Available in theaters on August 12, 2022. 

surfside girls

Surfside Girls

Apple TV+ presents “Surfside Girls.” Best friends Sam and Jade are trying to solve supernatural mysteries in their sleepy California beach town. In order to solve the mysteries, they must find a way to combine their opposing strengths of logic and imagination. “Surfside girls” will star Miya Cech and YaYa Gosselin with Spencer Hermes-Rebello. Available for streaming on August 19, 2022.

gabby's dollhouse

Gabby’s Dollhouse

Netflix and Dreamworks Animation present “Gabby’s Dollhouse” Season 5. This season is filled with sparkly, swirly, and sticky situations! Some episodes include Gabby and Pandy visiting the Cat-osphere to rescue CatRat, the spooky spirit of Cat-O-Ween, and cat-tastic crafts. Available for streaming on July 25, 2022. 

See our last issue of “New on Screen” here.

Game On: 5 Unique Benefits to Different Types of Play in Your Child’s Development

Published

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers, television personality

Children naturally play for fun, yet during play they’re also building and practicing skills, creating and strengthening relationships, exploring and processing emotions and so much more.

Here, we’ll shine a light on five types of play, based on the work of child development researchers. Each one has its own unique value and, most importantly, all five types of play are interconnected.

Exploratory/Object/Sensory Play – This is a child’s first experience with play, when they do things like grab objects (or food!), touch them, squeeze them, put them in their mouths, drop them or bang them together. They’re developing fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination, while also learning about object characteristics and processing sensory information such as texture, temperature, scent and flavor. Sensory play continues into preschool age and beyond.

Construction Play – Once children learn how to manipulate objects during exploratory play, they can move on to using objects to build and create. For toddlers and preschoolers, this might be progressively building taller towers out of blocks, connecting pieces together or using play dough. As children practice this type of play into elementary school, their creations become progressively more complex. Construction play can be done alone or with others – which encourages collaboration and problem-solving.

Physical Play – Like exploratory play, physical play begins in babyhood and plays an important role in motor development and health. As they learn to use their bodies in more complex ways, they begin to play through running, climbing, jumping or engaging in “tumbling” activities. From there, physical play leads to games with rules, like tag or organized sports.

Imaginative Play – Imaginative play emerges when toddlers are about 18-months-old, alongside the cognitive milestone of symbolic thinking. Also known as pretend play, it develops through several stages from toddlerhood to elementary school. From pretending a block is a phone, to inventing increasingly dynamic imaginary storylines and acting them out using props, costumes or sometimes nothing at all!

A unique and important aspect of imaginative play is that children use it to understand their emotional world. As an example, you might observe a toddler putting a stuffed animal on a potty chair while they themselves are potty training. Or an older child and a sibling might act out driving a car from their own observations and experiences.    

Games with Rules – Around age 5, after having plenty of practice with other types of play, children begin to play games with rules (card games, board games or sports). Games with rules are critical for developing countless life skills, including following directions, collaborating, strategizing, self-regulating and using resilience after a loss or failure. Elementary-aged children, when given the opportunity, will invent their own games with rules, which both reflects and further develops executive function skills – which are central to planning, organizing and executing a goal.

The most important thing to remember is that every type of play nurtures a child’s development, and also supports the development of more sophisticated types of play. For example, object play helps children manage tools during constructive play. Regular physical play helps children feel confident playing sports or other active games. The planning and problem-solving involved in imaginative play helps children feel engaged and challenged as they learn and grow. 

With just a few materials and plenty of opportunities, it’s easy to encourage all types of play!If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com.

Meeting the Moment: How charter public schools are helping kids cope and heal

Published

As children have returned to classrooms, we are seeing the effects the pandemic had on them — and it’s alarming. Psychological and social wellbeing is crucial in a student’s ability to successfully grow academically, yet schools are contending with kids who are less engaged and more distracted than before the pandemic. 

Data from the CDC shows there has been a nationwide spike in mental health-related hospital visits for 5- to 17-year-olds. In California, suicide rates for 10- to 18-year-old kids increased by 20% between 2019 and 2020, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. The uncertainty and trauma that students face is a challenge across the board, but especially among those in underserved communities.

In the California Charter Schools Association’s new report, Are the Kids OK? How Charter Public Schools Support Social-Emotional Wellbeing Schoolwide, we take a sobering look into the issue and explore what charter public schools are doing to address the needs of students, families and the local communities they serve. California’s charter schools are public schools, they are free and open to all students, regardless of zip code. Independently operated, they use their flexibility and adaptability to find new ways to address the challenges that have arisen during the pandemic.

Key challenges affecting students identified in the report include mental and physical health problems, inequitable impacts across age groups and behavioral impacts, such as greater instances of anxiety and depression. 

Schools across the nation are exploring possible solutions, but many are bogged down by bureaucracy and politics. A data analysis by the California Department of Public Health found that 93% of charter public schools in the state used their COVID relief funds to make “significant new investments” in their social-emotional and mental health supports that go beyond hiring additional social workers and social-emotional counselors. Nearly three-quarters of those schools have “completely transformed” their mental health supports or undergone a “major” or “substantial” expansion of their services.

Common best practices of the schools identified in the report include building trusting relationships with students, providing students tailored supports instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, building family and community partnerships, and promoting growth and celebrating progress. 

The report highlights the strategies and programs at charter public schools such as Libertas College Prep Academy in South Los Angeles to illustrate common practices that have been proven successful in re-engaging students and providing the support they need to thrive in a learning environment. 

Libertas utilizes a “Strength of Character” system where students can earn points for modeling the school’s core values. For example, students can be awarded points for effort and other positive behaviors. This allows for their educators to promote growth and celebrate progress even when a student is struggling to grasp a concept.

Charter public schools recognize that academic success is dependent on a child’s social-emotional wellbeing and are providing those lessons to all educators so that more school leaders can create a program that best serves their students. “Are the kids OK?” is a question every school leader and educator should be asking themselves. When it comes to the wellbeing of our kids, there is no room for error. 

