Flagler parent magazine

Contents January 2016

12

features

12 14 16 17 18 20 22 24 26 32 38

Ready, Set, Goals!

Kids Eat FREE Directory (Flagler County) No Name Calling Week Books for No Name Calling Week Kids Eat FREE Directory (Volusia County) Time Out For Mom Dairy Council of Florida/ Gridiron Cooking Challenge New Year’s Resolutions and the Failure Revelation Olive Oil: A New Rush for Gold Embracing Hectic Times Alcohol, Sex. and Peer Pressure

On The Cover

James Photo by:

20 education 10 43 46

26

Parenting Resolutions for the New Year Flagler County School News Teacher of the Year

business spotlight 7

Parent Magazine Foundation

fashion 25

New Year, New You!

health 28 30 31

12 Ways to Work Your Workout Students Pitch ER Ideas YMCA/Halifax Health Healthy Living Centers

travel 44

Seven Disney Springs™ Resort Area Hotels

every issue 34 37 42

January Calendar of Events Reel Life with Jane Movie Reviews Flagler County Library Programs

Coming Up...

February 2016 Romantic Getaways • Children’s Dental Health Month Montessori Education Education: Private Schools & Pre-School Directory

4 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

www.FlaglerParent.com (386) 437-0300

Reader Services Calendar Submissions: We publish information about family events within and surrounding our county. We would love to hear from you! If you have a family event, fundraiser or childrens activity/program please send your information to editor@bradymediainc.com Deadline for submitting information is approximately one month prior to the month in which the event will occur.

Subscriptions We now have subscription service direct to your home. We are offering these services for only $10 per year for 11 issues of Flagler Parent Magazine.

You can also subscribe for FREE to our digital edition for your iPad, iPhone, NOOK, Kindle Fire, or Android Device. Visit our website www.bradymediainc.com and click SUBSCRIBE.

Feedback: We Welcome Your Feedback & Thoughts. In our continuous effort to improve our publications, we look forward to your thoughts, questions and feedback on how we can better tailor information to your families needs. Please feel free to send me an email at Charlie@bradymediainc.com

www.flaglerparent.com / January 2016 • 5

with

What’s New in Print & Online

Flagler Parent

Camp Directors...

It’s not too early to start promoting your Spring & Summer Camps!

New In Schools, On Newsstands & Online

The Camp Fair & Summer Vacation Expo showcases places that build life-long memories for children! Volusia & Flagler County parents will find it much easier and faster to choose a summer camp for their children at the only expo of its kind in the area.

The 2016 Camp Fair & Summer Vacation Expo provides busy parents with a one-stop resource for information regarding available daily activities, cost, and much more, with a variety of summer conveniences assembled under one roof. The expo features demonstrations all day long by karate classes, the police department, the fire department, and much more.

This year’s Camp Fair and Summer Vacation Expo will be held at Roma Court Plaza, 515 Palm Coast Parkway, SW., Palm Coast, FL 32137 on March 5th from 10am - 2pm.

Check our website for further details.

Special Child A quarterly magazine dedicated to special needs families and care-givers. Parents and caregivers of children with special needs often face a whole different situation and set of challenges and joys. They require more resources, education and support. Special Child Magazine is a resource dedicated to providing just that.

Filled with educational articles, local resources, easy-to-use directories, product reviews, shopping guides and much more.

Special Child Magazine does the research and provides the resources available in our area for special families.

Special Child Magazine will give you all the tools you need to be informed and proactively parent and care for your special child, Our expert advices helps you make the best decisions that are right for your family. Inside you’ll find: product reviews; local resources; ask an expert; recopies’ DIY decor ideas and much, much more!

Attrention Business Owners: We need your support to make this publication possible! If you are interested in participating in the launch of this exciting new project, call us today to reserve your ad space. Introductory offers available.

facebook.com/ flaglerparent

6 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

twitter.com/ flaglerparent

pinterest.com/ flaglerparent

instagram.com/ flaglerparent

Business Spotlight

Brady Media, Inc., publishers of Volusia, Flagler, & St. Johns Parent Magazine has announced the formation of its foundation, ‘The Parent Magazine Foundation. Inc.’ “As a parent with an elementary school age child, I understand the many unique needs that we parents face today in the education of our children. It’s not our intention to take anything from the all of the amazing local resources that we currently have available to us in our communities, but it is our hope and intention to offer some very unique resources for parents when it comes to making decisions regarding their children’s education”, says Charlene Michaux, the owner and founder of the Parent Magazine Foundation.

The Parent Magazine Foundation describes their mission statement thusly: “Through education and advocacy, The Parent Magazine Foundation, Inc. will bring parents the best information and resources available to assist them in tackling the most important job in the world – PARENTING”.

It will be the hope and intention of the foundation to host local events to educate parents on the needs they face in the education of their children. In addition, the foundation will sponsor other events in our communities to advocate their support in the areas of academics, arts and athletics. The foundation plans to fund innovative programs that offer unique depth and breadth to our children’s educational experience.

As we work to build a sustainable endowment, we pledge to award grants annually out of our available funds to students and their parents so that parents can be educated in all areas of their children’s academic future.

The Foundation was established as a notfor-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida and received its IRS classification as a 501 (c)3 charitable organization.

