January+February 2019
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January+February 2019
contents
9 10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FAMILY BUILDERS
22
5 8 9 10 37
Three Little Words: . . . and Not Just “I Love You” Compassion: Let Your Kids Catch You Being Generous Dip Into Romance: How to Host a Fondue Party
RESOURCE GUIDE
Subtract Math Anxiety: 7 Quick Tips to Help Your Child Teen Talk Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another
YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
18
38
Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy!
FAMILY FUN GUIDE
45
Get to know the people, places, and things that make the Emerald Coast special!
Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit, and safe.
Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.
Family Chatter......................................................................22 That’s Good to Know!........................................................24 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 25-26 Teach Your Kids Something New!............................... 28 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers................30 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids............................34
Seasonal.................................................................................45 The Arts | Runs, Walks, & More | Sounds Fun........ 46 Reoccurring Local | Volunteer........................................ 47
22 FamilyChatter
parent Emerald Coast
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4 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine
By Ellen Notbohm
. . . and not just “I love You” Another February 14 will come and go, marking thirty-something times I will not have received a Valentine from my husband. He has a long-standing allergy to what he calls commercially mandated holidays, declaring that he doesn’t “need Hallmark and FTD to tell me how and when to love my wife.” And I really don’t care because 365 days a year, he shows his love in dozens of ways. It isn’t that I don’t care about hearing those three little words. Who doesn’t? When my son Bryce was young and only minimally verbal, I had my blue moments wondering if I might never hear “I love you” from him. But when the day finally did come—oh my! Those three little words weren’t whispered in my ear or crayoned on a card but announced at a school assembly. The students were to describe themselves as a dictionary entry with three definitions. The typical definitions were along the lines of soccer player, math whiz, loves to ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 5
Continued from page 5
draw. Bryce’s definition of himself included “someone who loves my parents.” It was, of course, a moment that completely redefined the word “unforgettable.” When your child struggles with verbal language and social communication as so many of our children do, it gives new meaning to old clichés such as “actions speak louder than words” and “a picture is worth a thousand words.” We may shower our kids with the words “I love you,” but after all, the glory of love is its infinite abstraction. We can’t assume our concrete-thinking children will ascribe the same meaning to the word as we do, no matter how often they hear it. The good thing about growing older is that your kids grow older too. One day they emerge from childhood and, rather than telling you all that you do wrong, they begin to tell you everything that you did right. Connor is 25 now and Bryce is 21, and they tell me that although they heard “I love you” from me ad nauseam, it was a number of other three-word phrases and the actions that accompanied them that really imprinted the I-love-you message on their hearts.
“I’ll be there.”
At the hoary age of 11, Connor told a gathering of 200 people at his grandfather’s funeral that “Grandpa was all about devotion. He was at every baseball game, every birthday party.” He’ll be able to say the same thing about us when the time comes. To us it was the most natural thing in the world, not an imposition at all, that we would be at every ball game, every swim meet, every Halloween parade, every school performance, art show and parent conference—also for every nasty doctor appointment, call from the principal, broken window, and broken heart. We put in thousands of hours being there, but those years flew by and what we are left with now are kids who may not remember their bygone teammates or birthday presents or illnesses, but who do remember that their parents were always, always there for them.
“I was wrong.” Some people find it difficult to say these three little words, and yet nothing is more loving than giving your children the gift of being content with their own humanity. By
admitting when you are wrong, you model strength, grace and humility. These are learned skills. By freely admitting when I was wrong, my children learned that not only does the world not come to an end with such an admission, but that trying again or making amends can feel great.
“I am sorry.” This cousin of “I was wrong” has been immortalized in music, film and print. Elton John got it right with his song “Sorry seems to be the hardest word…” and the movie Love Story got it wrong with its idiotic premise that “love means never having to say you’re sorry.” I once read a magazine article entitled “50 Things You Need to Know by 50.” One of them was how to apologize. OHMIGOSH!! Isn’t this something everyone should know how to do by age 5, not 50? This skill most certainly will not drop out of the sky for your child as he struggles to learn social pragmatics. Teach him through your own actions and words that love means learning to say you are sorry when you have honestly wronged someone, intentionally or not.
“Let’s read together.” We all parent from our own experience, whether we emulate our own parents or choose a different way. My parents read to me every night, so I did the same with my kids; it was like breathing to me. In my naivety, I assumed all parents read to their kids every night and, in my naivety, was stunned to find it was not so. But it’s one thing my kids refer to almost daily, endlessly quoting favorite lines from the books we read all those years. And how fondly they remember that good-nights were always said at bedside, never called up the stairs from the phone or the TV room.
6 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
“The good thing about growing older— your kids grow older too. One day they emerge from childhood and, rather than telling you all that you do wrong, they begin to tell you everything that you did right.”
“I’m Connor’s mom.”
Connor swam varsity in high school for four years. Each year the kids and parents ordered team sweatshirts with customized printing on the back. Most chose clever nicknames, but I chose the three little words “I’m Connor’s mom.” I could never have imagined the response this would bring. People would walk up to me and say, “Hi! And how is Connor these days?” It took me awhile to figure out that these people were strangers; they didn’t know Connor or me. But they all told me they adored my walking I-love-you billboard of a sweatshirt. Even now, my son warns people not to mess with me because “she’s Connor’s mom!”
“Just be yourself.” Connor and Bryce have both told me these three little words were the most important ones of all. As children grow older, they mingle with different kinds of families, and they place themselves in the context of the larger world. My kids heard “just be yourself” enough to learn that whatever their doubts about themselves and their various limitations, they have the power to decide whether to be their own best friend or their own worst enemy. That’s a power no super-hero can touch. Three little words. We say them, we hear them, we live them, we re-live them. Writing this column has been a joy for me, recalling a lifetime of love expressed in so many three-little-word ways. But I saved the best for last, the three little words I whispered in my boys’ little ears at the end of each day:
“I’m so lucky.” Ellen Notbohm— Award-winning author and mother of sons with ADHD and autism, Ellen Notbohm’s books and articles have informed and delighted millions in more than nineteen languages. Her work has won a Silver Medal in the Independent Publishers Book Awards, ForeWord Book of Year Bronze medal, Honorable Mention and two finalist designations, two Mom’s Choice Gold Awards, Learning magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award, two iParenting Media awards, and an Eric Hoffer Book Award finalist designation. She is a contributor to numerous publications, classrooms, conferences and websites worldwide.
EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 7
COMPASSION: LET YOUR KIDS CATCH YOU BEING GENEROUS By Christina Katz
We hear a lot about making sure our children have math skills and athletic skills, but what about skills such as compassion and empathy? As parents, we can be as intentional about imparting these skills as we are about teaching our young children the alphabet or our older children how to put their laundry away. What’s the best way to teach generosity? Live it. Let your kids catch you being kind so that they will have real-life memories to recollect later that remind them to be a positive force in the world today, no matter how others choose to behave. Often children are better at compassion and kindness than adults. When this is the case, we should follow their lead. Cultivating a spirit of generosity encourages us to see the humanity in any situation rather than defaulting to judgment or condemnation. So, if you want to raise thoughtful, peace-loving kids, show them the way. Get some generosity going and keep it flowing.
8 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Help Those Who Need It Most Grandmother and author Jessica Morrell likes to give her granddaughters a cool lesson in generosity when they are in the car stopped at highway ramps or intersections and see a homeless person: “I create little bags to pass out—a few dollars, a protein bar, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc. I change the items depending on the season—add cough drops in winter, try to give out water bottles on hot days.” If you don’t feel comfortable giving money, then give sturdy, healthy food items or even a nice cup of hot chocolate. Ask your kids what they would like to give and act on their ideas.
Give Nationally or Globally When a national or international tragedy strikes, get your kids involved in donating to the Red Cross (redcross.org) or other emergency organizations. Explain that when disasters happen, it helps to do a good deed, even if it’s just making a modest contribution. If your child just had a Bar Mitzvah or a big birthday, encourage him to give a small amount to a cause he believes in and see how it makes him feel. Continued on page 21
By Lara Krupicka
Dip Into Romance: How to Host a Fondue Party
What is it about fondue that makes it so romantic? Perhaps the appeal comes from it being an exotic meal, or the intimacy of sharing food from a communal pot. Maybe the leisure required when eating a meal one bite and dip at a time adds a certain spice to the air. Whatever the cause, Swiss fondue makes for an undeniably romantic affair—good cause for hosting a fondue party this Valentine’s Day weekend. We’re here to dish the details for holding your own couples’ fondue party, making it fun and easy for you and your spouse/significant other.
The Guests While you could create a romantic candlelit fondue dinner for two, it’s easier and just as much fun to invite several other couples to join you. We suggest three to four couples total, including the hosts, depending on how many courses you want to include in your meal. If you don’t mind hosting it potluck, asking each couple to bring ingredients for
one course not only disperses the food prep, it also adds variety, as each couple has the opportunity to select their favorite ingredients to share.
The Courses Oftentimes we think of fondues as strictly melted cheese or chocolate. But Webster’s
Dictionary defines fondue as both “a preparation of melted cheese usually flavored with white wine and kirsch” and “a dish that consists of small pieces of food (meat or fruit) cooked in or dipped into a hot liquid.” A menu with two cheese fondues, a hot oil or broth (oil cooks faster and more thoroughly) for cooking meats, and a chocolate fondue for dessert suits a Valentine’s couples party Continued on page 13
X=
Subtract Math Anxiety 7 Quick Tips to Help Your Child
By Jan Udlock
1
Of the various subjects children take in school,
0+1. Listen and Observe
math can be a challenge for some kids. It can
One of the biggest keys that a parent can use is to observe and listen to your child’s actions and words. Statements like “I hate math” or “I don’t want to do my math today” are perfect opportunities to ask your child questions. “What does it feel like when you can’t answer a math question?” Allow your child to think through their answer. “Ask probing questions that will help him come to solutions on his own and it will encourage good thinking skills,” says Laura Laing, author of Math for Grownups.
cause your student to dodge her homework or ask for too much of your help with it. Is your child bound to have problems in math forever? Not necessarily. However, if this sounds too familiar to you, here are a few tips for you to keep in mind and use to help your child. Common Math Problem Areas Math is one subject that is built on concept upon concept, and each concept has to be mastered before a student can go on to the next one. If your child didn’t fully learn a certain component, it will be more difficult to learn the next step. Unfortunately, as children progress in school, the difficulty can snowball unless you and your child take constructive action. With each child being different, the most common stumbling areas that kids can run into include multiplication tables, fractions, and being messy with their work while working on math. 10 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
“I don’t want to do my math today.”