Myrna Castrejón is the president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association and a board member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

New L.A. Babysitting App In Time For Back to School!

Published

If your family has found itself on the hunt for a new addition to your babysitting roster for a consistent after-school pickup schedule or a one-off date night, you’re in good company. Even when you’ve secured a go-to babysitter for your littles, odds are high you’ll encounter a schedule change, evolving enrichment need or extenuating circumstance that brings you back to the drawing board. NYC-based company Curated Care is now here in Los Angeles to help fill that babysitting roster.

Curatedcare.com, an online marketplace filled with creative Kid Experts available for moms and dads on the hunt for more inspired babysitting options, is bringing its unique community of childcare gurus to L.A. just in time for the back-to-school season.

“Curated Care is a gamechanger. At first, I thought the title Kid Expert was just really good marketing, but after using them I can really say that Kid Expert is the most accurate depiction of what these guys are,” says NYC mom Angela K. “They are not regular sitters, they are accomplished, engaging, educational experts who inspire your kids.”

“We have backgrounds as artists and teachers,” explains co-founder Erin McConaghy, “so we were really passionate about creating a new avenue for artists and teachers to make great money doing what they love. As moms and users of the site, we see the win-win of helping creative kid and baby whisperers incorporate their talents into babysitting sessions. Everyone benefits, the Kid Experts, the parents and especially the kids”.

Aiming to remove all the labor of searching for new sitters, teachers and tutors for busy families, co-founders Erin McConaghy and Marlene Veloso sought to create a platform where finding childcare felt inspired and easy for families (all Kid Experts infuse their unique, creative backgrounds into sessions and you can find, book and pay them all through the site or app). As former artists and teachers themselves, they also sought to create a platform that offered the same inspired, easy experience for Kid Experts.

“Curated Care is the best survival job I’ve ever had,” says Los Angeles based Kid Expert Devin N. “They provide the perfect balance of giving you the tools and platform to expand your outreach as a Kid Expert, while genuinely supporting your artistic endeavors. Not to mention all of the amazing families I’ve worked with have left an incredible impression on me. It’s a job that doesn’t feel like work because it’s the perfect combination of all of my passions and totally flexible.”

Creating a better experience for everyone during babysitting time is only half of the goal. Curated Care also aims to make the act of connecting families and Kid Experts equally easy. This online marketplace is a tech-driven tool for all participants. In addition to the platform, which currently offers a host of features for searching, messaging, booking and paying your team of Kid Experts, a new app is set to launch in August in time for back-to-school season.

Families on Curated Care are able to peruse detailed profiles of Kid Experts and build a team of go-to sitters, teachers and tutors. When a childcare need arises, families can send one booking request to multiple team members — the first to accept gets the gig. This functionality allows busy families a way to carefully curate a team that fits their family’s needs, while also being able to cast a wide net to more quickly secure a sitter.

In addition to souped-up babysitting sessions (the platform facilities one-off/last-minute requests, as well as consistent, recurring schedules between one family and one Kid Expert), Curated Care families also utilize the platform to secure at-home teachers for private lessons (think chess, piano or Spanish), tutoring sessions, party entertainment and more.

If your family hasn’t joined the Los Angeles Curated Care community yet, now is the time to hop on. Behind the scenes, the Curated Care team is busy reviewing and onboarding a new crop of local, talented Kid Experts to connect with LA families this fall.

Ready to get your crew set up for back-to-school? Head to CuratedCare.com now to register and use the location drop down menu to surface Los Angeles Kid Experts available for your family. With a community of creative sitters at your fingertips (and all the tools to find and book them in your pocket) this is gearing up to be a fantastic back-to-school season!

CuratedCare.com is an online marketplace (think Etsy or AirBnB) for trusted Kid Experts and awesome fams. Curated Care provides families with tools to find, message and book Kid Experts (artists & teachers) directly, for souped-up babysitting, at-home lessons, parties and more.

Ask the Experts: Swimming Safety for Kids

Published

By Elena Epstein

Summer is here, which means our kids are spending more time in the water. Swimming safety, though, should always be top of mind. We reached out to Colleen Kraft, M.D., a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for some advice. 

What should parents of younger children know about flotation devices if their kids are not swimmers yet?

Colleen Kraft, M.D., is a pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. PHOTO COURTESY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES

The only recommended flotation device for kids is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Swimmies, floaties, puddle jumpers, etc. are not considered life-saving devices. These toys can create a false sense of security. Parents can mistakenly believe their child is safe from drowning when they use these toys, and they may become lax in vigilantly watching their child while they are in the water.

Children who spend most of their time swimming with swimmies, floaties or puddle jumpers believe they are swimming unassisted since no one is holding them. They may develop the belief that they can stay above the water even without the help of these devices.

What are the do’s and don’ts of flotation devices?

  • Do select a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for your child.
  • Do weigh and measure the circumference of your child’s chest before purchasing one. Most life vests come in three ranges: for children 30 pounds and less, 30-50 pounds and 50-90 pounds.
  • Do choose a life jacket that fits your child’s needs. A child who is navigating swimming for the first time needs a different life jacket than an experienced swimmer who is using the jacket on a kayak or boat.
  • Do help your young child put on and take off their jacket until they can do this independently.
  • Don’t use toys like swimmies, floaties or puddle jumpers when the purpose is to keep your child safe in the water.
  • A flotation device is not a substitute for watching your child in the water. Continue to be an active supervisor for your children when they are swimming.
  • Make sure your child learns to swim! And make sure, if you are a parent, that you know how to swim!

Should parents pick a certain color bathing suit for their child so they’re more visible in the water?

Bright colors, like pink, green or orange are easy to spot when your child is in the water. It can help an adult see where that child is during swimming.

What about tweens and teens? What should parents be aware of at this age?

It’s important to note that adolescents (15-19 years old) have the second-highest fatal drowning rate out of any age group. Only toddlers (ages 12-36 months) have a higher risk. Tweens and teens are more likely to overestimate their skills and underestimate dangerous situations. They may want to impress their peers and may try to keep up with them even if they don’t have the swim skills and experience.