Board representation will include individuals from the public and private sector whose interest is specific to its mission statement. Founder Charlene Michaux

“Through education and advocacy, The Parent Magazine Foundation, Inc. will bring parents the best information and resources available to assist them in tackling the most important job in the world – PARENTING”

serves as the current Founder and President. Deb Wind is on the board of trustees as secretary. The Parent Magazine Foundation is currently seeking active local business professionals who have an interest in advocating its mission to complete its board of trustees.

The Foundation plans to have a gala kick off membership drive to educate our community on the important issues affecting

the decisions that parents. Your membership is tax deductible.

INFO

For information on the levels of membership or to make a donation please call our office at (386) 437-0300 or visit our website at www.parentmagazinefoundation.org. www.flaglerparent.com / January 2016 • 7

Parent to Parent Publisher / Editor Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161 Advertising/Sales Melissa Chipps melissa@bradymediainc.com 386-569-5188 Mom, and Brady Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com Happy New Year!!

I hope your holidays were as great as ours, filled with fun, family and cheer!

This Christmas we invited our family, extended family and friends over for Christmas Eve dinner. It was a huge success and we had a great time catching up with everyone! We’re already planning for next year!

The phrase “New Year, New You!” comes up a lot during the month of January, as many people look at this time as a fresh start. That applies health, education, personal commitments and even businesses. We have some great articles this month that may give you the inspiration you need to get moving, start something new or just hit the reset button on a current project.

We have done just that! This month marks the anniversary of our 7th year of publishing Flagler Parent Magazine! Yay, lucky “7”we are so blessed to have the community support and readership to make it to year seven in this digital age.

And, with the notion of resetting… we have decided to start our own non-profit foundation, The Parent Magazine Foundation. Find out more about our endeavors on page 7 and how you can be a part of our organization. We’re in the process of finalizing our board and advisory committees and welcome your input.

Also, we have made some changes in our staff! I would like to welcome Melissa Chipps, our new business development manager and Robert Ludwig, our new advertising sales manager. They both come to us with a great deal of experience. Melissa was formerly with the Flagler Chamber and has a great social network in Flagler County. Robert came to us from St Louis where he owned his own family magazine. We have a beautiful new office in the Roma Court Plaza, stop by and introduce yourself when you’re in the neighborhood.

We will be announcing exciting new programs, events and even a new magazine in next month’s edition. Until then, thank you for your continued readership and support and remember when you visit one of our advertisers, say “I saw your ad in Flagler Parent Magazine”.

Charlie

Happy New Year,

8 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

Robert Ludwig robert@bradymediainc.com 386-222-2848 Social Media Management Marketing 2 Go www.marketing2go.biz Contributing Writers Christina Katz Stacey Loscalzo Renee G. Wyden Ashley Talmadge Marriah C. Soldevilla

Flagler Parent, Volusia Parent, and St. Johns Parent Magazines are published by Brady Media, Inc. and are copyrighted 2008.

Brady Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Brady Media, Inc. is prohibited. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent reserve the right to reject advertisements or listings that are not in keeping with the publication’s satndard. Submissions are welcome, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent do not endorse or assume responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The Flagler County or Volusia County School Boards are not affiliated with these publications in any manner, nor do they endorse ro assume any responsibility for any of the information or advertisements contained in therein.

Brady Media, Inc. 515 Palm Coast Pkwy., SW, Ste. 5 Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 437-0300 Office (386) 246-2950 Fax www.BradyMediaInc.com Proud Member of

6-437-0300 8 3 ! e u s Is r ie m e In Our Pre is rt e v d A o T s U Call

January 2016 • 9

education

Parenting Resolutions for the New Year (for children, birth to 5)

As a parent, you know that time passes really quickly. It is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business or life, but as 2016 begins, take time to think about your parenting goals for the New Year. Check out some of these parenting resolutions to see if one or more of them will be something you will like to implement with your children this 2016:

1.

4.

Interact with your child daily. We are pulled in many directions and can get easily distracted by the to-dos of the day. Put down the dirty dishes or stop folding laundry and sit for at least 15 minutes a day intentionally interacting with your child. These moments can easily slip through our fingers and we cannot get the time back.

Communicate with your child. Sometimes we get in daily routines and fail to communicate with our children. When you are home, try and look your child in the eye and talk to them about their day, their ups and downs, and all about their life (even if they do not talk yet). This will show your child that you care and are interested in their lives.

2.

5.

Plan a random “fun day” for your child. Pick a random day of the calendar year other than your child’s birthday to spend that is fun for your child. If you have more than one child, make sure to do this for each child.

3.

Help your child embrace a new hobby that he/she finds interesting. As parents, it’s easy to want your child to do the hobbies 10 • January 2016

that you loved when you were younger, but it’s important to help your child develop his or her own hobbies and interests whether that’s painting, playing a musical instrument, playing with trains, etc.

Show affection to your child every day.

Despite how your child may act when you show him or her affection, kids need emotional love from their parents. Make a point to hug, snuggle, kiss or give a little massage to your child daily.

Take the time this year to enjoy, invest, and love your children better by being intentional!

Soon the day will come where they will be grown, and you’ll look back and be thankful for all the time you spent with them and invested in their lives.

