Emerald Coast Parent Magazine by Rob Williams

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September+October 

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September+October 2016

contents

5 21 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

Money Matters

Teaching Kids Fiscal Responsibility

Kids Conquer Back9 Helping to-School Fears

Teaching Your Child Resiliency and Enabling Them to Face Their Fears

Back to School, Back to You, Mom

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Now It’s Your Turn. Happy Back to School

15 Beyond Burnout & Bickering Avoid Over-Scheduling So Kids Can Individuate

42 Teen Talk

Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

Family Chatter.................................................................... 26 That’s Good to Know! ...................................................... 28 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care....... 29-30 Teach Your Kids Something New! ...............................32 Snacks—Recipes for Tasty Get-togethers ............... 37 Crafts—Get Creative with Your Kids ...........................40

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit and safe. Good Kids, Good Sleep .....................................................21 Lice Aren’t So Nice................................................................ 22

Family FUN GUIDE

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special! Seasonal Events .................................................................44 The Arts ..................................................................................44 Sounds Fun...........................................................................45 Runs, Walks & Golf.............................................................45 Reoccurring Local ............................................................. 46

26 FamilyChatter

parent Emerald Coast It’s Your MagazineTM

Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work. As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars. If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue! Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together! Thanks, The EC Parent Team

To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: --

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams ©  It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

By Myrna Beth Haskell

MONEY M AT T E R S : TEACHING KIDS FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Have you seen the daunting and continuous climb of the US National Debt Clock lately? It’s enough to make the hairs on your arm stand tall. According to the Federal Reserve, consumer debt, including credit card debt, auto loans, and college loans, is on the rise. What about your personal finances? Do you cringe when a credit card statement comes in the mail? Command of financial matters is much easier for those who were raised to understand the concept that money doesn’t grow on trees. From a very young age, kids can be taught to respect money, to budget, to save, and to spend wisely. In a world where technology has driven a need for instant gratification—instant photo sharing,

instant financial transactions, instant messaging—it is harder for parents to teach patience and self-control. However, teaching your kids to be savvy about money is not only possible, it is also imperative if the ultimate goal is for your children to become independent and financially responsible adults.

It’s Never Too Early to Start Lisa Chin Mollica, CEO and founder of KidCash (www.kidcash.com), believes that children should be taught money concepts as early as possible. She reports, “I started teaching my children when they were both two.” Chin has found that teaching kids about money during their preschool years is crucial. She says that being able to budget and Continued on page 7

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Continued from page 5

save requires patience and discipline, but with early practice, parents can encourage children to be financially responsible in the future. Gina McKague, president and CEO of McKague Financial in Michigan, agrees. “I am a firm believer in a no-debt lifestyle, so teaching kids to spend only what is available to them must begin at an early age.” Exposure to mathematical and financial concepts were introduced early. “For example, we teach counting and addition with pennies. Whenever we bake, we discuss fractions with our measuring tools,” she continues.

Basic Training With very young children, lessons should be fun, visual and tangible. Most playrooms are equipped with a toy cash register, and many toddlers have piggy banks perched on their nightstands. However, teaching kids to be money smart is more than a simple awareness of currency. Parents must also teach work ethic, organization, self-discipline and goal-setting to truly teach their kids to be responsible about money.

Children can learn money basics by being included in everyday activities that involve financial decision-making. Sheri Atwood, founder and CEO of SupportPay (www.supportpay. com, a child support payment application), believes that children can learn money basics by being included in everyday activities that involve financial decision-making. “Involve your kids in the household shopping to show them how you spend your money and make good choices.” She also suggests that parents take their kids to the bank and help them open a savings account once they are intellectually ready (probably sometime in the tween years). Many parents opt to give their children allowances for age-appropriate chores. Allowances can teach children about saving, budgeting and working hard for something special (delayed gratification). The key here is to be sure that chores that earn allowance are not typical tasks that all children should help with around the house (e.g., clearing the table after dinner). Instead, assigning more difficult tasks, such as raking leaves, will give your child a better sense of working for pay. If children expect allowances each week for nothing in return, the financial lessons won’t be as powerful. “If you choose to offer an allowance, teach the ‘Give, Spend, Save’ mentality,” Atwood advises. She urges parents to teach this simple budget breakdown and to encourage long-term goals for savings to make it worthwhile. McKague points out, “Growing up, my friends had chores in order to earn an allowance. However, they began expecting chore money without actually doing the chores or by doing the chores in a mediocre way.” As a parent, McKague chose to use a point system (instead of a traditional allowance). Earning points is optional for her children, so they’ve learned to work for things they truly want. However, there are responsibilities, such as keeping bedrooms clean, that are expected and don’t receive points.

“There are a lot of great toys out there to teach finance,” Chin says. However, she created KidCash so that her kids could have something tangible to manipulate. For young children it’s easier to understand different budgets with colorful and engaging currencies. For example, KidCash uses categorized play money (such as activities dollars, candy dollars, savings dollars and gift dollars) to distinguish types of purchases/budgets. “At two, they are all hands. I wanted to make it as simple as possible for a child to not only understand, but to be visually excited and motivated.” Chin adds, “I would give them one candy dollar and one device dollar for a day of good behavior. Then, if they wanted a treat, I would ask for the dollar back. They immediately got this exchange.”

“Talk about money and finances casually with your children.” In general, parents should be talking to their children about money as part of daily conversation. “Talk about money and finances casually with your children,” explains Atwood. “Regularly discuss earning money, saving money, and paying for things so that money topics are not taboo or hard to talk about as children grow older.” Mary Kiernan, a resident of Pleasant Valley, New York, and a mother of five, says, “When my children were younger, we only purchased toys during Christmas or birthday celebrations since there were so many of them and we were on a tight budget. If they wanted something special during the year, they would put their money in an envelope until they had enough to purchase it themselves. As they grew up, items became more expensive, so they had to work harder for them. My children learned the lesson that you can get what you want if you save and work hard.”

Teens and Higher Finance Teens can grasp more complicated money matters. My son was already purchasing stock by age nineteen. “We taught our kids how to write checks and balance a checkbook around age , and by age , we got our oldest a credit card in her name,” McKague explains. In order to teach teens that a credit card Continued on page 8

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Continued from page 7

should be thought of as “finite cash” and not an unlimited flow of invisible currency garnered by a mindless swipe, McKague monitors the account. “We keep strict spending limits and review the bill each month to discuss spending choices and potential pitfalls. Limiting and monitoring spending on a credit card gives us a rare opportunity to address any issues and advise on proper money management.” For impulsive teens, debit cards can be an alternative to credit cards, since the money comes directly out of a bank account. Parents should encourage teens to find part-time work outside the home. Once employed, ask your teen to pay for his own gas, cell phone data plan or exorbitant personal items. This will help him understand the value of a dollar and gain independence.

When possible, teach the do-it-yourself motto. If you’re planning a remodel, show your kids that you’ll do some of the work yourself (such as painting or tiling) in order to save money. Parents should also share financial mistakes they have made with older children. Perhaps you bought a car that turned out to be a lemon because you didn’t do the research. Maybe you went on a trip that turned out to cost much more than you had planned. Share your successes as well. When you discuss finances with your kids, it only encourages them to solicit advice from you in the future. The most important lesson of all: Teach your kids that happiness is not measured by the size of your wallet—not by saying it, but by living it! v

Parents should encourage teens to find part-time work outside the home.

EVERYDAY “MONEY MATTERS TIPS” FOR YOUR KIDS:

Discuss college costs with high school children. Be sure they understand the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized student loans, the varied costs of meal plans and how to save on textbook purchases. Once a teen is ready for college, she should take some responsibility for the cost, even if her parents have the financial means to send her.