The risk of alcohol or other substance use becomes a risk factor during adolescence. Tween and teen drowning risk increases in lakes, rivers and oceans. Older kids are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water, while younger children in the U.S. are more likely to drown in swimming pools. The rate of fatal drownings in natural water for adolescents 15-17 years of age is more than three times higher than for children 5-9 years old.

Any do’s and don’ts for tweens and teens?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends families use layers of protection against drowning:

  • Do make sure everyone learns how to swim!
    • Do make sure your tween or teen knows to swim only where there are lifeguards on duty and to never swim alone. Urge them to use the buddy system, even when swimming with large groups of friends.
    • Teach your teen to always enter feet first when entering a body of water for the first time. It is important to know the water’s depth beforehand. 
    • Avoid beaches with large waves, a powerful undertow or rip currents.
    • Stay away from areas where there are boats and people fishing.
    • Always wear life jackets when boating. Adolescents should always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are in or on boats, jet skis and other watercraft. 
  • Everyone, including parents, caregivers and older children and teens, should learn CPR and safe rescue techniques to respond when there is trouble in the water.

Enjoy the water and stay safe!

What health & wellness questions are keeping you up at night? Send your questions to elena.epstein@laparent.com and we’ll ask the experts.

Spotlight: Josh Sundquist Has His Best Foot Forward

Published

By Isabella Fusco

Meet Josh Sundquist, a Paralympic athlete (ski-racer), a motivational speaker, a comedian, an author, and now a TV Show writer for Apple TV+. “Best Foot Forward” is his first on screen work, based off his amazing real-life story. A truly inspirational show and human being.

At what age did you join the Paralympics, and how were you first exposed/ motivated to join?

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

I learned to ski soon after losing my leg to cancer at age nine. While I was still on chemotherapy, a former Paralympic ski team coach happened to see me skiing and told me I had great potential. Although I didn’t start racing until I was a teenager, his encouragement definitely set my life on a different path.

Why did you choose to be a ski racer?

I think there was a period of my childhood when my friends were playing on baseball teams and soccer teams and so forth when I was stuck in the hospital, or stuck at home recovering from chemotherapy. So maybe I had missed out on the chance to push myself athletically. When I got a taste of competitive skiing in my teens, I saw it as a chance push my limits athletically and perhaps someday to represent the United States in the Paralympics, which was such an inspiring idea to me.

What were some of the challenges you faced while training and how did you get through them?

In my first race I fell five times. But I kept getting back up until I crossed the finish line. I was last place (by far!) but I did finish. And as my skiing career continued, I brought that same attitude of determination to cross the finish line, win or lose.

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

Two weeks after my amputation was the first time I went in public as a person with one leg. I was playing in my church’s annual softball game. I went up to bat, and I got strike after strike. There was a point when I wanted to quit. I was going to walk off the field. But my dad encouraged me. He kept me in the the game. I eventually got a hit…after more than twenty pitches.

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

Best life advice you received growing up?

My dad’s advice in that game: keep swinging.

After the Paralympics, how did you decide to become an author? A comedian?

Going to the Paralympics was one of the biggest thrills and honors of my life, but at the end of a day of skiing, all you’ve really done is slide around on frozen water, you know? You haven’t impacted anyone. So I wanted to look for ways to connect with people as a storyteller and comedian, which is what led me to write and perform and ultimately to make this show for Apple TV+.

How does it feel to have a show created based off your life?

PHOTO COURTESY APPLE TV+

It’s surreal. As a writer on the show—we had a writer’s room with about a dozen people working on the scripts for 20 weeks—I got so used to talking about “Josh” as a character that sometimes I’d forget the show was about me. Then when we started filming there would be scenes that would remind me of something that happened to me in my real life, and I’d be like, oh yeah, this show is about me.

How involved were you in the creation of the show? 

I was intimately involved. We started developing four years ago, and for the past year, this show has been my life. I was in the writer’s room every day, and I was on set every day when we were filming. We found the star of the show through my Instagram, and I was able to bring in many friends with disabilities who work in the entertainment industry to be a part of our crew.

Tell us about the impact you want the show to have.

I hope first and foremost that people are entertained and that they laugh out loud and want to watch the show again and again with their families. And on top of that, I hope they walk away with a slightly different perspective on what it means to look or to feel different, as Josh does in our show. I hope that families who have a child with special needs find the show relatable, and that families who don’t find that it broadens their perspectives.

What would you tell your middle school self?

Don’t worry so much. Everything will turn out fine. Also, invest in Apple stock.

What advice can you give our readers for any struggles they have or will have throughout their life?

Surround yourself with the people you want to be like. When people who have recently lost limbs come to me for advice, that’s what I always suggest. Find role models and friends and heroes who have already faced this challenge and you’ll naturally become more like those people.

Father’s Day Fun for the Whole Family

Published

By Katie Moore

At L.A. Parent, we know how important it is to celebrate all of the father figures in our lives, and this Father’s Day we want to make sure you get to celebrate yours! Below you will find a list of amazing events and activities that families can do with and for their dads this year in and around L.A.

Outdoor Dads

PHOTO COURTESY South Coast Botanic Garden

Is your dad a garden guy? Then he’ll love the South Coast Botanic Garden’s Father’s Day in the Garden – Blooms, Brats and Beer. The event will be held amidst the garden’s amazing fern collection near the Living Wall from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 19. Yard games will be set up for those looking to challenge their dads to a bean bag toss battle, and food will be available for purchase throughout the event. The event is free and open to the public when you purchase a timed entry ticket to the garden. 

Reading With Dad

The Penguin Young Readers club has put together a great list of Father’s Day classics for readers of all ages. Some titles include the animal themed board books “I Love My Daddy Because…” by Laurel Porter-Gaylord and the spinoff classic “I Love Dad, with the Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Other heartwarming titles include  “Daddy Speaks Love” by Leah Henderson, the intergenerational story of “Grandpa and Jake” by Julie Forntenberry, or the superhero adventure of a daughter saving her dad in “My Hero” by Brian Biggs. Seeing as June is also PRIDE month, Penguin is also centering LGBTQIA+ stories, including “Different Kinds of Fruit,” which tells a story of a sixth grader finding out her dad is transgender. For more amazing titles featured on the Father’s Day list, click here!