2
Talk with your child about his frustrations. “Studies have shown that when children can express their frustrations verbally, they can overcome their math anxiety,” says Laing.
1+1. Make Mistakes
Make sure your kids see you make mistakes and see that it’s not the end of the world. They need to see that it’s okay to make mistakes
Continued from page 10
in your daily living. Children need to see that working on math is a process. Laing explains that children are too focused on getting the right answer. “When we allow our children to follow a process that leads to the incorrect answer, we’re helping them understand the process behind math, not just the final answer,” says Laing.
If you stress about math, be very careful not to pass it on to your child.
3 4
2+1. Keep It to Yourself
If you stress about math, be very careful not to pass it on to your child. When you give your child the impression that math is a struggle to learn or it’s okay to not be good at it, then you’re giving him the impression that he can give up before he even tries. You can discuss the fact that math was not your favorite subject but you know that you use math often in everyday life and so it’s important to have math skills.
3+1. Talk to the Teacher
If your child is having trouble with math, go and talk with her teacher. You can discuss your concerns and evaluate different options for your child. Teachers often know helpful techniques that can help a student work on a concept. Your child may need to fully memorize his multiplication tables, and his teacher can offer you various ways to work on that task.
4+1. Check Out a Tutor
As a parent, it’s hard to see your child struggle with any subject. And depending on the age of your child and on both of your temperaments, a tutor can be an option because a tutor is an outside objective party that doesn’t have the emotional ties to your child as you do.
A trained math tutor can help your child with specific problems or use hands-on math manipulatives. A trained math tutor knows the areas where kids have academic problems and can help your child with specific problems or use hands-on math manipulatives. If you think it best for your child to just get some added math support, you could hire a college student as a math tutor. Many times your older student will respond differently to you than to the tutor, so your student can see that math is important to other people and not just Mom or Dad. As always, make sure the college student comes with recommendations that you can trust.
5
EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 11
Continued on page 12
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5+1. Don’t Ignore It
6
Don’t ignore the fact if your child has trouble in math. It won’t go away. Providing a variety of support for him will show that you have confidence that he can work hard and succeed.
6+1. Set Up for Success
Set up regular time for your children to work on their homework. And since each child is different, find what works as a motivator to work on his math homework. Would it work to set a certain amount of time to sit at the table to work on his homework before he can get up? Or to give him the opportunity to think up a game to play to work on adding fractions? Keep it fun and low key by asking your child his opinion. Keep in mind that studies show that positive reinforcement has far more benefits than criticism or punishment. Don’t support bad habits like allowing the television to be on while she does her homework. Eliminate any electronic distractions also if necessary. Show your kids that math is part of life. Talk to younger kids about budgets and how you have to shop for the family’s food with only a certain amount of money. Talk to older kids about how they need to know about percentages when it comes to a sale of the latest DVD. How do you add fractions to double a cookie recipe? Math doesn’t have to be your child’s favorite subject but there are various ways you can help your child strengthen his math skills to gain more confidence. v
4/23/2018 10:14:50Jan AM
7
Udlock is a freelance writer and mom of five. She can be contacted at Jan@JanUdlock.com.
Continued from page 9
quite well. If you choose to have two cheese fondues, try to ensure that they contain different cheeses—one sharp and one mild—or different seasonings.
The Dippers Add flavor to your fondue meal through the morsels you choose for dipping. Here are our favorite dippers for each type of fondue:
Cheese Fondue • French or Italian bread cubes • Blanched raw vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, cauliflower and broccoli • Apple slices • Pretzels • Smoked sausage slices
Hot Oil or Broth • • • •
Marinated beef cubes Marinated or breaded chicken bites Pork tenderloin pieces Shrimp
(You will also want to serve sauces with the meats. Some options include mustard sauce, barbecue, hoisin, curry, chimichurri, piquant, béarnaise, and chipotle mayo.)
Chocolate Fondue • Angel food, pound cake, or frozen cheesecake • Marshmallows • Fruit: strawberries, bananas, Mandarin orange slices, dried apricots, pineapple chunks • Pretzels • Doughnut holes • Oreo thins • Graham crackers
The Supplies Now is your chance to break out that fondue pot you received as a wedding gift! Don’t have one? You can always make do with a crockpot set on low (taking care to stir often) or a regular pot set over a heat source, such as chafing fuel, gel burner or electric burner. Or borrow a fondue pot. You will want one pot for each course of the main meal, reusing one for dessert. Fondue forks are highly recommended as well—particularly for use in cooking meats. The longer rod keeps your fingers safe, and heatproof handles make it possible for the fork to be left in the pot of oil or broth without heating up. Plus many fondue forks are color coded, allowing each guest to keep track of their fork in the pot. Table forks can be used with cheese and chocolate fondues, although you’ll find it easier to stab and hold onto dippers using a fondue fork. Continued on page 16 EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 13
W H Y S H O U L D I PAY S O M E O N E T O
DO MY TAXES? One of the questions I am asked most frequently regarding taxes is “why should I pay someone to do my taxes when I can just do them myself?” My go-to response is usually “would you try to repair your car or fix your plumbing yourself?” Now I know that DIY is a big trend right now, and there is plenty of DIY tax software on the market. I also know there are plenty of books and videos showing you how to repair your own car and fix your own plumbing. However, just because these things are available doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea to DIY. Let’s take a look at just a few reasons why you should pay someone to prepare your taxes. Tax professionals stay updated on changing tax law. This is not just because we find tax law riveting reading; it’s also because we are required to do so in order to keep our professional licenses. This is especially important this year as we have had some of the most significant tax reform since 1986. Keeping updated requires much more than just keeping up with news stories and articles that give a quick synopsis of tax law breakdown. In the event of an audit, the IRS truly does not care if you didn’t understand the tax laws and filed your own taxes; you will still owe them penalties, interest, and whatever money/credits you miscalculated in your return. When you pay someone to do your taxes, you get someone with experience and expertise in their field. Even the lowest-level tax professional is required to do a minimum of 18 credit hours of continuing education per year. The majority of us get more than that, especially if we are trying to gain new skills in the industry to 14 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
offer more services to our clients. You are also getting an extra set of eyes to catch mistakes, which can be as simple as a misspelling or a wrong Federal ID number or as complex as clients claiming credits that they are not aware they are not entitled to claim. In either instance, the mistake can cost time and money. One of my favorite reasons for paying a professional to do taxes is that we can find little-known deductions that can add up to big savings. Every day during tax season I hear, “I didn’t know I could deduct that” or “I had no idea about that tax credit.” Having a tax professional also gives you year-round tax guidance that is just a phone call away. I have clients calling all year round with tax questions and wanting advice, especially with the new tax law changes. Another big reason to have a professional do your taxes is business strategy. We can help you with things like payroll, bookkeeping and budgets. Without these extra tools, you may have no idea of what the actual picture is until it is too late to do anything about it. Growing companies should be doing quarterly checkups on their business to see where they stand. Wouldn’t you rather adjust your spending throughout the year than send Uncle Sam extra money? You can do things like prepay expenses for the next year or buy that big-ticket item you’ve been putting off. Taxes and money are very personal, just like someone’s health. However, unlike your health, for most people taxes are a once-a-year issue that has to be dealt with; so spend the money and have a professional prepare them. My final thought is this: the IRS is probably the most feared agency in America; they have the ability to bring anyone to their knees (just ask Al Capone). Why would you trust free software, operated by a layman, to prepare your legally binding financial statement to the most feared agency in America? v
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A Lazy Susan can also be quite handy for serving dippers or for sauces used on meats. One created for a fondue meal contains a stationary center platform for the fondue pot, surrounded by a rotating tray for sauce bowls.
The Romance As if the food weren’t enough to create an amorous atmosphere, there’s a tradition that accompanies the eating of fondue that might be the capstone on creating a very Valentine-y
evening. It’s the tradition surrounding a lost morsel—that is, what one does upon discovering their fork has come out of the fondue pot empty, leaving their dipped bite behind. One version says that when a woman drops a bite in the pot, she has to kiss every man at the table, and when the offender is a man, he buys the table a bottle of wine. We prefer to follow the rule that the offending party must kiss their partner. You’ll be surprised at how often you and your guests will “lose” a piece in the fondue over the course of an evening!
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So tuck the kids in bed early, cue up your favorite dinner music playlist, and gather some friends for an evening of dreamy dining. v
Now is your chance to break out that fondue pot you received as a wedding gift! Lara Krupicka is a parenting journalist and mother of three. She and her husband have been hosting Valentine fondue parties for over ten years.
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FONDUE RECIPIES Classic Swiss Fondue • • • • • • • • •
2 c. grated Gruyere 2 c. grated Swiss 1 ½ tbsp. cornstarch or flour 1 large garlic clove, peeled & crushed 1 ½ c. dry white wine 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. kirsch Dash of nutmeg Dash of cayenne pepper
In a mixing bowl, toss cheeses with cornstarch to coat. Rub inside of saucepan or fondue pot with garlic, then discard garlic. Pour wine and lemon juice into pan and heat on medium until simmering, not boiling. Reduce heat to low and add cheese to wine, a handful at a time. Stir until melted between additions. Add kirsch and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with nutmeg and cayenne. Keep on warm heat in fondue pot to serve.