Parents as Role Models Most important, parents need to teach by example. Show your children you are responsible with your own finances, including sensible shopping behaviors and long-term savings plans. McKague offers, “Kids learn from modeled behavior, so it’s important that parents give them a good example to adhere to.” Avoid impulse spending. Instead, capitalize on opportunities to provide teaching moments. You might be at the mall with your daughter and see a dress that catches your eye. If the price tag says “don’t do it,” be honest with her and explain that it is too pricey for your budget. “Don’t just shop for fun or buy things you don’t need for sport,” warns Atwood. “This can lead to unhealthy habits and unrealistic expectations.” 8 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

• Clip coupons with your child, then bring her to the store to show her the savings. • Engage in enjoyable money-skills games with your children, such as playing “store” with them (set up a clothing or grocery store in your living room). • Discuss spending limits with your child before entering a restaurant or clothing store—then stick to them! • Involve your child in the budget process: discuss the cost of entertainment and music lessons so that he understands there is a finite amount of money for each category—then allow him to make choices. • Involve children in yard sales. Use the proceeds for a big-ticket item, or give to a favorite charity. • Teach your children to comparison shop: search store circulars together when they want a special pair of sneakers, for instance. Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist and feature writer. Her work has appeared in national and regional publications across the U.S., as well as internationally. For more information, please visit: www.myrnahaskell.com.

By Gayla Grace

“Mom, I’m not sure I should have signed up for calculus and AP English,” says Adam, a high school junior. “I’ve heard both classes are really hard at my school.” Adam, a smart student who doesn’t want to disappoint his parents, lacks confidence in his ability to keep up with the work required in his upcoming classes. His main fear centers around academics.

A child’s personality contributes to their fears and how they handle them. Adam’s younger sister, Avery, is entering middle school, and she’s nervous about her new school environment. Avery doesn’t make friends easily, and many of her friends will be going to a different middle school. She worries about who she’ll eat lunch with and whether she’ll have anyone to talk to in the mornings. Avery’s fears are focused on the social aspects of school. As our kids head back to school, they have fears that range from finding the right bus after school to whether they’ll pass all their classes to graduate. A child’s personality, learning style, academic needs, social and emotional development, and prior school

Helping Kids Conquer Back-toSchool Fears experiences contribute to their fears and how they handle them. As parents, we can help our kids adjust to upcoming change and cope with whatever fears they face with the following strategies:

ACKNOWLEDGE THE FEAR When our kids recognize and put words to their fears, we can then help them cope. Questions from Avery’s mom, such as, “What are you concerned about as you start middle school—the lunch period, making new friends?” will get Avery talking. As she expresses her fears, her mom can acknowledge them by saying, “I know it can be scary to start a new school. Do you remember when we first moved here and how well you adjusted to your new school, new church and new soccer program in the community?” She could also remind Avery of her wide base of friends in elementary school and encourage her to talk about how she made friends before. If a child has had a challenging or traumatic issue at school, it’s important to acknowledge the problem and help the child separate the past from the present. For instance, just because Avery Continued on page 12 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 9

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BACK TO SCHOOL,

BACK TO YOU, MOM School is back in session, and after-school activities are starting to kick in. Suddenly, besides the before-school shuffle and the after-school shuffle, stay-at-home parents suddenly have a lot more kid-free time. Continued on page 13

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TEACH YOUR CHILD TO ASK FOR HELP In a new school environment, it’s likely that Avery fears getting lost in the halls. First-day anxiety can be relieved by teaching her that help is only one question away. Teachers are prepared to help new students navigate large buildings with hard-to-find classrooms. Older students can also provide friendly guidance to newcomers. School counselors are equipped to provide assistance when students need answers to more difficult situations. If Avery encounters bullying from mean girls, asking for a counselor’s help alerts school administration of a problem that might need addressing on a larger scale and protects Avery from behavior that could escalate.

School counselors are equipped to provide assistance to new students. Continued from page 9

encountered a mean-girl friendship last year that shattered her confidence doesn’t mean she can’t equip herself to manage it better in middle school. Stressful situations provide opportunities for kids to practice life skills, with our support and words of wisdom, that carry into adulthood.

MINIMIZE DRAMA SURROUNDING THE FEAR Adam’s fear of passing calculus might bring up memories of our own failures in high school. When these thoughts surface, it’s best to keep a lid on how much we say. Positive statements that remind Adam of his previous successes in difficult classes will help dissipate his fears. Brainstorming ideas, such as using a tutor or his brainy friend next door when necessary, will empower him past his fear.

Reminding kids that they don’t have to face their fears alone gives them confidence to face a new environment and walk through challenging situations.

HELP YOUR CHILD BUILD RESILIENCY Children who have a resilient attitude fare better with whatever life presents. Parents can’t predict every circumstance a child will encounter, but they can help nurture strong attributes. The American Psychological Association offers the following ten tips to help build resilience in children and teens (http://www.apa. org/helpcenter/resilience.aspx): • Make connections (friends, family support, church) • Have him or her help others (contribution) • Maintain a daily routine • Take a break (when overly stressed or worried)

Watching children struggle with fear sends many parents into rescue mode.

• Teach your child self-care • Move toward your goals • Nurture a positive self-view

Watching children struggle with fear sends many parents into rescue mode. Instead of helping them face their fear, the parent finds a way of escape. Adam doesn’t need to enroll in a different class because he’s nervous about calculus. He needs reminders of how he has succeeded in the past and encouragement that will enable him to plunge through. “It’s a wise parent who realizes not only that our children watch us and repeat our words, but they also take their cues about how to react to life from us,” says Sherry Surratt in her Thriving Family article, “’Mom, I’m Scared.’” “If we over-react, we send messages of worry that can enable our children’s fear.” We hinder our children from the maturing process when we magnify the problem and take over to solve it. Facing fears and learning how to cope with stressful situations are normal parts of healthy development.

• Keep things in perspective and maintain a hopeful outlook • Look for opportunities for self-discovery • Accept that change is part of living

Resiliency enables our kids to face their fears head-on and gives them confidence to overcome them. Back-to-school fears are real, and kids need help coping with what worries them. As parents, we can help our children adjust to upcoming change and conquer their fears by modeling and teaching healthy development skills and coping strategies. v

Gayla Grace holds a master’s degree in psychology and counseling and has coached her five kids through a variety of back-to-school fears.

12 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 11

But time is tricky—there never seems to be enough of it no matter how much you have. And somehow, even though the kids are in school again, their needs and schedules always take priority. Sound familiar? If so, this might be a good opportunity to make time for you a priority as well. Before your newly kid-free schedule starts filling up to overflowing, put a few want-tos at the top of your priority list. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Journal. Journaling can help you get in touch with your personal

priorities. Just remember: there is no right way to do it. So whether you scrawl page after page at a rapid clip, cut and paste images into a blank book with inspirational quotes, play with images you admire on Pinterest or keep carefully scrapbooked records of all that has recently transpired, reflective time will calm and center your mind.

There’s no right way to journal. It’s the experience that counts.

plus strength training) and the way you want (enjoying the season outside on your way to the gym) and double the payoff.

Learn.

Feeling bored at home? Perhaps there’s a class you’ve been dying to take. With the kids back in school and so many classes offered online, there’s no longer room for excuses. Online classes are also a great way to connect with like-minded others who might not live in your neighborhood. You can find just about any kind of class in a wide range of prices, so hop online and start searching.

Earn. If the economy isn’t rebounding fast enough to create the

quality of life your family enjoys, a part-time job might be just the ticket to increasing your household income. After a few classes in the same field, you might be able to turn a skill you learn online into a part-time, work-at-home income. Just be shrewd about how much time and money you invest up front before you start counting on profits. Plan ahead to determine what you can reasonably earn from your investment so that you can manage your expectations accordingly.

Accomplish. Create a list of all the major strides you intend to

Energize. Take a yoga or dance class, or swim laps. You can also run, walk and bike outside and enjoy some of the most beautiful weather of the year. Exercise the way you should (aerobic exercise

make between now and the end of the year. Then break each project into steps. Clip the master list to a clipboard you can keep handy. If you check even a few things off the list each school day when the kids are out, big projects will eventually get done. If you are not a Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 13

list maker, just try to get three things done each day, including one thing you really would rather not do, and you’ll find yourself more productive in no time.

Express. If you are so busy nurturing everyone else’s creative

growth that you start feeling out of touch with your own, remedy the situation with some singing, art, dance, writing or whatever ways you enjoy expressing yourself. Why not set up a special work area for yourself at home or rent a space in a co-op or studio with access to the kind of equipment you need? Be sure to work your creative outlet into your weekday schedule.

Enrich.