Driving Dads

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance

If your dad is a motor man, he’ll love the 27th Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance car show happening June 19 over in Beverly Hills. The event is free and offers families a chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most luxurious vehicles. This year’s show will also feature a car rally through the streets of Beverly Hills so you’ll also get a chance to see the cars in action. And, for dads looking to show off any luxury cars they may have, they can submit their car for possible participation in the event here. 

Farms and Fathers

For all of the animal-loving dads, and for those who are looking to give back this Father’s Day, The Gentle Barn has the perfect opportunity. With a donation of $10 or more — which will go towards the barns’ special programs which offer healing spaces in the presence of animals to trauma victims and veterans — you’ll receive a printed card with one of the barns’ animal “dads” featured on the front. Donations will be made in your dads’ name and will be an amazing way to show your support for the farm’s dads: Merlin the goat, Magic the Horse and Chico the cow. 

Dancing with Dad

PHOTO COURTESY grandperformances.org

This summer, Grand Performances, the longest running presenter of free concerts in Downtown L.A., is hosting a series of amazing outdoor performances, including a special Father’s Day event. For Father’s Day weekend (June 15 at 2 p.m.) GP invites families with young children for a special early-afternoon celebration. The concert is free and open to all ages and will feature music by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band and kids’ dancing with DJ KG Superstar. 

Fatherly Films

The American Cinematheque is putting together a special series of Father’s Day screenings called “I Guess You’ve Noticed Something A Little Stranger With Dad.” The Cinematheque is made up of the Aero Theater and the Los Feliz 3 Theater, and each will be featuring films centered around dads. Each screening costs $8 for members and $13 for general admission and tickets can be purchased here, along with a list of all the featured films. 

Dad’s One Stop Shop

PHOTO COURTESY AMERICANA AT BRAND

The Americana at Brand, The Commons at Calabasas and Palisades Village want you to have the perfect Father’s Day at one of their locations. Each property is filled with a variety of shops and restaurants which make the perfect spot for a brunch with the whole family. Each location offers different options, including movie theaters, steak houses, menswear outlets and more. Be sure to check out each locations’ website, and book your reservations at one of their restaurants well in advance to ensure an excellent Father’s Day experience. 

These are just a few of the ways you can celebrate your dads this year, but be on the lookout for any more events featured on our website. Wishing a wonderful Father’s Day to all! 

Best Graduation Gifts

Published

Elena Epstein

It’s that special time of the year — commencement ceremonies, celebrating the end of another school year and our kids’ many accomplishments. We have some unique gift ideas for the grad in your life — all NAPPA Award winners!

Wacom Intuos

Takes the traditional pen and journal gift to the next level. Its battery free pen, with more than 4,000 levels of pressure sensitivity, gives you a natural digital drawing and writing experience. A great tool to help high school and college students with studying and annotating digital files. It works with Mac, PC, and Chromebook devices, and there is a Bluetooth option which makes it flexible when using around campus. $99.95, Wacom.com

Filmmakers Academy

Perfect for anyone interested in the moviemaking business. Created by filmmakers for filmmakers, its mentors and masterclass courses not only equip members with the knowledge needed to thrive in the industry, but it packs in information about the nuances of the trade, useful film-hacks, and relevant terminology. A great resource for filmmakers who want to master their craft, meet like-minded creatives, and grow. Features online education on filmmaking, cinematography, lighting, production, post production workflows and lifestyle from the best industry professionals in the business. $396 annual all access, ages 12+, filmmakersacademy.com

Wacom One

Give your college or high school student new ways to get creative. They can easily capture digital ideas, create mind-maps, draw diagrams and enhance photos or videos. The pen display gives a natural pen-on-paper feel, and the battery-free, digital pen is ergonomically designed for comfortable drawing and writing. $399.95, Wacom.com

SwimWays Dry Float

Let your student relax and soak in the sun while staying completely dry. Each Dry Float features an integrated cupholder and fast inflation and deflation. Sit upright in the Socializer, lie back in the Lounger and relax under the shade in the Shadester. $44.99 – $74.99, ages 15+, spinmaster.com

A Smart Girl’s Guide: Tough Stuff

Help tweens and teens get through tricky times—from bullying to body image issues, friendship stress to family struggles, panic attacks to pandemic—and come out on the other side even stronger. Provides tons of tips on how to bounce back and find enough resilience to withstand the toughest challenges. $12.99, ages 10+, americangirl.com

Happi Tummi Happi Wrap

Help relax your high school and college students with this natural external wrap with warmth and aromatherapy. Does not restrict movement. Apply anytime. Sooths stomach pain, cramps, acid reflux, headaches, body aches, stress and anxiety. $39.95, happitummi.com

HUE Animation Studio

Contains everything you need to create your own stop motion animation videos. For use at home or for school projects. Encourages creativity and imagination. Whether you are making a LEGO® brick film; animating in claymation or capturing a flower bloom using time-lapse photography, you can bring anything to life in minutes with the easy-to-use software. $69.95, grades K-12, huehd.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

Hotel Spotlight: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Published

Elena Epstein

One of the gorgeous walking paths at Estancia La Jolla
Walking path at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa.

First Impression

Stepping into Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is like stepping into a storybook. The charming AAA Four-Diamond boutique hotel is located in one of the most picturesque towns in SoCal. My family and I love sunny weekends in La Jolla and this sprawling hacienda-style hotel will not disappoint.

As you walk in the parking lot, you’re greeted with the revitalizing scent of Myer lemon tress dotting the property. There are adobe fireplaces, art installations and reading nooks among olive, cypress and magnolia trees. You’ll also recognize inspirational quotes from books engraved throughout the property – on steps, on walls and on arches. I spotted one of my favorites: “If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.” 