Mustard Sauce (for dipping cooked meats) • • • • •
½ c. light brown sugar 1 to 1½ tbsp. dry mustard 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour ⅓ c. cider vinegar 1 beef bouillon cube in ⅓ c. hot water • 1 tbsp. lemon juice • 2 eggs beaten to lemonyellow color • 1 drop yellow food coloring
Combine the brown sugar, dry mustard, and flour in the top of a double boiler. Mix thoroughly. Add vinegar and beef bouillon. Stir until smooth. Add lemon juice and beaten eggs and stir until well blended. Place over barely boiling water and cook, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and add food coloring. Beat with a whisk until smooth and slightly bubbly. Serve hot.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Fondue • • • •
1 c. heavy cream 1 c. whole milk 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 lb. semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped • 1 tsp. instant espresso powder • 1 tsp. ground chipotle chile, or ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper • ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Combine cream, milk and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, watching until small bubbles appear around the edge of the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook 5 minutes. Gradually stir in chocolate with cream mixture until melted and smooth. Add espresso powder, ground chipotle, and vanilla. Continue to cook over low heat for one minute, stirring well. Transfer to fondue pot kept on low heat.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Youth Today it’s not uncommon to see both children and teens using laptops, handheld devices such as smart phones, tablets or gaming controllers on a daily basis. The exploding popularity of gaming systems and computer usage may be putting our youth at a greater risk of developing repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The carpal tunnel is the narrow passageway of ligament and bones in the wrist that houses the median nerve and tendons. Repetitive movements, such as typing on a computer or playing a video game or musical instrument for a long period of time, can cause the tendons in the carpal tunnel to swell and pinch the median nerve, causing CTS. Although CTS typically affects individuals age 30 and over, physicians are reporting complaints of CTS symptoms from younger individuals. Symptoms most commonly associated with CTS include burning, tingling or numbness in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Symptoms are most often noted in the thumb, index finger and two middle fingers, and may include loss of strength or coordination in the hands. Children and teenagers are spending hours at the computer every day, putting strain on their wrists and hands that formerly was only seen in adults. Both groups should follow these tips to avoid repetitive stress injuries:
If you or your child experience symptoms associated with CTS, please visit your physician to help prevent permanent damage to the median nerve. Other activities and risk factors may also contribute to CTS, such as:
• Intensive racquet sports, such as tennis • Gymnastics • Trauma, such as breaks or sprains in the wrist that may cause swelling in the carpal tunnel
Mild cases of CTS are usually treated with the use of a brace or splint. These are typically worn at night to prevent the wrist from bending and help to open the carpal tunnel so that the median nerve has as much room as possible. Allowing the wrist to rest may help the swollen tendons to shrink. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may also help the swelling subside. In more severe cases, a physician may recommend a cortisone shot or injection to help reduce inflammation in the carpal tunnel. If neither of these treatments help, surgery may be suggested to help relieve the pressure on the median nerve. It is normally an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. Fortunately, very few people are permanently injured by CTS and symptoms generally improve with proper exercises and treatment. Preventative measures are the key to keeping symptoms from surfacing or returning. v
• Use a chair that can be adjusted for your height to
avoid bending your wrists to type. For children, it may be wise to purchase special furniture and a special computer mouse and keyboard designed for smaller bodies and hands. Place the keyboard at a level slightly lower than normal desk height. When using handheld gaming devices or tablets, put a pillow in your lap and rest your arms on the pillow. Make sure to take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks to give your body a rest.
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Catch Them in the Act If you notice your child going above and beyond, let him know you feel proud. I was wondering if I was nagging my daughter too much about extending kindness to the new girl in dance class. Then I met her mother at the fall mixer and she commented that her daughter always speaks highly of my daughter. Rather than mostly focusing on correcting negative behavior, I try to make a point of telling my daughter when she makes me proud. This was one of those times.
the pets for a neighbor on vacation. Small, selfless acts can boost kids’ self-esteem and make them feel like more integral members of the community. v
Books that
Encourage
Be a Good Tipper Let kids help you work out 15% for tips on restaurant meals, and then teach them how to tack on a little extra. The waitress at the restaurant works hard—so does your local barista, postal delivery person, and babysitter. Talk to kids about creating a holiday thankyou gift together to express your family’s appreciation, and then add in a small cash bonus or gift card.
Don’t Overlook the Little Things Hold doors open for those behind you. Teach kids to reply, “You’re welcome,” when someone thanks them for anything. Ask them to smile at seniors and say hello to folks who walk by with well-behaved pets. When a friend wears something pretty to school, teach your child how to offer a genuine compliment. Sincerity is important. Make sure your kids know what it means and don’t try to use compliments to snow people.
Books that Encourage Children to Be Generous Reach Out and Give by Cheri J Meiners, M.Ed. Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving by Mike and Jan Berenstain Books that Encourage Tweens to Be Generous The Giving Book: Open the Door to a Lifetime of Giving by Ellen Sabin How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist by Nicole Bouchard Boles The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects by Barbara A. Lewis One Good Deed a Day, a Journal from Chronicle Books
Sharing Close to Home Feed the birds around your home all year long. Get kids involved in taking stray pets to a local no-kill shelter if they are in need of a new home. Bring frozen meals or warm muffins to an ailing senior or to a neighbor who has just delivered her third baby. Get the kids to mow someone’s lawn a couple of times, bring in the mail, and feed
Christina Katz’s favorite memories are those times someone was compassionate or generous toward her during a tough time, so she knows that the way we behave makes a difference. She strives to cultivate generosity in her personal life and in her work life and hopes it rubs off on others. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself: A Collection of Advice for Moms. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 21
Our FamilyChatter Challenge is simple— just do your best. Here are some easy questions that will hopefully inspire your family to engage in great conversations when-ever, however, you can. Enjoy!
Live, Laugh, Love, and TALK TOGETHER! Tell your family about an event where you felt really lucky to have had things go the way they did.
Are you a good friend to others? What makes a person a good friend?
How do you define character? What are some ways in which you can demonstrate good character?
If you could be invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do?
If you lost your sight today, what are some sights that you would miss the most?
What are the best things and worst things about the country we live in and why?
What do you appreciate the most about your mother, father, and siblings?
What lessons in life can young people learn from senior citizens?
Give three examples of how your family is different from other families.
What would you choose to save if your house caught on fire? Why?
At what age is a person considered an adult? Why do you think so?
What would be on the menu for your perfect Valentine’s Day dinner?
What are three fears you have in life that scare you the most? Explain why.
Keep the Conversation Going with Follow-up Questions: Interesting. What else can you tell me about that? o Now what are you going to do? o No way! Can you tell me more? o Seriously? Then what happened? o How do you feel about what happened? o How does this make you feel? o What’s your next step? o
Th e Ear ly L e ar n in g Co alitio n o f th e Emer al d Coast's mi ssi on i s to su ppo rt th e su cce ss o f e ve r y ch ild an d th e i r fami l y thr ough qu ality ear ly edu catio n an d car e.
Enroll in Florida’s FREE VoluntaryCWhei lpdr Co vairdee Qf rueees trieosnosu? r c e a n d r e f e r r a l s e r v i c e s t o l o c a l f a m i l i e s regarding childcare. Prekindergarten Parent Line: (850) 833-9333 Edu ation Progra Ear ly L ear n in g Co aliti on of the Eme r al d Coa 113 0 N Eglin Par kway, Shal i mar , FL 32579 (8 5 0 ) 8 3 3 -3 6 2 7 www.el c-ec.o rg
Get ready, set a time, and read!
Voluntary Prekindergarten
Florida offe rs fr ee pr eki n der gar ten fo r all 4 -ye ar-o lds re gardle ss o f family income. Children must l i ve i n Fl o r i da an d be 4 ye ars o ld o n o r be fo re September 1 of th e cu r r en t year to be e ligible . If th e ir birth day falls from Fe bruary 2 th r o u gh S eptembe r 1, yo u may wait to e n ro ll yo u r child the followi n g year wh en th ey are 5 .
At the Early Learning Coalition of the Emerald Coast, our mission is to support the success of every child and their families through quality early education and care. Enjoy the books and the activities chosen for this edition to supearly literacy skills. Apply port online your by vi si tichild’s n g: www.familyse r vi ces.fl o r i daear l yl e arn in g.co m
LOVE FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
R e se ar ch sh o ws that c hildren who parti ci pate i n h i gh -qu al i ty By Eric Carle, ISBN-13: 978-0-448-48932-2 pr e kin de rgarten pr ograms ar e be tte r pr e pare d fo r sch oo l and de ve l o p l i fe l o ng soci al an d e mo ti on al ski l l s. Eric Carle has done it again! This is a
sweet, simple book with colorful illustrations you can read to your child and tell them how much they are loved. As you wait for a doctor’s appointment, stand in line at the grocery store, or snuggle right before bed, this little book is the perfect read. Th e Early Le arn in g Co alitio n of the Eme r al d Coast's mi ssi on i s to
su ppo rt th e suAs cceyou ss oread f e ve ry chisweet l d and book, the i r fami l y thr ough ACTIVITY: this expand your child’s vocabulary. Name the shapes and colors as you
qu ality e arly e du catio n an car ebook. . point to the illustrations ind the Talk about the foods and how they taste, smell and feel. The words you introduce to your child on a regular basis will be the words they use to communicate with the world around them. Child Care Questions?
We provide free resource and referral services to local families DISCOVER AND LEARN 100 WORDS ON THE GO regarding childcare.
By Redd Byrd, ISBN-13: 978-1-68052-181-8
oll in Florida’s EE Voluntary ekindergarten
ation Progra
P a r e nyou t L i nheard e : ( 8 5 0about ) 8 3 3 - 9the 3 3 3 word explosion that happens in toddlerhood? At around 18 months of age, todHave dlers’ use of language expands dramatically. Basic words like “hi” are replaced with “good morning,” or “cup” is replaced with “I want more juice please.” This sturdy Discover and Learn book is rich in vocabulary and Early Le ng Coal i ti onbike of the Eme r al d Coast illustration. From vehicles toaranimountain and even a jumping bunny, the bright illustrations can be 113 0 N Egl i n P ar kway, S hal i mar , FL 32579 used to further your child’s vocabulary. This book is interactive, with flaps that lift to give further interest(8 5 0 ) 833-3627 ing facts and finger paths that children can follow. www.el c-ec.o rg
ACT I V I TY: As you drive to school, to appointments or to the store, point out things around you. Instead of saying, “Do you see the truck?” be specific and say, “Do you see the white and yellow garbage truck?” You are your child’s world and they experience life through what you do with them each day, so make it a point to support their language explosion.
TODAY I FEEL SILLY & OTHER MOODS THAT MAKE MY DAY
By Jamie Lee Curtis, ISBN-13: 978-0-06-024560-3
Understanding emotions can be a difficult thing to do. A preschool-aged child cannot control an emotion until they can name how they are feeling. As children grow so too does their vocabulary and the need for more specific words to name how they are feeling. This book by Jamie Lee Curtis introduces more specific feelings, such as discouraged, cranky and quiet. The book ends by reassuring the reader that whatever you are feeling inside is okay.
ACTIVITY: Create an emotions book and go beyond the basics of happy, sad or mad. Take pictures of different members of your family as they share what their face looks like when they are angry, happy, sad, even frustrated. Print these pictures out and place them in a simple photo album; then label the name of each feeling under the picture. This is a fun and creative activity for the entire family. Once you have completed your book, read and reread it to your child. Let them look in the mirror and mimic the faces as you name the emotion and describe how they may feel. The next time your child is having a difficult moment, bring out your emotions book and ask your child what they are feeling and add new vocabulary to explain their feelings. 1130 N EGLIN PARKWAY, SHALIMAR, FL 32579, (805) 833-3627 | WWW.ELC-EC.ORG
Seven Tips to Prod Your Child out of Procrastinating When I overheard a conversation with a parent discussing her child’s routine and the late hour the child completed her homework the night before, I thought about how easily we allow our kids to slip into procrastinating habits that result in disastrous consequences. Instead of encouraging behavior toward meeting their responsibilities, we allow distracted effort or inaction.