The concept of the “Artist’s Date” in Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way suggests spending five bucks on yourself in a way that stimulates your creative juices. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself wandering around a store with five bucks burning in your pocket to spend on yourself for a change. Take an hour and try it.

Connect. Now is your chance to schedule some playtime with

your friends. Who do you genuinely miss seeing or speaking with? Get back in touch via videophone, cell phone, a coffee-shop chat, a spa visit, a lunch date or a shopping trip. Don’t delay. The pre-holiday rush will be here before we know it.

Indulge.

You don’t have to do anything, if doing nothing is what you really need. That novel you never finished this summer? Curl up on the couch and relish every word. That family album you swore you’d complete in time for ordering holiday gifts? Finish it up. Relaxing means different things to different people. Ask yourself what would make you feel happy and relaxed and then do that. The kids are occupied and growing their horizons. Now it’s your turn. Happy back to school! v

Books for Balanced Moms Are you so busy that you are not sure what you need most? Pick up one of these books for inspiration to slow down and get centered:

A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh The Art of Extreme Self-Care: Transform Your Life One Month at a Time by Cheryl Richardson The Balanced Mom: Raising Your Kids Without Losing Yourself by Bria Simpson The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life by Renée Peterson Trudeau A Moment’s Peace: A Mom’s Guide to Creating Calm Amidst Chaos by Elizabeth Irvine Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

by Julia Cameron

Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist who has been reminding moms to take time for themselves for over a decade. 14 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

BEYOND BURNOUT & BICKERING By Christina Katz

AVOID OVER-SCHEDULING SO KIDS CAN INDIVIDUATE School, sports, after-school activities, birthday parties and social commitments—all of these things compete for your child’s energy and attention on a daily basis. And now that kids are hopping on social media at increasingly younger ages, the pressure to participate can become fierce early on. All those images of friends playing sports, hanging out at a pool party or posing together in a gleeful gaggle may cause your child to feel like his schedule doesn’t quite measure up.

But no matter whose idea it is to keep kids busy and social -, it’s ultimately every parent’s job to make sure kids don’t fall into the over-scheduling trap. Kids need their parents to make space for them to just be so that they don’t feel compelled to constantly do, do, do. If parents don’t take an active role in supporting each child’s individuality, then their uniqueness is going to take a back seat to their busy schedule, and this can create feelings of isolation or even depression in kids and lay the groundwork for workaholism later in life.

Kids discover their sense of self in the quiet moments of life, when they can relax, be themselves and let their instincts lead. If they can’t find quiet, reflective moments in their busy lives, identifying individual desires may be delayed or denied. So be smarter than your sources, parents. Don’t let your child’s individuality get overlooked because you are keeping him steadily overbooked. Continued on page 16

Continued from page 15

Prioritize the Calendar Before you add another activity into the busy mix, pause and consider what’s already on the schedule for the entire family. It’s only natural to want to do it all, but saying yes to everything will only exhaust everyone and cut into valuable family time. If you can manage another addition, consider it. If you can’t, then it’s time to prioritize.

Focus on Enrichment Does the activity bring more joy and energy into your child’s life or does it create conflict and anxiety? Joining the competitive soccer league may sound fun, but if your child does not enjoy the level of intensity, then maybe a local intramural league is a better fit. Don’t assume the most expensive or competitive choice is always the best fit for your child’s needs. Sometimes less really is more. Continued on page 17

Do the activities bring joy and energy into your child’s life, or do they create conflict and anxiety?

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Continued from page 16

Find Mentors of Character When you choose the activity, you also choose the role model who is in charge. Make sure coaches, organizers and leaders are the types of people you want influencing your kids. Mentors who focus on character model healthy choices and allow kids to act like kids while helping them build skills in a measured manner. If you are concerned that a coach or activity leader is overzealous or too high-pressure, trust your instincts and investigate further.

Choose coaches and leaders who are positive role models for your child to be mentors. Shrug Off Kiddie Competition Pressure to conform is ever-present in childhood. The kids next door participate in more activities than your kids? So what. Left to their own devices, kids will often compare their experiences with other kids and find theirs lacking. How many times have you heard that their friends’ parents let them do this or that? Strong, secure parents can hear this without giving in to pressure. They do? That’s nice. This is what we do and these are the reasons why.

Allow for Downtime Be sure your family has at least a day or two each week when no outside activities are on the schedule. Whether you participate in a religious Sabbath or not, everyone in the family can benefit from observing a weekly day of rest. And spending a whole day enjoying family time each week will bring your family closer and remind everyone that family comes first.

Encourage Personal Development

Kids need hobbies, just like adults. Personal activities they don’t have to share with others.

Kids need hobbies, just like adults. Private, personal activities that don’t have to be shared with others can be soothing and pleasurable and can teach kids to become more self-directed. So if your child loves to bake, knit, build models or peer at the stars, support those interests. When you buy her special ingredients, pretty yarn, three types of glue or the slightly better telescope, you are saying, “I see you and I support the person you are becoming.” Every child needs and wants this kind of recognition and acknowledgment from parents. Continued on page 18 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 17

Continued from page 17

Be Honest with Yourself Do you really care more about what others think of your kids than you do about your family’s overall happiness? Do you worry that you are living in such a dog-eat-dog world that your child has to be hyper-busy to compete? Are you so concerned about your child’s social standing that you put her in activities she doesn’t care about to expose her to the right kids? If any of these are true, take a step back. When it comes to scheduling your child, let her needs lead, not yours.

Watch for Signs of Overdoing Is your child happily content or often tired and irritable? Do you have a mutual admiration society at home, or are family members always sniping at each other? Is everyone sleeping well at night, or is exhaustion the norm? Are you in charge of the schedule, or do stress and pressure run the show? Remember that your family deserves to feel calm and contented. Take charge of how you spend your time, and your children will soon follow suit. v

Is your child happily content or often tired and irritable?

Relax, Kick Back and Hang Out Take back your family’s quality of life by trying some of these simple strategies:

• Have a family project you all work on year round in a leisurely manner, like a vegetable garden or even a puzzle. • Go on local outings with the mission of simply hanging out together. • Take an occasional family walk together in a go-to location when something challenging needs to be discussed and sorted out. • Watch a family double feature with popcorn, drinks and lively discussions. • Take the family to the library and spend an hour gathering books, magazines, music and DVDs. • Make Sunday brunch a ritual activity either at home or at an inexpensive local restaurant. • Have a casual but consistent family meeting once a week to get a better sense of how your kids are feeling about the ways they spend their time. Christina Katz is an author, journalist and coach who often writes on the topic of life balance and personal self-expression. She knows the power of saying no and is not afraid to use it. 18 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Good Kids,

GOOD SLEEP Sufficient sleep is necessary for good health, good grades and much more!

As lazy summer days give way to fall, a new school year is well underway. You have put into place all the tools needed to help your child have a successful year. However, did you know that one of the most important tools for a child’s academic success is a good night’s sleep? Children who are well rested are more alert, more focused and better behaved. They retain information more easily and perform better on tests. But getting good sleep has important health benefits outside the classroom, too. Children need plenty of sleep to support their growth and development—as well as their long-term health. Children who don’t get enough sleep are at increased risk for injury, obesity and chronic disease. Research cited by the National Sleep Foundation found that sleeping less than  hours per day increased a child’s injury risk by  percent. Industry-wide studies on sleep habits continue to reveal new information about the correlation between insufficient sleep and childhood obesity. A recent review of  studies around the country on sleep and childhood obesity, conducted at Johns Hopkins University, concluded that children who fell at least two hours short of sleep benchmarks were almost twice as likely to be overweight or obese. Just one hour less of sleep each night in early childhood can affect children’s scores on cognitive skill tests at school entry, researchers have found. And a study published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics found a relationship between sleep problems in childhood and mental functioning in adolescents. Young teens who had experienced persistent sleep problems scored poorly on tests that measured the ability to process new information. Children have varying requirements for sleep depending on their age. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that children ages  through  years get at least  to  hours of sleep per night. Healthy sleep isn’t just about the number of hours, though. Quality counts, too. Here’s how to make sure your child gets the rest they need: Consistency is key. Regardless of age, bedtime routines are important. The NSF recommends  to  minutes of calm activities to wind down for bedtime. An established routine that includes a warm bath, bedtime story and quiet time will set the stage for sweet dreams. Go to bed and get up at the same time, every day, and try not to depart significantly from this schedule on weekends.

