Eastern Shore Parents June 2020 by KeepSharing

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

S F

Ap da

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

June2020 32

Volume 13 Number 1

Columns

6 Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note Lynn Knighton

Suddenly Working From Home With Kids

Tips from a mom whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been there.

Common Sense Media Easy tips to manage TikTok and keep your kids safe.

Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

14 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

8 Therapeutic Parenting

34 Parenting, Media & Everything in Between Common Sense Media

Dads Are Different

Appreciating the uniqueness of dads and what they give to kids.

Adventures in Giving Warm weather ideas for instilling compassion in your children.

38 Dave Says Dave Ramsey

Departments 10

On The Cover Roscoe Wyatt Courtney (2), son of Dr. Megan and Mr. Dean Courtney. Proud grandparents are Larry and Carol Trehern and John and Rochelle Courtney. Roscoe enjoys playing outside and had fun kicking off summer blowing bubbles and digging in the sand during his photo shoot at the beach.

Bits and Pieces 16

School Bits 40

Book Reviews 48

Toy Reviews

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Publisher’sNote The Eastern Shore’s Foremost Parenting Source

Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” I firmly believe that to be true. In fact, I have contemplated and quoted that several times over the last couple of months. After all, when life throws us a curve ball, we have a choice. We can sit and do nothing or we can look for opportunities to grow. It is very easy to get stuck in our routines, getting comfortable and settled in our same old same old. But when we are forced out of our comfort zone, we are often forced into new and exciting opportunities. In these difficult times we have been given the opportunity to look outside ourselves and see others and what they are going through. Families are worried about their jobs, and their health, missing friends and family, not to mention concern over what things will look like for the next few weeks, months and even years. This can take a toll on our emotional health, leaving a feeling of anxiety and helplessness. It has been suggested that getting outside in the fresh air and doing some community service work can help with these feelings. When we spend time doing for others, it broadens our vantage point and helps us see the bigger picture rather than focusing on ourselves. If you are looking for things you can do, Christina Katz’s feature Adventures In Giving: 25 Warm-Weather Ways Families Can Instill Compassion in Kids, has some great ideas where the whole family can be included. Speaking of whole family activities, this pandemic has definitely rocked people’s worlds, having the kids home from school and parents now trying to work from home. On the positive side, what a wonderful chance to reconnect as a family. The everyday hustle and bustle has been drastically reduced and families are spending more time together cooking, playing games, and learning together. I have really enjoyed watching how Brad connects with our teenage girls. Usually this means playing video games, teaching car maintenance and home repair or watching a scary movie (I hate scary movies). Fathers (and other male role models) play such an important part in our childrens’ lives, often bringing to the table a different skill set than moms, or at least that is the case in our home. Four Great Ways Dads are Different, on page 36, details how these differences are a big positive and should be celebrated this Father’s Day. As mentioned above, many parents are now faced with the obstacle of juggling work and home life. If you are not used to working from home, this can be a huge challenge. Children interrupting, unfolded laundry calling your name (that one is pretty easy for me to tune out) and plenty of other distractions can be a real problem when you are trying to work. Fortunately Janeen Lewis has some tips to help us all out in Suddenly You’re Working at Home with Kids: 10 Tips from a Mom Who’s Been There. So as we officially kick off summer break, I would like to wish everyone a spectacular summer filled with wonderful opportunities for growth and memory-making moments. And to all the dads, Happy Father’s Day!

Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@easternshoreparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@easternshoreparents.com Associate Editor Kelly Watson Research Editor Christa Weinberg Contributing Writers Christina Katz Janeen Lewis Sarah Lyons Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Robert L. Rux, M.D. Gerry Paige Smith

Cover Photography Stephanie Hanway Phogography www.stephaniehanwayphotography.com

President Jason Watson jason@easternshoreparents.com Advertising Opportunities Lynn Knighton ads@easternshoreparents.com (251) 929-2099 Accounts Manager Eleanor Williams Ad Design Tim Welch

Visit us online at www.easternshoreparents.com

Lynn

lynn@easternshoreparents.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Eastern Shore Parents Magazine, is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant, role in our community. Eastern Shore Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Eastern Shore Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: P.O. Box 374, Montrose, Alabama, 36559. The phone number for voice and fax is (251) 929-2099. Eastern Shore Parents is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Eastern Shore Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.

www.easternshoreparents.com

ource

on rse, nity. nity ss.

y by , r

in d. ne are view t of

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP

Mr. Rogers Had It Right It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...and it was a beautiful day sitting on my couch, snuggled up with my kids, watching what feels like movie number 2,074 during this quarantine. And that’s when I heard those wise words come straight from the mouth of Mr. Rogers – “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.” And there it was. Such a profound way to ground us in this time when we are all feeling all the feelings about our current reality. “When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary,” he said. Yes, Mr. Rogers. Yes. If he ever needed a career other than children’s reality show host and master of all puppets in the fictional kingdom of The Neighborhood of Make Believe, then he absolutely could have been in the world of psychology. You see, he gets it. Mr. Rogers understood that internalizing stress and worry and anxiety and uncertainty breeds stress and worry and anxiety and

uncertainty. But mentioning them – which essentially means communicating them – breeds management – it breeds problem solving and eases concern. It brings about a sense of burden sharing with those around us. And as great as that feels as adults – this effect is even more magnified in our children. But in our own parental humanity, we often tend to negate the feelings of our children. Even in love we can be quick to just give a quick pat on the head and say, “Don’t worry, it will be fine,” without actually ever stopping and stooping and leaning in to hear what their little hearts are saying. Think of it this way – have you ever been upset about something and someone near you almost immediately says, “Calm down!” Does that, in any way, make you want to be calm in that moment? I’m guessing no. Instead, what helps you feel calm is when someone stops what they are doing, makes eye contact with you,

sits near you and really hears your heart. They listen. They lean in. They understand that you are struggling, and because they care for you, they take time to invest in you in that moment. It doesn’t actually matter whether they have the answer to your problem, they were present. This is the difference. This is the way we move away from a culture of pith and trite remarks, empty of any value to us, and toward authentic, deep, relational engagement. As Mr. Rogers would sing to all of us at the end of every show, he understood that, “…You’ll have things you want to talk about…I will too.” So grab your cardigan from the closet by the front door, change your shoes, and be intentional to hear what your little (and big) ones are saying around you. It will make for a beautiful day in your own neighborhood. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.

Quality Quality Care Care Close Close to to Home Home Since Since 1985 1985

Brian W. Hixon, M.D. | Frank K. Hixon, M.D. | William B. Norris, M.D. Brian W. Hixon, M.D. | Frank K. Hixon, M.D. | William B. Norris, M.D.

Pediatric ENT Patients ENT Patients Nasal Pediatric & Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Nasal & Endoscopic Surgery Allergy Testing & Sinus Treatment Allergy & Surgery Treatment Ear &Testing Mastoid Ear & Mastoid Surgery Thyroid & Salivary Gland Surgery Thyroid & Salivary Surgery Airway & VoiceGland Disorders Airwayof& the Voice Disorders Cancer Head & Neck Cancer of the Head & Neck

CALL US AT (251) 928-0300 CALL USAN AT APPOINTMENT (251) 928-0300 FOR FOR AN APPOINTMENT Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

. nd ey ou

k n

g ay

râ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n he

tor

and

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Distinguished Young Women to Compete Virtually

The Distinguished Young Women National Final is going digital. One of the Mobile’s signature events won’t be another casualty of the coronavirus. The Distinguished Young Women will still honor the top high school representative from each state — as it has since 1958 — and award more than $100,000 in scholarships during its culminating events, June 25-27. Due to the new rules for public gatherings, the Distinguished Young Women has had to find a way to engage through screens and speakers. Traditionally, the participants arrive in Mobile two weeks before the climactic two-day preliminaries and Saturday finale, where they compete in categories that measure scholastics, self-expression, physical fitness, talent and interviewing skills, but this year the young women will submit videos for each National Finals category. The DYW will broadcast the three-night virtual showcase on its website free of charge. The website address: distinguishedyw.org.

