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Alternatives to Yelling at Your Kids

Away Camps: Letting Go Helps Kids Grow

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February 2016

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February 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 25 Alternatives to Yelling at Your Kids by Alyssa Chirco 6 11 Surprising Relationship Tips Divorce Lawyers Could Share If They Wanted To by Joryn Jenkins, Esq. 8 Florida Power & Light Company Opens Palm Beach County’s Newest Visitor Destinations Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco- Discovery CenterTM

10 Away Camps: Letting Go Helps Kids Grow by Gayla Grace

12 Why Parents Should Open A Bank Account For

Their Children by Megan Woolsey

is published twelve times a year by Parenting Plus LLC, at 226 Sulky Way, Suite 1, Wellington, FL 33414.

14 Keeping America’s Children Safe and Secure on

Editorial submissions and reader correspondence are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment on any material submitted. We cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Parenting Plus is available free of charge at more than 2,200 locations throughout Palm Beach County. Publication and distribution of the magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing which is not in keeping with the magazine’s standards. ©2016. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.

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Parenting Plus • February 2016 3

25 Alternatives to Yelling at Your Kids by Alyssa Chirco

For many parents, yelling has become a normal part of our daily routine. But recent studies show that harsh verbal discipline may be as harmful as physical punishment, especially for adolescents. Moreover, when Mom and Dad yell often, children of all ages are likely to tune out our reprimands and requests.

So what is an overwhelmed parent to do? Next time you feel the urge to yell, keep your cool – and maintain a positive connection with your kids – by resorting to one of the following alternatives instead.

1. Count to 10. Count slowly, either out loud or to yourself, before responding. If you need more time to calm down, count to 20 or even 100.

2. Whisper. Kids expect yelling, but you defy their expectations when you drop your voice to a whisper. This gets their attention immediately.

3. Dance.Your kids might think you are crazy, but again, you will get their attention.

4. Take deep breaths. Breathe in deeply, hold the breath for a few seconds, then breathe out through your nose. Deep breathing inhibits stress-producing hormones, relaxing both your brain and body.

5. Ask a question. Fight the urge to yell by asking a question like “Why did you hit your sister?” You may feel less angry once you hear the answer.

6. Listen. Do you need to say (or yell) anything? If your kids are talking, try listening to what they’re saying without offering any response.

7. Give a hug. Physical touch is often enough to melt your anger. If not, let it serve as a reminder of how much you love your child.

8. Laugh.You can find the humor in any situation if you look hard enough.

9. Cry. Tears are a positive way to release negative emotions. Instead of yelling, give yourself permission to cry when you feel upset or overwhelmed.

10. Leave the room. Sometimes, it’s best to turn and walk away. Address the issue later, when emotions have cooled.

11. Take a walk. Even brief physical activity can help you beat stress. A walk around the block removes you from the situation and gives you time to calm down.

12. Take a bath. Model self-care by meeting your own needs. De-stress with a hot, relaxing bath and afterwards you may no longer feel like yelling.

13. Look at baby pictures. It’s harder to be mad at your kids when you remember the adorable, little babies they once were.

14. Listen to music. Jazz and classical music are both considered calming.

15. Build more time into your day. Does most of your yelling revolve around rushing everyone out the door? Think about what you can eliminate from your life to create a more relaxed routine that will be less stressful for the whole family.

16. Eliminate unrealistic expectations. Give

Parenting Plus • February 2016

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your children room to make mistakes. Instead of feeling angry when they mess up, view these situations as teachable moments.

17. Explore your own emotions. Are you really upset with your children? Or are you frustrated with another aspect of your life? Instead of unleashing misdirected anger, resolve the issue that is really making you mad.

18. Pretend you’re in public. Parents yell most at home, where there are fewer watchful eyes to judge or criticize. Imagine you are in public, and proceed as you would if others were watching.

19. Phone a friend. Moral support can make all the difference when trying to remain calm.Vent your frustrations to an understanding friend.

20. Call for back-up. It’s okay to need a break. Ask your spouse or partner to step in, or call a babysitter or neighbor to watch the kids for a few hours while you can regain your composure.

21.Yell into a pillow. If you are really upset, feel free to punch it too.

22. Play detective. Search for the why behind any bad behavior. Is your child acting up because of a problem at school? An undetected food allergy? Yelling can’t fix these things, but getting to the root of the problem can.

23. Have a secret signal. Throw your

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hands into the air. Spin three times. Dance like a monkey. Create a secret signal that let’s your children know you’re upset – and working to calm yourself down.

24. Write it down. Keep a journal where you write down the words you feel like yelling. This way, you get to unleash your emotions without damaging your relationship with your kids.

25. Apologize. Even the best parents lose their cool on occasion. If you yell, be sure to apologize once you have regained your composure. Because, while it’s important to teach our kids that yelling is never the best solution, teaching them that even parents make mistakes is a valuable lesson too.

Alyssa Chirco is a parenting journalist and mother of two. She still relies on deep breathing exercises she learned in childbirth classes many years ago to help her stay calm when she feels like yelling at her kids.

Parenting Plus • February 2016 5

11 Surprising Relationship Tips Divorce Lawyers Could Share If They Wanted To By Joryn Jenkins, Esq.

As a family law attorney, I work with many couples who have made the hard decision to divorce. Having worked with couples from all different backgrounds and age groups, it takes a lot to surprise me anymore and I’ve seen just about every reason why people decide to separate.

While there’s nothing funny about divorce, my friends jokingly say that I am qualified to be a relationship expert with all the clients I have helped go through the process. It’s true: when you’ve worked with as many couples as I have, listening to their stories of why their marriage fell apart, it really opens your eyes to what makes a strong and thriving marriage, and what makes one not last.

Here are 11 relationship tips I’ve learned from my time in family law.

Understand that marriage is

hard work Commence your marriage with the idea that you will both work together on “being married” every day. Being married is not a state of being; it is a work in progress. And it is work. So don’t ignore problems when you first notice them. Work on them before they blow up and explode. Treat your spouse like a date every day. Notice the little things that attracted you to begin with and enjoy them every day; don’t take them for granted. Don’t allow familiarity to breed contempt.

move is to wait to marry someone to whom you can really make that permanent pledge.

Understand that your spouseto-be will not change

Marry someone who shares your financial views

My divorcing clients share why they are getting divorced; they often knew about their spouse’s behavior “flaw” or their relationship disconnect prior to getting married. About 95% of the time, they believed that it would change.Your spouse will not change, and, in fact, those little imperfections will only worsen over time. Realize early what they are, and determine if you can live with them forever before you tie the knot.

Money is the most common cause of divorce; folks have diverse philosophies about how to handle the finances and, once they are teamed together in marriage, never really address how to harmonize their different value systems. They start out in love, and small disconnects go unnoticed. Later, when they are comfortable, they overlook larger disconnects; later still, they discount them. At some point, their differences become too great to ignore; they can’t make excuses anymore. Because the couple has never learned to address them, the financial issues have caused rifts in their abilities to communicate, to problem solve, and to grow together.

Consider whether to sign a prenuptial agreement It gives you a way out and marriage is a forever commitment. Do you really want that? If you’re not ready to promise that you will stay together through thick or thin, perhaps you should not get married. While most attorneys will advise that a prenuptial agreement is a wise financial move, a wiser

Parenting Plus • February 2016

Decide to grow together Let’s talk about the finances again. Many people marry before they have solidified their views on many issues, spending included. So take classes on spending, on child rearing, on religion, and on other sensitive topics before the issues start raising their ugly heads. Get

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know where it will lead! Which segues into my next tip….

Never stop having sex

educated together. This will ensure that you both have the same information. Then decide together how you will handle complex issues, before they arise and become emotional.

Go to a marriage counselor (of some kind) early and often Seeing a counselor should not be an admission of failure; it should be like signing up for guitar lessons or for Tae Kwon Do. If you can’t think of a good reason to go, I can: go to work on your communication, problemsolving, or co-parenting skills.

Ensure that you both have the same day off once a week Maintaining a strong relationship takes time together. Stay in bed together one morning a week and talk, in bed. No agenda. Well, if there’s any agenda, it’s just to cuddle. If you have to brush your teeth first, get up and do that and then get back in bed. Lock the door; no kids. Cuddle. (One of you needs that, and the other one will find that s/he enjoys it more than s/he thinks s/he will.)

Share a hobby Again, it is important to spend time together. You don’t have to share all of the same

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hobbies, but it is important to share most of them, considering that our hobbies consume much of what little free time we enjoy. Run races. Play golf. Watch movies. Play music together. My husband insists on running the weekend errands with me, instead of splitting up to get them done in twice the time. (I brag about this all the time, even though he first made this declaration 22 years ago!) Whatever interests you share, engage in them together. And if you don’t share them, then one of you must change your interest. My husband took up golf; I had no interest. But he was spending six hours every week out on a golf course somewhere so I took it up, too. I developed an interest, if not in the sport itself, at least in the nature I enjoyed while out on the course, and, more importantly, in the talking we did while we were out there.

It is the one thing that you share together that you do not share with anyone else. Even if you are best friends, you are more than that… you are spouses whose relationship initially grew because of your sexual intimacy with one another. Sex is a basic, biological need. As a married couple, you depend on one another to meet this need. Even if you are tired, not in the mood, or not even attracted to your spouse in that moment, make sex a regular part of your relationship. Vow to make love at least once a week. If you get to the end of a week without having done so, do whatever it takes to be intimate before the clock strikes midnight on the seventh day. It will also add an element of fun to your relationship!