January 2016 • 11

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Ready, Set, Goals!

7 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Stay Focused and Meet New Challenges

by Christina Katz

We are living in an age of constant interruption. So in the future, when it comes to setting and accomplishing goals, kids who learn how to concentrate and focus will have a distinct advantage over those who cannot. We need to help our children learn how and when to put their blinders on so they can apply focused goal setting to challenges of their own choosing. Achieving personal goals helps kids channel their energy productively and inspires them become more confident action-takers in the future.

Kids are not lazy or unmotivated these days; it's simply easier than ever for them to be distracted and disengaged. As a parent, you can encourage your children to practice healthy goal setting. Follow these suggestions and you will notice your kids stepping up to set and meet new challenges that bring smiles to their faces. As for your role, get ready to cheer them on and give them credit for their contributions as any good coach would.

1. Let them steer. Choose an age-appropriate, just out-of-reach goal. Be careful you don't interject your own desires into this process. For a child who is unsure about what goal to set, be patient and offer many choices until something appeals. You play a supporting role helping your child accomplish whatever goal is chosen, but it must be your child's goal, not yours.

2. Emphasize fun. If your child is overweight, focusing overly on weight loss as their goal is not going to help, but it just might scar them. Forget the problems you think your child needs to solve and emphasize the fun of setting and reaching goals 12 • January 2016

instead. Let children who have become too sedentary in the past come up with goals on their own, like joining a team or training for a race for the fun of it, not just to get mom and dad off their backs. Share stories of goals you've set and met to inspire them.

3. Embrace strengths. Every person has strengths and weaknesses. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you only mirror your child's negative qualities and mention them too often, perhaps you have not spent enough time considering their best qualities.

There are not merely five or ten positive qualities that describe people; there are hundreds. Pick up a little book called

Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath. Then go through the book and circle the words you think describe your child. Mention these qualities often and watch your child's confidence blossom.

4. Assist with challenges. Offer yourself as a sounding board when kids run into challenges reaching their goals, but don't solve their problems for them. Instead listen to their concerns and ask them questions. Get them thinking about various approaches that might help. Instead of telling them what to do, ask if they think any of your ideas might be good ways to offset challenges. Don't feel internal pressure to

Double Dog Dares For Younger Kids You can help prepare your kids to meet life's challenges later by turning everyday tasks into fun double-dog dares.

• Complete a chore in a specific amount of time • Find the groceries on the shopping list • Create a to-do list for something they already learned how to do • Teach something they learned to another family member • Complete a puzzle all by themselves • Build something they have never built before • Make up an invention that solves a problem around the house • Cook something using a new recipe

Goals For Older Kids

unstick a stuck child. Brainstorm with them and then let them do it.

5. Praise progress. If your child is continually focused outward, measuring where he or she stands in comparison to others can rob them of personal power. Instead of encouraging your child to be the generic best, encourage your child to achieve his or her personal best. Celebrate the fruition of this expression no matter how it measures up with others. In this way, a ribbon for Most Improved can be viewed as just as valuable as First Place or MVP. 6. Respect weaknesses. Just as strengths can be discovered and flexed for increasing success, weaknesses should be acknowledged and honored, too. The idea of respecting weaknesses rather than denying or trying to correct them may seem strange. But consider whether or not the investment of time and energy to turn weaknesses around is worthwhile.

Sometimes flaws teach kids valuable things they need to learn. For example, a forward

who can't score, might make a better midfielder on the soccer field. A dancer who can't do acrobatic tricks might have a strong sense of showmanship on stage. A scattered student in the the classroom might be a talented artist in the studio.

Teach your child to forgive weaknesses and pursue undervalued abilities they may be pointing towards, instead.

7. Play the long game. As your child focuses on setting and reaching personal goals, things may not always go quite the way anyone expected. Life has a way of bringing twists and turns to the table. This means short-term victories don't always pan out as expected, even after much time and energy has been invested. When disappointments happen, and they will, help your child focus on the big picture.

Getting the most personal satisfaction out of the process and achieving personal growth while making valuable contributions to the whole should always be the plan. Stay the course and things will usually work themselves out.

By helping tweens and teens choose goals that suit their aptitudes, you can increase their willingness to take safe risks in the future. As your children get older, encourage them to set goals that are just beyond what they think they can accomplish like: • Running a 5K • Installing an exhibit of their art • Creating a healthy eating plan • Submitting writing to a contest • Raising money for a cause they support • Trying out for something they are not already good at • Sticking to a new plan for one month • Saving money to make a dream come true

January 2016 • 13

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Kids Eat FREE Directory (Flagler County) Bob Evans

Highjackers Restaurant

Tuesdays Kids eat free after 4pm Free kids meal with each purchase of an adult meal.

100 Garden Street South, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 (386) 246-5300

Tuesday Tuesday night: one FREE kid's meal per adult entree purchase!

202 Airport Road, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 (386) 586-6078

Denny's Tuesday, Saturday KIDS EAT FREE* 4PM-10PM at participating restaurants Families can enjoy great food and great savings when dining with their kids at Denny's. Kids eat free on select nights from 4pm to 10pm. Our kids' menu offers healthy options that are sure to please both kids and parents. *For kids 10 and under. Get up to two free kid's entrées from the kids' menu per adult entrée purchase of $2.50 or more. Selection and prices may vary.