Gulf Coast Take Steps Virtual Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis

We’re excited to host a national Take Steps virtual walk Hosted by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation on June 20, at 11 AM CST to give our whole community a safe way to come together and honor our patients and caregivers while we continue to raise funds for cures. While this is a necessary precaution, the idea of our national Take Steps community coming together during this difficult time is inspirational to us and we hope you agree. For the most up to date details, please like our Take Steps Facebook page. We’ll be sharing information in real-time as we announce decisions. To register or start fundraising, visit www.cctakesteps.org/GulfCoast.

Battleship Memorial Park Now Open

Battleship Memorial Park, The USS ALABAMA, USS DRUM and Aircraft Pavilion are now open for tours. To protect our visitors and our staff, new health safety procedures have been put into place. We have installed plexiglass shields at all counters in the Gift Shop and our staff will be wearing masks as a safety precaution. We are asking that all visitors please respect the 6-foot social distancing guildelines and hand washing procedures set forth by the CDC. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in the Gift Shop for everyone to use and all bathrooms are equipped with soap or sanitizer and are ready to be used. The public will not be required to wear masks while touring the park. The park will operate daily, opening at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 5:00 p.m. with the last ticket of the day sold at 4:00 p.m. For additional park information please visit our website at ussalabama.com.

BCHBA Fishing Tournament

Baldwin County Home Builders Association will be holding the Annual Fishing Tournament to benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center on Friday, June 12 from 6:00 AM (safe light) - 1:00 PM at American Legion Post 199 at 700 S. Mobile Street, Fairhope. $40 entry fee. Specks, Reds, Flounder, White Trout and Tripletail. Lunker Pot available for Specks, Reds, and Flounder - $10 cost with 100% payout! You must have your entry fee paid and turned in to BCHBA no later than 4:30 PM on June 10. Launch from any location and fish from boat, bank or pier and weigh-in at American Legion Hall Beach in Fairhope from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. You can bring your catch by water or road. Food and drinks provided at weigh-in! One Entry Form must be completed for each angler. Sponsorships are available and greatly appreciated. For more information and to download the entry form go to: http://www.bchba.com/page/news-events/2020-fishing-tournament.php. Please email form to marsha@bchba.com upon completion. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Wildlife Demonstrations at Blakeley State Park

Raptor Trek and Herp Journey is scheduled for June 27, 2020 from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM at Blakeley State Park, 34745 State Highway 225, Spanish Fort. These programs allow children and adults to experience and learn about a collection of Alabama’s native animal species through a conversationbased presentation. This event is complimentary with regular park admission. $4/adults and $3 kids ages 6-12 years. Please visit www.blakeleypark.com/Things-to-Do/ Events/AgentType/View/PropertyID/188 www.easternshoreparents.com

w $2

g by

T to

re s

Thank you for Helping Prevent Family Home Evictions

8th Annual No Show Gala – Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy

During Giving Week, Family Promise of Baldwin County received a $10,000 grant challenge from HUMI (Help Us Move In). HUMI’s match of $10,000 to the $10,000 raised by the community was met with a great response and the community set the bar high by starting the week donating $12,930! HUMI then responded raising the challenge to $20,000 agreeing to match $20,000 if $20,000 was raised. The community got together and donated over $20,000! Because of you and the HUMI grant match, 30-35 families in Baldwin County that have been impacted by the pandemic will receive financial assistance to prevent homelessness. You have given these local families hope! Every single dollar will go to preventing family evictions and assisting families with move-in costs right here in Baldwin County. The average cost of preventing family evictions and providing assistance to families with move-in costs in Baldwin County is approximately $1,300. While the drive was very successful, Family Promise of Baldwin County would like the ability to help even more families. Donations may be made through the Family Promise website, PayPal, Venmo or Cash App: Website: https://www.familypromisebaldwinal.org/donate PayPal: PayPal.Me/donatefpbc Venmo: https://venmo.com/FamilyPromise-BaldwinCounty Cash App: https://cash.app/$donatefpbc

DON'T Save the Date, but DO open your heart! Ozanam cordially invites you NOT to attend another special event… it’s a NO SHOW Gala! From the safety of your own home or office, please donate to help us continue providing free prescription medications to our low income and uninsured neighbors of the Gulf Coast. The COVID-19 Pandemic has made the lives of our patients even harder. Many of them are the working poor, who work two or three jobs to support their families, yet they still can't afford health insurance. In our four-county service areas, there are an estimated 88,000 individuals that could qualify to receive free prescription medications from Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy. We need your support, at any level, to continue this important mission. All donations are tax deductible. PLEASE DONATE TODAY using this link: https://ozanam-charitable-pharmacy-inc.networkforgood.com/ projects/76751-ozanam-charitable-pharmacy-8th-annual-no-show-gala

ne ate

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

at ser ho c su

Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Join us this June and July for Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, a fun, informative series on gardening, history and more. Here is the full schedule of Wonderful Wednesdays, from June 3 to July 29. Unless otherwise noted, all sessions begin in the Magnolia Room in the Gift Shop/Café building. Unless otherwise noted, admission fees are $14 for adults, $8 for children ages 5-12 and free to members and to ages 4 and younger. Please note that reservations are required to attend; to make a reservation, or for more information, please call 251-459-8868. June 3: Summer Garden Walk, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join Bellingrath’s Horticultural Management Team for a guided tour of the Gardens to see our wonderful summer displays, floral borders and new additions. Stay for lunch in our Magnolia Café and check out our new merchandise in the Bellingrath Gift Shop. June 10: The Bellingrath Collection: Provenance, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Provenance is defined as the origin, derivation or source of an object. After Bessie Bellingrath’s death in 1943, Walter Bellingrath knew little if anything about all those antiques his wife had accumulated. He hired an antique dealer friend of Mrs. Bellingrath’s to come in and inventory her collection. That document reveals numerous background tales of many of the objects guests admire in the Bellingrath Home more than 75 years later. The geography alone is intriguing, with pieces collected from Natchez, Miss., to Apalachicola, Fla. Join Museum Home Director Tom McGehee for a closer look at various treasures in the collection and the interesting stories behind them. June 17: Garden Strategies: A Calendar Year of Planting and Pruning, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join the Bellingrath Horticulture Team of Chuck Owens and Justin Stamper as they walk you through a year of planting and tending your yard and garden. Questions are encouraged! June 24: Make and Take Home Project with Ann Moody, 6:30-8 p.m. Learn how to make a terra cotta plant wreath with Ann Moody, a gardener

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

J 11 n A his wh Ju Ga le Law

wi of St the t

Tou ta co an s ar cr

ise

o d;

ys, ew

ory s s

30 alk

at Bellingrath and star of the “Southern Gardening” series on NBC-15. Ann, a former florist, will show you how to create a one-of-a-kind terra cotta wreath and change out the plants for a year-round display. All supplies are included. This session requires an extra fee to cover the costs of supplies. July 8: Author Dr. Larry Krumenaker, 10:3011:30 a.m. The author and historian will discuss his new book, “Nine Days Traveling: Lafayette’s 1825 Alabama Tour, Today’s Historical Road Trip.” After his talk, Dr. Krumenaker will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase in the Gift Shop. July 8: Viewing the Summer Sky at Bellingrath Gardens, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dr. Larry Krumenaker will lead this evening astronomy program on the Great Lawn. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and telescopes to view planets and constellations. July 15: Kids Gulf Discovery Day, 9 a.m.-noon. Children of all ages will enjoy learning about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast from a variety of environmental organizations. The Environmental Studies Center will bring their Raptor Road Show to the Great Lawn to engage and educate guests about the wonders of native birds of prey. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will offer presentations with their Touch Tables in the Magnolia Room. Visitors may also take a guided cruise along the beautiful Fowl River, courtesy of WildNative Delta Safaris. Space is limited and reservations are required for the cruises, so be sure to make your reservations early. Cruise times are 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The cruise fees are $10 for adults and $6 for ages 0-12. Join us for a day of summer fun!