Know that the grass isn’t greener While it may be tempting to explore a new, exciting, attractive, and interesting person, remember that that person comes with his or her own set of flaws. The turmoil that an affair brings with it is not worth the excitement, and people do not end up any happier once the dust settles. Be happy with the one you have, and actively work together to remember why you chose each other.

Don’t give up too soon Shower or bathe together every day My husband and I purposely installed a double-headed shower. At least twice a week, we shower at the same time. It’s a great time to plan, and especially to discuss matters outside of the hearing of little ears. My associate’s parents bathed together every night, and she and her husband now follow that same practice. It is a great time to unwind. Either way, it’s easy to add to busy schedules because you both need to bathe, so you’re not adding anything additional to your schedules. And it’s good to be naked with each other every day. It is something private and special that you only share with another, so it will keep you connected. And you never

Remember that you vowed to be together “for better, for worse,” and sometimes, it’s a “for worse” period. But, this too shall pass. The good times will return if you weather the storm together and don’t jump ship.

Joryn Jenkins is a trial attorney with 35 years of courtroom experience, now in private practice where she concentrates on the collaborative practice of family law. Ms. Jenkins received her B.A. degree from Yale University and her J.D. from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. http:// openpalmlaw.com/

Parenting Plus • February 2016 7

Manatee Lagoon

Florida Power & Light Company Opens One of Palm Beach County’s Newest Visitor Destinations Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery CenterTM • Free parking • Manatee webcam

An FPLEco-Discovery Center, welcomes visitors when it opens the first weekend in February with engaging, dynamic opportunities to learn about Florida’s loveable yet endangered marine mammal, the Florida manatee. The new facility connects with visitors and residents alike who are intrigued and want to understand and appreciate manatees and the ecosystems they inhabit-as well as the role that energy centers play in sustaining this treasured species. Patrons are admitted free of charge. The center features exhibit and meeting space, two levels to observe manatees in the Lake Worth Lagoon, picnic areas and a pavilion -- among other amenities. Gallery exhibits showcase vivid four-color photography and compelling storyboards to provide insight into manatee migration, manatee anatomy and the complex ecosystem of the Lake Worth Lagoon. In addition, parents and children alike are encouraged to test their skill and knowledge through an interactive game that challenges players as they embark on a manatee-focused watery learning adventure. On cold winter days, the 16,000-square-foot center will be the ideal spot to view manatee herds basking in the warm water outflows from FPL’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Migratory

Parenting Plus • February 2016

behavior triggers manatees to seek warmer water in the winter months during manatee season which runs from November through March. Natural warm-water springs were traditional manatee winter destinations of choice, but decades of residential and commercial development have reduced some access to these sites. Manatees have learned to seek out other alternatives to shelter from the cold including power plant sources such as FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Florida manatees can rely on the warm water outflows produced by power plants that are released into coastal bodies of water to stay alive. According to FPL spokesperson Richard Gibbs, as many as 300 endangered manatees have congregated together at one time and enjoyed warm water outflows of the Riviera Beach plant’s refuge when the weather turns chilly.

Manatee fun facts: • Manatees are usually seen alone, in pairs, or in small groups of a half dozen or fewer animals. • Manatees are large, slow-moving animals that frequent coastal waters and rivers. • Manatees may look fat, but they are very sensitive to cold. They cannot tolerate water temperatures below 68°F (20°C), or a little cooler than bath water, for very long. • An average Florida manatee needs to consume more than 100 pounds of vegetation every day. • Manatees need their veggies, but even if they live in salt water, they need fresh drinking water, too. Natural springs or freshwater rivers are reliable sources of drinking water for manatees. • Average life span in the wild: 40 years. • Size: 8 to 13 feet. • Weight: 440 to 1,300 lbs. • Manatees usually surface to breathe every three to five minutes. They can remain underwater longer, holding their breath for up to 20 minutes. • Female manatees usually have one calf every two to five years and the calf then stays and nurses for two years. Address: 100 Broadway, Riviera Beach, FL 33404; Phone: (561) 626-2833 or 561-MANATEE; www.visitmanateelagoon. com.For GPS or driving directions to the entrance of Manatee Lagoon, please use: 6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL.

Manatee Lagoon will be open year round, Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and on major holidays. Additional features at the facility include: • Multi-functional Education Center • Boardwalk • Gift shop and cafe

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Parenting Plus • February 2016 9

Sleep Away Camps: Letting Go Helps Kids Grow

by Gayla Grace

Sleep-away camp was just what Ally needed in order to gain independence and confidence, marveled her mom, Sharon. "She found a whole new group of girls and had a ball; she's had a hard time with girls beginning in grade 4," Sharon says, "so it was great for her to bond with girls in a different setting." Starting at age 9, Ally went away to camp for a week. The following summer she begged for it to be four. Her parents were delighted. Time away from parents helps kids learn how to make their own decisions without checking with Mom or Dad first, and residential camp provides the perfect training ground, says Michael Thompson in his book, Homesick and Happy: How Time Away From Parents Can Help a Child Grow (Random House; 2012). If you'd like your kids to develop maturity and gain independence (and if you'd like to begin learning to let go yourself!) it's time to start researching sleep-away camps. Weekor month-long adventures away from home give kids opportunities to experience unique adventures they'd never find at home. Asking other parents what camps their kids attend can be helpful also; having a friend go with your child is a beautiful thing for parents leery of separation. To find a camp that fits your child's needs, seek out opinions from friends and neighbors, ask teachers and church counselors, attend camp fairs and explore options on your own. Residential camps of all kinds and sizes are located all across the country, so there's sure

to be one your child can love and from which he can gain valuable skills. Camp counselor Jamie Newman expresses enthusiasm for sending kids to camp. "Camp encourages kids to try new things and teaches them confidence through new experiences. They learn valuable life lessons when encouraged to work through their fears to try something even if it doesn't feel comfortable to them. Also, when kids are thrown together in a cabin for a week, they're forced to learn how to get along with others and often build lasting relationships that can continue when they return home." Need more convincing? Here are a few thoughts to consider: 1) Camp builds maturity and allows children the chance to make their own decisions in a safe, caring environment. Kids benefit from new relationships with camp counselors who care about them and want to help them with everyday struggles. 2) Camp forces kids to unplug from technology and enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature. Through outside activities, kids find new hobbies without academic pressure or expectations. Kids gain self-confidence through trying new things and discovering talents they didn't know they had. 3) Camp teaches good sportsmanship by encouraging each child to be fair and kind. Team activities teach kids how to cooperate

with each other and the value of getting along with others though working together and supporting one another. 4) Camp fosters new friendships with kids who come from varying backgrounds helping kids gain an understanding of how others live outside their community. In a relaxed atmosphere, kids easily make friends while they play, sing, work, eat and bunk together. 5) Camps creates life-long memories of new adventures in places they've never experienced before. Camp offers carefree days where kids can learn how to thrive outside the structure of over-scheduled days. Parents and "Child sickness" When it comes to sending a child to sleepaway camp, plenty of parents say, "Well, she's ready for camp, but I'm not ready for her to leave!" According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, homesickness is defined as "distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects such as parents." For child sickness, the same can be true except it pertains to what parents experience when their child is away. Those who suffer from the condition feel some form of anxiety, sadness and nervousness, and most distinctly, obsessive preoccupation with thoughts of their child. "Parents today are more anxious than their peers were 20 and 30 years ago," says Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association. "That said, the partnerships between parents and camp directors have increased. Parents should share their concerns with camp directors who are prepared to respond with responsible, informed answers." Tips for Letting Go

• Let your child have trial runs being away from you by permitting sleepovers. • Don't show anxiety to your child - it will make it hard on him. • Have a plan for yourself: Get a project done that you've never had time for, go on a trip with your spouse, etc. • Remember: two of the greatest gifts you can give your child are confidence and independence. Gayla Grace is a writer and mom to five who sends her kids to away camps every summer.

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It’s All In The Presentation The phrase “Self Help” conjures up all sorts of ideologies within one’s psyche both positive and negative. Perhaps it is the admission of actually needing help that sets one into a downward spiral of denial and selfdeprecation. After all, to ask for help makes one feel “weak” and unable to be “strong and independent”. This feeling of helplessness is best exemplified by the students who come to The Huntington Learning Center and share their stories with us about having to be “pulled out of class in school to get help”. They share with us their feelings of inadequacy and being singled out only to be put in another class. When a new student comes to our establishment there is a little resistance at the beginning but this natural anxious feeling usually dissipates quickly. Once a student understands that they are in a safe environment and that we are here for their well-being; their attitude changes. The toughest part for any student coming in is the initial in-depth academic evaluation which identifies the areas causing the

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student difficulty. Although long and at times arduous this Diagnostic Test provides us the results and recommendations to build an individualized tutoring program that focuses on those areas.

therefore “helping” you. It all comes down to what a wise teacher once told me; “It’s all in the presentation”.

Although, we are in the business of building confidence our mission at the Huntington Learning Center in Boca Raton is to promote self-sufficiency. Our passion for teaching/ tutoring children and young adults is matched with enthusiasm from our students’ young influential minds. Once a student “owns” their education, they become the best advocates for their own lives and careers going forward. It is this paradigm shift that we seek and work very hard to achieve.