7 Kings Way, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 (386) 445-9000

Golden Corral Everyday Kids 3 and under enjoy a free buffet with adult meal purchase on any day or time. Other kids specials are available all week long.

225 Cypress Edge Dr., Palm Coast, FL, 32164 (386) 445-0224 14 • January 2016

Houligans Tuesdays Anytime -$2 kids meals with any adult entrée.

50 Plaza Dr #106, Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 447-3580

Steak 'n Shake Sunday, Saturday Kids Eat Free all weekend - One free kid's plate for every $8 spent. Dine-In only.

1 Cypress Edge Drive, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 (386) 446-6936

Woody's Bar-B-Q Thursday All day Thursdays, kids 12 & under eat FREE with purchase of adult entree.

99 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 (386) 439-5010

January 2016 • 15

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No Name Calling Week: Jan 18th - 22nd Books for No Name Calling Week

When I heard the word bully, I used to picture a middle school boy, looming on the playground, ready to throw a punch. As the mother of two elementary aged girls, I now know that this was naïve thinking. My oldest daughter met a ‘mean girl’ in first grade and was deep into the world of cliques and name-calling by the time she was in third grade.

Unfortunately, my daughter’s experience is not usual. According to the New York Times, in an article originally published in 2010, a survey 16 • January 2016

of 273 third graders in Massachusetts found that 47 percent of children had been bullied at least once and that 52 percent had reported being called mean names.

Given what I now know about bullying, I take every opportunity I can to model and talk about kindness with my girls. Keeping an open line of communication with children is crucial to understanding the role that your child may play in social situations. While some children will open up easily

by Stacey Loscalzo

with parents, some do better when talking about others.

I find that the best way to communicate with my children about difficult issues is to read with them. Below is a collection of recent books that focus on bullying, kindness and caring for elementary aged children. These titles would be perfect to read anytime but especially during “No Name Calling Week” scheduled for January 18th to January 22nd.

Books for No Name Calling Week Kindergarten & First Grade A Sick Day for Amos McGee Philip Stead Chrysanthemum - Kevin Henkes Molly Lou Melon - Patty Lovell The Name Jar - Yangsook Choi The Recess Queen - Alexis O’Neill

Second & Third Grade Bully - Patricia Polacco Each Kindness - Jacqueline Woodson Goal!- Mina Javaherbin Oliver- Birgitta Sif The Quiet Place- Sarah Stewart

Fourth & Fifth Grade: Inside Out and Back Again Thanha Lai Liar and Spy - Rebecca Stead Out of My Mind - Sharon Draper There’s a Girl in the Boy’s Bathroom Louis Sacher Wonder- R.J. Palacio

January 2016 • 17

feature Denny’s - Every Tuesday & Saturday 4:00pm – 10:00pm 1446 Int’l Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 258-5460 2701 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (386) 673-5283 3162 S Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (386) 788-3752 110 Williamson Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 677-5558 1641 Dunlawton Ave., Port Ornage, FL 32127 (386) 756-2335 1830 State Rd. 44, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (386) 427-5384

Kids Eat FREE Directory (Volusia County)

Beef O Brady's Kids Eat Free @ Beef O Bradys on Tuesday nights from 4PM -8PM. 1 free child meal per paying adult New Smyrna Beach 1610 South Dixie Freeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 (386) 424-9292 Deltona 2160 Howland Blvd., Deltona, FL 32738 Phone:(386) 789-9464 www.beefobradys.com Bob Evans Kids Eat Tuesday Nights @ Bob Evans after 4PM! 1 Free Child Meal per Paying Adult Port Orange 1711 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange , FL, 32127 (386) 767-6254 www.bobevans.com Daytona Beach 2000 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach , FL, 32114 (386) 258-8939 www.bobevans.com Orange City 1340 Saxon Blvd., Orange City , FL, 32763 (386) 851-0852 www.bobevans.com Booth's Bowery Kids 10 and under eat free every Tuesday.

3657 S Nova Road, Port Orange, FL (386) 761-9464 www.boothsbowery.com Chick-Fil-A Kids Check your local Chick-Fil-A's website for kids events and kids eat free nights.

Events do vary between stores. Restrictions May Apply.

Daytona Ale House Kids eat free at the Daytona Ale House all day on Tuesdays!

1 child meal per paying adult 2610 West International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114 (386) 255-2555 www.millersalehouse.com LuLu's Oceanside Grill Kids each FREE every Wednesday! Call for details and to verify!

30 South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach, FL, 32176 (386) 673-2641 Golden Corral Kids, Under the Age of 3, Eat Free @ Golden Corral Everyday!

907 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL, 32127 (386) 506-5357 www.goldencorral.com

18 • January 2016

1012 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 456-1042 Dustin’s BBQ - Eat Free on Mondays Receive a free kids meal with paying adult all day on Mondays at select Dustin's locations. Some restriction may apply, check with your local restaurant for details.

1375 S. Woodland Blvd., Deland, FL 32720 (386) 738-5607 1208 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, FL 32132 (386) 423-5299 1320 W. Granada Blvd. S.R. 40, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 677-5292 4908 Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange, FL 32119 (386) 322-9177 Moe’s - Every Tuesday, All Day! 337 W Granada Blvd.

Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 386-677-1156 941 N Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Florida 386-734-3708 2616 Enterprise Road, Orange City, Florida 386-532-6637 Sonny's Bar-B-Q Kids Eat Free @ Sonny's Bar-B-Q All Day on Mondays!

1 Free Kid Meal per Adult Meal ($8.99 or more) Port Orange 1515 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32129 (386) 492-8820 Orange City 1024 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 775-9900 Steak & Shake Kids Eat Free on Saturday & Sunday 1 Free Kids Meal per $8.00 Spent - Drink Not Included Ormond Beach 120 Williamson Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174 (386) 615-9977 Daytona Beach 1000 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 253-5283 Orange City 927 Saxon Blvd., Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 774-5440 Woody's BBQ At most of our locations, kids (age 10 and under) eat free (limit one child per adult entree) every Monday from 3PM to close.

Please call you local store to confirm participation.

Holly Hill, FL 1593 North Nova Road, Holly Hill, FL 32117 Phone: (386) 253-9920 Orange City, FL 2621 Enterprise Road, Orange City, FL 32763 Phone: (386) 774-4227

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Time Out For Mom

New Year-Appreciate You Challenge

by Christina Katz

The New Year often brings a frenzy of moms not feeling good enough. Mom, are you sure you are not too fat? Don't you have a bit too much debt? Couldn't you feed your family homemade food every night as a five-course sit down dinner accommodating everyone's dietary needs? Are your children doing their best in every aspect of existence or should we just go ahead and blame you now?

Seriously, the New Year is often not a whole lot of fun for moms. That's why I'm turning the table on resolutions this year, ladies. I'd like you to celebrate all the ways you are good enough already for a change. To that end, I've gathered up ten ways you can treat your imperfect self to a daily toast in your own honor.

The year is new, but don't change a thing. Just relish in being the spectacular person you already are and I bet you'll have your very best year yet.

Put The Freeze On Criticism.

Put a dusting of snow or ice color on your nails. Then pull out your best ice princess look whenever anyone suggests it might be time to get busy on those resolutions. If only you could zap them with your fingertips like Elsa in Frozen. (Until that kicks in, use your icy stare with imaginary freezing action.)

the classic film Mary Poppins will put everything in perspective. Then rally the family to install the largest bird feeder you can afford and keep it overflowing with bulk birdseed from your local big box store or farm supply. You'll feel absolutely abundant every time you fill it. And birds will follow you around the yard as though you were a Disney character!

This Calls For Chocolate.

Most things call for afternoon chocolate, so don't save this strategy for a sleety day. See how many variations of hot chocolate you can try this winter (peppermint, caramel, or marshmallow?), then share the best with the rest of the family when the next snow day rolls around.

Color All Over The Lines.

Did you get one of those adult coloring books for a holiday gift? Great. Now try coloring all over the lines. Seriously, go ahead and break the coloring book rules. See how many ways your bursts of color can spill beyond all those very serious lines. It feels liberating, doesn't it?

Tuppence A Bag. Worried about money? A family viewing of

Twist And Shout.

Hula hooping is a fun activity for a dreary

20 • January 2016

afternoon when you don't feel like dragging yourself to the gym. Crank up some music and hula away the blues as you burn calories and whittle your waist. No hoop? Try twisting and shouting until the hoop you order arrives in the mail. You'll stretch your back and loosen up your shoulders.

Take Stock.

You have a whole bunch of strengths. You also have an assortment of skills. Most importantly you have a plethora of passions.

Make three columns on a single page and list them all (strengths, skills, passions). See how much you rock? Make sure others catch you being awesome.

Tough Crowd.

You got a flat tire, the kids have the flu, and all the people you've been trying to avoid

are calling you? Girlfriend, you need to call on your superpower. Go take a long winter's nap. Practice until you are good at it.

Pep Talk.

Everyone else is crushing their New Year's resolutions, but will they stick? While you are waiting to find out, why not write a letter to your inner little girl. You can pick a specifically challenging age or just address all your flubs and fears. Tell her what you know now that you wish you had known then. You'll become her favorite heroine of all time.

Did Someone Say, Comfort Food? Oh yeah. You definitely did not try enough soup, casserole, and bread recipes over the holidays. You were too busy juggling the hustle and the bustle. So now's your chance. But hurry! Spring is coming and bringing bunny food back into style with it.

You Did Great Today.

And as a reward, you deserve a generous slathering of thick, scented lotion on your hands, feet, and elbows before bed. Make this your new nightly ritual and go to sleep floating on a cloud of your own essential worthiness. Ahhhh.

January 2016 • 21

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Dairy Council of Florida Announces Third Annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge Fuel Up to Play 60 Initiative Calls for Recipe Submissions from Elementary and Middle School Students The Dairy Council of Florida is hosting its third annual Gridiron Cooking Challenge, a fun-filled food competition for elementary and middle school students throughout Florida. The initiative is created and supported by the Florida Dairy Farmers and is part of Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council and NFL to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives.

Starting January 4, elementary and middle school students in groups of four are encouraged to create and submit an original recipe that features dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. The deadline for submissions is February 29.