New Date Set for FEEF Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament

The 32nd Annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament benefiting the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) has a new date! The four-person scramble, presented by title sponsor Terry Thompson Chevrolet, will be held Friday, July 31, 2020, at the Quail Creek Golf Course and offers morning and afternoon start times. Proceeds from the tournament are distributed by FEEF directly back into Fairhope’s five public schools. These funds provide programs and equipment to our students and teachers that are not made possible through traditional funding the schools receive. Funds raised through this event allow FEEF to continue to provide the following programs: · Pelican’s Nest Science Lab · Art, reading and STEAM lab equipment for Fairhope Elementary students · Hands-on discovery science labs at Fairhope Intermediate and J. Larry Newton · Guitar and choral classes in addition to a new piano lab for Fairhope Middle · Upgrades for the art, choral, dance and band classes, engineering tools and the Black Box Theater at Fairhope High School. · Teacher Classroom Grants for STEAM initiatives The tournament day will be filled with breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon cocktails, gifts for winning teams, closest to the pin, putting contests and more. Sponsor and register your team online at www.feefonline.org or call (251) 990-3333. Also, like the FEEF Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FEEFfairhope, for additional information and good news leading up to the tournament.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

KidsHealthWatch

Sponsored by Magnolia Springs Pediatrics

It’s a Rough World Out There Summer is here! It’s time for swimming, boating, fishing, and playing outside! Of course, we still need to use common sense and social distancing when it’s appropriate. When I think back to my childhood growing up in Mobile, I often think about those long summer days, playing without a care in the world and wonder if I ever thought to put on sunscreen or bug spray. I’m pretty sure I didn’t. But times have changed, and we have to protect our children better. It’s estimated that before the age of 18, we have almost 80% of our lifetime sun exposure. And this exposure puts us at a significantly increased risk of not only sunburn, but skin cancer as well. Let’s talk about some ways to protect your child. For infants less than six months, always dress them in lightweight long pants and shirts with a brimmed hat, even if the sun exposure is thought to be short. I can think of plenty of times when my families’ short trips to town end up as half day marathons and long times out in the sun. It’s OK to use sunscreen on infants on exposed areas as long as you avoid the palms of the hands (ingestion risk) and use at least an SPF of 30 or greater. The times when you are most likely to feel the sun’s damaging effects are

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

10AM-4PM, and that is of course the time when my kids play outside. So avoid that time when you can, but if they go out, apply at least SPF 30 waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours, especially after swimming or hard play. Hats and sunglasses are a good idea as well, and keep those kids hydrated! Remember, our children learn and mimic what we as parents do, so put on sunscreen yourself and be a good role model. Finally, remember that a higher SPF doesn’t always mean better protection! All sunscreen needs to be applied frequently to actually work! Another question I frequently get from parents is about bugs and bug spray. The biggest concern today, in addition to bites and itching, is the transmission of disease. While rare, these illnesses can affect people of all ages, especially children. One of the best ways to prevent bug exposure is to limit their growth, so check your property for any standing water and dump it out. And try to avoid exposure in the evenings when the bugs come out. When it comes to bug sprays, I get a lot of questions about DEET vs. natural products for protection. While low amounts of DEET are safe for your infant and child, some people prefer to use other products. Remember, just because a product is

“natural” doesn’t mean it can’t be toxic, especially if ingested. When compared head to head, most of the natural products were inferior to those containing DEET, especially in length of effectiveness. So whatever product you choose to use, follow the directions and use only what you need. For the most part, the higher the DEET concentration, the longer it lasts. For example, a concentration of 4-5% will last around 90 minutes. Most of the natural products last only 10-20 minutes, so reapply as needed and avoid exposure if possible. Also, don’t use combo bug repellent and sunscreen products because the bug repellent tends to lower the SPF. So enjoy the weather here in Baldwin County, but enjoy it safely. Please refer to cdc.gov and aap.org for further resources and talk to your child’s doctor if you have questions. Have a great day!

Robert L. Rux, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician at Magnolia Springs Pediatrics. Originally from Mobile, he attended medical school at The University of Alabama School of Medicine (UAB) and completed residency at The Children’s Hospital of Alabama (UAB). He is married to Jaime and has three children, Adler, Walker and Mary McAtee.

www.easternshoreparents.com

cts

ts.

, e

n o s e

ol nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Virtual Learning at CCS

Several of the Central Christian School first graders were trying to get the hang of their first virtual learning session. This is the new norm for our students and they have embraced this time with their teachers and classmates.

Fairhope ES Class Pet Sits Guinea Pig

During this time of distance learning, students in Mrs. Corbettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fairhope Elementary classroom signed up to pet sit their class guinea pig, Miss Gertie. The kids and Miss Gertie were missing each other, so Mrs. Corbett had the great idea of her students signing up to keep Miss Gertie for a few days. The visits were fun and educational. Pictured are Hudson Anderson & Miss Gertie.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

www.easternshoreparents.com

S t th M T to Eliz am Fai co Eli H le

E i c ea kno If y fun M 38 m

Fairhope HS Students Receives Scholarship

It is with great pleasure that the Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Scholarship announces the 2020 recipient of the Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Scholarship! The 2020 award goes to Elizabeth Dunbar. Elizabeth was chosen from among 27 applicants from Fairhope High School. Our committee believes that Elizabeth best exemplifies Hardyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindness, outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, love of God and country, and putting others before himself. Elizabeth will be attending Samford University in Birmingham this fall. Elizabeth will receive a certificate along with a check for $1000. Thank each one of you who have made this possible. We know Hardy would be honored to be remembered. If you would like to contribute to this scholarship fund, you can mail a check to Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Fund, Truist Bank (formerly BB&T), 387 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532. For more information visit us on Facebook - Hardy E. Calloway Memorial Scholarship.

Summerdale Teacher Volunteers During Quarantine

One of our Summerdale School teachers, Haley Hrabovsky, has been volunteering at Prodisee Pantry. She and her mother have been volunteering each week. The first couple weeks of quarantine, they volunteered at the Tuesday morning drive-thru food distributions, and for the last 6 (or so) weeks, they have been riding on the BRATS bus, on Thursday mornings to deliver food to those that are normally picked up and brought to the pantry each month (those who do not have the transportation to get to the pantry themselves). #baldwinproud #communitystrong

Baldwin County Public School Registration Now Open Online

Online registration for returning students to Baldwin County Public Schools is now open. Each student should have recently received a letter containing the details for completing the 2020-2021 registration process. The window will close July 31, 2020. Returning student registration is only available for students who completed the 2019-2020 school year enrolled in Baldwin County Public Schools. Those not enrolled at that time will need to complete the New Student Registration. More information can be found at www.bcbe. org/registration. Specific questions should be directed to your local school.