Set the example. Maintain good habits yourself —by eating right, exercising and sticking to a regular bedtime—and make this the rule for your household. Your children will follow suit. Don’t over-commit. Help school-age children balance their schedules with a reasonable commitment to extracurricular or athletic activities that allows ample time for homework, downtime and, most importantly, sleep. That balance should not only be right for your child, but also for your entire family. Too many after-school activities can shortchange homework time, dinner time and family time and push bedtime later into the evening. Make the bedroom peaceful. A dark, cool and quiet bedroom will help children—and adults—fall asleep faster and sleep better. Minimize technology. Television, computer, video games and telephone use should be limited, particularly within the half hour before bedtime. v

HOW MUCH SLEEP DOES MY CHILD NEED? According to the National Sleep Foundation, children’s requirements for sleep vary by age. AGE

Newborns (1-2 months)

HOURS OF SLEEP

10.5 - 18 hours

Infants (3-11 months)

9 -12 hours

Toddlers (1-3 years)

12-14 hours

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

11-13 hours

School-aged children (5-12 years)

10-11 hours

Teens

9.25 hours

Sources: Web MD, webmd.com; American Academy of Pediatrics, aap.org, The National Sleep Foundation, sleepfoundation.org

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ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 21

YOUR

FAMILY’S A Lice Aren’t So Nice

Scratch scratch. Scratch. Your head is feeling really itchy. Could it be lice? If so, you’re not alone. Every year, between 6 and 12 million people worldwide get head lice. Most of those millions are kids. Any kid who goes to school has probably already heard about lice. Lice can spread easily at schools, so if one kid gets them, the rest of the class might get them, too. What can you do? Let’s find out. A person gets water by drinking and eating. You lose water when you sweat, urinate (pee), have diarrhea, or throw up. You even lose a little water when you breathe. Our bodies need water to work properly. Usually, you can make up for the water you lose—like when you come in from outside and have a long, cool drink of water. If you don’t replace the water your body has lost, you might start to feel sick. And if you go too long without the water you need, you can become very ill and might need to go to the hospital.

What Are Lice? Lice are very, very small insects. In fact, they are so tiny that you can barely see them! Each louse (the name for one of the lice) is brown and gray and only about the size of a sesame seed. Lice are parasites (say: PAIR-uh-sytes), which means that they live off other living things. Head lice need to be next to skin to

survive—and the warmth of your skin is a perfect place for them to live. Lice eat tiny amounts of blood (much less than a mosquito does) for their nourishment and use their sticky little feet to hold on to hair. Gross! When lice start living in hair, they also start to lay eggs, or nits. Lice can survive up to  days on a person’s head and can lay eight eggs a day. Lice attach their nits to pieces of hair, close to the scalp. If you see a small, oval blob on a strand of hair, that’s probably a nit. If these little eggs are yellow, tan or brown, the lice haven’t hatched yet. If the eggs are white or clear, the lice have hatched. Although they don’t hurt, lice sometimes can irritate the skin and make it itchy (especially at night). Too much scratching can lead to scalp infections.

Lice Love Everyone Because lice are parasites, they will set up house on anyone’s head, whether that person is clean, dirty, in second grade, in fifth grade, black or white. Anyone who says that people who get lice are dirty doesn’t know that lice love everyone, and that includes the cleanest kid in the class! Lice spread in classrooms and schools because kids play together closely and often share more stuff than adults do. Lice cannot jump or fly. They spread when people’s heads touch or when people share hats and other clothing, combs, brushes,

22 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

headbands, barrettes and bedding (like sheets, blankets, pillowcases and sleeping bags). If lice are stuck on any of these things and that thing touches another person’s head, that person may also get lice.

Saying Good-bye to Lice If your head feels very itchy, your child should tell an adult as soon as possible. This is especially true if you know that other kids in your child’s class or school have had lice. Don’t wait around—the more time the lice have to lay nits, the itchier you will be! Often a parent or school nurse can recognize head lice just by looking for nits in the hair. Some kids’ parents will take them to the doctor so the doctor can check to see if lice are there. If a kid has lice, an adult will need to buy a special medicated shampoo, cream or lotion that kills lice. An adult will need to apply the medicine and follow the directions. Part of the treatment is combing the hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove the nits. The shampoo, cream or lotion usually kills the lice right away. The itching should go away within a few days, but treatment may need to be repeated in  to  days to kill any new lice that may have hatched since the first treatment. Do not use a hair dryer on the hair after washing with the medicated shampoo, lotion or cream because they can contain flammable ingredients. You don’t want the hair catching on fire. Although lice can live for only  to  days off a person’s head, it’s a good idea to wash all your child’s bedding, hats, clothing, and stuffed

animals in hot water. Or you can seal these things in airtight bags for  days. That also will kill the lice and their eggs. Vacuuming the carpets, upholstery and car seats will take care of any lice that fell off before treatment. Combs, brushes and hair accessories need to be soaked in hot water, washed with medicated shampoo, or thrown away. Sometimes it is difficult to get rid of the lice, so if that happens to your child, get help as soon as possible. There are stronger medicines and other treatments that a doctor may decide to use.

Life Without Lice Here are four things you can do to keep lice away: • If your child’s friend has lice, don’t give the lice any chance to spread to your child. Tell kids to avoid putting their heads or sharing stuff that could contain lice, such as hats or combs. • Don’t let your kids try on hats that belong to other kids. • Tell your kids never to share a comb, brush, barrettes or other hair accessories. Have them use their own and never lend them to anyone else. • Have your child always use his or her own sleeping bag and pillow when sleeping away from home.

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FAMILY BUILDERS Strong Family Relationships Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Just Happen

Do you prefer to communicate with friends and family via text or talking on your phone?

FamilyChatter

Are you more likely to be interested in sports and being active or art and reading?

What’s the most influential book you have ever read? Why in your opinion?

What are some things about your family’s past that you’d like to know more about?

What scares you the most and excites you the most about the future? Why?

What do you think is the hardest thing about being married? Why?

Do you have a pet? If so, do you feel your pet improves your quality of life? Why?

Are you concerned more with what people think of you or doing what’s right regardless?

What’s the largest challenge you’ve overcome in life? How did you overcome it?

What are some things you believe in that you feel are not generally favored in society?

CHALLENGE YOUR FAMILY TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION!

Do you prefer to communicate with friends and family via text or talking on your phone?

Do you consider TV entertainment or a waste of time? How about video games?

What inspires you to do your best in life? What causes you to get discouraged?

Are shoes, sunglasses and other accessories overpriced? What can you do about it?

What did you enjoy most about your summer break? Do you have any “summertime regrets”?

What activities do you look forward to during fall? What activities can your family do to stay active together?

C H AT T E R T I P S :

Here are a number of places you can use these questions to spur on great conversation! At the kitchen table In the family room during commercials In the backyard On road trips in the car Yell them out loud—out of the blue—just for fun!

That’s Good to Know!

InformationYou Can Use!

MEAL PLANNING o ln a r By Pam M

Plan a Month of Meals that Your Family Will Eat!

Fall gives Mom a chance to hit the reset button. For me, it is the time of year when I tell myself that I will make time to plan out our dinners in advance, shop for everything at one time and serve a healthy meal every night. That usually lasts a week before I am throwing my hands up and ordering a pizza. I know I am not alone when I say I am both intrigued and aggra- recipes, I realize that my family of picky eaters will only eat half of vated by the bloggers who share their monthly meal plans. In theory, the dinners suggested. they are amazingly planned out with a shopping list and sometimes This year I decided to come up with a plan that my family would eat. a nutritional chart. However, when I start looking at some of the Here are some suggestions to help plan your own month of meals: Continued on page 31 28 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

10 WAYS to sh w 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!

R E H y u care Text message her out of the blue to say you’re thinking about her. Express to her that you need and value her. Show interest in things she values as important in her life. Brag about her to others (both in front of her and when she is not with you). Do the “fix-it” jobs she wants done around the house. Go on romantic outings. Let her take a bubble bath while you do the dishes.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Do little things for her—an unexpected kiss, coffee in bed. Tell her you love her often. Give her time alone with her friends.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 29

M I H y u care Leave him an “I love you” post or message on Facebook. Praise his good decisions; minimize your criticism of the bad ones. Surprise him with a long kiss when he gets home from work.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas in each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Brag about him to others (both in front of him and when he is not with you). Thank him for just being himself. Let him sleep in, and serve him breakfast in bed. Talk to him about fond childhood memories. Go for an adventure together— somewhere unexpected. Cook his favorite dish. That old saying about the way to a man’s heart is true. When he’s least expecting it, initiate a pillow fight.