By Gayla Grace
that must be done? Be clear with your expectations. If your child doesn’t immediately start his task, make sure he understands why he’s allowed a break (so that he will be more productive later) and how much time he has before he must begin the task.
Consider the why.
If we teach our kids to overcome the temptation of procrastinating, we give them a valuable skill that reaches into adulthood. Here are a few tips to help your child complete required tasks without procrastinating.
Is there a legitimate reason your child hasn’t started his assignment? Does he have the resources he needs? Is there a clear goal in mind? Does he need some organizational help to get started? Does he have a quiet place to work? Every child has different needs, and as parents, we help our children succeed when we provide them with what they need to accomplish the task at hand. That doesn’t mean we dive in and tackle the assignment with them, but it might mean we take them to the store to buy necessary supplies to get started.
Determine your child’s most productive period.
Break it down.
Sometimes parents insist their children complete their homework immediately upon arriving home from school. However, it might not be the most productive time for your child, which encourages procrastinating his best effort. Talk with your child about how he feels when he comes home from school. Does he need a snack break? Does he want to shoot the basketball first? Does he want to immediately start his required tasks at home to allow more time to play later without having to think about the chores or homework
It’s easy to procrastinate a task that appears overwhelming. Our son had an assignment recently that required multiple tasks to complete the finished product. When he looked at the project all at once, he became overwhelmed with the amount of work to do. But as I helped him put together a step-by-step outline to proceed to the goal, it empowered him to tackle the assignment. Placing large projects into smaller assignments makes them more manageable to complete and, thus, less likely to be procrastinated. Continued on page 27
24 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!
Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!
10 WAYS to sh w
R E H y u care Surprise her with something sweet and thank her for all she does. Help her choose a New Year’s resolution—then, help her keep it. Reaffirm her often—express your gratitude, love and commitment. Encourage her to relax and have fun with her children. Volunteer your help around the house with day-to-day chores. Take her out for a mini-date (coffee, tea, donuts . . . and conversation). Pick up after the children when she least expects it—surprise her.
Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!
Take your kids out for some fun and encourage her to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. Wash the dishes when she cooks. Send her a love note in the mail.
EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 25
Cut out this page. Then cut it down the middle. He takes his half, she takes hers. Keep it simple. Don’t keep score. Just enjoy life and each other— as often as you remember!
Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say, “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!
10 WAYS to sh w
M I H y u care Plan a barbecue—invite friends he enjoys. Surprise him with a coffee at work. Tell him how much you appreciate his help around the house. Help foster teachable moments with him and his children. Encourage him to spend time with friends. Take him on a movie date—let him choose the movie. Bring him a snack while he is watching TV.
Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!
Encourage him to play with his kids! Send him a love letter in the mail. Ask him what some of his dreams are if the sky was the limit.
26 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine
Continued from page 24
Discourage perfectionism.
Model good habits.
Striving for perfection on every assignment and test leads to stress and encourages procrastinating habits. When a child thinks he must make a 100 on his assignment, he has less motivation to begin the assignment. Be realistic with your expectations, particularly in the early years as children are adjusting to new routines. We want our kids to enjoy school and the privilege of learning, not labor over perfect grades.
Avoid procrastination in your everyday routine. Our children are watching us and will emulate what we do. I love the poem by Edgar Guest that captures the importance of example. Here’s a portion of it: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear. Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.” If we want to raise young adults who will avoid procrastination, then we must avoid it ourselves. Procrastinating habits become harder to break the longer they’re practiced. But through intentional effort, we can teach our children to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. v
Set a timer when necessary. When our son is having a particularly hard time settling in to work on an assignment, we determine together how long he must sit and work and then set a timer. When he knows he gets a break after a predetermined time, he more easily commits to beginning the work. A timer is a great tool to help kids develop consistent study habits as they get older and need to commit to longer periods of study.
Gayla Grace is an author and stepfamily coach with a his, hers and ours family. She loves helping nontraditional families learn to thrive.
Maintain a balanced routine. If we allow our kids to participate in every sport, music, drama, and school activity that occurs, we create an unmanageable schedule with little time left over for responsibilities at home. When our children can’t visualize the satisfaction of completing a task when they begin, it’s likely they won’t want to start. So, ask your children what activities interest them most and prioritize their desires to create a schedule that allows time for starting and completing other tasks as well. Rearrange the schedule as necessary to maintain balance.
SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09
Teach Your Kids Something New!
Worry Less in 3 Steps: A What-to-Do and When-to-Do It Guide Everybody worries. Grown-ups do it and kids do it too. But what should you do There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. about it? Whether your worries are big or small, you can take these three steps:
• Try to figure out what you’re worried about. • Think about ways to make the situation better. • Ask for help. 1. Figure it out. Sometimes, you will know exactly what you’re worried about. Other times, you might not know exactly what’s bugging you. Let’s say you’re worried about a teacher who seems mean. But maybe what’s really bothering you is that you’re having trouble with math. If you get some help with math, that teacher might seem just fine. Some problems, like family problems, are big and have a lot of parts. That can make it tough to zero in on what the problem is or to pick one part of the problem to try to solve. But being able to focus on your problem—or at least part of it—is the first step to taking action. If you’re having trouble figuring out what worries you, skip to Step 3 and get some help from a parent or another person you trust. 28 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
2. Think of ways to make it better. There is almost always something you can do to help you feel less worried. Sitting there worrying is no fun and it probably won’t solve your problem. But switching to action mode can help you feel more hopeful. Grades at school are often a top worry for kids. If that’s your concern, ask yourself these questions:
• Why are grades important? What do they mean to me? • How do I prepare for class? Do I review my notes even when there isn’t a test the next day? • Do I have a good place to do my homework? • Have I tried different ways of studying, such as rewriting notes, using flashcards, and working with a study buddy?
Continued on page 31
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Candy-filled Valentine Cookies YOU NEED 16.5 ounce tube of prepared sugar cookie dough ½ cup flour, plus extra flour for rolling surface Plastic wrap Rolling pin Heart-shaped cookie cutter and small round cookie cutter (a milk bottle top works well) Spatula
• • • • • •
• Baking sheet • 12 oz. bag of red candy melts • Squeeze bottle for candy making Waxed paper Microwaveable 2 cup measuring cup Spoon Tray
• • • •
DIRECTIONS With cookie dough at room temperature, remove it from the wrapper and knead in ½ cup more flour until evenly distributed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼” thickness. Cut the dough with heart-shaped cookie cutter and place cookies on the baking sheet. Use the small round cutter to cut a hole in the center of each cookie. Bake the cookies according to the package instructions. Let cool. Line the baking sheet with waxed paper. Place the cooled cookies on the waxed paper. Place ½ of the candy melts in the microwaveable measuring cup and melt according to package instruction. Stir well. Spoon the melted candy into the squeeze bottle. Squeeze the melted candy into the hole in the heart until the hole is filled. Use the tip of the bottle to even out the surface of the squeezed candy. Melt more candy and refill the bottle as needed and decorate the cookies by squeezing dots, swirls, or other shapes as desired. Let the candy harden completely, then peel the cookies off of the waxed paper and place them on a tray. Serve.
• • • • • • • • • •
Mitten Sandwiches YOU NEED Mitten-shaped cookie cutter (or any shape you prefer) Slices of sandwich bread Table knife
• • •
• Cutting board • Spreadable sandwich fillings such as peanut butter, jelly, Nutella, cream cheese
DIRECTIONS Place the slices of bread on a cutting board and use the cookie cutter to cut shapes from the bread. You can make open-faced or two-slice sandwiches. Use the knife to spread filling on one bread shape. If desired, place a second bread shape on top, matching the shape of the bottom piece.
• •
30 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Valentine’s day fun never tasted so good!
Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better.
Continued from page 28
If your worry is about a fight you had with a friend, you might write down all the actions you could take—from writing the friend a note to inviting him or her over for a game of basketball. Should you apologize for whatever happened between the two of you? Once you have a list of possible actions, you can select the one you think is most likely to get your friendship back on track. But what if you can’t think of anything to do to make your particular problem better? Then it’s time to jump to Step 3 (it’s the next step anyway) and ask someone for help.
3. Ask for help. Worrying can make you feel lonely. When you’re worried, it can help to find someone to talk to. Sometimes people say, “Why should I bother? He/she can’t do anything about it.” But here are two reasons to give it a shot anyway:
1. You don’t know for sure that no one can help until you share your feelings and let the person try to help. 2. Just the act of telling someone what’s bothering you can make you feel a little better. Afterward, you are no longer alone with your worries, and whoever you told (parent, sister, brother, friend, counselor) is now thinking about ways to help you.
A Final Word About Worry Did you know that worry is not all bad? If you weren’t worried (at least a little) about that test, then you might not study for it. And if you weren’t worried about getting sunburned, then you might not wear your sunscreen. But some kids worry so much that it keeps them from doing what they need and want to do. If that sounds like you, then you know what to do by now: Turn to good old Step 3 and ask someone for help. v © 1995- 2015. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD. Date reviewed: August 2013
Cozy Fire Snack INGREDIENTS 3” round crackers Pretzel sticks
• •
• Nabisco Easy Cheese • Optional—paprika
DIRECTIONS Squeeze cheese to cover most of one side of a round cracker. Use the pretzel sticks as logs to build a fire on the round cracker, using the cheese to hold them together. Squeeze lines of Easy Cheese up the outside of your fire logs to form flames. Optional—sprinkle a small amount of paprika on the flames to add a touch of color and flavor. Eat immediately.
• • • • •
These tasty, fire-side snacks make a great add-on to any family game night. Enjoy spending time together in the kitchen and family room. Enjoy!
Topped Ice Cream Bars YOU NEED Klondike ice cream bar, any flavor Prepared blue cookie icing in a squeeze package White frosting in a filled pastry bag
• • •
• Teddy Grahams • Sprinkles in blue, white, and/or silver Table knife Dessert plate Bowls
• • •
DIRECTIONS Ice cream bars should be well frozen. Follow the package instructions for opening the frosting bag and the icing. Remove any wrapping from the bottle of sprinkles. Place the Teddy Grahams in a bowl. Unwrap a Klondike bar and place it on a plate. Use the blue cookie icing to outline a pond shape on the top of the ice cream bar. Fill in the outline with icing. Pipe white frosting around the pond and cover any exposed areas of the top of the ice cream bar. Shake sprinkles on the icing and frosting. Place Teddy Grahams in and around the pond and frosting. Eat immediately.