Life insurance for your family for as little as $30 per month Introducing easy and affordable term life insurance for your whole family.1 Plus, our affordable rates are guaranteed not to increase for 10 years. Learn more at WoodmenLife.org/FamilyTerm

Carol Reed 251-238-2809 ckreed@woodmen.org 1. Certain eligibility requirements and age restrictions apply. Rate based on 2 adults, age 30, Super Preferred, $250,000 Family Term Coverage with 10-Year initial term and $10,000 coverage for all eligible children. Qualification for the premium shown is dependent upon underwriting and approval by WoodmenLife. Factors including age, health, sex, and death benefit amount may also affect your rate. Certificate Forms 8063 R-1-16 (XX), ICC16 8063 R-1-16 Products are not available in New York and all products may not be available in all states. CD1438 7/19 Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society: Omaha, NE 17

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Renaissance School Students Create Chalk Art Drawings for Community

Bayside Academy Hosts Food Drive

The Bayside Service Club organized a food drive to benefit Ecumenical Ministries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bayside students and teachers dropped off nonperishable food items in socially distanced containers. Over four full containers of food were collected and

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore believes in community service, and bringing joy to others. Pictured, a student creates sidewalk chalk art for The Blake in Malbis residents.

se e

donated to Ecumenical Ministries. Pictured, Bayside Academy juniors Ann Marie Fedro and Hallie Corte stand in front one of the donation containers.

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

chi h W t a y

Ba a R

Elementary Teacher of the Year Laura Ruth Hunter

Secondary Teacher of the Year Dianne Casolaro

Laura Ruth Hunter is an Instructional Coach at J. Larry Newton Elementary School. As an Instructional Coach, Hunter provides support to teachers implementing math programs and best practices. She collaborates with administration and teachers to decipher data and make actionable plans for improving students’ data. She is about to complete her 10th year in education, a profession Hunter says she was born to do. Hunter comes from a family of educators and said she realized her calling during her senior year of college while she was pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering. Hunter said she realized her passion was to work with children, so she changed her major to elementary education and never looked back. Hunter started her career at Newton with a passion for inspiring children to love math and science. After three years, Hunter furthered her aspirations by becoming a regional math specialist with AMSTI. When the opportunity arose to return to Newton, Hunter jumped at the chance to return to the school where it all started as the math and science instructional coach. Hunter continues to challenge our youth and make them confident in their math and science abilities. Hunter is married to Kyle Hunter, a coach and educator also with Baldwin County Public Schools. Together they share a baby girl, with another little Hunter due this year. Join us in congratulating Laura Ruth Hunter on her selection as the Baldwin County Public Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year!

Dianne Casolaro teaches multiple levels of English at Daphne High School. She currently teaches English 9 Advanced, English 11 International Baccalaureate, and English 12 Dual Enrollment. While at Daphne, she has also taught English 10 Advanced and Standard, English 12, and Mythology, Literature and Fable. Casolaro is about to complete her 24th year of teaching, but her career started in a different way. After completing her undergraduate degree, she worked as a writer. As a journalist, she saw much goodwill, but also much ill-will. She remembered her grandfather’s retirement reception after 50 years as an educator where he received accolades as a teacher and principal. She longed to make a difference and wanted to continue to share her love of writing. She made the move to education where she has the title of “English teacher,” but Casolaro hopes to also be remembered as a “motivator,” “encourager,” “mentor,” and “difference-maker.” Casolaro is a National Board Certified Teacher and taught at Baldwin County High School and Robertsdale High School before joining the staff at Daphne High School five years ago. Outside of Baldwin County, Casolaro has taught for Orange and Lake County (Florida) Public Schools and for the Jefferson County Board of Education. Casolaro is married with four children, three of whom are graduates of Baldwin County schools, and one who is a current intermediate school student. Join us in congratulating Dianne Casolaro on her selection as the Baldwin County Public Schools Secondary Teacher of the Year!

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Flat Mrs. Ruffin Travels with Christ the King Class

Autauga CountyCentral SchoolsChristian Cheerleaders donate Tithe to Missions

Each year the Varsity Cheerleaders at Central Christian School are dedicated to tithing 10% of all fundraising. We recently received a photo from the International Mission Association thanking our team for their faithful contributions. The family in this photo lives in Guatemala and they were homeless until the IMA was able to build them a home with the proceeds from our Varsity Team. Thank you Varsity Cheerleaders & Coach Shelia for being a Light in the lives of others domestically and internationally!

Christ the King Catholic School teacher, Mrs. Ruffin, has been doing a little traveling lately...She sent her second grade class a flat Mrs. Ruffin so they could do things together while distance learning. Looks like she was able to check out the local waterways with one of her students. Oh the places you can go!

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

A an

ng n to a & y!

Bayshore Christian School Senior Receives Naval Academy Appointment

History is Delicious at Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore! Students prepared a dish from the era they are studying. This activity is a full curriculum study that involves history, math, science, and is then applied. The application process allows students to exercise their skills, and be creative.

Join us in congratulating Bayshore Christian School Senior, Ollen Brown for his appointment to The United States Naval Academy! More than 15,000 students applied and only 1,100 received appointments. We are so proud of you!

Central Christian Teacher Meets with Students for Year End Testing

Central Christian School Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Callaway, is closing out the school year by meeting with each student to provide tutoring and year end testing. The children were so excited to get extra time with her before summer.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Fairhope HS Juniors Receive Book Awards from Universities

Each year three Juniors from Fairhope High are chosen as recipients of book awards from Harvard University, the University of Virginia and Tulane University. To introduce talented young people to the opportunities available at Harvard, The Harvard Book Award is awarded to the junior who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other nonacademic areas. This year’s recipient is Miss Ellie Smith. Established by the University of Virginia, the Jefferson Book Award was established to recognize outstanding high school students who best represent the Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership and citizenship. This year’s recipient is Miss Isabella Myrick. The Tulane Book Award recognizes one junior who embodies Tulane’s motto of “Not for one’s self, but for one’s own”. This award is given in recognition of excellence in academics, leadership and public service. This year’s recipient is Miss Hannah Sterndorf.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Christ the King Catholic School Class Creates Virtual Artwalk

Bayshore Christian School Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Virtually an artwalk – CTKCS art teacher, Mrs. Hutson's project "Found Object Sculpture", had students create masterpieces during distance learning that were posted to Facebook to create a virtual artwalk.

Bayshore Christian School is excited to announce Abbie Haygood as the Class of 2020 Valedictorian and Ella Pursley as the Class of 2020 Salutatorian. The announcement was made via surprise car parade in front of each of the girls’ homes with presentation of the award, complete with confetti, at the end of the parade. Congratulations girls on an outstanding academic career!

Bayside Academy Holds Virtual Awards Ceremonies

Since Bayside Academy was not able to hold its usual awards ceremonies this spring, the school created virtual ceremonies. Three virtual ceremonies were held—the Bridge Ceremony which recognizes students who have received AP Honors and/or National Merit recognition; the Upper School Awards Ceremony which recognizes outstanding students in Grades 9–12; and the Scholarship Presentation which highlights scholarships awarded to members of the senior class.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Renaissance School Class Meets Flat Mrs. Brittany

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore teacher devises a creative way to remain a part of her students’ day even during distance learning. Meet “Flat Mrs. Brittany”.

h Un t h tea

Christ the King Teachers Miss their Students!

Here’s a story... of eight lovely CTKCS teachers...who missed being with their students at school. Teachers and students found creative ways to communicate during distance learning.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Ac U

www.easternshoreparents.com

Bayshore Welcomes New Principal

Bayshore Christian School announced that Mr. Ty Hensley will be joining the school as the Upper School Principal. The hiring of Mr. Hensley is the conclusion of an extensive national search. They had three finalists from various parts of the country, but God made it clear that Mr. Hensley was the right fit for their school and community. Mr. Hensley was raised in Covington, GA. After high school he earned his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Georgia College and State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. During that time, he met his wife Kelly. They were married in 2005 and have two children, Avery (12) and Ace (9). After eight years of teaching in public education, Mr. Hensley began researching classical Christian education and decided to leave public education. In 2010, he became the Headmaster of Providence Classical Christian School. Then, in 2016, God called him to Annapolis Christian Academy in Corpus Christi, TX where he currently serves as Head of Upper School. He is passionate about advancing classical Christian education and opportunities for upper school students.