30 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Continued from page 28

1. Start by making a list of the family go-to meals.

How many times do you make them each month? For my family, I found I make eight family favorites two times a month, which satisfies  days. Next, make a list of meals that you make only once a month like a ham, roast or something that takes several hours to cook. Then, add in simple, quick meals that can be cooked in  minutes like panini or omelets. Finally, choose a few crockpot meals or bag-and-dump dinners that your family enjoys.

2. Create a calendar of sorts on your table or countertop using post-it notes. Write each dinner on a separate post-it note and start putting in order on the calendar. As you put your days together, be realistic about your family’s schedule. If you will be occupied from : to :, don’t plan to start a dinner that takes hours to prepare. When you lay out your calendar, plan meals with similar ingredients in the same week to avoid waste. For example, if two recipes use half a can of tomato paste, put those meals next to each other on the calendar.

3. Make a shopping list for the month. Shop for

all non-perishable items at one time and shop weekly for fresh produce or dairy. Meat can be purchased and frozen or purchased fresh weekly. As you see a pattern forming for your staples, pick up a few extra ones at the store. With the unpredictable schedules of my teenagers and their friends, I like to keep extra items like frozen burgers or extra packages of rice or pasta to supplement a meal if we have extra guests.

4. Leave some flexibility in your schedule. If you know one of the nights you will be too busy to cook, plan a leftover night by making a double batch the night before. If your son has karate lessons that end at : and the dojo is right next to the take-out Chinese, plan that into your menu. Also, if there is a great sale going on at the store one week, feel free to adjust your plan. For example, this summer the cost of eggs dropped drastically in my area. As a result, we had breakfast for dinner a few nights in place of our regularly planned meals. 5. Consider cooking a week of meals one night.

17 THINGS YOU CAN MAKE WITH ROTISSERIE CHICKEN Every grocery store has a grab-and-go rotisserie chicken area. Most offer side options and bread to complete the meal. While this is another alternative to carry-out food, you can use the rotisserie chicken as a way to speed up the “home cooked” meal at your house. Try these options: 1. Shred chicken for fajitas 2. Add to pasta or green salads 3. Mix with mayo, celery and hard-boiled eggs to make a quick chicken salad sandwich 4. Roll up in wraps for a warm-weather option 5. Add to rice, eggs and soy sauce for a quick chicken fried rice 6. Cut up for a great addition to soup 7. Mix with Red Hot and top with blue cheese and crunchy slaw for a Buffalo chicken sandwich 8. Place on a pita and add tomato, onion and Tzatziki sauce for chicken gyros 9. Add BBQ sauce to make chicken sliders

While I have yet to master this, many busy moms spend one long afternoon chopping, mixing and cooking their family dinners for the whole week. It is a great time-saver to make dinner when you have the time instead of during the busy after-school rush. You can put more than one kind of meat on the grill, chop all veggies for the week’s menu, or make soups, casseroles and sauces to freeze for later.

10. Create a chicken pot pie by mixing with frozen veggies and baking in a pie shell

With dinner plans already taken care of, you will now have time to help with homework, play a game with the kids or just put your feet up and relax. v

13. Mix with black beans, jicama and cilantro for a quick chicken taco

Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. When she isn’t running a carpool or supporting her kids on the field and on stage, she looks forward to cooking meals that her family enjoys. pmmolnar@aol.com; www.pammolnar.com; Etsy Store: PamsPartyPrintables; author of Fifty Games for Your Ho-Ho-Holiday Party

11. Use in any casserole recipe that calls for cooked chicken 12. Make a white chili with navy beans, white corn, sour cream and chicken broth

14. Stuff green peppers with a combination of chicken, beans, rice and tomatoes 15. Make chicken and dumplings 16. Press chicken, pesto, mozzarella cheese and tomatoes between Italian bread for quick panini 17. Create a simple white pizza with chicken, mozzarella cheese, garlic and herbs ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 31

Teach Your Kids Something New!

tion a i c e r p p A c Musi r Le e Le a p B y H e a th e

LA LA LA LA:

5 WAYS TO FIND THE FUN IN YOUR CHILD’S MUSIC PRACTICE

Who knew practicing an instrument could be fun and games? In many homes it involves shouting, grumbling and even tears, but it doesn’t have to. You can break out of a routine of arguing over music practice by playing instead. Playing games, that is. Children cannot see the long-term benefits of practicing; they rely on their parents’ support and encouragement to get them through the rough spots. But what if you are just as frustrated as your child and each practice session turns into a power struggle? Remember that music can bring great joy, and we all learn best in a harmonious environment. At your child’s next practice, sound a positive note by trying the following activities:

singing it, and have him sing it back until he gets it right. Singing the notes and rhythm correctly is a magic trick for improving your child’s playing.

Shift focus on your own terms. Young children will find anything to focus on other than their music, so get creative and provide your child with a controlled distraction. Keep a box of colored pencils and a special coloring book in the practice area. Each time your child finishes a musical task, ask him to color a small, specific portion of a picture in the book, such as a character’s shirt or the dog’s tail. Have him play another section of music or the next song, then color another part of the picture. This will get him moving and provide a break from focusing. Why colored pencils? There are usually twelve or fewer in a box, and you don’t want your child to spend the whole time choosing a color.

Get moving, get the wiggles out and get the song embedded in your child’s brain. Listen to recordings of Set up a no-risk audience. Invite all the dolls and stuffed the songs your child is learning. Music listening is a foundation of the Suzuki method, but it is also used widely by professional musicians who listen to several versions of a piece they are preparing. Listen to the songs, march to the beat or dance with the rhythm, then sing the tune before playing. If there is a tough section in the music, sing it to your child and have him sing it back to you. Keep

animals in your house to a special performance by their favorite musician. Your child can line the toys up on the couch while you set up the stand or get out the instrument. Announce the performer with a flourish, and have her enter and bow before she begins her practice for the day. When she feels confident with her latest piece, have her perform for the whole family. Continued on page 34

32 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

A little reward goes a long way. As long as candy is

not a daily treat at your house, the lure of twenty M&M’s or jelly beans in a small dish can be a big thrill. Start with all twenty or so in the bowl. If your mini-Mozart gets off task, talks back or tries to sabotage his practice in some other way, you get to eat one of the treats. Every time. Keep eating them slowly until he settles down. Works like a charm because he gets to eat the ones that are left—if any—at the end of practice. Best of all, you won’t resort to yelling and cajoling.

Start your child’s music practice with one of these activities, or hold them in reserve for when frustrations are running high. Spread them out and use them sparingly for best results. Whatever games you try, stop practice when your child is having fun and things are going smoothly. Ending at a peaceful moment when your child feels successful creates positive feelings that will carry over into the next day’s practice. v

Music Practice Resources for Families

Helping Parents Practice: Ideas for Making It Easier by Edmund Sprunger

The lure of twenty M&M’s or jelly beans in a small dish can be a big thrill.

How to Get Your Child to Practice…Without Resorting to Violence by Cynthia Richards To Learn with Love: A Companion for Suzuki Parents by William and Constance Starr

Repetition reaps rewards. When your young musician

is struggling, help her identify a trouble spot, then play Wipe-out! Place three beads, buttons or small toys on the music stand and have her repeat the troublesome measure or line a minimum of three times. Let her slide one bead from one side of the stand to the other each time she plays it correctly. If she plays it wrong, even the last time—Wipe-out! She has to put all the beads back and start over until she can play it correctly three times in a row. Start with three beads for younger children. Some teachers recommend practicing specific measures up to fifteen times in a row.