Wellington 2655 State Road 7 Wellington, FL 33414

Maybe the best way to view The Huntington Learning Center is to make it synonymous with the “DoIt Yourself” market. This phrase has a better connotation behind it as it promotes self-sufficiency and complete autonomy. However, in the end, there is no real difference from one to the other as both the “Self Help” and the “Do It Yourself” requires someone showing you the way and

Locations:

Boynton Beach 1313 West Boynton Beach Blvd. Cross Creek Centre - Suite R-13 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 Boca Raton 561-347-0060 8192 West Glades Road Lakeside Centre Boca Raton, FL 33434

Parenting Plus • February 2016 11

Why Parents Should Open A Bank Account For Their Children to the bank to open up their own checking accounts. We explained to them that the bank is a place keep their money until they have something to buy.

We teach children to save their money. As an attempt to counteract thoughtless and selfish expenditure, that has value. But it is not positive; it does not lead the child into the safe and useful avenues of self-expression or self-expenditure.To teach a child to invest and use is better than to teach him to save. HENRY FORD, My Life and Work

Questions My Kids Asked About Banking “Where does all the money go when you give it to the bank teller?” they asked.

My son claims he was the victim of an inhouse robbery. He is the kind of kid who carefully collects and saves each and every penny in his wallet, and counts it daily.

“How does money come out of the ATM machine when you put a card in there?” they queried.

He had accumulated a healthy sum of money for a 6-year-old; carefully saving his chore money he had amassed $40. But one day he went up to his room and was heartbroken to discover that he only had $10 in his wallet. We are not sure whether there was an actually family robbery amongst siblings, or he just lost it among the chaos of Start Wars toys and Legos. My son will not soon forget that his hard earned money has disappeared and he has to start his savings plan all over again.

“How am I going to pay for things if I don't have dollar bills?” they wondered.

In an effort to promote healthy money handling and teach the value of saving, we took our four kids, ages six to 10-years-old,

As elementaryaged children, mine had quite a few questions about handing their money over to a banking institution.

by Megan Woolsey The teller at the bank sat down with the kids and spoke directly to them about the process of banking. Each child signed their own names to documents required to have their own checking account. They received ATM cards, which made them very excited. We took them to the banking vault to show them where everyone’s money was held safely. The children began to understand there isa locked safe vault that is holding their precious cash and that mommy and daddy can deposit and withdraw money for them at their request.

How The Process Works They each opened up an account with their own names on it. They then pinned in a 4-digit code (that they came up with) and then they signed their signature to the documents in order to receive their ATM debit cards. During the hour and a half long process opening these four checking accounts, my

I realized that trying to explain banks and electronic money transferring was like trying to explain how messages get transmitted through the World Wide Web, or electricity conducted through power lines. Depositing money into a building is an esoteric idea for children to understand.

Parenting Plus • February 2016 www.parentingplus.com

son found a penny on the ground. He immediately brought it to the bank teller and asked if he could deposit the penny into his bank account. The teller filled out the paperwork and deposited the money into his checking account. He now had $10.01. My children have had their checking accounts for six months and it has been a positive experience. Now, when they get allowance money, my husband and I transfer it from our bank account into theirs. I let them watch me do the transfer to help them understand the process. When they get birthday money cash, they immediately hand it over to me to deposit in their account. No more dollar bills found loose on the ground for siblings to lay claim as their own sending the household into a war zone. No more claiming they had twice the amount of money they now have in their wallet and then pointing fingers at their siblings in what could be considered all out slander. If my children want to buy a toy, I ask them if they have saved enough money in their account to purchase it. It helps them recognize how much items cost and the value of money. It even teaches them math!

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My children are amassing so much money in their bank accounts that soon I may be asking them for a loan. Having their own banking account helps your children learn concepts related to money and give them practice to make wise money decisions for the future. 10 Tips To Open Your Child’s Bank Account: • Set an appointment with your local bank a few days in advance. It took my family an hour and a half to open four accounts. • Have your child bring any money from his/ her piggybank to deposit into the brand new account. • Bring proper identification for opening your child’s account. Ask what that is when you call for an appointment. We brought passports as identification. A birth certificate may be required. • Account should be opened in your child’s name. • Minimum amount of money to open it with. My bank, Bank of America, requires $10 minimum to open an account. • Make sure you are not being assessed a fee for your child’s bank account. • Have your child’s checking account

• • •

linked to your accounts so you can easily transfer money between accounts. Involve your child in the money deposits, transfers and withdrawals so they understand how the process works. Make a plan with your child about how the money will be used. Perhaps you and your child agree to spending half and saving half. Sit down with your kids each month with bank statements to go over what they have earned and what they have spent. Co-Editor, Multiples Illuminated www.multiplesilluminated.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/multiplesilluminated Twitter: http://twitter.com/multiplesillum

Parenting Plus • February 2016 13

Keeping America’s Children Safe and Secure on the Road W

hile another year has passed, it’s important to check on what’s most important in 2016: your precious back seat cargo. If you haven’t taken a once over to make sure no hazardous items are laying around your car, or that your car seat is as snug as can be, it’s a good time to do that. Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your kids are as safe as can be in the back seat.

Don’t Turn Them Around Keep your child rear facing as long as possible! According to a study in the Journal of Injury Prevention, children under the age of two are 75 percent less likely to die or be severely injured in the event of a car crash if they are rear facing. Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children remain rear facing as long as allowed by your car seat’s height, weight and other criteria. If you have an older child, boosters are extremely important. Most states require a child to be in a booster until 8 years old, as they have been proven to reduce the risk of serious injury by 45%, according to Safe Kids.

Car Seat Installation 101 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 75% of car seats

by Ryan Hawker

are installed incorrectly. Are you one of those parents? If you are not sure, check! Remember, every car and car seat has different requirements for safe installation, so it’s important to read both the car seat and car manual. When installing, use either the LATCH or the seat belt. Do not use both! The seat belt is a very effective way to install a car seat but LATCH was developed to provide another option for parents that find it challenging to properly install a child restraint with the seat belt. Once you have the car seat installed make sure it does not move more than one-inch side to side. If you are still unsure if you’ve done it right, check in with a local Child Passenger Safety Technician before you hit the road. You can visit a local police station, fire station, AAA office or Safe Kids Chapter for guidance or go to seatcheck.org or http://www.safekids. org/events/field_type/check-event.

Securing Your Child This may seem like a no-brainer. However, during the winter months, securing your child can be a little trickier. Often, parents strap their children in with their bulky winter coats still on. However, a new crash test that aired on the Today Show demonstrated how a secure dummy (meant to represent a small child) went hurtling out of a car seat because the

winter jacket obstructed it from being fastened securely. It’s recommended that you remove the child’s jacket before securing him or her. If you’re worried about the child being too cold, turn up the heat and, once buckled, put a blanket over the car seat. It may seem like a hassle, but it’s an extra step that can save a life.

Car Seats do Expire It’s something you rarely think about, but car seats expire! You can find the expiration date on the back or the side of the car seat. Additionally, if a car seat has been in a crash you should not use it. Plastic can warp, materials can fray and the car seat will not protect a child correctly. This also means that you should avoid used car seats. The history of a car seat tells a lot about its ability to protect on the road ahead. If you don’t know where it has been, you don’t know if it can protect your child. To recycle a car seat, check with your local waste management facility to see if they recycle number 5 plastic.

Lead by Example Children don’t always do what they’re told but they often mimic what they observe. According to Safe Ride 4 Kids, almost 40% of children riding in vehicles with unbelted drivers were not wearing belt restraints at the time of an accident. Set a good example and always use your seatbelt. Also never text while driving! Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55mph, that's enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded (Distraction.gov)! Always put your purse, wallet and/or phone on the floor in front of your baby. Not only will it prevent you from using it while in the vehicle with your child, but you’ll never forget to leave the baby in the car. Ryan Hawker, Safety 1st Child Passenger Safety Technician and Car Seat Safety Expert

Parenting Plus • February 2016 www.parentingplus.com

In East Tennessee, between the cities of Chattanooga and Knoxville, there is a little town called Niota. In that little town, there is a hosiery mill called Crescent. And there, my friends, you will find the home of the World’s Softest® Sock. We are an American company. We were founded in Niota, Tennessee over 100 years ago. We've built, expanded, re-built after a fire, expanded even more, and here we stay. We watch kids play baseball across the road, we listen to the trains rumble down the tracks, and we've been known to drag out the grills and cook up some burgers in the summer. We are Real people. In fact, we're just like you. We don't hire outside professionals to "face" our company – we ARE the professionals and we're all about the feet. We make the socks that you wear to work, to watch your kid's softball game, Sunday dinner with the family, night classes, road trips…those everyday moments in real life that don't make it into commercials. We make our socks so that whether you're hard at work or hard at play, your feet only feel incredible softness. http://worldssoftest.com

Bouncy Bands for Desks are made from heavy-duty rubber. Loops are molded on both ends to and they install to the desk in seconds! The support pipes keep the Bouncy Band at the perfect height, while keeping it from sliding down the floor. The desk can easily be moved around the room without the support pipes falling off. Note: The heavy-duty band and support pipes are latex free. Bouncy Bands are quiet and they don't distract others. Active students are more productive and spend more time on task when they can move. Students with short legs enjoy being able to rest their feet on the Bouncy Band instead of having them dangle all day. In addition, students who feel anxious when working enjoy being able to stretch their legs to release their anxiety while they work.