The 210 rooms feature luxurious linens and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The heated saltwater pool and whirlpool offer a relaxing retreat. And Mustangs & Burros, not far from the pool, offers handmake tacos and hand-shaken margaritas.

A Special Touch

Pups are not only welcomed here, but they can lounge at Mustangs & Burros and have their pick from a special dog menu prepared by the executive chef. The hotel also offers a pet-friendly travel program featuring a comfy dog bed, locally made grain-free peanut-butter treats and dog walking and pet sitting services. The hotel is less than nine miles from the dog-friendly beach at Del Mar North Beach.

What’s Near By

Estancia La Jolla is centrally located on Torrey Pines Road, just a short drive to La Jolla Shores and Village of La Jolla with beautiful beaches, parks and restaurants and shops. Also close by is Westfield UTC, featuring a movie theater, lots of restaurants and beautiful outdoor sitting areas. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is not far and offers a variety of hiking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You can also tee off atop soaring cliffs at Torrey Pines Golf Course or try a different view paragliding or hand gliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport.

The Showstopper

The stunning landscape includes a secret garden, wishing tree and walking paths lined with flowers. There is no question why this former 1880s equestrian estate is a popular spot for outdoor weddings.

As you stroll through 10 acres of lush gardens and courtyards, you’ll see California native plants such as toyon, bougainvilleas from South America, Senecio plants from South Africa and eucalyptus trees from Australia.

California pepper trees and agaves greet you as you enter the hotel. There are two rose gardens, a Mediterranean-style garden known as the Olive Lawn, a succulent garden filled with aloes, agaves and euphorbias, and the Garden Courtyard, with a little of everything to create an enchanting oasis.

The hotel also features a “wishing tree,” where guests can write down their hopes and intentions to hang on a branch. Reading the handwritten notes gently blowing with the breeze was just as soothing as penning my own dreams. As I walked from branch to branch, I read the different notes each in its own unique script: wishes for good health, happy times with family, success for a child, speedy recovery for a friend. It was a beautiful way to slow down, set intentions and just be.

The Entrance to the Estancia
The Wishing Tree
The Wishing Tree
California artist Channin Fulton’s mural in the garden
Elena Epstein and her daughter, Emily
Can you spot the quote along the steps?
View of the Courtyard Garden
View of the Courtyard Garden
Breakfast at Greenfinch at Estancia
Sitting area by the pool
Outdoor games by the pool
Saltwater pool

Estancia La Jolla is located at 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037; estanciallajolla.com.

Best Travel Gear

Published

Elena Epstein

Summer travel is on the horizon and we want you to hit the road in comfort and safety with these NAPPA Award-winning products.

PIPA lite rx

Lightweight and packed with all the features you need to make life with baby easier. Take from taxi to family car, thanks to the option of belt path or base installation. This “has-it-all” seat features a canopy drape, Merino wool insert, magnetic buckle holders, and a no-rethread harness that adjusts seamlessly with the headrest so you don’t have to reinstall the harness when your child grows. $499.95, infants – 32 lbs and 32in, nunababy.com/usa

Evenflo Gold Revolve360

Features a unique 360-degree swivel seat. This innovative turning motion gives parents the ability to simply rotate the seat to get their child in and out of the car safely. Grows with your child, offering with 3 modes of use: rear facing, forward facing, and high back booster. $379.99, ages 4lbs-120lbs. evenflo.com

MINU V2

Go places, big and small with this sleek stroller that can do it all while staying small. Designed for your daily adventures and exciting excursions, this updated version offers everything you need while staying super portable and lightweight. $449.99, ages up to 50 lbs. uppababy.com

TRVL

At the touch of a button on the push bar, this stroller self-folds into a super-compact, free-standing package. Ultra-lightweight, the stroller is easy to carry with the arm bar when folded or go hands-free and store away during travel with the carry bag. $449.95, ages up to 50 lbs, nunababy.com

Peek-A-Boo Convertible Hobo Backpack

Switching out your diaper bag from one style to another is simple with this one-of-a-kind design. Go from a hobo shoulder bag to a crossbody to a backpack with just a few adjustments. It can be hung from a stroller—or on top of a luggage handle—versatile and easy to take anywhere. $165, twelvelittle.com

REMI

Create a sleep zone anywhere with this lightweight and portable playard. Sets up and folds down in seconds. A unique perforated design makes the mattress breathable, creating a comfy, healthy place to both rest and play. Also features a zip-down access panel to help you soothe your baby or retrieve a pacifier gone rogue. $349.99, up to 30 lbs, uppababy.com

Contours Journey 5 Position Baby Carrier

No infant insert is required for your newborn, which means less fabric and more comfort for you and your little one. Our extra-large, infinitely adjustable UPF 25 sunshade can be moved up or down to give baby maximum coverage. $119.99, ages from 8-45 lb, contoursbaby.com

Contours Explor 2 Stage Portable Booster Seat and Diaper Bag

The must-have travel and mealtime product that both you and your child will love. This lightweight, compact accessory is a stylish solution for two everyday parenting products. $49.99, ages 9 months+, contoursbaby.com

Kolcraft Travel Duo 2-in-1 Portable Booster Seat and Diaper Bag

Whether you’re headed to a restaurant or a family weekend trip, this 2-in-1 travel duo is great for on-the-go. Water-resistant and machine-washable. Once mealtime is over, pack up your essentials with 8 organizational pockets and a spacious interior compartment. $34.99, ages 9 months – up to 60 lbs, kolcraft.com

comfiGO Kids Friendly Car Booster Seat

A comfortable and convenient car booster seat great for travel. Its shoulder guide smoothly adjusts the car’s seat belt to your child’s height, and the patented stretchable, and adjustable lap band keeps the vehicle’s lap belt section low on the hips. $59.95, ages 4-12, clypx.com

WhizRider

A convenient, safe portable car seat option. This innovative harness-style restraint system is a backless booster seat alternative. Great for family travel, carpooling, ride-sharing, 3-in-a-row and more. $79.99, ages 3-10, whizrider.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

Travel in Style

Published

Elena Epstein

As you gear up for your summer travels, whether on a road trip or by plane, we have some great NAPPA Award-winning essentials to keep you and your family in style, while staying super comfy.