Musopoly board game—Cooperative board game engages all levels in learning music theory. www.musicmindgames.com/ Musopoly

Heather Lee Leap is a freelance writer, kids’ yoga teacher and mom. She and her husband live with three daughters, a piano, a flute, a coronet, a mandolin, a ukulele, several recorders and two violins. Find her at www.HeatherLeeLeap.com.

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34 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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SNACKS & CRAFTS

Mummy Bagels Compliments of Jennuine, pinterest.com/rookno17

INGREDIENTS •  dozen mini bagels, halved •   oz. packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature •  . oz. cans sliced black California olives • Pastry bag or large Ziploc freezer bag

An easy and healthy Halloween party food

DIRECTIONS • In a medium bowl and with an electric mixer, whip cream cheese for five minutes on high speed. Set aside. • Arrange bagel halves on a serving plate. Place two olive “eyes” near the center of each bagel half. • Put cream cheese in a pastry bag or freezer bag and snip a small hole in the tip. Squeeze a small amount onto a plate to make sure you like the thickness of the cream cheese “bandage.” If you want your “bandage” to be bigger, enlarge the opening with another small snip. • Pipe ipe cream cheese “bandages” on each bagel. I found it easiest to pipe around the eyes (in a figure- pattern) first. Then pipe back and forth to create the wrapped bandage look. As you near the bottom, leave a small section open for the mouth.

Compliments of Jennuine, pinterest.com/rookno17

Chocolate & Caramel Dipped Apples Slices INGREDIENTS •  large apples •  lollipop sticks* •  batch -minute caramel •  oz. semi-sweet chocolate

Tip: If caramel is too hot, the candy will spread rapidly. Caramel at the right temperature will spread only slightly.

•  cup orange colored candy melts • A pastry stry bag or freezer zip bag

DIRECTIONS • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and spray lightly with non-stick spray. • Prepare the caramel—while it is cooking, prepare the apple slices. Slice the ends off each apple, then cut into thirds (crosssections). Insert a stick and arrange on the prepared sheet pans • Allow cooked caramel to cool in the bowl in which it was cooked for  minutes. Dip apple slices, one at a time, shaking off excess before placing back on the prepared sheet pan. When finished with a tray, refrigerate. Repeat with second tray. Refrigerate for  minutes. • While caramel is setting in the refrigerator, melt the semisweet chocolate. When caramel has set, dip each apple slice one at a time in the melted chocolate, shaking off excess before placing back on the sheet pan. When finished chocolate-dipping, refrigerate sheet pans until chocolate is set. • Melt orange candy melts, and place in a pastry bag or freezer zip bag with a small hole snipped in the tip. Decorate the apples, then refrigerate to set the colored candy.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 37

OWL-o-ween Deviled Eggs • Paprika for garnish (optional) •  can whole California black ripe olives •  baby carrots •  small baby spinach leaves

DIRECTIONS • Prepare eggs by slicing in half lengthwise and scooping yolks into a medium bowl. To the yolks add the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and salt. Whip until smooth. • Res Reserve  tablespoons of the filling to use later in the recipe. • Arrange whites on a plate, and scoop or pipe yolk filling into each white. Garnish with a shake of paprika if desired. • Prepare the spinach leaves by cutting them in half with kitchen shears ( halves). Slice olives into rings for eyes (). Use the thinner ends to cut tiny “pupils” (). Cut baby carrots in half lengthwise, then cut into small triangles for the “beaks” (). • Assemble. Place the spinach wings first. Next, add the olive ring eyes. Then add the beak. Put the reserved yolk mixture into a small plastic bag or piping bag. Snip a small portion for the tip of the bag. Fill the center of the olive rings with the piped yolk. Last, place the black olive “pupils” in place.

Compliments of Jennuine, pinterest.com/rookno17

INGREDIENTS •  dozen large eggs, hard boiled and cooled • / cup mayonnaise •  teaspoon white vinegar •  teaspoon yellow mustard • / tsp. salt

These delicious OWL-o-ween deviled eggs are sure to be one of the quickest things to disappear from any Halloween party table.

White Chocolate Mummy Pretzels

DIRECTIONS • Melt chocolate according to package directions. Dip pretzel rods into white chocolate, covering about / of the pretzel. Gently tap pretzel rods on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. • Place two candy eyeballs on each pretzel rod (if they slip off, let the chocolate set for about a minute first). Place on waxed paper to set. Repeat with remaining pretzels. • Carefully spoon remaining chocolate into a zip-top bag or squeeze bottle. If using a bag, snip off a small corner. Drizzle white chocolate over the pretzels, being careful not to cover the eyes, until they resemble a mummy. Let white chocolate set completely before serving.

38 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Compliments of letsdishrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS • — pretzel rods •  oz. white melting chocolate (such as Ghirardelli) • Candy eyeballs

These white chocolate mummy pretzels are easily the easiest, cutest Halloween treats you will make this year!

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wsre.org • (850) 484-1200 6/2/14 2:46 PM

Apple Sugar Scrub

INSTRUCTIONS • Mix the baby wash, oil and sugar in a separate bowl. Pour into Mason jar until filled, saving any extra scrub in another container for yourself! • Make the decorative packaging by cutting the styrofoam apple in half and gluing to the top of the lid. I made the mistake of using a silicon glue that actually melted the styrofoam a bit before adhering. It eventually worked out, but it would have been easier if I had just started with a styrofoam-safe glue like Aleene’s. • Use glue or strong double-sided tape to attach burlap ribbon around rim. Make a small bow with some excess ribbon, and attach to the front of the jar. Add a small tag, and you’re ready to go!

Compliments of triedandtrueblog.com

MATERIALS • / cup Johnson’s Baby Moisture Wash with Honey Apple • / cup almond oil •  cups sugar • Half pint wide-mouth Mason jar • Styrofoam apple • Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue • Burlap ribbon

This gift is so easy and inexpensive to make, and it will make a great back-to-school gift for your child’s favorite teachers.

Terracotta Apple

INSTRUCTIONS • Spray the outsides of the pot and saucer with primer. • Using the large brush, paint the pot and saucer red. Repeat this step as necessary until the desired color and coverage are achieved. • Using the wire cutter, snip the metal part off the thumbtack. File excess metal until smooth.* • Paint thumbtack “stem” brown. • Attach stem and flowers using your choice of glue. White glue or a glue gun may be faster, but we suggest epoxy for a stronger hold (follow directions on the package). • Paint front of “apple” with black and brown paint to look like a chalkboard. • Add ABCs and s or a teacher’s name as desired with fine paintbrush.

40 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

MATERIALS • -inch terracotta pot and saucer • Spray primer • Red, black, brown and white acrylic paint • Paint brushes—large and fine • White glue, glue gun or epoxy • Thumbtack • Artificial leaves (from the floral section of the craft store) • Wire cutter, file or Dremel tool

*Tip: Use a Dremel tool, if you own one, instead of wire cutters and a file for step three.

BOO Glass Square Votives

Compliments of plaidonline.com

MATERIALS • Martha Stewart Crafts Dauber Set • Martha Stewart Crafts Glass Spray Paint Kit • Martha Stewart Crafts Glass Adhesive Stencils— Looped Script Alphabet • Martha Stewart Crafts  oz. Gloss Transparent Glass Paint— Monarch Orange • Martha Stewart Crafts  oz. Gloss Transparent Glass Paint— Beetle Black • Three small glass square votives • Rubbing alcohol • Foam plates • Water basin • Paper towels

be easily these craft can The materials for d less en Sp . om online.c ordered at Plaid ft supplies cra for g kin loo und time driving aro fting! and more time cra

INSTRUCTIONS • Clean lean the vessels with dish soap. Once dry, rub with alcohol to remove any residues left on the glass. • Mix ix one part Spray Gloss Medium with one part Gloss Transparent—Monarch Orange. Shake until completely mixed. Follow instructions on spray paint packaging. • Spray all sides of each vessel. Allow to dry. • Stencil tencil the letters in Gloss Opaque—Beetle Black. Allow to dry. • Have ave a fun time playing with the dough as a family. It is okay for Mom and Dad to play too.