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Like Walking on a Cloud

Q: & A: Are Bouncy Bands only for students with ADHD? No. While students with ADHD are extremely appreciative of being able to move without getting in trouble, many other students who are not diagnosed with ADHD benefit tremendously from Bouncy Bands as well. Others who especially enjoy Bouncy Bands include students with: • Test anxiety • Learning disabilities • Social anxiety • Asperger's syndrome • Restless leg syndrome • A need for movement instead of staying sedentary for hours • Kinesthetic learning is their primary learning style Q: & A: We want Bouncy Bands on ALL of our student desks! Bouncy Bands This is common. Once one student starts using a Bouncy Bands, every student soon wants one as well. Simply let your parents know about the BouncyBands.com website and they can order directly. You can coordinate an order to save on shipping. http://bouncybands.com

Parenting Plus • February 2016 15

The Rocky Road to

our love is one of a kind, so why settle for the same old flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day? Instead, deliver a bouquet of flavor with delicious Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters. Packed with texture and taste — sweet, salty, creamy, smooth — this easy-to make confection is sure to delight your sweetheart’s senses. And, because they’re made with popcorn — a healthful whole grain (fiber) naturally low in fat — these treats are one little indulgence with a heart-healthy core. Put them in a pretty patterned tin, or, wrap them in wax paper and tuck them in a gift bag. This recipe also makes a great after-school project for kids. Just make sure an adult supervises the microwave, and young chefs

Love

will have a blast cooking up some love for mom and dad. If allergies are an issue, simply omit the walnuts. Best of all, you can whip up a batch in just 15 minutes — which leaves you plenty of time to compose the perfect love poem!

Rocky Road Popcorn Clusters Makes: about 3 dozen Preparation time: 15 minutes

Ingredients: 1 bag (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 4 cups popped popcorn 1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions: 1. Place chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave on HIGH 1 minute, until melted. Stir in oil. 2. Place popcorn, marshmallows and walnuts in large bowl. Pour chocolate over mixture, tossing to coat. 3. Drop mixture by tablespoonful onto wax paper-lined jellyroll pan. 4. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.

For more simple and tasty popcorn recipes, visit www.popcorn.org

Parenting Plus • February 2016 www.parentingplus.com

Focus

CALENDAR February 2016

Monday February 1

Ground Hog Day Living Beaches 561-627-8280 Loggerhead Marinelife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 - 11:30 am. Join Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff and discover just how alive our beaches are with an interactive presentation and backyard beach expedition. Over this hour-long course, we will discuss the common residents of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and discover how these curious creatures make their long journey from the ocean to our beautiful beaches. Cost: $5, under 3 is free, Ages: Geared towards 12+ Preschool Story Time: 561-655-2776 Groundhog Day FREE The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776 for reservations. Itsy Bitsy Yoga For Non-Crawling Babies Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 11:30 am - 12:30 pm. Move with your baby! Itsy Bitsy Yoga will help your baby become happier and healthier. For newborns to almost crawling babies and parent or caregiver. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Space is limited. Call 561-868-7703 for more information. Ongong Mondays

Kids’ Music Circle Lake Worth Public Library City Hall Annex Bldg

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561-584-2290

414 Lake Avenue Lake Worth 5:30-6:30 pm. Parents and children sing, dance, and make music together led by song leader Noam Brown on the 2nd Monday of every month. Join us for a potluck following the music circle. Visit www.kidsmusiccircle.com Free

Tuesday February 2 FREE Naturalist Walks 561-741-1359 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 7:55 a.m. Join our Naturalist for a guided walk exploring the trails of Riverbend Park. It’s a great way to become familiar with the plant and animal communities, trails and historic events of Riverbend. Walking daily can; increase your energy, improve your mood, recharge your vitamin D, stimulate bones, prevent brain shrinkage, burn calories, ward off disease, get your blood pumping and fill your lungs with fresh forest air. Please come prepared: Drinking water, sun protection and insect repellant. Good walking shoes recommended. Meet at the Parks and Recreation trailer at Program runtime: 45 minutes - depending upon experience. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Reservations required.

designed for toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years old. Tiny tots will take over the front half of our playground for safe play time with kids their size. Recurring Event Morning Vinyasa Yoga 561-222-0358 Riverwalk Plaza Jupiter 9:00 am- 10:15 am. $8.00/class Hammock Trails 561-544-8605 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 1801 N. Ocean Blvd Boca Raton 10-11:30 a.m. Join us for a FREE guided walk on our quarter-mile long boardwalk. Explore this rare remnant of coastal hardwood hammock, and get a glimpse of the past. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No reservations required. Meet at the boardwalk entrance. Story time 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 10:00 a.m. Introduce little ones to Mother Nature through stories! Class activities may include live animals, games, nature walks and/or crafts specifically designed

Toddler Time Cool Beans Indoor Playground & Cafe 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave Palm Beach Gardens 9:00 am - 11:00 am. 2 Hour Toddler Tuesday -This 2-hour event is specifically

Parenting Plus • February 2016 17

for toddlers and preschoolers! Class is approximately one half hour long and the topic varies for each class.. Ages 2-5, $2/ child (Reservations required). Mother Nature and Me 561-347-3948 Backyard Birds Daggerwing Nature Center 11435 Park Access Road Boca Raton 10:30 am. Get ready to jump and shout with Mother Nature through stories, live animals, activities, and a craft specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers! Ages 2-5 (w/ guardian), $4/child (Reservations Required) Kids Story Time Burt Reynolds Park East 561-743-7123 805 N US Highway 1 Jupiter 10:30. Join us under the Lighthouse Chickee (Seminole Hut) for storytime & craft activity about Lighthouse Keepers, Florida History and People & local Plants and Animals. Moms & Dads, this is ideal for kids ages 8 and under. Please bring a small mat or blanket for your child. This program is free and space is limited, runs approximately 45 minutes. Please RSVP to 561-747-8380 x101.

Wednesday February 3 Story Time Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 561-575-3399 2500 Jupiter Park Drive Jupiter 9:30am Story Time for Toddlers. (Cypress Amphitheater) Free. Play Date 561-347-3900 Sugar Sand Park Boca Raton 11:00 am. Games and activities. Crafty Wednesdays 561-627-1782 Arts & Crafts Cool Beans Palm Beach Gardens Join us for Arts & Crafts each Wednesday from 3 - 3:45pm. for a new creative activity your child can take home! We have a variety of age appropriate activities for children ages 2 to 6. $14.95 includes all-day admission or $6 for only the class. Encouraging creativity through fun! Call Cool Beans Indoor Playground & Cafe to register

Thursday February 4 Preschool Story Time: 561-655-2776 Cats & Dos FREE The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October

through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776 for reservations. Mommy & Me Paint! 561-627-8280 Loggerhead Marine Life Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 am - 11:30 am. The Mommy & Me Paint! program is offered each Thursday morning during the winter season at 10:30am and designed to allow introduce basic sea turtle conservation and biology to young children. The program begins with a brief ocean-themed story and includes a hands-on biofact lesson following a painting activity. Participants have an opportunity to take home their painted turtles and their new sea turtle knowledge. Cost: $8 Painter; $12 for two painters, Ages: Geared towards 3+ Riverbend Park Naturalist Walk 561-741-1359 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 8:00 am - 9:00 am. Join us for a guided trail walk to explore the park. It’s a great way to get some fresh air and learn about the plant and animal communities and the history of Riverbend. Bring your sun block and water. Good walking shoes recommended. Free Program. Mommy & Me Paint! 561-627-8280 Loggerhead Marine Life Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 am - 11:30 am. The Mommy & Me Paint! program is offered each Thursday morning during the winter season at 10:30am and designed to allow introduce basic sea turtle conservation and biology to young children. The program begins with a brief ocean-themed story and includes a hands-on biofact lesson following a painting activity. Participants have an opportunity to take home their painted turtles and their new sea turtle knowledge. Cost: $8 Painter; $12 for two painters, Ages: Geared towards 3+ Animal Keeper For A Day 561-629-8760 Daggerwing Nature Center 11435 Park Access Road Boca Raton 10:00 a.m. Ever wondered what it would be like to be an animal keeper? Come work behind the scenes* with Animal Care Staff and Volunteers. From cleaning cages and preparing diets to going on a “turtle walk”, learn what it really means to care for these special animal ambassadors. Ages 8-15, $10/participant (Reservations Required)

FREE Naturalist Walks 561-741-1359 Riverbend Park 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 1:00 pm. Join our Naturalist for a guided walk exploring the trails of Riverbend Park. It’s a great way to become familiar with the plant and animal communities, trails and historic events of Riverbend. Walking daily can; increase your energy, improve your mood, recharge your vitamin D, stimulate bones, prevent brain shrinkage, burn calories, ward off disease, get your blood pumping and fill your lungs with fresh forest air. Please come prepared: Drinking water, sun protection and insect repellant. Good walking shoes recommended. Meet at the Parks and Recreation trailer at Program runtime: 45 minutes - depending upon experience. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Stories at Sunset for Families and Friends Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 5:45 pm. Families with preschool and elementary age children, join us for an evening of interactive stories and songs with local celebrity storyteller Mij Byram. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. KidSpace. Free. Clematis by Night 561-822-1515 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 6:00 pm. Clematis by Night is West Palm Beach’s Hot Spot to Chill with a 180 degree spin to take advantage of our fabulous new waterfront drawing thousands of people to this award-winning, free weekly concert series. Clematis by Night is West Palm Beach’s free weekly concert series featuring great music, mouth-watering foods and sidewalk shopping. Check out our website for entertainment listings. Free Sunset Tour 561-747-8380 Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum 500 Captain Armour’s Way Jupiter 7:30 pm- 8:15 pm. Take in the spectacular sunset views and witness the Jupiter Light turning on to illuminate the night sky. Visitors get an inside look at the nuts & bolts of a working lighthouse watchroom. Tour time approximately 75 minutes, $15 Members, $20 Non-Members, RSVP required. Tours are weather permitting, call for tour time. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Food Truck and Concert 561-753-2484 Whitestone The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington

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5:00 pm. Kick back with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and sample an array of foods and desserts. Families, patrons, and park-goers are invited to bring picnic blankets to the Amphitheater grounds to enjoy their purchases.