Igor Jelly Sandals

Great for a day at the beach or fun at the park, these adorable sandals are made of high-quality PVC, feature a hook and loop closure, come in a variety of colors and are made in Spain. $46, ages birth-25 months, justshoesforkids.com

Molly Tulle Dress

Take a little bit of dress and a little bit of play and get this adorable find featuring a playful drop waist, jersey cotton top/tulle skirt and light tee quality for summer comfort. $48, sizes 2-8, sammyandnat.com

The Lucy

A tank top style full maternity bodysuit that’s cozy and easy to style with any item in your closet. Double-Lined for extra support. $130, bumpsuit.co

Tumbl Bear Impact Absorbing Hats

An innovative range of children’s hats (beanies, bucket hats, caps) that look, feel and wear like everyday hats, and feature a hidden layer of high absorption impact foam. $49.95, ages 6 months-6 years, tumblbear.com

Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver

Ultra-soft, lightweight and breathable. With a seamless, smooth design and built-in gusset, these also work well as an undergarment for skirts and dresses. Choose the Maternity cut (with an over-the-bump panel and gentle support for your growing bump) or the Postpartum cut (which sits at your natural waist). $19.99, kindredbravely.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

9 Valuable Skills and Lasting Benefits Kids Develop at Summer Camp

Published

If you attended summer camp growing up, perhaps you remember being apprehensive at first. Yet by the time you returned home, you realized that camp helped you learn and grow as you tried new things, developing more confidence and autonomy at the same time.

The same is true of camps today, and there are summer camp options that you probably never imagined when you were a kid. The great thing about summer camp is that it’s not only an excellent way for kids to spend part of their summer, it sends them home with new skills that are valuable right now and that will serve them well into adulthood.  

Why is Summer Camp Important?

Summer camp is important because it often provides a structured opportunity for children to grow. Kids go from home to school to extracurriculars, with each environment contributing to their development. In addition, camp provides another unique venue for growth, allowing kids to become independent and self-confident, while socializing, making new friends and learning new skills.

What are some of the Benefits of Summer Camp?

Teamwork – Teamwork may be a part of some school activities and you can teach your children the value of teamwork at home, but camp takes it to an entirely new level. Children quickly learn that they simply have more fun when they learn to work together as a team, whether they’re writing computer code, playing sports or learning a new language. 

Leadership – Camp teaches children self-leadership since they are responsible for basics like keeping track of their items, managing their time and following a routine. Many children who never thought of themselves as leaders discover that they have a real talent for leadership at summer camp. 

Friendship-Building – Children who interact with like-minded peers are able to easily build friendships rooted in similar interests. These relationships are essentially networking opportunities – people to call on when it comes time for a side project or maybe in the future, starting a new business with the friend they met at summer camp!   

Resilience – The moment a child faces a challenge without Mom or Dad around and comes through like a champ is a moment when they learn and practice resilience. Summer camp is filled with opportunities for developing resilience and, as a result, your child will come home with more confidence and self-regard.

At camp, children often learn they’re stronger than they give themselves credit for.

Sportsmanship – Whether your child is playing board games, learning how to cook or participating in sports, they are taught the value of fair, generous behavior toward others. Sportsmanship will benefit your child in school and in the friendships they make. 

Decision-Making – Summer camp is an outstanding experience for teaching kids independence, and a big part of independence is making well-informed decisions. Camp environments are structured, offer options and help kids understand situations so they learn about the pros and cons of decision-making in safe surroundings.

Confidence – With activity and growth comes success or failure. Whether it’s basketball or 3D modeling, each activity comes with its own set of mini milestones and tests. Some of these activities might be brand new to your child, while others could be extensions of what they already know and love.

Courage – It’s not easy for a child or their parents when it’s time to go to camp for the first time.  Yet at camp, kids learn so much about what they are capable of. Children have many opportunities to step out of their comfort zone and try new things, from new sports or activities to making new friends. Courage is like a muscle; it develops with repeated use and your child will be encouraged to try new things, and rewarded for doing so. 

Appreciation and Gratitude – Let us not forget, time away from home helps kids appreciate home, their parents, their siblings, their belongings, a home-cooked meal and everything else that they might miss while at camp.  

As many of us reflect back on our summer camp experience, we might say that some of our fondest memories were those sunny, summer camp experiences that we had as we were growing up…preserving those simple, unplugged, childhood memories for a lifetime.

And although your child may miss their phone, tablet or gaming system at first, once they start exploring, interacting with their peers, engaging in a variety of activities and having new adventures, they are sure to leave summer camp with stories, memories, friendships and life lessons that, they too, will remember for a lifetime.Interested in learning more about our Summer@Stratford program? Visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/summer.

Best Gifts for New Moms

Published

By Elena Epstein

Becoming a new mom is one of the most special times of our lives and we want to help celebrate all new moms this Mother’s Day. Here are a few of our NAPPA Award-winning picks. For more gift inspiration, visit nappaawards.com

Qeepsake
PHOTO COURTESY QEEPSAKE

Qeepsake: Capture your child’s milestones with this easy-to-use app. Members receive daily texts, prompting them to text back a moment or milestone with a photo. Qeepsake securely builds these texts and photos into a digital journal that can be shared with family and printed into a book. $95.88, Qeepsake.com
PHOTO COURTESY BUMPSUIT

CLOUD ROBE: This buttery soft robe will make you feel like you’re lounging on a cloud. The perfect addition to your lounge wardrobe. Lightweight and airy. $118, bumpsuit.co
PHOTO COURTESY WOOM

Mommy Goes to Work: A book celebrating working moms makes drop offs easier, one story at a time. Help ease the transition back to work after maternity leave. $19.99, entire family, amazon.com
Milkmakers Bath Tea & Foot Soak
PHOTO COURTESY MUNCHKIN