The top four student teams in each Florida NFL market – represented by the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars – will compete for the grand prize at the Gridiron Cooking Challenge as they create their recipe on-site in under 60 minutes. The students’ creations will be judged by a select group of distinguished professionals including NFL players, local celebrity chefs, Florida Dairy Farmers and Fuel Up to Play 60 student ambassadors.

The winning team in each NFL market will receive a prize pack for their school val22 • January 2016

ued at up to $2,500. Each student on the team will receive an iPad mini 2, among other prizes.

“The Gridiron Cooking Challenge was developed to highlight the health benefits of dairy products and to emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle,” said Vanessa Hodak, VP School Health & Wellness for the Dairy Council of Florida.

“Each year, we look forward to reviewing the recipes submitted and interacting with the students during the competitions in Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville.”

Recipe entry forms can be found on the Florida Dairy Farmers website, and can be submitted via mail or email. For more information, visit www.floridamilk.com.

About Dairy Council of Florida The Dairy Council of Florida works with schools, health professionals, social service agencies and others to educate Floridians on the health benefits of milk and other nutrient-rich dairy foods. Dairy Council of Florida programs are funded by Florida Dairy Farmers, which represents more than 130 dairy farming families throughout the state.

For more information, call 800-516-4443 or visit www.floridamilk.com.

About Florida Dairy Farmers Florida Dairy Farmers is Florida’s milk promotion group, working to raise awareness of the dairy farming industry and the nutrientrich foods it provides. FDF represents more than 130 dairy farming families throughout the state. For more information, call 407-6478899 or visit www.floridamilk.com.

About Fuel Up to Play 60 Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with the U. S Department of Agriculture, to help encourage today’s youth to lead healthier lives. In Florida, 2.5 million students in 3,100 schools participate in Fuel Up to Play 60.

Pictured: Bunnell Elementary (large); Equestrian Trail Elementary (Inset left); Lecanto Primary.

January 2016 • 23

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New Year’s Resolutions and the Failure Revelation

by Renee G. Wyden, EdD, LCSW

Once again we are at the start of a New have to look back at why old resolutions Year and with that often come the procla- failed. Not to make you feel bad, but rather to mation of our resolutions. There are the learn and create a strategy of how to do it usual themes of losing weight, spending better this time. In my years of counseling clients I have heard many more time with family, getting proclamations from people more organized, or finding a who have had good intennew job. Yet, the research tions with their New Year’s shows that less than 10% of resolutions. However, when the people who set these goals I’ve asked the question “How actually achieve them! do you plan on accomplishing Basically, stating our New those goals?” too often there Year’s goals are easy…it is the is no concrete answer; no “doing” that seems to be a litplan of action. This is the set tle problematic. So what is the up for failure! revelation for accomplishing If you really want to be your goals this year?

Acknowledge your previous Renee G. Wyden, EdD, LCSW successful in accomplishing errors and begin the thought process of fail- your goals you must create a strategy of how you are going to do it. The first quesure recovery!

I know what you’re thinking and let me tion you need to ask yourself after making just address it now so we can move on. I your proclamation is “How will I go about know we don’t like to openly admit to or talk accomplishing that goal?”

Creating this strategy for success does about “failure” because it often brings up feelings of guilt or shame. However, the take some time and considering there are most successful business entrepreneurs and 12 months in a year, taking a couple of greatest athletes tend to have one thing in months to work on your plan of action is common. They learn from failure! They study more realistic. Why? Because in addition to it and STRATEGIZE how they can do it differ- that “Plan A” you need to also have “Plan ently the next time to increase their probabil- B” and possibly a “Plan C.” Why? Because ity of success. Those who avoid looking at often things don’t go according to our origwhy they failed, or dwell on the feelings of inal plan, and having a backup is setting you failure (which does a number on our self- up for failure recovery.

As you work on your strategic action esteem and motivation) ultimately miss the plans don’t forget the details. If you want to boat on the ability to recover from failure.

So what does this mean? It means that you lose weight don’t just say “I’ll start going to 24 • January 2016

the gym,” but rather say “I will go to the gym on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 5:30 and 6:30pm. I will set up recurring gym appointments on my phone as a reminder of what I have scheduled. I will pack my gym bag with 3 sets of exercise clothes on Sunday evenings and place it in my car. If I am unable to attend one of my scheduled gym nights I will make the time to get in some additional physical activity the following day (i.e. take the stairs at work, take a brisk walk at lunch).

The idea is to look at the different variables (or obstacles) that caused you to stumble in your past and create a plan to overcome those same variables if and (more realistically) when they present themselves again. This is the learning process.

Looking back long enough to learn and taking it forward to put new skills, approaches, understanding into practice increases your probability for success. You will stumble and you may even fall on the road towards accomplishing your goals.

When this happens don’t wait until the next New Year to try again. In the words of Mary Pickford, “You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down.” So just get back up, learn, and start again. Remember, there are many more new moments and new days than are a new year!

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feature

Olive Oil: A New Rush For Gold

Olives were among the first cultivated crops, and olive oil production dates back thousands of years to the eastern Mediterranean region.

Ancient people valued it not only as a culinary accouterment, but also as medicine and lamp fuel. The Greek poet, Homer, famously referred to olive oil as “liquid gold.”