Mummy Trick-or-Treat Bag

Compliments of plaidonline.com

MATERIALS • Apple Barrel® Colors— Country Grey,  oz. • Mod Podge® Matte,  oz. • Cheesecloth • Stiffy fabric stiffener • White cotton fabric

Tip: Use a smaller jar, and make multiple bags as favors for a Halloween party.

• • • • • • •

Aluminum luminum foil Large arge pickle jar /” black lack grosgrain ribbon Black felt Wiggle eyes Hot glue Scissors

DIRECTIONS • Wrap the pickle jar in aluminum foil. • Saturate aturate the white fabric with Stiffy, and wrap around the pickle jar, making sure not to wrap over the curve of the jar. • Cut ut strips of cheesecloth, and dip into the Stiffy fabric stiffener. Wrap around the jar as desired to create a mummy. Use a saturated strip, and lay flat on foil for the handle. Allow to dry. • Once dry, remove the jar and foil. • Cut black circles from felt. Trim a side of the circle off to create the look of a partially wrapped eye. Hot glue to the bucket. Hot glue the wiggle eye to the felt. • Hot glue the black ribbon to the edges of the handle. Hot glue the handle to the bucket. • Using a dry stencil brush and Country Grey paint, brush the bucket for an aged look.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 41

TEEN Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another!

TALK

THESE FOUR YEARS

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”—NELSON MANDELA

Every person experiences high school differently. There is so much to discover

and explore. These four years will help you grow as a person, and you will discover aspects of yourself you may have never known about. Each year of high school is different; as a freshman and sophomore, your main concerns are homework, sports, and your friends. In your junior and senior years, you will also have to juggle college applications and a job. The following is a list of actions I encourage you to take to heart. They will help make your high school experience richer and smoother: • Be positive and never focus on any one negative event. • If you find a class to be challenging, ask questions, speak to your teacher and work with a tutor. • Always be yourself; be confident in who you are. Never let the opinions of others affect your actions or emotions. • Learn early on how to prioritize and to manage your time to minimize late nights of rushed studying or paper writing.

• Teachers T love neatness and organization; be neat and organized! • Experiment with different studying methods; when you find one that works for you, use it to study, study, study. • Read books, and not just for educational purposes. • To T help remember things, relate what you want to know to what you already know. • Never stop learning.

High school is what you make of it. Make it the best for you and everyone around you. v

Shailey S E N I O R, AG E 17

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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!

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Fri, Oct. 7 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30 p.m.)

Layon Gray’s acclaimed Off-Broadway play about the heroic Tuskegee Airmen will appear at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. This awardwinning docudrama has performed to rave reviews across the nation, including notable appearances at the Smithsonian Institute and the WWII Museum in Washington D.C. For ticket prices and more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

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Art Exhibit: Pastel Society of North Florida 14th National Biennial Juried Exhibition Fri, Oct. 9 – Sun, November 20 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Arts NFSO 30th Season Opening Concert— “Good as Gold” Sat, Sept. 17 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Don’t miss this stupendous season opening concert at the Mainstage Theater! Featured is special guest artist Aristo Sham, a Gold Medal winning pianist. For tickets, prices and more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Dinesh D’Souza: America’s Future

Sun, Sept. 18 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (3:00 p.m.)

Seasonal Oktoberfest Sat, Oct. 8 – Perdido Key (11:00 a.m.) Break out your lederhosen for the FloraBama’s third annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy brats, sauerkraut and a variety of German beer. German-style musical acts will perform while party-goers chicken dance! For more information about this family friendly event, please call 850-492-0611.

Trick or Treat Street Mon, Oct. 31 – Baytowne (6:00 p.m.) Trick or treat through the Village streets and visit merchants for some sweet treats! Enjoy face painting and crafts, and dance on stage with frighteningly good tunes! End the evening with a fireworks show over the Baytowne Lagoon at 8:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

Halloween Costume Contest Mon, Oct. 31 – Perdido Key (9:30 p.m.) Head to Flora-Bama for their Halloween costume contest. There will be over $2,000 in cash and prizes! If you come in dressed up, your cover charge will be waived! For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

Noted conservative scholar, best-selling author and film producer Dinesh D’Souza will speak at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The event is free of charge, and tickets are not required. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Second City Comedy & Slate: UNELECTABLE YOU!

Wed, Sept. 21 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Fast, fresh and always funny, Second City is legendary for producing cutting-edge satire and for launching the careers of comedy superstars. Second City and Slate Magazine are joining forces to present UNELECTABLE YOU! Through sketch comedy, improvisation and audience interaction, they will harness the voice of Slate to take aim at the election, the candidates and the spin. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents: Lightwire Theater’s Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey Fri, Sept. 23 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center (7:30 p.m.) This show will surely bring a dazzling theatrical experience for all ages! Lightwire Theater utilizes the talents of four cast members who strap on costumes fitted with electroluminescent lights, turning their entire bodies into life-sized puppets! For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Black Angels Over Tuskegee

44 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

This exhibition, held every two years, attracts top artistic talent in the medium of soft pastels from across the United States. Many of the artists’ works will be available to the public for purchase. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

NWF State Theater Production: Littlefield

Wed, Oct. 12 – Sat, Oct. 15 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Littlefield, a play by a local playwright, will mark the fourth original production premiered at Northwest Florida State College by the college’s renowned theatre department. For ticket prices and more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Hunter Phelps—Niceville Chamber Concert Under the Stars Series Thurs, Oct. 20 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Rising country music star Hunter Phelps will perform a solo concert in the amphitheater at Mattie Kelly Arts Center. He was born and raised in Niceville, Florida, and is currently writing and recording his debut full-length album release. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Vocal Pop Concert

Thurs, Oct. 20 – Baytowne (6:30 p.m.) Alissa Steffens Vocal Pop Academy at Rise Dane Center presents a Vocal Pop Performance! Enjoy the sounds of local vocalists as they perform a range of genres and perfect their talents. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Sinatra: The Ultimate Tribute Concert with Brian Duprey Sat, Oct. 22 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Las Vegas star Brian Duprey returns to perform a knockout re-creation of Frank Sinatra in a tribute backed by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. The concert is a fundraiser for NFSO, and tickets are $35 each. For more information, please visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents: Stars of American Ballet Thurs, Oct. 27 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Northwest Florida Ballet presents the second production of their season, featuring principal dancers from the New York City Ballet. They will be performing works from

acclaimed choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine. For more information, please visit www. mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Northwest Florida Ballet Presents: Stars of American Ballet Fri, Oct. 28 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The annual Children’s Series at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center presents a national touring series of live theatrical events based on bestselling children’s literature. Pete the Cat will have two performances. Please call 850-729-6065 for times, tickets and more information.

fwbchamber.org.

Mercedes-Benz Club of America Car Show Sat, Sept. 17 – Baytowne (10:00 a.m.)

Mercedes-Benz owners and vehicles are heading to Baytowne from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. to be put on display! Attendance is free, and the public will be provided with ballots for them to list their top three vehicles in the show. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

Hispanic Fest 2016

Sun, Sept. 18 – Fort Walton Beach (11:00 a.m.) Head to the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island for a familyoriented, cultural and educational festival that showcases the very best of Hispanic folklore, music and food. There will be activities for children, including face painting, clowns, games, magicians, piñatas and more! For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Sip, Savor and Celebrate Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County Sat, Sept. 24 – Shalimar (3:00 p.m.)

Head to Twisted Grape in Shalimar and “WineDown” for their 25th anniversary year with a wine-tasting event. Taste great wines, sample savory treats and enjoy live music while waiting for your lucky ticket to be drawn from their raffle. For more information, please call 850-315-0025.

Sounds Fun Dixon Dub Lip Sync Contest Fri, Sept. 9 – Pensacola

This epic lip sync battle is open to the public with a goal of raising funds for Pensacola’s Dixon School of the Arts. For more information, please visit www.pensacolachamber.com.