Milkmaker’s Bath Tea + Foot Soak: Everyday stressors are no match for the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy can bring. Luckily, self-care is always on the menu with this calming soak. $10, munchkin.com
Milkmakers Rest + Rise Pregnancy Wellness Balms
PHOTO COURTESY MUNCHKIN

Milkmaker’s Rest + Rise Wellness Balm: Here to help you reset. Carefully formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil, these soothing pregnancy balms are infused with therapeutic essential oils that relax and awaken the senses. $20, munchkin.com
Milkmakers Belly Mask
PHOTO COURTESY MUNCHKIN

Milkmaker’s Belly Mask: Designed to help moms tackle self-care and deal with skin changes due to pregnancy. Made with nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. $8, munchkin.com
PHOTO COURTESY MUNCHKIN

Milkmaker’s Belly Balm: As you nurture your bump from the inside, nurture it on the outside. Made with 100% natural ingredients like coconut oil, rose hip oil, and shea butter. $15, munchkin.com
Signature Sublime® Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra
PHOTO COURTESY KINDRED BRAVELY

Signature Sublime® Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra: Bye-bye, bunched padding. This is the fixed padding nursing T-shirt bra you’ve been searching for, providing effortless contouring and comfort from pregnancy to postpartum. $44.99, kinderdbravely.com
Willow Go
PHOTO COURTESY WILLOW

Willow Go: Allows moms to quietly and discreetly pump hands-free with no cords, tubes, or dangling bottles. The two modes give a customized experience. $329, onewillow.com
Ultimate Nursing Bra
PHOTO COURTESY BUMPSUIT

Ultimate Nursing Bra: This v-cut, sculpting bra was designed to give you the extra support and confidence you deserve during the postpartum journey. Super supportive and versatile. $58, bumpsuit.co
The Lucy
PHOTO COURTESY BUMPSUIT

The Lucy: The perfect addition to your Maternity Wardrobe. A tank top style full maternity bodysuit that is easy to style with any item in your closet. $130, bumpsuit.co
Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra
PHOTO COURTESY KINDRED BRAVELY

Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra: Whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or beyond, this is perfect for lounging, running errands, and sleeping. The stretchy fabric and crossover design allows for pull-aside breastfeeding access. $39.99,
kinderdbravely.com
The Velcro Waist Trainer
PHOTO COURTESY BUMPSUIT

Velcro Waist Trainer: Whether for general shapewear, waist-training or just making it through the third trimester, this ensures you’re fully supported. Aids with postpartum and C-section recovery or wear daily under clothing as shapewear. $89, bumpsuit.co
The Cloud Dress
PHOTO COURTESY BUMPSUIT

Cloud Dress: This super soft maxi dress is the ultimate lounge dress. Featuring a 4-Way Stretch Fabric, this dress can be either dressed up or down. $98, bumpsuit.co
Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver
PHOTO COURTESY KINDRED BRAVELY

Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver: Sometimes your thighs rub each other the wrong way. This perfectly protects you from chafing to stay comfortable and confident all day long. $19.99, kinderdbravely.com
PHOTO COURTESY KINDRED BRAVELY

Minimalist Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Plunge Bra: With dreamy fabric, a sleek profile, and fixed padding, this underwire-free bra is the perfect combination of style and functionality. $54.99, kinderdbravely.com

Over the Hill and Down the Hill

Published

By Margot Black

My bones and my brain cautioned me not do to do it. I ignored them both. 

As I watch U.S. gold medalists Lindsey Jacobellis and Nick Baumgartner break Olympic age records, I ponder, Perhaps I’ll compete in the next round? 

I’m on Team Winter now after recently learning to ski at the same time I’m getting AARP cards and mortuary brochures in the mail. I never expected to learn to ski at this age, however, due to COVID-19, I couldn’t avoid it.  

Margot Black skiing with her family. PHOTO COURTESY MARGOT BLACK

My family was in our ninth month of lockdown in Los Angeles. I have an active 14-year-old son, and the second wave of lockdowns was more miserable than the first for him, obliterating hope that relief was near. 

Online learning was all the worst parts of school and none of the good parts. The lack of socialization was taking its toll on our entire family — most of all our son. I’d find him curled up in a ball on his bed in the middle of the day, dejected and bored. To help him, I devoured adolescent psychology books. 

The book that impacted me the most was “He’s Not Lazy: Empowering Your Son to Believe in Himself” by Dr. Adam Price, which is specifically geared toward parents of teen boys. Price notes that boys must learn so many things that they care nothing about in school, and he suggests parents ask their kids what they’d like to learn. And so, I did. Without missing a beat, my son declared, “Snowboarding. I’d like to learn to snowboard.” 

We drove several hours north and rented a reasonably priced “rustic” cabin in Lake Tahoe. It had no internet and no TV, and we couldn’t walk anywhere. It had its own kitchen, which enabled us to cook our own food, avoid restaurants and stay safe. We went to Sierra Tahoe Resort, a 30-minute drive from our cabin, where we found reasonably priced ski passes and lessons. 

I had tried skiing twice before in my life – once at 17 during a high school class trip (“That’s fine, I’m done”), and once when our SoCal-born son was 7 to introduce him to snow. My most salient impression of skiing was ABC Wide World of Sports’ “Agony of Defeat” TV commercial of a pro skier’s nasty wipeout. 

Normally, during trips to the snow, I tell my family: “I’m going to sit in the lodge with a book and cup of hot chocolate – you enjoy,” except all the lodges were closed as a COVID-19 precaution. This time, my options were to stay in the cabin, sit in the car or sit outside in the cold and wait.  

An important lesson in Price’s book is whatever you want your child to be open to or do – you go first.  Your teen might not be listening to you, but they are watching you. Price explains that you want your teen to develop a sense of self-efficacy in life like the “Little Engine That Could” who says “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can” all the way up the mountain. With deep trepidation, I signed up for my ski pass and rented my ski gear.

Thanks to the pandemic and Price, more-than-middle-aged me signed up for ski lessons while our son signed up to learn snowboarding. The instructors asked me, “What are your goals?”

“Avoid death,” I replied.