North America’s relationship with olives began in the late 1700’s, with cuttings brought by Spanish missionaries. However, it wasn’t until well after the Gold Rush that farmers developed an interest in the olive as a cash crop.

by Ashley Talmadge

Traditional Farming Yields New Gold Darro Grieco and his wife, Olivia, own the 100-year-old Berkeley Olive Grove in California. At 400 acres, it’s the largest grove of mission olives (the only olive considered indigenous to the Americas) in the world. Yet, the Griecos have eschewed artificial irrigation and other industrial farm practices in favor of traditional organic, sustainable methods. This allows the olive trees to flourish through their natural 600+ year lifespan, and ensures the preservation of the historic property. Grieco says that although his yield is smaller than that of a large hedgerow operation, “the use of dry farming and hand-intensive practices has produced exceptional olive oils.” Year after year, his award-winning extra virgin olive oils prove his point.

26 • January 2016

Why extra virgin?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is made simply by crushing olives and extracting the juice.

Neither heat nor chemicals, which degrade the oil, are used during the process. Experts agree that only an EVOO confers the health benefits associated with olive oil.

How healthy is it?

EVOO contains the “good” (monosaturated) fatty acids, as well as naturally occurring polyphenols. Naturopath Dr. Christina Caselli, ND says consumption of olive oil “lowers insulin levels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces overall cholesterol levels.” In addition to the well documented cardiovascular benefits, new studies suggest specific phenols may prevent Alzheimer’s disease and destroy cancer cells. Applying olive oil to

the skin can be beneficial as well. Caselli says it “can be used as a carrier for essential oils to be used topically,” and that it’s an effective treatment “for cradle cap in infants due to its gentle antimicrobial properties.”

Finding your gold.

Though good EVOO has proven health benefits, the consumer must be careful.

Lab tests have revealed that more than two-thirds of store-bought oils imported by the U.S. and labeled as EVOO fail to meet International Olive Council standards. Unlike wine, olive oil does not improve with age. It’s more like a juice, best just after it’s squeezed. Former olive grower Susie Lawing says, “When buying an oil there are all kinds of variations, but the main thing is freshness.”

Amazing Mayonnaise

In a blender, mix together: 2 farm-fresh egg yolks ¼ tsp. salt 2 tsp. lemon juice pinch of garlic or a bit of garlic oil

With the blender on low, add 1½ cups extra virgin olive oil, drop-bydrop.

In just 5 minutes you’ll have a delicious dip for artichokes, dressing for slaw, or spread for a sandwich. ~from Chef Brett LaMott (Raw eggs are made safe by acidifying them with lemon juice or vinegar. Make a fresh batch each time and do not store leftovers.)

Look for: Dark glass bottle or tin container. Exposure to heat and light degrades the oil.

Harvest date. Olive oil becomes rancid over time, so buy the most recently bottled oil.

Quality seal certification. EVOOs bearing a sticker from one of several programs—e.g.

North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA), Extra Virgin Alliance (EVA), or California Olive Oil Council (COOC)—meet specific taste and chemical standards.

Price point. “If it sounds too good to be true…” You know the rest of the story.

Most experts agree that you cannot buy good EVOO for less than $10/liter.

A cook’s companion, hot or cold.

Contrary to a widespread myth, good EVOO is quite stable under high heat conditions. It can be used for frying, sautéing, and baking at 410 degrees F or more with tasty, nutritious results. Chef Brett LaMott says, “We cook with extra virgin olive oil at our restau-

rant, because the flavors come out…It’s good to cook with and very healthy for you.” Grieco agrees, adding that an oil with a high phenol content “preserves the nutritional content of the foods you’re cooking with it.”

Choosing an oil? Keep in mind: Go bitter for better health. Grieco and other experts say that, due to the high phenol content, the healthiest EVOOs often have a bitter or peppery quality.

One olive is not like another. LaMott says each oil has a “terroir”—it “tastes like the soil where it grows.” Olives of the same variety may have very distinct flavors, depending on where they’re grown.

Different dishes, different oils. Pair a robust oil with a strong spicy dish, a delicate oil with a light dish.

Another healthy and delicious tip?

LaMott suggests replacing other fats with olive oil. “It’s far better than putting butter on your bread. Just dip your bread in olive oil.”

Increase Your Olive Oil IQ Olive Oil Times Magazine (www.oliveoiltimes.com) Articles on all things olive oil:history, new research, industry awards.

Truth in Olive Oil (www.truthinoliveoil.com) Lists of excellent EVOOs, both “gourmet quality” and store bought.

Virgin Territory: Exploring the World of Olive Oil

by Nancy Harmon Jenkins (2015), includes 100+ recipes.

North American Olive Oil Association (NAOOA) www.aboutoliveoil.org

January 2016 • 27

health

12 Ways to Work Your Workout

by Ashley Talmadge

The benefits of exercising regularly are no secret. From controlling weight, to staving off chronic disease, to improving memory and sleep—physical activity seems to be a cure-all for whatever ails you.

And yet…

How many times have you renewed your commitment to exercise more, only to have life get in the way? Studies show you’re not alone.

It’s a fact that most gym memberships go unused within a month or two of purchase.