Friday February 5 Hammock Hike 561-627-8280 Loggerhead MarineLife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 - 11:30 am. Led by an experienced Naturalist, our beach walks and hammock hikes are an excursion through some of Florida’s most precious habitat. Navigating through the rare coastal hammock and natural dune systems, you will learn the birds in the trees all the way to the grains of sand on the beach. Registration begins at 10:00 am at the Guest Services desk in the main lobby. Cost: $5, under 3 are free, Ages: All. Guided Evening Ride 561-746-7053 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 6:30 p.m. Discover the trails of Riverbend at night with a naturalist guiding the way. This tour is a leisurely pedal of the trails. Enjoy looking for wildlife and stopping occasionally at points of interest. If needed, bicycles are available to rent from Canoe Outfitters (561) 746-7053. When renting, mention the program name. All ages $5/ person (Reservations Required) Food Truck Invasion 561-790-5149 Commons Park Royal Palm Beach 5:00 - 9:00 pm. Come out for a food experience for all ages to enjoy on the last Friday of every month the food trucks will be lining up at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park off of Poinciana Drive just off Royal Palm Beach Blvd. If it’s your first time here is what you will need to know: This is a huge outdoor picnic where food trucks of different origins, cuisine and menus prepare food that is cooked to order. It’s not fast food as the majority of the trucks are run by regional chefs. A great deal of fusion cuisine, comfort foods and sweet treats to choose from will be available by over 20+ food trucks. Be sure to bring your folding chairs or blankets to picnic at the park grass surroundings

Saturday February 6 Beach Clean up 561-627-8280 Loggerhead MarineLife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 8:00-9:00 am. Join Lynne Wells and her group of Blue Friends on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for the monthly beach clean-up. Following

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Vendor applications may be picked up at the Cultural Center: 151 Civic Center Way, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 Vendor deadline is Friday, January 29th. Space is limited! Call 790-5149 for more information.

1-hour of cleaning the beach, join us for a light bite sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Palm Beach Gardens. Help us keep the very beach that our turtles call home free from trash and litter. Complimentary breakfast and beverages will be served. RSVP to: bluefriends@marinelife.org. Kids Yard Sale 561-790-5149 Veterans Park 151 Civic Center Way Royal Palm Beach 9:00-1:00 pm. Kids only Items, Bounce House, Games and Entertainment. Valentines Mailbox Home Depot 9:00 - 12:00 pm. Join our hands-on workshop and build a wooden Valentines mailbox to hold all your child?s valentine cards from their favorite friends. After the mailbox is built, your child can personalize their project with paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last.

Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron and pin. Archery for Beginners 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 9:30 a.m. Learn the basics of archery from safety to shooting and develop a great new skill during this 2-hour program. Equipment is provided, and space is limited. Please wear close-toed shoes, and bring water and sun protection. Ages 8+, $10/person (Reservations required) Jupiter Jubilee Jupiter Community Center 200 Military Trail Jupiter 11:00 am - 5:00 pm. The Jupiter Jubilee is an annual community event put on by the Town of Jupiter for area residents. The Jubilee typically has entertainment, civic, educational, and cultural components. Each year, the Jubilee highlights Jupiter’s unique character,

Parenting Plus • February 2016 19

history, community and natural treasures. In the spirit of conservation, the Jubilee is a Green event, and vendors, exhibits and attendees are encouraged to recycle, re-use, and conserve. Free parking is available at Jupiter High School, just south of the Jupiter Community Center, on Military Trail. Free shuttles will operate continuously throughout the event, back and forth from the high school and the Jubilee.

DragonFest: Celebrate the Chinese New Year & Year of the Monkey 561-547-WILD 10:00 - 3:00 pm. Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Monkey with the Palm Beach Zoo! Don’t miss entertainment: Authentic Dragon & Lion Dances and Kung Fu Presentations Performed by the WorldRenowned John Wai Kung Fu Academy! Educational Reef Program 561-624-6952. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive North Palm Beach 10:00 a.m. Learn about the fish and other inhabitants of our near shore reef through a presentation and discussion. After the program is over, participants will be instructed on where to snorkel in the Park. Bring your own snorkel equipment; a diver down flag is required for snorkeling activities and can be rented daily at the Beach Outfitters Gift Shop. Free with Park admission, for more information and reservations call the Nature Center at 561-624-6952. Story Time at the Zoo 561-547-9453 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach 10:30 am. This popular event will take place at the Zoo’s Conservation Depot by the Safari Train and the Wildlife Carousel. Story Time at the Zoo is geared towards encouraging children to connect with wildlife through reading, and it is included in the cost of Zoo admission. Family Story Time: ABC Day The Society of the Four Arts 561-655-2776 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Family Story Time is for children 8 years of age and younger, and is offered on select Saturdays, November through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. The Children’s Library is located on the second floor of the John E. Rovensky Building. Children are invited to borrow books, use computers and enjoy special event programs at no charge. In addition, the Mary Alice Fortin Children’s Art Gallery, located within the library, features exhibitions of special interest to young people throughout the year. Children of all

ages, newborn through 17, must always be chaperoned by an adult while in the library. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776. Food Truck Safari 561-547-WILD Palm Beach Zoo 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach Food Truck Safari returns to the Palm Beach Zoo…Saturday, February 6th. Feed your inner animal at some of Palm Beach County’s best gourmet food trucks inside the Zoo. Gates open at 4:30pm, truck windows open at 5:00pm, last ticket sold at 8:15pm, Zoo closes at 9:00pm. Enjoy live music along with exciting zookeeper talks and up-close animal encounters. Food Truck and Movie 561-841-3380 Anchorage Park 603 Anchorage Dr. North Palm Beach 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Food Truck Frenzy features 15-18 food trucks offering a wide variety of delicious meals! This event also will show the movie “Minions” in the park beginning at 7:00 pm. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spend the evening at Anchorage Park! Free

Free Concert 561-753-2484 Barbara Steisand Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 6:30 pm. Bring your own seating.

Sunday February 7 Gifts From Nature 561-746-7053 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 9:30 a.m. Giving a gift made by hand is unforgettable and often priceless to the gift receiver. Join the park naturalist to create gifts made from materials found in nature. The program starts with a guided park tour, and then items found will be used for craft making. All ages, $5/person (Reservations Required). Dyslexia, Learning and Support Group Florida Meeting 561- 968-0009 Monkey Joe’s 6250 Lantana Road Lake Worth 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Children can jump for only $6.00 as parents will meet to discuss how to obtain appropriate ESE services, accommodations, and assistive technology. We will also discuss how you can help advocate for Dyslexia at a school system, state, and national level. Please RSVP to Rachel at (631) 935-5844.

Monday February 8 Living Beaches 561-627-8280 Loggerhead Marinelife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 - 11:30 am. Join Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff and discover just how alive our beaches are with an interactive presentation and backyard beach expedition. Over this hour-long course, we will discuss the common residents of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and discover how these curious creatures make their long journey from the ocean to our beautiful beaches. Cost: $5, under 3 is free, Ages: Geared towards 12+ Preschool Story Time: 561-655-2776 Chinese New Year FREE The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776 for reservations.