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Hosts High School Graduation at The Hangout

The Alabama School of Math and Science (ASMS) hosted their senior graduation ceremony at The Hangout on Friday, May 22nd. ASMS represents students from all over the state of Alabama, a total of 57 counties. The Hangout is opening their doors to ASMS, offering the use of their facilities and the opportunity to host their graduation in the courtyard on the main stage. According to David Zislin, of Hangout Hospitality Group, who is the father of two ASMS students, one current junior and one 2018 graduate, “The Hangout is excited to partner with ASMS and to provide these students with a well-deserved opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. In light of recent events, there are many students who were not able to attend their own graduations, and it is an honor to host such a special occasion.” “Graduation is important to our amazing seniors, and The Hangout is the perfect place for them to walk across the stage safely and in style,” says ASMS President Dr. John Hoyle. “We appreciate The Hangout and look forward to a joyful celebration.” Morgan Roland, an ASMS senior from Mobile County, says “Graduation at The Hangout will truly be a memorable experience for the Class of 2020. It’s definitely a different graduation setting, and not the one any of us expected, but that won’t make it any less special... Graduating at The Hangout will be a memorable day for us all, an experience none of us are sure to forget!”

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Bayside Academy Students Send Cards to Local Heroes

Renaissance Zoom Social

Renaissance School of the Eastern Shore students enjoy their Thursday Zoom Socials!

Bayside Academy students sent notes to first responders, hospitals, and nursing homes as part of their Great Day of Service. The notes thanked first responders and hospital staff and helped bring cheer to the nursing home residents. Pictured is a postcard sent to residents of Montrose Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center from Bayside Academy third grader Hudson Brogan.

Send School News and Photos to: lynn@easternshoreparents.com!

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Bayside Academy 3rd Graders Participate in Virtual Concert

Bayside Academy third grade students participated in a virtual recorder concert with their music teacher, Beth Horn. The students played the Star Wars theme song together from the comforts of their own homes.

Central Christian School Summer Day Camp

Summer Day Camp is in full swing at Central Christian school. A group of 3rd-6th graders decided to play a quick game of rainy day Dodgeball.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Baldwin County Soil and Water Conservation District Announces Poster and Essay Contest Winners

Baldwin County Soil and Water Conservation District (BCSWCD) recently celebrated the 65th year of the National Association of Conservation District’s Stewardship Week – focusing on the theme “Where Would We BEE Without Pollinators?” To mark the occasion, BCSWCD held a pollinator-focused poster and essay contest. The contest was open to all public, private and home school students of Baldwin County. Congratulations to the following Poster Contest winners: • 2nd-3rd Grade Level: 1st Place: Jullian Fitzgerald, 2nd Grade, Foley Elementary. • 7th-9th Grade Level: 1st Place: Haley Border, 9th grade, Elberta High School. 2nd Place: William Cruz, 9th grade, Elberta High School. 3rd Place: Victoria Christie, 8th grade, Spanish Fort Middle School. • 10th-12th Grade Level: 1st Place: Kaylin Denton, 12th grade, Bayside Academy. 2nd Place: Holly Peebles, 11th grade, Elberta High School. 3rd Place: Hannah Wieland, 11th grade, Bayside Academy. Congratulations to the following Essay Contest winners: • 7th-9th Grade Level: Stormy Kirkland, 9th grade, home school. 10-12th Grade Level Summer Smith, 10th grade, Baldwin County Virtual School.

Pe p Ch I

F S Cu

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

BCSWCD is a member of NACD, which oversees the annual Stewardship Week program. Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation.

o e d, e, h y.

Pictured: Left photo, opposite page: Holly Peebles, William Cruz, and Haley Border. Right photo, opposite page: contest winner Victoria Christie (front) with classmates Brody Holston, Indira Santiago, Katie Graham, and Ashlynd Madden. Current page, top photo: Jillian Fitzgerald. Current page, middle, left photo: Stormy Kirkland; right photo: Summer Smith. Current page, bottom photo: Kaylin Denton and Hannah Weiland. 29

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Autauga County Schools

Orange Beach Elementary Students Dress Up for Staff Appreciation Week

Central Baldwin MS Welcomes New Assistant Principal

Central Baldwin Middle School would like to welcome our newest Assistant Principal, Cedric Yelding, to our CBMS family! Coach Yelding has worked in the Baldwin County Public School System for the last 23 years. We are proud to welcome Coach Yelding as our newest Golden Bear!

Orange Beach Elementary celebrated Staff Appreciation Week virtually this year. The PTO organized a daily theme so students could participate virtually. Themes included: Miss you Monday with an email to show appreciation, OBES Staff are Sun-Sational, Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Crazy about our teachers and staff, Thankful Thursday and School Spirit Friday. Students dressed up and posted pictures on the PTO social media site to show the OBES teachers and staff how much they appreciate them.

B 20

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

e al, ch y s. as

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A THRILL TO

BE AN ADMIRAL 2020-2021

OPEN ENROLLMENT IN CLASSES WHERE SPACE IS AVAILABLE

For details, please visit www.baysideacademy.org or call 251.338.6446.

303 Dryer Avenue | Daphne, AL 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org

303 Dryer Ave. | Daphne, AL 36526 | 251.338.6300 | www.baysideacademy.org 31

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Bayside Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school offering a superior educational opportunity to students in grades PK-12.

Suddenly You're Working at Home with Kids:

it w aw ics co am ch is att the

fiv clo pla ign yo

it d ing Wh em on pla “S the

TIPS

from a Mom Who's Been There by Janeen Lewis When my children were small, I was a freelance writer and homeschooling mom. When they were older, I went back to teaching and they went to school. Now that we’re on an indefinite hiatus, it feels like slipping into a familiar pair of worn jeans.

Here’s some wisdom I gleaned from my stint as a work-from-home parent.

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

it w lim no ex Do liv wh

1. Designate a quiet work zone. Once you envision your work space, it will help you fill in the blanks. Create a work area with access to electronics and a door you can shut so you can concentrate for a specified, uninterrupted amount of time while your spouse is in charge or kids are napping. This space is for work that needs your most focused attention. Do not feel guilty about shutting the door. These are unprecedented times. A tip for parents of babies through five-year-olds: You’re an exception to the closed door. Your children may have to play next to your desk. Still, keep a designated quiet zone for those times when you can work alone.

2. Move around with a laptop desk.

Kids are suckers for routine.

7. Reward them.

4. Work at weird hours. Get up as early as you can, but tiptoe because, no lie, kids hear every creak and cough and they will get up with you even if it’s 4:30 a.m..! Stay up late if you’re a night owl. If your spouse can care for kids in the afternoon, make those your new office hours. When I’ve done this, it allowed me to separate work time and kid time and they got to have all of me instead of me on a computer.

Purchase a lap desk online and have it delivered. This has been crucial in allowing me to work in any room in the house. When my kids were little I answered emails, made work to-do lists, researched on the web and jotted notes while they played on the living room floor or watched “Sesame Street.” I wrote on my laptop at the kitchen table while they ate.

5. Create busy bags or boxes.

3. Plan realistic schedules.

6. Pull out that old fridge box.

Make a schedule that is different than it would’ve been two weeks ago. If you’ve limited screen time in the past, give more now. Make time for reading, physical exercise, unstructured play and chores. Don’t introduce any activity that you can’t live with indefinitely or that is too rowdy while you work. Give the schedule time.

Every evening make sure your children have bags or boxes with items for them to keep them busy the next day. Include books, coloring books, crayons, markers, colored pencils, worksheets, educational games, arts and crafts. Include kids in choosing, so they have lots of items they’re interested in.

Grab empty Amazon boxes, or if you saved that refrigerator box, now’s the time to reveal it to your kids. When my son Andrew was six and my daughter Gracie was 3, they built an elaborate “cave” system from old moving boxes in our den. It kept them busy for hours, and I got lots of work done.

If your kids let you work for a specified amount of time during the week, reward them with a special activity like a game night or cooking or baking lesson.