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32 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Donut Snowmen INGREDIENTS Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts Bamboo Skewers Mike and Ikes®
• • •
• Regular and Mini Chocolate Chips
• Red Yarn
DIRECTIONS Line up three donuts like a snowman body. Push a bamboo skewer through the donuts from the bottom. Add regular chocolate chips to bottom two donuts for buttons. Add mini chocolate chips to the top donut for eyes and mouth. Add an orange Mike and Ike® for the nose. Tie the red yarn under the top donut as a scarf.
• • • • • •
7.0 in.
10.0 in.
10.0 in.
7.0 in.
Take time to
be a dad today.
C a l l 8 7 7- 4 D A D 4 11 o r v i s i t w w w . f a t h e r h o o d . g o v
Take time to
Dad Challenge: a few minutes out be aTake dad today. of your busy day to play a few games of tic-tac-toe with your child. C a l l 8 7 7- 4 D A D 4 11 o r v i s i t
0015_Full_Mag4C
Title: 09CVZ0015 — Tic Tac Toe
Bill to: 09CVZ0015
Executive CD:
Market:
REQ 91655
Creative Director:
Run/Disk Date: 08-21-09
09/15/09 13:32
Art Director: C. Marrero
Color/Space: 4C/magazine
CE: 2/0
Writer:
Production Artist: BK
Account Executive: C. Cecchetti
Task: transpose logos
Production Supervisor: K. Warmack
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Coordinator: E. ShaughnessyExt. 8016
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EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • Toe33 Title: 09CVZ0015 — Tic Tac
Bill to: 09CVZ0015
Executive CD:
Market:
REQ 91655
Creative Director:
Run/Disk Date: 08-21-09
09/15/09 13:32
Art Director: C. Marrero
Color/Space: 4C/magazine
CE: 2/0
Writer:
Live:
Production Artist: BK
Account Executive: C. Cecchetti
Task: transpose logos
Production Supervisor: K. Warmack
Trim: 7
10
Presidential Bank MATERIALS Quart-sized wide-mouth canning jar with lid Paper play money Mod Podge surface sealer Sponge brush
• • • •
• Curling ribbon • Scissors • Optional:
permanent marker
INSTRUCTIONS Follow the package instructions for the Mod Podge and use the sponge brush to apply a layer of play paper money to the flat outside surfaces of the canning jar. Let dry. Cut a circle from a piece of play money to fit on the top of the lid of the jar. Use the Mod Podge to apply the circle to the lid. Let it dry. Cut two 2-foot lengths of curling ribbon. Tie the ribbon around the neck of the jar and knot securely. Use the scissors to curl the ends of the ribbon. Optional: Use a permanent marker to write your name on the jar. Encourage your children to learn about saving money using this jar. They can keep a list of deposits, and when the amount reaches a certain number, you can help them place the money in a bank account. You can also create additional banks that symbolize money to spend and money to give to charity. Your children can divide their money between these banks and use it accordingly.
• • • • •
Personalized Water Bottle MATERIALS Colorful plastic water bottle with smooth sides and a lid with a handle or finger hole (often available at dollar stores) Variety of colors of electrical
• •
tape Scissors Permanent marker Key ring with wrist loop or carabiner clip
• • •
INSTRUCTIONS Decorate the sides of your bottle with strips of electrical tape, using scissors to cut lengths. Use the permanent marker to write your name on the side of your bottle. Attach the key ring or carabiner to the handle of the bottle for easy carrying.
• • •
34 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Comet Ball MATERIALS Tennis ball Tube sock Bright shoelace or string
• • •
• Six 1-2-inch by 12-24-inch
strips of bright and/or reflective fabric in a variety of colors
INSTRUCTIONS Place the ball inside the toe of the sock. Use the shoelace or string to tie the strips of fabric around the sock just below the ball to create a comet. Holding the comet by the tail, give it a throw! You can throw your comet toward targets (trees, shapes drawn with chalk), or to play a game similar to Frisbee golf.
• • •
A couple comet balls and a large open space are all you need to get your children running around outside laughing and having a blast.
Glove Critters MATERIALS Knit glove Wiggle eyes Pom-poms Felt scraps
• • • •
• Scissors • Hot glue gun and glue sticks • Latex glove • Optional—jingle bells and chenille wires
INSTRUCTIONS Design a critter you want to create on your glove using the available materials. Wiggle eyes can be glued to pom-poms or felt shapes. Pom-poms can also be used as noses or toes. Felt can be rolled and glued to make antennae (or use chenille wires). Cut any shapes from felt and assemble the parts you want to use. Have a parent or friend help you hot glue the parts to your glove. This works best if a hand is in the glove while gluing, so the hand in the glove should wear a latex glove to protect it from the heat of the glue. Use the glue sparingly. Carry your critter with you—he or she will keep your hand warm and entertain you at the same time!
• • • •
36 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
TEEN TALK dvice from Helpful A er! to Anoth One Teen
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! As we enter the new year, there is always a feeling of excitement. Though it is common for most people to make a list of resolutions they’ll never keep, the chance of renewal is something many enjoy. Aside from giant life changes, 2019 has the possibility of bringing brand-new experiences, emotions, and memories. This year will bring a lot of new moments for me, as I will be going to college and moving away from my family. My New Year’s resolutions are to live this year to its fullest, to say yes to new experiences, and to keep a positive mindset throughout.
It’s important for parents to note that just because we are entering a new year, their children will still be the same for the most part. We as kids sometimes feel as though there is pressure on us to somehow fix all of our issues and be better with every new year. However, the most important thing a parent can do is to let their kids know that all they should strive to do is to make each day better than the last and to make sure they are happy. Parents should tell their kids to use the next twelve months to truly get to know themselves and the things they want to accomplish. Parents should also let their kids know that they are there for whatever their kids need, because it’s a nice thing to hear from our parents. v
Nia
S ENIOR, AGE 17
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 37
Resource Guide
Looking for fun, adventure, and great food? Experience life to the fullest by discovering new tastes and fun-filled experiences—the Emerald Coast has it all. Enjoy! Crestview | Destin | FWB | Gulf Breeze | Navarre | Niceville/Valparaiso | Pensacola GULFARIUM MARINE ADVENTURE PARK 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-9046 Delight in watching dolphins leap and sea lions play during spectacular shows! Enjoy educational exhibits and beautiful gulf views.
THE TRACK
Local Attractions Tickets BIG KAHUNA’S WATER PARK 1007 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 837-4061 With more than 40 water attractions and an adventure park, Big Kahuna’s offers something for everyone. Big Kahuna’s has been Destin’s one and only water park for more than 25 years!
GATOR BEACH AT FUDPUCKER’S 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 654-4200 Gator Beach gives you the chance to see more than 80 live alligators in an up-close and personal environment. You’ll not only be able to see the gators but feed them as well!
1125 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 654-4668 The Track Family Fun Park features the southeast’s premier go-carting and family fun centers including The Track Family Fun Parks in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Destin, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as well as Fat Daddy’s Arcades in Destin, Florida; FWB, Florida; and Orange Beach, Alabama. Each of our five parks features The Track’s signature three-and-a-half-story elevated go-cart ride along with a vibrant lineup of family attractions ranging from family go-cart tracks, Fat Daddy’s Arcades, and thrill rides to miniature golf courses, kids’ country rides, and more.
Five Flags Speedway 7451 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 944-8400 Five Flags Speedway is a paved half-mile (0.8 km) auto-racing oval. It opened in 1953 and is located on Pine Forest Road. It is christened after Pensacola’s
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nickname, “City of Five Flags.” The speedway runs several local classes during the regular racing season (March–October). These classes include Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Super Stocks, Sportsman, and Bombers. The races are usually held on Friday nights bi-weekly. The track also hosts many regional touring series.
Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-2229 The Gulf Coast area’s awardwinning Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 900 native and exotic animals. The zoo offers many hands-on animal encounters and kids activities perfect for field trips, family day trips, and exciting birthday parties.
Maximum Magic Dinner Show 1318 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 424-5125 Illusionist of the year Noah Wells presents Maximum Magic, Destin’s only magic show, with mind-blowing illusions, hilarious comedy, special effects, unbelievable mentalism, and more!
National Naval Aviation Museum 1750 Radford Blvd, Ste C, Pensacola, 452-3604 The National Naval Aviation Museum, formerly known as the National Museum of Naval
Aviation and the Naval Aviation Museum, is a military and aerospace museum located at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. The museum was established December 14, 1962, with the initial facility located in a cramped 8,500-square-foot building on the air station that had been erected during World War II, and it was dedicated in June 1963.
Pensacola Ice Flyers 201 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-3111 The Pensacola Ice Flyers are a professional ice-hockey team of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The team played their first season in 2009–2010. Home games are played at the Pensacola Bay Center, previously home to the ECHL’s Pensacola Ice Pilots from 1996 until their folding in 2008.
Pensacola Lighthouse 2081 Radford Blvd, Pensacola, 393-1561 Climb 177 steps up the historic Pensacola lighthouse for one of the most beautiful views on the Gulf Coast. Built in 1859, the lighthouse is located onboard the NAS Pensacola. The top of the tower offers stunning views of Pensacola Pass (where Pensacola Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico), three historic forts, the Pensacola skyline, and the
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S historic Navy Yard. The fully restored Keepers’ Quarters, built in 1869, is home to the Richard C. Callaway museum, which houses numerous exhibits on local history and the lighthouse itself.
in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Enjoy exhibits that you will find extraordinary, unusual, shocking, and possibly true to life!
Pensacola Museum of Art
6709 Pensacola Blvd, Pensacola, 505-0800 Sam’s Fun City is family owned and operated by Richard and Terry Sanfilippo. The park is named after the Sanfilippo’s daughter, Samantha. In 1996, after a successful career in environmental science and engineering, Richard redirected his energy toward creating a family-focused business in Pensacola, Florida. After a significant planning period, the first phase of the park opened in September 2000. The park has continued to grow over the years by adding bumper boats and mini golf in 2001, phase one of an arcade in 2003, a water park in 2005, and an expanded arcade in 2008. With more than 40 rides, slides, and attractions, Sam’s Fun City is the largest fun park on the central Gulf Coast.