Tuesday February 9 FREE Naturalist Walks 561-741-1359 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 7:55 a.m. Join our Naturalist for a guided walk exploring the trails of Riverbend Park. It’s a great way to become familiar with the plant and animal communities, trails and historic events of Riverbend. Walking daily can; increase your energy, improve your mood, recharge your vitamin D, stimulate bones, prevent brain shrinkage, burn calories, ward off disease, get your blood pumping and fill your lungs with fresh forest air. Please come prepared: Drinking water, sun protection and insect repellant. Good walking shoes recommended. Meet at the Parks and Recreation trailer at Program runtime: 45 minutes - depending upon experience. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Reservations required. Camelot Community Care 561-649-0877 6416 Melaleuca Lane Green Acres Camelot Community Care holds prospective foster parent Orientations on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 10 am and 5 pm at our office in Greenacres. For more information and to reserve your spot today, please call (561) 649-0877 and ask for Foster Home Recruiting. Come and learn more about how you can make a difference

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in the life of a child! Intro to Karate Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 6:15 pm - 7:15 pm .Children aged 4-7 years old will learn basic karate skills such as kicks, punches, blocks and stances. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Space is limited. Call KidSpace at 561-868-7703 for more information. Toddler Time Cool Beans Indoor Playground & Cafe 11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Ave Palm Beach Gardens 9:00 am - 11:00 am. 2 Hour Toddler Tuesday -This 2-hour event is specifically designed for toddlers ages 6 months to 3 years old. Tiny tots will take over the front half of our playground for safe play time with kids their size. Recurring Event Hammock Trails 561-544-8605 Gumbo Limbo Nature Center 1801 N. Ocean Blvd Boca Raton 10-11:30 a.m. Join us for a FREE guided walk on our quarter-mile long boardwalk. Explore this rare remnant of coastal hardwood hammock, and get a glimpse of the past. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No reservations required. Meet at the boardwalk entrance. Mother Nature and Me 561-347-3948 Love Bugs Daggerwing Nature Center 11435 Park Access Road Boca Raton 10:30 am. Get ready to jump and shout with Mother Nature through stories, live animals, activities, and a craft specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers! Ages 2-5 (w/ guardian), $4/child (Reservations Required) Kids Story Time Burt Reynolds Park East 561-743-7123 805 N US Highway 1 Jupiter 10:30. Join us under the Lighthouse Chickee (Seminole Hut) for storytime & craft activity about Lighthouse Keepers, Florida History and People & local Plants and Animals. Moms & Dads, this is ideal for kids ages 8 and under. Please bring a small mat or blanket for your child. This program is free and space is limited, runs approximately 45 minutes. Please RSVP to 561-747-8380 x101. Toddler Storytime 561-868-7703 West Palm Beach Public Library 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 10:30 am- 11:30 am & 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Join Ms. Jeanne every Wednesday to nurture

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a love of books; learn rhymes, sounds, and new words. Enjoy musical activities! Ages, 2 - 3 years. Registration required. Free

Preschool Storytime Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis West Palm Beach 10:30 am. Join Ms. Sarah for stories, songs, crafts and fun while building language skills. For preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Call KidSpace. Free Book Club Story time 561-694-1026 Pottery Barn Kids 3101 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens 11:00-11:30 am. Join this weekly story time! Plus, if you become a Book Club member, you’ll receive a Book Club passport at your first story time and a special gift after attending five sessions. Kids - Preschool Storytime Mandel Public Library 561-868-7700 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 1:00 pm. Join Ms. Sarah on Tuesdays for stories, songs, crafts and fun while building language skills. For preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Call KidSpace at 561-868-7703 for more information. Free

Once Upon a Movie Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis West Palm Beach 1:00 pm. Families with kids of all ages, join us for a fairy tale-themed movie and self-led craft. Free Local Farmer’s Market at Whole Foods Market 1845 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd West Palm Beach 4:00-8:00 pm. Every Tuesday we’ll be hosting a local farmer’s market in our parking lot! Over 30 vendors onsite featuring locally grown produce, homemade products and other unique

goodies not found at any other grocery store. We’ll be kicking off the farmer’s market with a traditional bread breaking ceremony & the first 100 customers to enter the market will receive a free reusable shopping bag! Every Tuesday Walk and Talk: Women from the Heart Royal Palm Place 561-251-4164 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Come right from work, kick off the heels for comfy shoes, meet other women while we walk and talk around Royal Palm Place. Join Sheree Thomas, South Florida’s Lifestyle fitness coach, and window shop while we walk. Learn healthier choices from the Restaurant Menus and receive discounts for the healthier meal choices. All fitness levels are welcome. For more information, contact Sheree. Every Tuesday. Prenatal Yoga Orchid Nest at the Palms Birth House 561-455-2703 353 N Swinton Ave Delray Beach 5:30 pm. Create the pregnancy that you desire. Allow yourself to adapt gracefully to each phase of this momentous time in your life. The yoga techniques explored in this class allow you to nurture and open your body throughout every stage of pregnancy. Come explore breathing techniques, asanas (postures), and mantras as we prepare mentally, physically and spiritually for a conscious awareness of birth and motherhood. Our warm and supportive class also provides space for you to enjoy a cup of our organic herbal tea and to connect with other expectant moms Tuesdays & Thursday.

Karate for Preschoolers 561-868-7703 Mandel Public Library West Palm Beach 5:45 pm. Children aged 4-7 years old will learn basic karate skills such as kicks, punches, blocks and stances. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Space is limited. Call KidSpace for more information. FREE Walk and Talk: Women from the Heart

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Royal Palm Place 561-251-4164 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Come right from work, kick off the heels for comfy shoes, meet other women while we walk and talk around Royal Palm Place. Join Sheree Thomas, South Florida’s Lifestyle fitness coach, and window shop while we walk. Learn healthier choices from the Restaurant Menus and receive discounts for the healthier meal choices. All fitness levels are welcome. For more information, contact Sheree. Every Tuesday.

Wednesday February 10 Interactive Story: 561-742-6780 Sensational Story ‘n More Schoolhouse Childrens Museum 129 E. Ocean Ave. Boynton Beach 2:00 pm. No need to sit still as a statue for this story. Instructors brings children’s books to life through interactive performance, singing, movement and props. An engaging art activity complements each session. Enrichment skills: early literacy, listening and response, movement, creativity. Every Wednesday & Tuesday at 10:30 am. Crafty Wednesdays 561-627-1782 Arts & Crafts Cool Beans Palm Beach Gardens Join us for Arts & Crafts each Wednesday from 3 - 3:45pm. for a new creative activity your child can take home! We have a variety of age appropriate activities for children ages 2 to 6. $14.95 includes all-day admission or $6 for only the class. Encouraging creativity through fun! Call Cool Beans Indoor Playground & Cafe to register - 561-627-1782.

Thursday February 11 Preschool Story Time: 561-655-2776 Valentine’s Day FREE The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776 for reservations. Mommy and Me Paint! 561-627-8280 Loggerhead MarineLife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30-11:00 am. Calling all Little Picasso’s LMC will be hosng a Mommy and Me painting class. Bring your little ones to paint and take home! While the masterpieces are

drying, the artists will learn all about the fascinating world of sea turtles through discussion and hands-on artifacts. If your child is into art and sea turtles, this is the perfect class for you. 3-5 year olds. RSVP please or email Hcampbell@marinelife.org. Preschool Story Time: Winter Animals 561-655-2776 The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. The Children’s Library is located on the second floor of the John E. Rovensky Building. Children are invited to borrow books, use computers and enjoy special event programs at no charge. In addition, the Mary Alice Fortin Children’s Art Gallery, located within the library, features exhibitions of special interest to young people throughout the year. Children of all ages, newborn through 17, must always be chaperoned by an adult while in the library. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776.

Tots of Love 954-789-6342 1221 S. Jaega Jupiter 4:00 - 5:00 pm. Attention all Mommies! “Tots of Love” is for kids ranging in ages 0-3. Our children can play, laugh and bond with one another while us moms can get the chance to meet and share any helpful knowledge in this wonderful world of motherhood. This group is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For more information and/or to RSVP please contact Rayca Couriel. Mallory Creek Clubhouse Story time 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 10-10:30 am. Ages 2-5, $2/child, Introduce your little ones to Mother Nature through nature-based stories! Class activities may include live animals, games, nature. Reservations Required. FREE Naturalist Walks 561-741-1359 Riverbend Park 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 1:00 pm. Join our Naturalist for a guided walk exploring the trails of Riverbend Park. It’s a great way to become familiar with the plant and animal communities, trails and historic events of Riverbend. Walking daily can; increase your energy, improve your mood, recharge your vitamin D, stimulate bones,

prevent brain shrinkage, burn calories, ward off disease, get your blood pumping and fill your lungs with fresh forest air. Please come prepared: Drinking water, sun protection and insect repellant. Good walking shoes recommended. Meet at the Parks and Recreation trailer at Program runtime: 45 minutes - depending upon experience. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Craftastic Family Movie 561-868-7703 Mandel Public Library West Palm Beach 1:00 pm. Families with kids of all ages, join us on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for a special movie and self-led craft. Call for more information. FREE Food Truck and Concert 561-753-2484 Steely Dan Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 5:00 pm. Kick back with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and sample an array of foods and desserts. Families, patrons, and park-goers are invited to bring picnic blankets to the Amphitheater grounds to enjoy their purchases. Owl Prowl 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 7:00 p.m. Join the new evening series “Okeeheelee After Hours” with topics that vary each month. For this program, meet and learn about the nature center’s live educational owls: a Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl and Eastern Screech Owl. Then, take a short walk and try to find or hear any owls in the forest. Please wear close-toed shoes, and bring bug spray. Ages 8+, $5/participant (Reservations required) Double the Fun: Movie Night & Food truck invasion 561-790-5149 Commons Park Royal Palm Beach 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm. Bring the family out for a night under the stars at the beautiful Commons Park. Enjoy a Free movie night featuring the family fun movie “Guardians of the Galaxy-PG-13”. In addition, enjoy the over 20 + Food Trucks that will be on hand at the beautiful Commons Park. Royal Palm Beach Movies are rated G to PG-13 and are subject to change. Please bring seating!

Friday February 12 Free Concert 561-753-2484 Billy Joel Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 6:30 pm. Bring your own seating.