8. Admit you need help. There is no shame in saying “I can’t do this alone.” But how can you get help with social distancing? Why not let a relative or friend Face Time or Skype with your kids for chunks of time while you work? It might be the next best thing to an in-person nanny.

9. Be kind to yourself. At some point everything will derail while you’re on an important conference call. Keep doing the best you can. That’s all you can do.

10. Embrace the positive. None of us were expecting to work and parent at home indefinitely, but there is a bright side. I’m getting to enjoy more time with my kids. My 13-year-old and I played a kiddie board game one day and laughed the entire time. Keep positive and use this unexpected time to make memories. ESP

Janeen Lewis is a mom, writer and teacher. She has been published in several parenting magazines across the country.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

TikTok Safety Tips

Make sure tweens use their real age to create an account.

Manage TikTok with These Easy Settings

If you’re going to allow your tweens to join TikTok, insist that they register with their actual birth date. The app offers a limited experience for users under 13 where they can watch videos and create their own clips for private viewing, free from the data tracking the company collects on users over 13. However, access to that area of the app only requires the user to enter a birth date -- and there’s nothing to prevent older users from joining as an under-13-year-old.

The wild-and-wacky short videos of TikTok continue to gain popularity among kids, adults, and even celebrities. But the app has had some problems, such as illegally collecting data on users under 13, notoriously inappropriate comments, and awkward settings that can leave you with unwanted followers. Still, its viral “challenges,” creative tools, and just-plain-fun features mean your kids are probably going to want it. Tik Tok users sign up with a phone number, an email address, Facebook, or Instagram. Once logged in, you can search popular creators, categories (comedy, animals, sports), and hashtags to find videos. Or you can use your phone contacts or social media followers to find friends already on the app. Many kids on Tik Tok like to create videos, but plenty of people don’t post themselves -- they just use the app to find and follow content creators. While TikTok videos are mostly harmless, creative fun, there are real concerns about kids using the app. As with any social network, you have to use privacy settings to limit how much information you and your kids are sharing. Kids can post stuff without reviewing or editing it first. There have even been reports of online predators using the app to target younger users. And in 2019, TikTok paid millions to settle with federal regulators who charged it violated children’s privacy law. Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the app. Anyone under the age of 18 must have approval of a parent or guardian -- but there are plenty of young tween users. If your younger kid or tween wants to use the app, the account should belong to an adult who can monitor what younger users are browsing and sharing. There’s also the section of the app mentioned above that’s meant for kids under 13 that restricts access to mature content and comments, but since entering a false birthdate is easy, it’s still best for older teens. That being said, here are some tips to keep your younger kids safe if they are on TikTok: Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Have fun using the app together with younger kids.

It’s a great way to spend quality media time together. Plus you can supervise them and advise them on responsible use so they have good habits when they get older. The following settings are located in the Privacy and Settings section. To get there, go to your kid’s profile page and click the three-dot icon (“...”) on the top right.

Make your kid’s account private. TikTok accounts are public by default, meaning anyone can see your videos, send you direct messages, and post comments. Help kids turn on privacy settings so only people they know can interact with their videos or message them on the app. Select Privacy and Safety. There, toggle the switch for “Private Account.” Limit comments. TikTok comments can be inappropriate. Restrict the audience that can post comments on kids’ videos to Friends only -- or turn them off entirely. Again, select Privacy and Safety. Review the settings, including: Who can send you direct messages; Who can comment on your videos; and Comment filters. Limit time and inappropriate content. TikTok offers features to help limit kids’ time on the app as well as videos that may be inappropriate. You can protect these settings with a passcode so kids can’t change them back. Alternatively, you can download the TikTok app and use the Family Pairing feature to manage your kid’s account from your phone. Select Digital Wellbeing next to the icon of an umbrella. There you’ll see settings for Screen Time Management, Restricted Mode, and Family Pairing. 34

www.easternshoreparents.com

ta rth as

me d

e, e

, nd

ent

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

wit ho oft for He aw sp the tio go it. so aw kid Th str

ma Wh we da

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

There is no denying that there are differences between how moms and dads parent their kids. Just because dads may do things differently than moms doesn’t mean their parenting style is less beneficial to kids. A different perspective on how to handle challenges, how to have fun, and how to show affection is great for kids.

Here are some great ways dads are different. Dads play differently When I watch my husband interact with our kids, I notice one major difference, how they play together. My husband will often hide and when the kids start looking for him, he will jump out and scare them. He fills water balloons for an hour to have a water fight that lasts five minutes. He spends time building Legos and helping the kids learn how to follow the instructions. He wrestles with, laughs with, and good-naturedly teases the kids. They love it. Most of these things I would rarely do, some I would avoid if possible. Dads have a way of bringing silliness and fun into our kids lives, usually in the form of a game. The kids love it, the dads love it, and it strengthens the bond between them.

Dads are more flexible This may not apply to all dads but many are a little more flexible than moms. When I was a little girl my mom had a weekly night out with her friends and my dad was in charge. This often meant fried

egg and ketchup sandwiches and staying up late watching TV. I remember one day dad let us have ice cream for dinner. We walked to the ice cream shop and my brother and I ordered bubble gum ice cream cones. By the time we had walked home, we were covered in a sticky mess. Instead of a bath dad sprayed us down with a hose, took us inside and changed us right into our pajamas and called it a night. We all laughed the whole time, including my dad, and I remember thinking how mom would never have allowed that. The next night we went back to our normal routine but those little moments of silliness and flexibility taught me that sometimes it’s okay to set aside the rules and routine and have fun.

Dads show affection differently Kids enjoy snuggling up with both mom and dad but, in addition to sitting together reading a book or watching a movie, dads have a way of showing affection

that is different from mom. They wrestle, tickle, and roughhouse. They lift kids up on their shoulders and carry them around and often spend time roughhousing and showing affection in a totally different way than women typically do. They carry kids to their beds and throw them onto a pile of pillows, which is usually rewarded with giggles and a shout of “Do it again!” Dads have a knack for showing affection and having fun at the same time.

Dads encourage kids to try new things I love how my husband encourages the kids to try new things. It is usually easier for me to just order food for the kids when we are at a restaurant, but my husband lets them speak to the waitress themselves and order their own food. This teaches them independence and how to be comfortable speaking to other adults. If they are too shy to do so, he pushes them out of their comfort zone and tells them they can do it, gently encouraging them to try something new. There are so many situations like this. Dads often will push kids to try new things, learn to do things themselves, or tell them to follow the directions on their own. There may be differences between how moms and dads parent their kids, but neither is right or wrong. Each parent has something unique to teach their kids and different ways of showing love. ESP Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer for numerous parenting publications.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Pay Taxes Now or Later? Q. My husband and I owe $3,500 in federal taxes, along with $3,000 in state taxes. We’re both still working during the pandemic scare. Would it better to wait until the new July 15 due date to pay taxes, and pay off other debt in the meantime, or go ahead and pay state and federal taxes now, and take care of our other debts with what we have leftover monthly? A. If you’re talking about back taxes, I’d say pay them now. You don’t want to play around with the IRS, because they can really mess you up if they decide they’re coming for you. But if you’re talking about taxes for 2019, I’d go ahead and include them in your debt snowball. If you need to move them up in your debt snowball in order to pay them on time, that’s fine. Whatever you do, don’t pay them late. Sit down

together, and lay out a game plan that includes paying your taxes—and all your other debts—on time!