407 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 432-6247 The Pensacola Museum of Art is the only art museum in the city of P e nsacola, Florida. It was founded in 1954 by a group of women from the American Association of University Women. These determined women combined their efforts to create an art center that would exhibit traveling shows, offer art classes for both children and adults, and provide meeting space for members of the community as well as create a forum for lectures, films, and other cultural presentations. They joined forces with others in the community who shared this same vision and formed the Pensacola Art Association.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 9907 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-6113 Explore the odd and unusual at this family friendly attraction
Sam’s Fun City
SKYZONE 5007 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 500-1663 We’re always working to invent epic new ways to play, gather, and compete. Even though we’re the originators of wall-to-wall aerial action, we never stand still. We’ve been voted the number one “out of the box” workout and the “best party ever.” We’re dedicated to providing you with the pure joy that comes from flying. We are sky lovers, thrill seekers, and people who believe that jumping is freedom. We believe fitness can be fun and play can be smart. We are healthy and bursting with energy. We fly high and keep it safe. We are Sky Zone.
Wild Willy’s Adventure Park
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1306 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 400-3300 Wild Willy’s has a number of different attractions sure to make everyone’s day!
WonderWorks 9910 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 249-7000 WonderWorks is an amazing attraction where scientific principles and fun come together to provide an unrivaled educational experience!
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L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T
Outdoors Adventures Unlimited 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 623-6197 Discover the fun of outdoor adventure at Northwest Florida’s premier recreation center! Situated along the secluded Coldwater Creek, experience nature’s beauty. Relax with us— you’ll be glad you did!
Coldwater Gardens Glamping Experience 7009 Creek Stone Rd, Milton, 426-1300 Situated on a gentle slope overlooking a pine savanna, our tents are outfitted with amenities that make your experience relaxing. Each tent is equipped with top glamping amenities including a queen-size bed, minifridge, coffee maker, outdoor shower, and charcoal grill.
DESTIN HELICOPTER BEACH TOURS 34859 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 424-5125 View the beautiful Emerald Coast from above on a thrilling helicopter tour!
Horseback Trail Rides 613 S County Hwy 393, Destin, 208-3114 Located close to the Destin beaches, this stable offers trail rides and RV space. With 13,800 acres of state forest, there is plenty of riding to fill up your day.
Panama City Beach Helicopter Tours 15726 Front Beach Rd, Panama City, 230-2080 View the beautiful Panama City Beach coastline from above on an amazing helicopter tour!
Pensacola Aerial Beach Tour
Deep Sea Fishing Party Boat
4145 Jerry Maygarden Rd, Pensacola, 346-4230 Our Piper Saratoga has six seats— plenty of room for the entire family! Choose from a romantic Sunset Champagne Beach Tour or an adventurous Shark Patrol, and make some wonderful memories.
102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Come fish with one of the oldest and largest fishing fleets on the Emerald Coast, and fish the beautiful unspoiled waters of the Gulf of Mexico!
Zipline Canopy Tour
7 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 978-3060 Your adventure starts out at the Destin Marina as an experienced guide takes you to the dolphin “hangout.” After exploring, the guide will allow you to adventure out on your own as well!
8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, 889-2180 Fly through the air on a series of up to 14 ziplines topped off by a flyover of Coldwater Creek on a 900-foot stretch of cables!
Watersports Big Kahuna’s Water Park Aquatic Adventures Pontoon Rental 5915 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Captain your own boat from the still waters of Grand Lagoon just minutes from Shell Island, where you can pull up on the beach!
Blackwater River Tubing Trip 6974 Deaton Bridge Rd, Milton, 623-0235 Enjoy one of the last true wilderness getaways in Florida while tubing the Blackwater River! One of the purest sandbottom rivers in the nation, this river boasts clear, spring-fed water with a walking-speed current that is safe and fun for all ages!
Blue Angels Practice Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, Pensacola, 898-9002 Watch true American heroes blaze across the skies with their amazing maneuvers and fearless speed. Enjoy the air-show maneuvers from the comfort of a 63-foot catamaran at the center of the show!
Destin Crab Island Waverunner Dolphin Tour
Destin Sailing Cruise Aboard the Daniel Webster Clements 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 The Daniel Webster Clements is great for a day or evening sailing cruise and is equipped with two bathrooms and a deck that holds 37 guests. See dolphins and beautiful sights along the East Pass and Destin Harbor. Each cruise offers complimentary beer, wine, and sodas.
Destin X Jet Ski & Waverunner Rentals 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Customers are launched from the harbor, and all the equipment is in great condition!
DESTIN X PARASAILING 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Parasailing is one of Destin’s top activities and offers family fun for all ages. Daily departures are available during the spring and summer, weather permitting.
Destin X Pontoon Boat Rental 214 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 866-359-3114 Our pontoon rentals offer great prices and include fuel!
Discover Scuba Diving in Panama City Beach, 106 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 230-8006 The class includes classroom instruction followed by a fun beach dive!
Dolphin and Snorkel Excursion Aboard the Sea Screamer 2 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 This is one of the best ways to see beautiful Shell Island under and over water! Snorkel gear
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and instruction are included in your trip.
Dolphin Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Blaster 34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Join the fun, and come search the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the sugar-white sand beaches of De stin, Florida, for playful dolphins!
Dolphin Sail Aboard the Privateer Catamaran 3901 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 769-3866 Listen to tropical music as you enjoy a complimentary wine, sangria, cold beer, or non-alcoholic beverage onboard Panama City Beach’s best sunset cruise!
Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise Aboard the Original Sea Screamer 3605 Thomas Dr, Panama City, 235-3000 The Sea Screamer offers exciting day cruises and breathtaking sunset cruises to enjoy. Journey by beautiful Shell Island and the State Park jetties, then go for a refreshing ride alongside the world’s most beautiful beaches and resorts.
Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7095 Family owned and operated, the Dolphin Watch and Destin History Cruise is an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing one-anda-half-hour narrated cruise watching dolphins play in their natural habitat. The boat features a glass-bottom viewing area, snack bar, restrooms, and an airconditioned/heated cabin.
Fine Dining Dinner and Dancing Cruise 9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-2519 The Solaris is the area’s only fine dining entertainment yacht. The yacht features fresh gulf seafood, prime beef, and much more, all prepared in a full-service galley. Live entertainment and a full bar are available to enhance the experience.
The Hydrojet—the World’s Largest Jet Ski! 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 865-3557 Known as the worlds largest jet ski, the Hydrojet can really move!
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • L O C A L AT T R AC T I O N S Come get wet and have a blast with your friends and family!
Pontoon Boat Rental with Luther’s Watersports
INSHORE FISHING WITH 30A GUIDE SERVICE
200 & 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-8733 Pontoon boats are an easy way to enjoy the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin. All the boats are in great shape, reliable, and clean. Cruise around the bay, or just relax at crab island—it’s up to you!
105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Destin, 699-1694 No trip to Santa Rosa Beach is complete without an inshore fishing trip. The Choctawhatchee Bay hosts a number of different species of fish. Trips in the bay are great for everyone from children and first-timers to the avid fisherman.
Offshore Fishing with Fish Now Charters 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Enjoy the scenic beauty of Panama City Beach as you and your group travel out to open water. Feel the heart-pounding thrill and awesome power of pulling a gigantic catch up from the depths.
Panama City Beach Pirate Cruise Aboard the Sea Dragon 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-7400 Come aboard Panama City Beach’s only pirate adventure cruise. Cruise away into the fantasy world of friendly swashbucklers and spirited pirates aboard an 85-foot pirate ship.
Pensacola Beach Dolphin Cruise 400 Quietwater Beach Rd, #16, Pensacola, 898-9002 Cruise aboard the 63-foot openair covered catamaran Portofino I, and spy dolphins, birds, and the other marine life playing in their natural habitat along the protected Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Private Six-Pack Deep-Sea Fishing with Reel Deal Charters 210 E Highway 98, Destin, 424-5125 Come aboard a charter that offers more than 15 years of experience fishing off the Florida Coast.
SeaQuest Dolphin Sightseeing Tour 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-2222 Climb aboard AJ’s SeaQuest, and experience affordable family fun as you cruise the emerald waters along the sugar-white sand beaches of Destin. The 53-foot boat carries up to 89 passengers and offers an array of excitement and fun for the entire family. Also receive complimentary drinks!
SHELL ISLAND DOLPHIN TOUR ON WAVERUNNERS 5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 A popular way to see the dolphins and enjoy two hours of wave-runner riding on a guided tour to nearby Shell Island.
Shell Island Eco Sea-fari Tour and Dolphin Encounter 5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 We begin the journey in the historic Grand Lagoon, then collect sea shells at Shell Island! The boat will remain at the dock while you explore the island. You will have an hour at your leisure to swim, go shelling, explore, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful and pristine uninhabited island!
Small-Group Dolphin and Snorkel Tour
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5325 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 235-8051 Take a cruise around Shell Island in search of wild bottlenose dolphins. This is a guided twohour cruise and a fun trip for the entire family. Not only do you get an exciting dolphin-tour experience, but free snorkel gear is included in case you want to park the boat and cool off.
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R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T
CHARLIE’S BURGER BAR
Snorkel and Dolphin Excursion on Destin’s Original Sea Blaster
2 Harbor Blvd, #100, Destin, 424-7695
34 Harbor Blvd, Kiosk 60G, Destin, 654-6888 Jump in and have some fun snorkeling! Then take a cruise and look for dolphins and other marine life along the coast. Snorkeling equipment is included.
A one-of-a-kind full-service burger bar. Choose from one of 18 different burgers, or get creative and build your own. Pick the bun, type of meat, cheese, and sides.
Sunset Dolphin Encounter Aboard Captain Anderson III
Multiple locations throughout area
5550 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 234-3435 Travel through the historic Grand Lagoon into St. Andrews Bay, then move up through the channel known as “the Pass” out to the edge of the gulf to watch dolphins play.
Swimming with Dolphins at Shell Island 5709 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City, 238-0909 Spend the day with a professional team of instructors who will teach the proper way to interact with dolphins. The tour is capped off with several live swim-ins at Shell Island for potential dolphin encounters.
FIREHOUSE SUBS
Restaurants American BONEHEADS FIRE GRILLED 10015 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-4002 We like to say adventure is the spice of life. We also like to say if you’ve perfected the spice of life, why fry it? At Boneheads, we serve freshly grilled food for a healthy dining experience that everyone can enjoy. We also offer full-service event catering. We can prepare and deliver food that tastes great to business meetings, training events, and more.