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Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

Saturday February 13 Educational Reef Program 561-624-6952 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Drive North Palm Beach 10:00 a.m. Learn about the fish and other inhabitants of our near shore reef through a presentation and discussion. After the program is over, participants will be instructed on where to snorkel in the Park. Bring your own snorkel equipment; a diver down flag is required for snorkeling activities and can be rented daily at the Beach Outfitters Gift Shop. Free with Park admission, for more information and reservations call the Nature Center at 561-624-6952. Valentine’s Day Ladybug Release Party Palm Beach Zoo 561-547-WILD 1301 Summit Blvd. West Palm Beach 10:00 - 3:00 pm. This Valentine’s Day bring the family for a day full of ladybug fun! Kids will enjoy eco-friendly ladybug crafts, face painting, and of course...ladybug releases! Children are encouraged to come dressed as a ladybug for a chance to win a special Palm Beach Zoo prize pack during our Ladybug Costume Contest! Preschool Story Time: Valentine’s Day 561-655-2776 The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Family Story Time is for children 8 years of age and younger, and is offered on select Saturdays, November through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. Children of all ages, newborn through 17, must always be chaperoned by an adult while in the library. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776

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Free Concert 561-753-2484 Screaming Orphans The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 7:30 pm. Bring your own seating.

Sunday February 14

Happy Valentine’s

Day Nature Craft 561-741-1359 Riverbend Park 9060 Indiantown Road Jupiter 9:30 am. Join the park naturalist to create gifts made from materials found in nature. The program starts with a guided park tour, and then items found will be used for craft making. All ages, $5/person (Reservations Required). Sunday Movies 561-347-3948 Sugar Sand Park Community Center 300 S. Military Trail Boca Raton 11:00 am. Spend your Sunday watching a classic the whole family can enjoy! Limited Seating. Purchase tickets in advance at the Box Office (561) 347-3948 or online. Movies are shown in the Maple Room. An adult must accompany children under 12. ~ Doors open 10:45 am. Tickets ONLY $1 per person (includes popcorn & drink)

and discover how these curious creatures make their long journey from the ocean to our beautiful beaches. Cost: $5, under 3 is free, Ages: Geared towards 12+ Family Story Time: Winnie the Pooh The Society of the Four Arts 561-655-2776 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. Children of all ages, newborn through 17, must always be chaperoned by an adult while in the library. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 6552776.

Wednesday February 17 Story Time Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 561-575-3399 2500 Jupiter Park Drive Jupiter 9:30 am Story Time for Toddlers. (Cypress Amphitheater) Free. Archery for Beginners 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 9:30 a.m. Learn the basics of archery from safety to shooting and develop a great new skill during this 2-hour program. Equipment is provided, and space is limited. Please wear close-toed shoes, and bring water and sun. protection. Ages 8+, $10/person (Reservations required)

No School

Nature Walk 561-624-6952 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr. North Palm Beach 10:00 am - 11:00 am. Join one of the staff naturalists for a one-mile Nature Walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park’s four distinct habitats, and learn about the Park’s animals and history. Walk is free with park admission. Nature Tour Rides are available for those unable to walk; reservations are required and should be made two weeks in advance. Weekdays.

Living Beaches 561-627-8280 Loggerhead Marinelife Center 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach 10:30 - 11:30 am. Join Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff and discover just how alive our beaches are with an interactive presentation and backyard beach expedition. Over this hour-long course, we will discuss the common residents of Florida’s coastal ecosystems

Hatchling Tales: Children’s Story Time Loggerhead Oceanfront Park 561-627-8280 14200 U.S. Hwy 1 Juno Beach 10:30 am - 11:30 am. Every Wednesday bring your “hatchlings” for ocean inspired stories, crafts, and more. Storytimes are wonderful opportunities for our youngest audiences to enjoy books, music, and group activities right here at LMC. Hatchling Tales are FREE,

Monday February 15

Presidents’ Day

Parenting Plus • February 2016 23

6:30 pm. Bring your own seating.

Saturday February 20 Robots illustration 561-655-2766 Four Arts Children’s Library In partnership with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 10:00 – 12:00 pm. Children ages 11 to 15 are invited to a special robotics program at The Society of the Four Arts. This hands-on program, in partnership with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, will emphasize simple robotics with the concepts of electricity. Participants will have the opportunity to test out Snap Circuits®, Cubelets, Tesla coil, spectrum tubes and a UFO ball. We are surrounded by electricity and robotics in one form or another in our everyday lives, so why not learn more about them? There is no charge to attend, but space is limited and reservations are required. To make reservations please call (561) 655-2766, email akiernan@fourarts. org, or email gbrunk@fourarts.org. open to the public, no pre-registration.

Archery Open Range 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 1:30 p.m. Here is the chance to practice those new-found archery skills! This expansion of the archery program will offer participants new challenges and allow them to work on precision and accuracy with a compound bow. Equipment is provided, and space is limited. Please wear close-toed shoes, and bring water and sun protection. *Prerequisite: Must have completed the Archery for Beginners course at Okeeheelee Nature Center. Ages 8+, $10/person (Reservations required).

variety of age appropriate activities for children ages 2 to 6. $14.95 includes all-day admission or $6 for only the class. Encouraging creativity through fun! Call Cool Beans Indoor Playground & Cafe to register - 561.627.1782.

Thursday February 18 Family Story Time: Dinosaurs Day The Society of the Four Arts 561-655-2776 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, An arts and crafts activity will follow each story time unless otherwise noted.

Interactive Story: 561-742-6780 Sensational Story ‘n More Schoolhouse Childrens Museum 129 E. Ocean Ave. Boynton Beach 2:00 pm. No need to sit still as a statue for this story. Instructors brings children’s books to life through interactive performance, singing, movement and props. An engaging art activity complements each session. Enrichment skills: early literacy, listening and response, movement, creativity. Every Wednesday & Tuesday at 10:30 am.

Food Truck and Concert 561-753-2484 Elton John Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 5:00 pm. Kick back with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and sample an array of foods and desserts. Families, patrons, and park-goers are invited to bring picnic blankets to the Amphitheater grounds to enjoy their purchases.

Crafty Wednesdays 561-627-1782 Arts & Crafts Cool Beans Palm Beach Gardens Join us for Arts & Crafts each Wednesday from 3 - 3:45pm. for a new creative activity your child can take home! We have a

Free Concert 561-753-2484 Eagles Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington

Friday February 19

Nature Walk 561-233-1400 Okeeheelee Park 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. West Palm Beach 10:30 a.m. Families/All ages, FREE Enjoy a FREE guided nature walk through the Pine Flatwoods forest and learn about the plants and animals that live right here in the local community. (Reservations not required). Free Concert 561-753-2484 Journey Tribute The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 6:30 pm. Bring your own seating

Wednesday February 24 Mommy & Me Interactive Story Time The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 W Forest Hill Blvd Wellington 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. You don’t want to miss this month’s Mommy and Me Story Time at the Play Area Join Wellington Regional Medical Center for an interactive story, music and crafts. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. story at 11:00 am. FREE Story Time Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 561-575-3399 2500 Jupiter Park Drive Jupiter 9:30 am. Story Time for Toddlers. (Cypress Amphitheater) Free. Nature Walk 561-624-6952 John D. MacArthur Beach State Park 10900 Jack Nicklaus Dr. North Palm Beach

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10:00 am - 11:00 am. Join one of the staff naturalists for a one-mile Nature Walk through John D. MacArthur Beach State Park’s four distinct habitats, and learn about the Park’s animals and history. Walk is free with park admission. Nature Tour Rides are available for those unable to walk; reservations are required and should be made two weeks in advance. Weekdays. Hatchling Tales: Children’s Story Time Loggerhead Oceanfront Park 561-627-8280 14200 U.S. Hwy 1 Juno Beach 10:30 am. - 11:30 am. Every Wednesday bring your “hatchlings” for ocean inspired stories, crafts, and more. Storytimes are wonderful opportunities for our youngest audiences to enjoy books, music, and group activities right here at LMC. Hatchling Tales are FREE, open to the public, no preregistration. Toddler Storytime 561-868-7703 West Palm Beach Public Library 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 10:30 am - 11:30 am & 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Join Ms. Jeanne every Wednesday to nurture a love of books; learn rhymes, sounds, and new words. Enjoy musical activities! Ages, 2 - 3 years. Registration required. Free Kids - Toddler Storytime Mandel Public Library 561-868-7703 411 Clematis Street West Palm Beach 10:30 am. Join Ms. Jeanne on Wednesdays at to nurture a love of books through stories, rhymes, music, movement and art! Ages 2 and 3. Sign-up at the desk upon arrival. Interactive Story: 561-742-6780 Sensational Story ‘n More Schoolhouse Childrens Museum 129 E. Ocean Ave. Boynton Beach 2:00 pm. No need to sit still as a statue for this story. Instructors brings children’s books to life through interactive performance, singing, movement and props. An engaging art activity complements each session. Enrichment skills: early literacy, listening and response, movement, creativity. Every Wednesday & Tuesday at 10:30 am.