Use Savings to Pay Credit Card Debt? Q. I feel truly blessed. Even with everything that is going on these days, I still have a steady job and a good income. I’m thinking about taking some money out of my savings account in order to completely pay off my credit card debt. How do you feel about this idea? A. It’s not a bad plan if you’ve come to a point where you understand a few things. The credit card and the debt aren’t the real problems. They’re symptoms of buying things you probably don’t need with money you don’t have. You need to take

a long look in the mirror, because the person who’s looking back at you is the real problem. If you can accept this, and are committed to changing yourself and your financial habits, I’d say go for it. Just don’t wipe out your savings in the process. Leave plenty of cash in there, especially right now when so many things are uncertain. Also, make sure you cut up that credit card, close the account, and make a promise to yourself that you’ll never use those things again. Once you do all this, and start living on a written, monthly budget, rebuild your savings as quickly as possible. Saving money is always a good thing. And everyone needs an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses for the unexpected stuff life throws at you!

SAFER AT HOME

SUMMER CAMP We are working hard to develop unique take-home art projects with virtual instruction from local artists and educators for your child. Whether your child already has a love of art or is just getting started, everyone will enjoy art-camping. We look forward to sharing details soon, learn more at mmfa.org/camp. Support for Safer at Home: Summer Camp is by Susan and Bob Runkle.

One Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL Open Tuesday–Sunday; Free Admission mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

y pe

so -

nt, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll

g ur

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

co inc leg ch by pla of rei an co ch

em mo up pe ne wo

pa so kid ho be su mu ab the sc

wit

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

Studies show that children are born compassionate. But studies also show increasing rates of narcissism among college students. So somehow the empathy children are born with is getting worn thin by the rock tumbler of life and being replaced with self-centeredness by the age of eighteen. How can concerned parents reinforce traits like empathy, compassion, and citizenship from a young age, and continue to model them as a family for children? Even though the media tends to emphasize generosity during the colder months of the year, and especially leading up to the holiday season, summer is the perfect opportunity to model neighborliness, community service, and giving to worthwhile causes. Kids of all ages will want to participate in giving adventures, since there are so many fun ways to contribute. Even if kids are initially reluctant, they will get hooked once they see how generosity benefits other. Kids often get bored during summer, and adventures in giving offer much-needed outlets for kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; considerable energy. These activities fit well in the nooks and crannies between summer school, camps and family vacations. Go ahead and celebrate kind acts with a sweet treat like an ice cream cone

or a smoothie afterwards. Giving is its own reward, but it never hurts to reinforce generosity of spirit from a young age. Here is a list of ideas to help your family get giving.

1. Volunteer Outdoors. Help clean up your city parks, drive meals to shut-in seniors, clean out vet kennels or participate in a city-wide rummage sale. Your townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online calendar is a good place to get more information on community service events. 2. Capture Gratitude. Create colorful

postcard to mail to teachers, coaches and instructors who have helped kids blossom in the past year. Keep the message short and sweet infuse the message with creativity.

3. Encourage Bookishness. Sign up for a summer reading program. Purchase new or used books. Then go through your shelves and remove books you no longer treasure. Donate them to your local library or resale shop. 4. Plant Ahead. When planting summer

vegetable gardens, plant an extra row or two for the local food bank. Look online to check their policies before you plant.

5. Clean Out Cabinets. Search your kitchen for food items that have not expired. Stop at the store on the way to the local food bank if you need a few more items. Charities are usually flooded with donations around the holidays and need support during the rest of the year. 6. Delight Someone. Painting rocks is a fun summer activity that can be done indoors or out, alone or with family and friends. Taking your painted stones on the road and hiding them for unsuspecting new friends to find turns this craft activity into an adventure. For inspiration, check out paintedrocklife.com. 7. Let Go Of Large Items. The sunny

weather is your chance to move larger items without damaging them. See if you can fill your trunk or borrow a truck to deliver items to your local resale shop without a scratch.

8. Transform A Plot Of Dirt. Know a particularly dingy intersection with a median that is full of litter and weeds? Pull together a renegade seed posse to quickly pick up that trash, yank those weeds, rake the dirt, and lay down a combination of annual and perennial seeds. Give the patch a good watering, then watch it blos-

Our allergists are experts in the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of allergies. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating asthma; allergic reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings; coughing; wheezing; sinusitis, and other complex immune disorders. The best way to choose a treatment plan is through testing in our office. Call us today to schedule your appointment and get relief today!

Baldwin Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board Certified Allergy Experts 251-625-1370 | coastalallergyasthma.com 43

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

som over the course of the next year. You’ll be able to say, “We did that,” every time you drive by. (Be sure to check with local authorities beforehand.)

9. Banish Bedroom Clutter. Ask your kids

to touch and sort every item in their rooms. Consider the best ways to donate or store little-used items. Create a memory bin where each child can stash prized possessions, but don’t go beyond one bin per child.

10. Create Blessings. Here are some good

ideas for summer blessing bags to give to homeless folks in your area: bottled water, glasses wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, sunscreen, a sturdy comb, toothpaste, travelsize shampoo and conditioner, band aids and large Ziploc bags. Some sturdy foods that won’t melt in summer’s heat are: granola bars, meats in a pop-top can, foods in pouches, applesauce cups, nuts, dried fruit, beef jerky, mints, hard candies and gum.

11. Sweat For A Cause. Visit active.com to

find local walking, running or cycling races in your area and then participate as a family.

away. Draw a picture, write a poem, or make a handmade card. Include little things that surprise and delight them. If you are not sure what to send, maybe it’s time for a video chat.

20. Take A Day Off. Declare a slow day! Ask your children what they would do with a full day at home with zero commitments. Then let them do that. Everyone will feel refreshed afterwards.

15. Build Small Sanctuaries. Make baths

21. Support A Hobby. If your middleschooler is into baking, why not take those fresh out-of-the-oven cookies and make a plate for a family dealing with some bad news. There is no better feeling than seeing someone joyfully receive something you created.

for birds and butterflies and put them on opposite sides of your yard since birds often prey on butterflies. Tuck both types of baths into areas with easily accessible shelter.

16. Encourage Relaxation. Make home-

made spa gifts for friends and neighbors. Bath salts, face masks and hand scrubs are fun to craft and will be cheerfully received. Search for natural-based recipes online that utilize what you grow in your garden.

17. Dump It Good. Find a safe place to store garbage unsuitable for local trash pick-up throughout the year. Then gather the family to load up the car for an annual dump pilgrimage. Children need to visit dumps to understand the importance of recycling. 18. Rise And Shop. Purchasing fresh food

basement, garage, shop or shed. Dig out that outgrown outdoor gear, sporting goods and outdoor toys and donate them to a local family shelter.

from your local farmer’s market makes a fun morning outing and supports local small businesses. Don’t just shop, chat with the vendors as you sample their wares and share photos of goodies on social media to help spread the word.

13. Bare Arms. Donate blood with teens,

19. Share Your Bounty. When new neigh-

12. Spread The Fun. Declutter the attic,

once they are eligible. This is a great opportunity to teach citizenship in a memorable way, and you just might save a life.

14. Ship Some Love. Send playful care

packages to elderly relatives who live far

bors move in, dig up a sampler of flowers or veggies from your garden to help them start theirs. For the rest of your neighbors, gather seedlings, flowering plants or bouquets of flowers and drop them by the front door with a kind note.

PASSAGE USA

22. Sell For A Cause. Set up a weekend lemonade stand and contribute half or all of the proceeds to a charity of your family’s choice. 23. Help The Earth Breathe. Plant a tree to

help support clean air for future generations. Join the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday. org and they will send you ten trees to plant where you live.

24. Pull Together. You don’t have to be the Von Trapp family to put on a backyard concert. Whether you are a family of readers, musicians or poets, come up with a summery way for the whole family to share what you enjoy doing. 25. Chill It Forward. Give the kids money to pay for the ice cream cone or smoothie of the next customer after you and make someone’s day. ESP

Author, journalist and writing coach, Christina Katz is a big believer in the power of everyday kindness to create healthy connections and transform the future of the planet.

A post-secondary educational experience for students with intellectual disabilities aged 1825 focused on attaining individualized goals in employment and independent living.