Hungry? We specialize in hot subs and submarine sandwiches made with premium meats and cheeses, steamed to perfection, then piled high on a toasted private-recipe sub roll. Our menu will surely satisfy your appetite! Founded by firemen. Catering available.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
Multiple locations throughout area Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s menu boasts bold, flavorful food and smoothies with a healthy appeal, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. We find that superior, simple ingredients, including real fruit and veggies, set our smoothies apart from others.
Uncle Bill’s Family Restaurant 252 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-0099
ASIAGO’S SKILLET 300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-4160
The Breakfast Table Cafe 385 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 460-7322
99 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 301-9464, buffalowildwings.com
Corner Cafe 692 Bob Sikes Blvd, FWB, 803-0263
KC’s Sandbar and Grille 190 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 244-1087
Props Craft Brewery and Grill 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 586-7117
Slick Mick’s Deli and Grille 19 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 864-5577
All American Heroes 8544 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9797
TC’s Front Porch 8552 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-1601
Ye Olde Brothers Brewery 4458 Hwy 87, Navarre, 684-1495
Hurricane Grill and Wings 4597 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 932-1075
One20, a Modern Bistro 120 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-2120
Toast Wine Bar & Small Plate 4550 Hwy 20 E, Niceville, 279-6665
Carmelina’s Cafe 9400 University Pkwy, Pensacola, 208-6211
Cheddar’s
Chicken Salad Chick
7173 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 484-5203
36150 Emerald Coast Pkwy, #111, Destin, 460-2888
CJ’s Kitchen and Grille
Donut Hole Bakery & Café
2100 W Garden St, Pensacola, 435-9543
635 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-8824
Flora-Bama Lounge
Johnny Rockets
17401 Perdido Key Dr, Pensacola, 492-0611
4348 Legendary Dr, Destin, 837-0005
Grover’s Fingers and Wings
LANDSHARK’S PIZZA
9418 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 477-7172
300 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-6743
Jackson’s Steakhouse
The Pancakery 960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 269-0791
Shakes Frozen Custard
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Buffalo Wild Wings
400 S Palafox St, Pensacola, 469-9898
Magnolia
1065 Hwy 98, Destin, 269-1111
2907 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 912-6196
Smashburger
O’Briens Bistro
4283 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-7600
4350 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 477-9120
Wingstop
Saltgrass Steak House
16055 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Ste 111, Destin, 837-5333
905 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 434-3600
E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T • R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E
Asian Bamboo Sushi Bar and Hibachi 2511 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 689-1391
THAI SIAM CUISINE 396 E Cedar Ave, Crestview, 423-4510
Yumi Buffet
Barbecue/Southern
Creole
Buck’s Smoke House
790 on the Gulf
303 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-3600
2996 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, 650-4853
Smoke on the Water
4260 Legendary Dr, Destin, 424-5795
Mary’s Kitchen
314 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-2233
Mellow Mushroom
99 Eglin Pkwy, #42, FWB, 863-1141
Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ
French Quarter Grill
2680 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 683-8886
The Tipsy Pig Bar and Grill
Jackacudas
138 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB, 301-0515
Louisiana Lunchbox
34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1288
Dirt Road Cookers 6900 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 384-8839
Rib Shack of Navarre
821 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-3945
9532 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4244
Lotus Thai
Five Sisters Blues Cafe
Thai Delights Restaurant
550 Mary Esther Cut-Off, FWB, 243-3744
421 W Belmont St, Pensacola, 912-4856
Siam Garden Café
KC JOHN’S BBQ
334 N Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 862-7426
Thaiger Thai Restaurant 99 Eglin Pkwy, #34, FWB, 581-7600
11117 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 417-2965
Sonny’s Bar-B-Q
364 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 932-6882
6702 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 476-7618 630 N Navy Blvd, Pensacola, 456-2000
Makong Thai Restaurant
Voodoo BBQ and Grill
Shang Hai Restaurant
1935 Ortega St, Navarre, 939-6950
Peking House 8224 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-9898
Philippine Market and Café 144 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 729-0811
Thai International Restaurant 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2146
Bangkok Garden 1708 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 432-5511
Sake Cafe 4795 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 494-9999
Shanghai Buffet 1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 857-8891
Tu-Do Vietnamese Restaurant 7130 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-8877
La Famiglia Ristorante Italiano and Pizza
Café Bienville
714 Howell Rd, Niceville, 678-2604
New Dragon Mongolian Grill and Buffet
104 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 460-2990
302 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 797-8252
925 Beal Pkwy, FWB, 314-0717
56 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-3507
Crust Pizzeria
1741 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 912-8111
Cajun Tonie’s Gumbo House 8600 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 428-3864
Bayou Cajun Seafood, Po’boys and Pho 6705 Pine Forest Rd, #500, Pensacola, 435-4200
CUBS CRAWFISH 11125 Lillian Hwy, Pensacola, 456-7551
Rodizio Grill 605 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 466-2113
The Ruby Slipper Cafe (Brazilian) 509 S Palafox Ave, Pensacola, 792-4834
Caribbean
7000 Pine Forest Rd, Pensacola, 361-1130
French Zesty Baguette Bistro 4418 Commons Dr, Ste C, Destin, 460-8797
Bay Café 233 Alconese Ave SE, FWB, 244-3550
Bon Appétit Bakery and Café 420 Mary Esther Cut-Off NW, FWB, 244-2848
Heavenly Croissant 722 N Beal Pkwy, FWB, 862-6790
German Schnitzel Brew House 98 Eglin Pkwy, Ste 8, FWB, 226-4796
The Schnitzel Lodge 4504 E Hwy 20, Niceville, 279-4485
Indian
960 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-6420
Mimmo’s 979 Hwy 98, #5, Destin, 460-7353
Vinny McGuire’s Pizza 29 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-0116
Ali’s Bistro 171 Brooks St SE, FWB, 226-4708
Clemenza’s 75 Eglin Pkwy Ste 126, FWB, 243-0707
Niki’s Pizza 2843 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-4228
Papa’s Pizza 37551 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-3334
NEW YORK PIZZA DEPOT 8207 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-6973
Sal’s Pizzeria and Grill 6903 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-8240
CIAO BELLA PIZZA 4400 E Hwy 20E, Niceville, 729-0066
Fazoli’s 7210 N Davis Hwy, Pensacola, 473-9585
Passage to India
Franco’s Italian Restaurant
3102 E Cervantes, Pensacola, 433-8887
523 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 433-9200
Taste of India
Georgio’s Pizza
810 E Gregory St, Pensacola, 439-3005
3000 E Cervantes St, Pensacola, 432-5996
Irish Beef O’Brady’s 2509 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-9588
Santino’s Pizza and Grinders 4771 Bayou Blvd, Pensacola, 474-0400
TUSCAN OVEN
Johnny O’Quigley’s
4801 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 484-6836
1025 Industrial Dr, Crestview, 306-1012
Dominic’s Pizzeria
McGuire’s Irish Pub 33 Hwy 98E, Destin, 650-0000
Italian
177 John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2131
Jamaican
Yum’s Chinese
The Caribbean Pot
Mia’s Italian Restaurant
Bamboo’s Jamaican Restaurant
1620 Airport Blvd, Pensacola, 477-2999
481 S John Sims Pkwy, Ste B, Valparaiso, 389-2270
2203 S Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8333
236 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, FWB, 226-6464
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R E S TAU R A N T G U I D E • E M E R A L D COA S T PA R E N T
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Lana’s Jamaican House Cafe
La Paz Restaurante and Cantina
Gilligan’s Seafood Restaurant
THE FISH HOUSE
7700 W Fairfield Dr, Pensacola, 453-2144
950 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin, 837-2247
530 Hwy 98 E, Destin, 650-4400
600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 470-0003
Mediterranean
Ricon Boriqua
LULU’S DESTIN
538 Eglin Pkwy NE, FWB, 863-3323
4607 Legendary Marina Dr, Destin, 710-5858 (LULU)
Zoe’s Kitchen
Sabor A Mexico
4357 Legendary Dr, Destin, 650-6525
El Paso Navarre
Aegean Breeze Deli 913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, #20, Gulf Breeze, 916-0430
YIOTA’S GREEK DELI 130 Miracle Strip Pkwy, Mary Esther, 302-0691
Chrisoula’s Cheesecake Cafe 236 W Garden St, Pensacola, 438-5650
13 Eglin Pkwy SE, FWB, 243-3331 9500 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-4994
El Patron Mexican Grill 8137 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 936-0950
Old Mexico Restaurant 1177 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville, 729-1127
Taco Town
Hummus
113 Partin Dr, Niceville, 729-8646
3012 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 332-6709
Miguel’s Mexican Food
Jordan Valley Cafe
2 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 607-7121
201 S Jefferson St, Pensacola, 607-2780 4550 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, 466-5901 201 S New Warrington, Pensacola, 466-2342
The Aegean Restaurant 1259 Eglin Pkwy, Shalimar, 613-6120
Mexican/Cuban/ Puerto Rican CRAB ISLAND CANTINA 2 Harborwalk Blvd #100, Destin, 424-7417 We offer a large selection of seafood, Latin-inspired cuisine, award-winning fusion, and Black Angus steaks all served in a casual waterfront-dining atmosphere.
Rio Bravo 596 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, 466-2468
Cafe Amapola 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 678-6767
East Gate Cafe 481 S John Sims Pkwy, Valparaiso, 389-2271
Seafood Boshamps Seafood and Oyster House 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 424-7406
Tailfins Seafood, Alehouse and Oyster Bar 172 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 650-1200
524 South B St, Pensacola, 4323313
L & L Fresh Seafood 1611 N Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 432-0234
AJ’s on the Bayou
THE OAR HOUSE
200 Eglin Pkwy, NE, FWB, 864-4694
1000 S Pace Blvd, Pensacola, 549-4444
Anglers Beachside Grill 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB, 796-0260
Sam’s Seafood and Steaks
Old Bay Steamer
The Fishing Hole
102 Santa Rosa Blvd, FWB, 664-2795
15 Brent Ln, Pensacola, 912-6664
Rick’s Crab Trap
303 Glen Ave, Valparaiso, 7290406
178 Eglin Pkwy, FWB, 664-0110
Stewby’s Seafood Shanty 427 Racetrack Rd NW, FWB, 586-7001
Dave’s Oyster Bar 4584 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, 934-1789
420 S A St, Pensacola, 432-6626
Doc’s Oyster Bar
VEGAN End of the Line Cafe 610 E Wright St, Pensacola, 429-0336
EAST BAY CRAB HOUSE 9250 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, 939-5543
The Gulf 1284 Marler Ave, Okaloosa Island, 387-1300
Dockside Oyster Bar & Café 821 Bayshore Dr, Niceville, 678-1241
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
L J Schooner’s Dockside Restaurant and Oyster Bar
14059 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, 650-1881
290 Yacht Club Dr, Niceville, 8975400
Azteca Mexican Restaurant
Dewey Destin
Atlas Oyster House
789 N Ferdon Blvd, Crestview, 682-8206
9 Calhoun Ave, Destin, 837-7575 202 Harbor Blvd, Destin, 837-7525
600 S Barracks St, Pensacola, 437-1961
44 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Joe Patti’s
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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Making the Most of Life on the Coast! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!