I went up and down the mountains over the next week. I was really and truly terrified. Doubt ran through my mind: I run a PR boutique, there must be 4,000 emails in my inbox that need my attention. I need my limbs — why am I doing this?  My body trembled as I got on and off the ski lift, while small children zoomed past me on the mountain. Determined to be a good sport and allow my son time and space to explore snowboarding, I forged through my fears.

I prayed I wouldn’t break anything, triple-checked our health insurance and pizza pie’d my way down the mountain. As I watched our son learn to snowboard, I was impressed by how many falls he had to endure to learn the new sport. He persevered and, inspired by him, so did I.  A big bottle of Advil was my new best friend.  At one point, my longtime skier husband asked, “You’re having fun, right?” to which I growled back, “Are you kidding me?”

Our son took to snowboarding, and it was glorious to see his enthusiasm over learning something new. I was grateful to give him something fun to safely enjoy outside since everything else in his world had been canceled. It was great for our family to be outdoors together, and (in hindsight) it was good (although scary) to be pushed (far) out of my comfort zone. 

I thought of Price often, especially on the days I wanted to run away and quit but kept chanting my new mantra: “I think I can, I think I can…” We returned to that mountain four more times that season and even explored others, which served to give my son something special to look forward to in between our ski trips, lifting his spirits while his lethargy and disillusion dissipated. It was our family’s mental health antidote to pandemic stress. To my surprise, by the end of our journeys my terror was gone, replaced by enjoyment. I wasn’t afraid of the cold or falling down mountains anymore.  

I was skiing. I couldn’t keep up with my snowboarding teenager, but I showed him that you can have a good time doing something you suck at as I eventually mastered beginner slopes. I could share in his enthusiasm, waving encouragement from the chairlift. My husband joked that I was a snow bunny, and my now speedracer, snowboarding son teased I was a slow bunny. 

At the end of the ski season, a mailer from the mountain appeared in my mailbox offering a 20-percent discount to sign up for the next year. Coincidentally, AARP was also asking me to sign up. I bought the ski pass instead. 

2022 Toy Trends: Connection, Sustainability & Social Justice

Published

By Elena Epstein

February is typically the month of toys for me – a sneak peek into all the fun, imaginative and educational products making their debut. Pre-pandemic, I would be just coming back from New York and the North American International Toy Fair at the Javits Center.

For the second year, Toy Fair New York went virtual, but I still had a wonderful peek into what’s new and exciting in the world of play this year. The hottest trends will focus on sustainability and social justice themes. In addition, we’ll see a continued focus on sensory exploration, creativity and STEAM.

Living through a world-wide pandemic has taught us many lessons. One important one is how critical it is for families to connect through fun and play. The stress of these past two years has had a tremendous impact on young kids. Play is more important than ever to provide a creative outlet and an escape from daily stressors.

MAGFORMERS WOW PLUS SET
CANDY VENDING MACHINE

Imaginative Play
Trends range from role-play toys and fashion & food play, to artistic and building toys that inspire young content creators to customize their own play experiences. Many of these toys also tap into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) learning.

From Magformers, we saw the Wow Plus Set with more than 30 different magnetic vehicles with magnetic shapes, wheels and a racing driver character. Kids can follow along with the idea cards to create or build their own vision. With Thames & Kosmos new Candy Vending Machine, the focus is not just on the end result, but on the process it takes to get there. With these kits, children will create a working toy vending machine that relies on the laws of physics and mechanical engineering to dispense prizes and sort coins properly.

BABABOO AND FRIENDS

Parents and children can immerse themselves in a world full of imagination with Bababoo and Friends® through their unique combination of books, stories and whimsical wooden toys that make stories come to life, like the colorful Little Castle Stacking Toy that encourages children to build diverse, imaginative structures.

CREATEON’S DANIEL TIGER: SO MANY FEELINGS MAGNA-TILES
CRY BABIES FIRST EMOTIONS

With Cry Babies First Emotions, kids can explore more expressions and feelings. This baby doll makes more than 65 realistic facial expressions and baby sounds. With CreateOn’s Daniel Tiger: So Many Feelings Magna-Tiles children can play and explore their feelings through the magnetic building set, which helps young learners master interactive play.

Adventure Play
Most of us are longing for more adventure, and whether we head to a new spot for a family getaway or make new discoveries close to home you’ll find lots of travel-themed toys and games. 

STICKY CHIC

Kids will love to head out anywhere in their cool shoes custom-designed by Sticky Chic. These temporary tattoos for shoes will add a flair to their footwear. Adhesive peels away for a new design.

GLOBBER NL-205
MOBO 20-INCH BIKE

For adventures close to home, Globber’s NL-205 series delivers 2-wheel scooters for older kids and teens with big wheels so kids can get to their destination faster. The patented folding system allows for easy storage. Mobo’s 20-inch bike is perfect for taking a cruise around the park, the beach or the neighborhood. Includes a basket so kids can carry essential toys and other items everywhere they go.

GREEN TOYS STACK & SORT TRAIN
LEAPFROG’S TOCH & LEARN WORLD MAP

For some imaginative travel, climb aboard Green Toys Stack & Sort Train, a one-stop shop for practicing motor skills, color matching, counting, sorting and categorization. This super-safe first train has no screws or metal axles, and the whole set is dishwasher safe. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic with no BPA, phthalates or PVC. Young explorers will also love LeapFrog’s Touch & Learn World Map. Features 200 interactive touch points and 1000+ fun facts about oceans and continents, natural wonders, countries, languages, animals and landmarks.

WILD REPUBLIC’S MESSAGE FROM THE PLANET

Play with a Mission
Toy trends range from sustainability and the protection of endangered species to social justice issues, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. For example, Wild Republic’s Message from the Planet plush animals leverage trending pop art graphics to give voice to the voiceless. They are 100% eco-friendly from tail to nose. The line includes a fun selection of animals including a shark, turtle, whale, elephant, giraffe, a rhinoceros, a kangaroo with joey and a koala bear.

There is so much fun coming this season. Check out nappaawards.com as we reveal the best for 2022 in the coming months.