Thursday February 25 Preschool Story Time: 561-655-2776 Transportation Day FREE The Society of the Four Arts 2 Four Arts Plaza Palm Beach 10:30-11:30 am. Preschool Story Time is for children 4 years of age and younger, and is offered Mondays and Thursdays, October through April. An arts and crafts activity

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will follow each story time unless otherwise noted. For more information on programs offered at the Children’s Library, please call (561) 655-2776 for reservations. Food Truck and Concert 561-753-2484 Cecilia Lauren & The Ocoee River Band The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 5:00 pm. Kick back with family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and sample an array of foods and desserts. Families, patrons, and park-goers are invited to bring picnic blankets to the Amphitheater grounds to enjoy their purchases.

Friday February 26 Night Hike 561-629-8760 Daggerwing Nature Center 11435 Park Access Road Boca Raton 7:00 p.m. Always wondered what Daggerwing’s boardwalk would be like after dark? Join a naturalist on a guided boardwalk tour at night* to look for the shining eyes of nocturnal wildlife and listen for the calls of both predators and prey that use the darkness to their advantage. This program offers a new perspective on the wetlands surrounding Daggerwing Nature Center. All ages, $5/participant (Reservations Required), *Be sure to bring bug spray and a flashlight. FREE Movie Night 561-753-2484 The Minions (PG) The Wellington Amphitheater 12100 Forest Hill Boulevard Wellington 7:30 pm. Bring your own seating

Saturday February 27 Night Hike 561-629-8760 Daggerwing Nature Center 11435 Park Access Road Boca Raton 10:30 a.m. Throughout the natural world there are animals that have had to learn to adapt to their environment. Join a naturalist and learn why birds come in different shapes and sizes, why some animals can camouflage themselves, and learn many other interesting things that animals have evolved to survive. All ages, $3/participant (Reservations required). Sea Fest for Kids 561-747-8380 X101 Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Museum 500 Captain Armour’s Way Jupiter 11:00 - 5:00 pm. Daytime Festival-Great for Families!! Children 18 & Under Free, Adults $10 Sea Fest for Kids at the Jupiter Light celebrates all things Maritime, Music and Fun! Enjoy a family day on the waterfront

with sea-inspired education & adventures for kids to celebrate Jupiter’s coastal heritage and history. Meet lively characters from Jupiter’s past, and a real pirate or two. Mermaid and pirate costumes welcome! An unforgettable day filled with live music, story-telling, crafts and kid-friendly food and special ice cream treats at your favorite hometown Lighthouse

Monday February 29

Leap Day!

Leap Day is every fours years....almost. It’s every four years except years ending with “00” that are not divisible by 400. The year in which Leap Day occurs, is called a Leap Year. Why the fancy calculation? The earth rotates around the sun once every 365 and about 1/4 days. So, by adding an extra day every four years, we get mighty close to keeping the calendar consistent with the earth’s annual trip around the sun. And to be very precise, the earth orbits the sun every 365.242190 days. So, on years ending in “00”, (except those not divisible by 400) we skip Leap Year and Leap Day. With all that fancy calculating out of the way, let’s just celebrate the day. Did you know? There are occasional “Leap Seconds”. We will spare you the detail on those, except to say it helps to correct minor variations. On December 31, 2015, the folks who maintain the official time for the planet, will add an extra second to the day! If your birthday is on Leap Day, congratulations, you finally get to celebrate your birthday on your birth date. Just how many of us are celebrating our Birthday on Leap Day? Only about one in 1461 people. If you were born on this day, consider yourself very, very special.

Add Your Calendar items to our online Calendar at

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ADMIRER ADORE AFFECTION ATTRACTION BEAU BELOVED BOYFRIEND CANDLES CANDY CHOCOLATES COUPLE CRUSH CUPID

DARLING DATE DEAR DEVOTION FANCY FEBRUARY FLAME FLOWERS FONDNESS FOREVER FRIENDSHIP GIFT GIRLFRIEND HEARTS

JEWELRY LIKE LOVEBIRDS LOVERS PARTNER PROPOSAL RELATIONSHIP RESTAURANT ROMANCE ROSES SENTIMENT SUITOR SWEETHEART

Parenting Plus • February 2016 www.parentingplus.com

Edible

L ove Notes The recipes calls for super trendy coconut oil, which now can be found in most local supermarkets and is cholesterol free, but you can use butter as well.

Coconut-Ginger Popcorn Truffles Makes: 3 dozen truffles alentine’s Day is filled with confessions of affection. A wooing love note, carefully selected bouquet of flowers, or small keepsake conveys feelings from the heart. So why not express yourself with a treat that comes from the heart of the home? This recipe for Coconut Ginger Popcorn from the Popcorn Board is sure to make a beguiling statement. The popcorn says “wholesome and healthy,” the truffle is “sweet,” while the coconut and ginger hint at something “exotic and spicy.” The combination is simply scrumptious and--since you’re also giving a homemade treat--you’ll be saying volumes about your affection for the lucky recipient.

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Ingredients: 5 cups air-popped popcorn 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter 3 tablespoons candied ginger, minced 1/2 cup shredded coconut 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter Directions: 1. Place popcorn in large bowl. 2. Place marshmallows and coconut oil or butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until melted; remove from heat. 3. Stir in shredded coconut and candied ginger. Mix well.

4. Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray, then scoop up one tablespoon of popcorn mixture. 5. Roll mixture with hands to form a ball. Place ball on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. 6. Repeat to make 36 balls. 7. Place chocolate in small, microwavesafe bowl. Heat in microwave on HIGH for one minute, until melted. If not completely melted, microwave for another 15 seconds and stir again. 8. Stir 1 teaspoon coconut oil into melted chocolate. 9. Place chocolate in zipper-style plastic bag and seal. Snip off a tiny corner of bag. 10. Pipe chocolate on popcorn balls in a decorative pattern. 11. Garnish with extra shredded coconut and extra minced candied ginger if desired. 12. Place truffles in a cool place until chocolate is set.

For more simple and tasty popcorn recipes, visit www.popcorn.org

Parenting Plus • February 2016 27

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

A Perfect Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 All About Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Boca Delray Pediatric Dentistry. . IFC Face Art by Daisy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 French American International School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Geeks on Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Gold Coast Gymnastics. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Home Away From Home . . . . . . . . IFC Kentwood Preparatory School. . . . . 3 Omaha Steaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Palm Beach Zoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ProvidingLife.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sonya Prather Photography . . . . . . . 7 South Florida Bounce & Slide. . . . . . 9 Sports Broadcasting Camp . . . . . . . . 3 Sunshine Family Exps . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Pirate Ship Avenger. . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Science Academy Camp. . . . . . . 1 Tina Valant Photography . . . . . . . . . . 1

Michelle Tukachinsky School of Piano Free Trial Lesson Mention this ad

• 4 to Adult • All Styles & Levels • Special Needs

www.strictlypiano.com

561-827-8143

Classes • Camps Audition Workshops Play Productions Musical Theatre Productions Birthday Parties

4 months to 12 years

www.BeesKneesBuzz.com

801 N. Congress Ave. in the Boynton Beach Mall through the Too-Jay’s entrance 561-364-3887

New Location

Bring in this ad for 2 for 1 Open Play or 10% off any package limit one offer per customer

5516 State Road 7 • Suite 124 Lake Worth

561.734.0187

(in Crossfit/GameStop plaza)

7429 S. Military Trail Lake Worth www.standingoh.com

561-299-4567

www.hurricanemartialarts.com

Mention this Ad for a FREE Trial Class Mention th is ad & get smaal piece with l plaster purchase.

ACADEMIC INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Open Play • Classes • Parents’ Night Out Birthday Parties • Mini-Camps Special Events • Montessori-Inspired Facility Drop & Shop • Siblings Half Price • No Annual Membership Fees • Packages Available

• Taekwondo • Kickboxing • Summer Camp • After School Program • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Register Now! AUDITION!!! DANCE!!! • SING!!! ACT!!! PERFORM!!! Mention this ad for a FREE class www.ShowtimeBoca.com 503 SE Mizner Blvd. Ste. 73 561.394.2626 • Boca Raton

PParty t PPackages k ffor CCanvas & Plaster Craft Parties Schedule your camps, churches and daycares at a discounted group rate.

Gymnastics • Tumbling Birthday Parties 561-868-0288

561-707-1819

G FORCE ALLSTARS CHEERLEADING

www.plaster-time.com

www.gforcecheerleading.com

Walk ins Welcome

10363 Southern Blvd

the Burlington Shopping Center

M-F 10-6 • Sat. 10-5 • Sun. by appt.

Parenting Plus • February 2016 www.parentingplus.com

Check out EVERYTHING for kids and families!

Pictur es with Easter Bunny

Palm Beach County Spring Kids Expo

F un ity Activ Z on e s

Saturday, March 12, 2016 10 am - 4 pm FREE E E R F A dmissio ! s e i t i n! Activ e Fac ng ti Pain ore &M

Dozen s of Vendo rs

The Box Expo Center 223 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Now Seeking Vendors!

events@SunshineFamilyExpos.com

www.parentingplus.com

Parenting Plus â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016 29

Presents

19th Annual We Care Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fair At the Palm Beach Zoo www.palmbeachzoo.com

Saturday, March 5th, 2016 and Sunday, March 6th, 2016 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Join us for two fun-filled days of Family Fun and Entertainment. There will be a Bounce House, Sand Art, Characters, Entertainment, and Local Vendors Showcasing their Products & Services. Vendor Space Available, but limited please call: 561-795-4815 or email: Posie@parentingplus.com

Parenting Plus â&#x20AC;˘ February 2016 www.parentingplus.com