The Arts
Mutts Gone Nuts
Thurs, Jan 17 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:00p.m.)
Kinky Boots
Tues, Jan 8 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.) Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, highheeled sensation! With songs by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this amazing musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that we can change the world when we change our minds! Inspired by true events, this story takes you from a shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
This is a show like no other, as canines and comedy collide in a production that will leave you howling for more! From shelters to showbiz, these mutts unleash havoc in an amazing dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers! This event will benefit the Alaqua Animal Refuge. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Art Wave 2019
Thurs, Jan 10 – Destin (6:00p.m.)
Seasonal Baytowne on Ice
Sat, Oct 27–Sat, Feb 2 – Baytowne Wharf Get out the old ice skates and get in the winter spirit at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice! Baytowne’s seasonal ice rink is the perfect opportunity to share some of your favorite holiday traditions! For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Mardi Gras Market
Sat, Jan 5 – Pensacola (9:00a.m.) Grab your beads and moon pies as Palafox Market transforms into Mardi Gras Market, officially launching the 2019 Mardi Gras season! The thousands of guests expected to attend will enjoy Mardi Gras-themed décor, art, baked goods, handmade items, and more! For more information, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
Head to the Henderson Resort and Spa for their first ever Art Wave event! Experience live paintings, mingle with the artists, enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a DJ, and more! Select pieces will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the South Walton Artificial Reef Association. For more information, visit www. destinchamber.com.
ARRIVAL Music of ABBA with NFSO
Sat, Jan 12 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.) This production has all of the features a great ABBA show needs: costumes, talented musicians, and amazing singers joined by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Devin Patrick Hughes. ARRIVAL, from Sweden, has been dubbed the world’s greatest ABBA tribute band, with sold-out shows all over the world! Tickets are $45. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium
Fri, Jan 25 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:00p.m.) Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure is an experience that invites you to jump in and explore the unknown ocean depths! Erth shows are at the forefront of family entertainment, using actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination to create an amazing visual experience that con-
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I Pink I Can
Sat, Feb 23 – Pensacola (9:00a.m.) Head to the Flora-Bama and join the Krewe du YaYas for their 6th annual I Pink I Can Run 4-mile run/walk for breast cancer. All proceeds from this event benefit the Keeping Abreast Foundation’s mammography and breast health programs. For more information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
Mini-Golf Tournament
Thurs, Feb 28 – Pensacola (4:00p.m.)
nects the youth to the real science of paleontology. For tickets and more information, visit www. destinchamber.com.
Classical Connections, Featuring Alexi Kenney Sat, Feb 2 – Destin (7:30p.m.)
Get ready for the performance of a lifetime as Alexi Kenney performs Erich Korngold’s Concerto for Violin, op. 35, D major on the violin at Village Baptist Church in Destin. Kenney was the 2016 recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, won the 2013 Concert Artists Guild Competition, and made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 19. He is one of the most exhilarating young violinists on the concert scene today. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Keep Pensacola Beautiful and First Tee of Northwest Florida are hosting a mini-golf tournament at Goofy Golf in Pensacola. Proceeds help fund education programs and community beautification efforts. For more information, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
Sounds Fun 40 Trees for 40 Years
Sun, Jan 13 – Pensacola (9:00a.m.) Keep Pensacola Beautiful is celebrating their 40th anniversary by planting 40 trees around the community, and they want you to be a part of it! Tree sponsorship is $40. Visit www.pensacolachamber.com for more information about becoming a sponsor or to help plant trees.
Sip and shop through the Village streets and enjoy an evening of champagne, live music, and shopping during the Bubbly Baytowne event! Stop in the stores throughout Baytowne as you enjoy a selection of premium champagnes. This event is free and for ages 21 and up. For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.
Barry Manilow’s songs have the power to make you smile, laugh, and even shed a tear. You’ll hear these songs come alive like you never have before when Jim Witter and his band take the stage. For tickets and more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Top Hats & Tails: A Cause for Claws
Sat, Feb 9 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.)
Wizard of Oz
Get ready for this year’s Top Hats & Tails at The Island by Hotel RL on Okaloosa Island! At this SOCKS Gala fundraiser, you will enjoy music, food and a silent auction! For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Mon, Feb 11 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (12:00p.m.)
Double Bridge Run
Thurs, Jan 31–Sat, Feb 2 – Pensacola (3:00p.m.) Quickly becoming one of the premier 15K races in the country, the Double Bridge Run gives runners an amazing scenic route. The run begins in downtown Pensacola, winds through the historic district, takes the 3-mile bridge over Escambia Bay, runs through Gulf Breeze and the Intracoastal Waterway, and finishes at the Pensacola Beach boardwalk. The race also features a 5K. For more information or to register, visit www.pensacolachamber.com.
Mark your calendars for this wine-tasting event at Twisted Grape, and get ready to enjoy wine, food, live entertainment, and drawings for chances to win tickets to upcoming events. The Okaloosa Arts Alliance will also be in attendance to present grants to local non-profits. Tickets are available for $25 for one person or $45 for two people. Proceeds benefit the Okaloosa Arts Alliance. For more information, visit www.okaloosaarts.org.
Thurs, Jan 24 and Thurs, Feb 21 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00p.m.)
Sat, Feb 2 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30p.m.)
Runs, Walks & More
Sun, Jan 20 – Shalimar (2:00p.m.)
Bubbly Baytowne
Jim Witter – Experience the Timeless Hits of Barry Manilow
Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic; audiences young and old will be dazzled by the ornate sets, timeless score, and breathtaking special effects. For tickets and more information, visit www. destinchamber.com
Annual Wine & Music Event
Winter Guest Fest
Thurs, Jan 17 – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.) Winter Guest Fest is back and better than ever! Head to the Emerald Coast Convention Center for the area’s largest seasonal guest expo. The event takes place from 8:00a.m. until noon, and admission is $2. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
30A Songwriters Festival
Fri, Jan 18–Mon, Jan 21 – South Walton The 30A Songwriters Festival is back and this year you can expect more than 175 musicians to perform. Artists will display their talents in intimate venues and large amphitheaters throughout the 16 beach neighborhoods of South Walton. For tickets and a full schedule, visit www.30ASongwritersFestival.com.
46 • January+February 2019 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com
Sip & Science
Sat, Feb 9 – Fort Walton Beach (6:00p.m.) Bring your friends, grab a drink, and channel your inner scientist! Head to the Emerald Coast Science Center where you will engineer your very own Rube Goldberg machine and test it out. A Rube Goldberg machine is a crazy contraption that accomplishes a simple task in the most complicated and funniest way possible! Attendees must be 21 and older and will also get to enjoy pizza and beer! For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
The 30th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival Fri, Feb 15-Sat, Feb 16 – Baytowne Wharf
Your favorite winter festival is back and better than ever! Kick off the big weekend with the Seafood Boil kick-off party on Friday at 5:00p.m. Don’t forget to save your appetite for Saturday,
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instruments to a free-form, open-mic, poetry reading and jam session. For more information, visit www.crestviewchamber.org.
Poetry and Music Jam
Second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.) Head to the Crestview Public Library where poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, open-mic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, visit www.crestviewchamber.org.
GulfWind Paddle & Surf Wednesday Night BOTE Board Demo Event
Every Wednesday – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00p.m.) when you can sample a variety of gumbo and vote for your favorite. Gulf Coast restaurants will be featured, and celebrity judges will name the area’s best. There will also be live music and children’s activities. This event will go on rain or shine. For more information, visit www. baytownewharf.com.
David Seering & Friends Benefit Concert for Children in Crisis Mon, Feb 18 – Destin (7:00p.m.)
Head to Village Baptist Church and enjoy an evening from the Great American Songbook! Tickets are $25 and proceeds benefit Children in Crisis. For more information, visit www.fwbchamber.org.
Socialize with other paddle board enthusiasts every Wednesday evening and demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE boards. For more information, call Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.
Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard
Every Saturday – Miramar Beach (9:00a.m.) Start your Saturday at Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market! There will be fresh from-the-farm produce, local seafood, homemade dips and salsas, organic juices, homemade soaps, and more! There will even be organic pet treats for your furry friends. For more information, visit www. destinchamber.com.
Volunteer Opportunity Place
Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.
Socks
Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.
PAWS
Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.
Salvation Army
Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.
Habitat for Humanity
Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.
Florosa Fire Department
Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.
City of Destin’s Spring Craft Show
Fri, Feb 22 and Sat, Feb 23 – Destin (11:00a.m.) The City of Destin’s 13th annual Spring Craft Show is back and hosting over 70 vendors. Expect to see handcrafted jewelry, woodcarvings, paintings, food items, and more! Admission is free to the public. For more information, visit www.destinchamber.com.
Reoccurring Local Poetry and Music Jam
Second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00p.m.) Head to the Crestview Public Library where poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and
VFW
Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.
Goodwill
Contact John at 850-837-8516.
Destin Community Center
Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.
Waterfront Rescue Mission
Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.
Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.
Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge
Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.
Boys & Girls Club
Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.
WHY VOLUNTEER? Part of being a great volunteer is loving what you’re doing. Find something that you’re passionate about or something that inspires you, and then find a need in your community. There are dozens of reasons why you should volunteer - you just need to find the one that feels right.
20 GREAT REASONS TO VOLUNTEER 1. Help others 2. Make a difference 3. Find purpose 4. Enjoy a meaningful conversation 5. Connect with your community 6. Feel involved 7. Contribute to a cause that you care about 8. Use your skills in a productive way 9. Develop new skills 10. Meet new people 11. Explore new areas of interest 12. Meet good people 13. Impress your mom 14. Impress yourself 15. Expand your horizons 16. Get out of the house 17. Make new friends 18. Strengthen your resume 19. Feel better about yourself 20. [ Your favorite reason ] For more information about volunteering, visit VolunteerMatch at https://www.volunteermatch.org/
ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • January+February 2019 • 47
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