Bulls on the Beach

Fri, Sept. 9 – Sat, Sept. 10 – Perdido Key Head to Flora-Bama for two-nights of adrenalinefilled bull riding! This high-energy, rock-and-roll rodeo will feature professional bull riders from across the Southeast. This event is family friendly, and there will also be a mechanical bull! For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

Dollar Days at De’France Indoor Flea Market & Antiques

Sat, Sept. 10 – Sun, Sept. 11 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00 a.m.) This treasure hunt event of sorts is a popular event always anticipated by customers! This weekend, search the booths for special, hidden “dollar deals.” For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

FWB BBQ Festival

Fri, Sept. 16 – Sat, Sept. 17 – Fort Walton Beach (11:00 a.m.) Head to the Fort Walton Beach Landing for a festival of food, music, beer and family fun! For more information, please visit www.

Beach. For more information, please call 850314-7500.

6th Annual Duck Regatta

Sat, Oct. 8 – Baytowne (10:00 a.m.) Head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for a day of family fun! There will be a scavenger hunt and face painting starting at 10:00 a.m. At 1:00 p.m. they will race 3,000 rubber ducks across the Baytowne Wharf Lagoon! Proceeds from this event will help fund new and improved hospital services at Sacred Heart Hospital of the Emerald Coast. For more information, please visit www. baytownewharf.com.

9th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival Fri, Oct. 14 – Sat, Oct. 15 – Baytowne

Time to roll out the barrel and discover unique suds and ales! American specialty beers from around the nation will be available for participants to sample and savor. Brewery representatives will be available to teach everyone about different types of lagers and ales. For tickets and more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

RPM’s Roaring ’20s Casino Night

Sat, Sept. 24 – Mary Esther (5:00 p.m.) This charity fundraiser will be held at Santa Rosa Mall and will feature casino games, food, dancing, entertainment, drinks and prizes. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, please visit www. fwbchamber.org.

38th Annual Destin Seafood Festival Fri, Sept. 30 – Sun, Oct. 2 – HarborWalk (4:00 p.m.)

The Destin Seafood Festival is a tribute to the rich history of the Destin Harbor. Enjoy fireworks, arts and crafts, fresh local food, kids’ activities and live music! For more information, please visit www.emeraldgrande.com.

Shindig on the Sand Sat, Oct. 1 – Pensacola

A tribute to Gulf Coast musicians, this event brings musicians from all over the Gulf Coast together to perform and raise money for the Gulf Coast Musicians’ Healthcare Assistance Fund. Flora-Bama has partnered with American Family Care to put up $100,000 so that musicians can go to a doctor when needed. For more information, please call 850-492-0611.

Runs, Walks & Golf Shalimar Point Ladies Golf Association Tournament Thurs, Sept. 8 – Shalimar (8:00 a.m.)

The Shalimar Pointe Ladies Golf Association members are inviting women golfers to attend their fun-filled invitational at the Shalimar Point Golf Club. This event consists of two-person teams playing Best Ball for $150 per team, which includes lunch and a cocktail party under the stars the evening prior to the event. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

One Run 5K

Junk Fest 2016

Sat, Oct. 8 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00 a.m.) This picker’s paradise is the perfect event to score some great deals and cool finds! The event will be filled with all the project pieces vendors never had the time to get around to doing! This will be held at DeFrance at downtown Fort Walton

Sat, Sept. 10 – Niceville (7:00 a.m.) Join the Emerald Coast Autism Center for their annual One Run 5K and support the One Campaign. This will take place on the campus of Northwest Florida State College. After the run, enjoy free music, food and children’s

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • September+October 2016 • 45

activities. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

Sandestin Foundation for Kids Gameday 5K Sat, Sept. 17 – Baytowne Marina (9:00 a.m.)

Gear up for the Sandestin Foundation for Kids Gameday 5K (and one-mile fun run for kids 12 and under.) There will be a post-race tailgate with corn hole, face painting, hotdogs and the college football game of the day live on the jumbo screen overlooking the bay! For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

2nd Annual Tea Fore Her Fri, Sept. 30 – 30A

Get out your finest pearls and best hat, and join us for a tea benefitting Fore Her. Bring your mom, daughter, grandmother and group of girlfriends for a few hours of tea, food and talking while raising funds for local women with breast cancer and their families in financial need. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

and finishes at the Milton Community Center. For more information, please call 850-433-5437.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Sat, Oct. 15 – Fort Walton Beach (9:00 a.m.) The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be meeting at Uptown Station in Fort Walton Beach at 9:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Melanie Row at melanie.row@cancer.org.

30A Half Marathon & 5K

Sun, Oct. 23 – 30A (7:00 a.m.) The 30A Half Marathon and 5K will feature 3 days of fun starting with a pre-race kickoff party on Friday, leading up to the main event on Sunday. The course will start and end at The HUB on 30A, with a turnaround point at Grayton Beach State Park. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

Fri, Sept. 30 – Santa Rosa Beach

Get teed up and ready for golf at the 4th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing at Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club. This day will include holein-one prizes, food and drink samples on the course, breakfast, lunch, a helicopter golf ball drop and a silent auction. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

Proceeds will benefit Silver Sands School, a special day school that provides educational services to students who, because of their mental functioning levels, require services beyond those offered by other special education programs in regular schools. For more information, please visit www. destinchamber.com.

Sugar Sands Charity Golf Classic Mon, Oct. 10 – Destin

The Kelly Plantation Golf Club is gearing up for their 9th Annual Sugar Sands Charity Golf Classic. The cost is $250 per player or $1,000 per team. For more information, please contact Laura Moore at events@childrenincrisisfl.org.

Fenner Ride

Sat, Oct. 15 – Milton (7:00 a.m.) Head to Milton for their annual Fenner Ride, a cycling event to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. This scenic ride with 100-, 62-, 40- and 18-mile options starts

Enjoy a free concert from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Events Plaza Stage in Baytowne Wharf. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Planetarium Nights

Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month – Fort Walton Beach (5:00 p.m.) Head on over to the Emerald Coast Science Center for Planetarium nights! Shows are approximately 45 minutes long, and booking tickets in advance is recommended. For more information, visit www.ecscience.org.

Throwback Thursday Cinema at Baytowne The last Thursday of each month – Baytowne Wharf (7:00 p.m.)

Every 2nd Saturday of each month – Fort Walton Beach (8:00a.m.) The Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market is open every second Saturday of the month from now until October. The market will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park and will offer an array of vendors. For more information, please visit www.fwbchamber.org.

Sat, Oct. 1 – Pensacola

Fri, Oct. 7 – Destin

Every Wednesday of each month – Baytowne Wharf (7:00 p.m.)

Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market

2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Century 21 Blue Marlin 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club

Wednesday Night Concert Series

Throwback Thursdays is coming back to Baytowne with some of your favorite classic movies. Enjoy a free family-friendly movie on the Events Plaza Lawn from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For movies and show times, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

4th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing

This event is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. There is no fee to register, but participants are encouraged to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause. To sign up, please visit www.alz.org/ALFL/.

more information, call Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.

Fish the Days and Rock the Nights

Reoccurring Local Monthly Movie Night

Every 3rd Tuesday of each month – Destin (4:00 p.m.) The Friends Guild of the Destin Library, Inc. will sponsor a monthly movie night featuring independent films and documentaries. The goal is to provide residents with the opportunity to view films that are in limited release and/or unlikely to be presented in local theaters. For more information, please visit www.destinchamber.com.

Poetry & Music Jam

Every second Tuesday of each month – Crestview (6:00 p.m.) Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form, openmic poetry reading and jam session. For more information, please call 850-682-4432.

GulfWind Paddle & Surf Wednesday Night BOTE Board Demo Event Every Wednesday of each month – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00 p.m.)

Socialize with other paddleboard enthusiasts every Wednesday evening, and take time to demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE Boards. For

46 • September+October 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

Every Saturday in Oct. – HarborWalk (10:00a.m.) Anglers can compete in the ultimate fishing tournament in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” during the Destin Fishing Rodeo! Watch the winning catches hit the docks for daily weigh-ins. Then, Rock the Docks all night long with free live music at HarborWalk Village at 7:00 p.m. End the night with a fireworks celebration at 9:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.emeraldgrande.com.

September Saturdays

Every Saturday in Sept. – Baytowne Wharf (6:00 p.m.) Head to Baytowne Wharf to watch your favorite football teams, play outside in great weather and listen to live music! Wear your school colors for special discounts at featured merchants. For more information, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com