CONTACT: Alexandra Chanto-Wetter (251)460-7558 | chantowetter@southalabama.edu

PassageUSA_Parents.indd 1

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

10/9/19 2:29 PM

www.easternshoreparents.com

Ask ll n ed

e a

BEFORE

o ns. y. nt

AFTER

atz ss

SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT Our full service orthodontic practice offers treatments for all ages as well as Sleep Apnea and TMJ treatments. Consultations are always complimentary and we offer ﬂexible appointment and interest free payment plans. With three locations to serve you, there is always something to smile about at Glass Orthodontics.

BEFORE

AFTER

AT M O R E • D A P H N E • B AY M I N E T T E 2 51 .6 26 .7 77 0 | G L AS S ORTH O . CO M www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

an Ag wh Lik

ou ev dis yo mo

on ers be as pic of we pu did fla ch

Ca In today’s digital age, families are spending more time inside and less exploring nature. Studies show that kids who spend time outside have better overall health and fitness levels, report better vision, less stress and depression, and are more likely to have good social skills. (www.nwf.org) The National Wildlife Federation also reports that “Spending time outside raises levels of Vitamin D, helping protect children from future bone problems, heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.” As kids spend more and more time watching TV and playing video games on a daily basis, only about 10 percent of kids say they are spending time outdoors every day.” (www.nature.org) If your kids fall into the 90% of children that don’t get out every day, here are some fun ways to change that. Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

Become a nature artist

Kids will begin to notice the beauty in nature if they are observing it from an artist’s standpoint. Bring the easel and art supplies out to the backyard and have the kids paint or draw what they see around them. Let the kids try their hand at photography while exploring nature by photographing plants, insects, and the landscape around them. Later make a scrapbook or frame their masterpieces.

Get dirty

Dress the kids in play clothes and give them permission to enjoy nature even if they get a little dirty, suggests Julie Keller, mother of three. Allow kids to dig for worms, lift rocks to find insects, and try fishing. Teach kids about gardening while 46

letting them plant flowers, vegetables, and other plants. Kansas mom Ally McDaniel says, “My four year old loves to help plant, dig in dirt, and water the garden. We look for worms, bugs, and baby snakes.” Kids that grow up planting and gardening develop a lifelong positive relationship with plants and trees. (www.childrenandnature.org)

Get comfortable

Collect some old pillows and blankets, bring them outside, and get comfortable. Darcy King, mother of two, says, “I teach my kids to enjoy nature by enjoying it myself. Stop and admire flowers, sunsets, scenery, and spend time outside.” Simply spending time in the great outdoors can help kids grow to love nature. Observe your surroundings and talk about what you see and hear. Read a book, take www.easternshoreparents.com

tim ca ba tim ele

rem yo ge let wh thr by an up to ou

Sar par

for t a d

rt-

ut ke

a nap, and observe the cloud shapes. A great book for encouraging creativity when looking at cloud shapes is It Looked Like Spilt Milk, by Charles Shaw.

Have a picnic

Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outside after a hike, at a local park, or even in your own backyard. Without the distractions of the normal surroundings of your home, conversation will be easier and more fun.

Treasure hunt

Allow kids to take their time as you are on a nature walk. Do you see any flowers, insects, or birds you have not noticed before? If the park allows, collect treasures as you walk the trails. Have the children pick up sticks, rocks, leaves, or anything of interest. “We make it into a game. When we go on walks we collect small things to put in our nature jars. One time we even did a scavenger hunt after dark with a flashlight, which was a big hit.” says Rachael Kennedy, mother of five.

Campout

Camping is a great way to spend time in the outdoors as a family. A family campout, whether at a local park or in your backyard, encourages family bonding time and helps kids “unplug” from their electronics and enjoy the fresh air. One of the most important things to remember when you are trying to teach your kids is to model it yourself. “We try to get out and explore together. I try to just let them be in nature and really experience what exists,” says Sara Sinani, mother of three boys. Get involved, show the kids by example that nature is fun to explore and has great health benefits. If kids grow up spending time outside, they are sure to develop a desire to spend more time outdoors as they grow. ESP Sarah Lyons is a mother of six who loves to explore parks and go camping with her family.

www.facebook.com/easternshoreparentsmagazine

Paper Play Turns a New Page

Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids

With an abundance of paper in most households, from packaging and grocery bags to junk mail and printer errors, this plentiful medium is ideal for children’s crafty explorations. Paper absorbs colors, cuts and tears with ease, and becomes three-dimensional with just a few folds. Handcrafts and textile arts are wonderful academic companions to traditional learning, honing abilities that emphasize planning, spatial awareness and attention to detail. Boosting self-esteem and manual dexterity along the way, the following craft projects let kids follow paper trails toward new avenues of creativity and learning.

by Gerry Paige Smith

Recycled Paper Beads Kit

Paper Flying Dragons (Klutz)

(4M)

Imagination takes flight with Paper Flying Dragons from Klutz! For young fans of fantasy and flight this kit includes everything a dragon master needs to build his own magnificent menagerie. Complete with ten cardstock sheets of vibrant graphics, each sheet features punch-out dragon parts to craft a unique beast. There are also additional sheets for building hatchlings and a robo-dragon of your own design. The 48-page instructional book offers excellent guidance and troubleshooting tips for budding crafters. While the aerodynamic performance is limited, the outstanding visual outcomes are perfect for display or even hanging as a mobile for maximum impact. Paper Flying Dragons soars as an ideal combination for crafty hands and fanciful minds.

Random Acts of Flowers

Gamenote Origami

The Recycled Paper Beads Kit transforms paper strips into versatile, colorful, recycled works of art. Simply insert strips of recycled paper from newspapers, comic books or magazines into the bottle-mounted beading tool and turn the handle. The spindle winds the paper into a tight, compact coil that seals with just a dab of glue. Once the bead is ready to remove, the spindle space offers the channel to thread them together. Using elastic string (included), fishing line, or embroidery floss, these easy, homemade beads are perfect for jewelry projects, ornaments, wall art and more. A brilliant combination of green recycling and industrious crafting, the Recycled Paper Beads Kit from 4M cranks out limitless creative options!

(Gamenote)

Introducing the art of paper folding to a new generation of artisans, Gamenote Origami includes everything needed to turn flat paper into three-dimensional marvels. Starting with ten sheets of practice paper, basic folding skills (rhombus, triangle, double diamond, and square folds) are introduced through the instruction guide. With the basics mastered, the kit offers fifty-four coated tear-resistant sheets in colors and graphic styles that enhance new origami projects. Additionally, the sheets feature numbers and names that correspond with the instruction book, easily pairing guidance with each project. An example of guided learning through repeated actions, origami offers subtle introduction to mathematical concepts, geometry, symmetry, and fractions, all within the surrounds of artistic crafting. Perfect for building skills and self-confidence at the same time, Gamenote Origami brings new skills into the fold.

(Renegade Made)

Tissue paper flowers with their soft edges and translucent color are perfect for little hands just learning to craft. With no sharp edges, messy glues or rigid shapes, the Random Acts of Flowers kit has everything needed for a child to build flower power. With tissue paper squares in colors and prints, floral stem wires, leaf gift tags, chevron ribbon, a bandit mask for secret delivery, and a ‘Take One’ vase, young florists only need a pair of scissors to blossom. The guidance for this kit is based on crafting flowers for gifting to others anonymously. The leaf tags encourage recipients to create their own random gifts while the hanging vase offers free flowers when hung in a public space. While there are other tissue flower kits available, this particular pairing of crafting with altruism is irresistible, offering both satisfaction of creativity and the comfort that generosity shares with the giver.

Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com

Eastern Shore Parents I June 2020

www.easternshoreparents.com

I thought this was the place where we came to clean up? - Trystin, 6th grade

For more information visit AlabamaHealthyTeens.com