Take heart! There are ways to beat the odds and ensure your personal success. Take a long-term view of your health, start slowly, and don’t expect a miracle in three weeks. You can break the old cycle, and make active habits a part of daily life. Follow these twelve surefire tips to start and maintain your workout routine.

Baby steps first.

Promise yourself a brisk 15-minute walk on your lunch hour each day, or a 20-minute yoga DVD while the baby’s napping. Start with something you know you can manage, and grow from there.

you. Not a rooster? Don’t schedule your workouts at 5am. Enjoy camaraderie? Join a fitness class. Inspired by screams of, “Make it burn!” as you writhe in pain after your hundredth crunch? Hire the burly retired marine as your personal trainer.

Beware the Shortcut Charlatan.

No, you can’t use “vibration technology” to jiggle flab into a beach-ready bikini body.

The quicker you’re able to ignore to such outlandish claims, the quicker you can get to the real business of getting fit. Exercising can be fun, but it’s not effortless. View your health and fitness as a creative lifelong endeavor, rather than a phase.

Precision counts.

It’s easier to work toward a goal that’s detailed and specific. So “I’ll exercise more,” becomes “I’ll bike five miles, three times a week.” Amy Carroll, full-time insurance agent and mother of two, has been going to the gym regularly for almost four months. She says, “My long-term goal is to be the weight that is on my driver’s license. I have mini goals to shoot for along the way, and currently have hit my first goal of losing 15 pounds!”

Know yourself, be yourself.

Nothing causes burnout quicker than hating every minute of your workout. Use the equipment and techniques that motivate 28 • January 2016

Personalize it.

One-on-one time with a personal trainer can

help demystify the vast array of techniques and equipment. Personal trainer Brandon Senn claims that many people choose a “cookie cutter” routine, and then can’t stick with their fitness program. He says, “Often people don’t understand what they’re doing and why.” A personal trainer can help you create a flexible and diversified program.

Most can also provide advice regarding nutrition and weight management.

Scale back.

Resist the urge to weigh yourself every day.

Sure, you want a concrete way to track the pounds being siphoned away in your sweat.

But for most people, losing more than a pound-and-a-half per week is unrealistic.

Senn says progress is more accurately tracked by getting a regular body fat measurement (easily obtained at most gyms). In addition, he recommends keeping an accu-

rate log of your workouts as “a great way to see where you’re making progress, and where you might need to modify what you’re doing.” Hop on the scale only weekly, or even less often, to avoid discouragement and get a better sense of how your weight is trending.

Buddy up.

A workout partner with similar goals can foster some healthy competition.

You don’t need to coordinate every workout, but check in with your buddy regularly to compare notes. Choose a person who won’t let you off the hook too easily if you miss your workout.

Use bribery and blackmail.

Reward yourself in some small way for completing your workout. Sometimes all it takes is the thought of a postworkout shower at the gym, uninterrupted by small children pounding on the door. If you’re more motivated by penalty than reward, agree to buy your workout buddy lunch if you miss more than two sessions in a row. Use social media to post your intentions.

Remember your physics.

A body at rest tends to stay at rest, while a body in motion tends to keep moving. This goes for your body too.

Adopt a “something is better than nothing” attitude. When unforeseen schedule challenges arise, do a brisk 20minute walk or jog rather than ditch your workout completely. Missed workouts pile up quickly, while your feet get more comfortable on the ottoman.

Avoid the blame game.

So you ate a huge piece of cake after your daughter’s party, and now you feel like your workout was for naught.

Allow yourself a mini guilt party (no more than 15 minutes!) and move on.

Emphasis on move. And don’t try to compensate for those cake calories by doubling your workout time. Forget the “sugar debt” and keep moving.

Mix it up.

Try something new when you feel stuck in your routine. Carroll says she loves her Zumba class, but also uses the elliptical, some weight machines, and some free weights. She adds, “I just started doing some basic kick boxing stuff at home and I have enjoyed that too.”

Get inspired.

Look for someone who makes you think, “If she can do it, so can I.” Whether it’s the restaurant blogger who shed 90 pounds, or the 90-yearold who still walks three miles a day, let your “hero” spur you on.

Ready To Get Moving?

Visit One Of These Local Gyms.

Flagler County Anytime Fitness Gym 260 Cypress Edge Dr #106 (386) 445-4945 Planet Fitness 7 Old Kings Road North, Units 20-32 (386) 283-4973 Just Train Fitness 5 Utility Dr #1-2 (386) 264-6706 Thriv Fitness Center 3 Commerce Blvd (386) 446-7462 Fitness One Inc 250 Old Kings Rd S (386) 439-7707 Peak Fitness & Rehab 17 Old Kings Rd N (386) 445-2348

Bodez 1140 W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach (386) 672-6464 4Ever Fitness 4639 S Clyde Morris Blvd # 104 Port Orange (386) 788-5678 Revive Fitness & Lifestyle Management 180 S Yonge St Ormond Beach (386) 676-0009 LA Fitness 1810 Dunlawton Ave Port Orange (386) 682-2509 Evolution Health Club 1 S Old Kings Rd Ormond Beach (386) 236-9956

Hot Yoga Lounge 1000 Palm Coast Pkwy SW #207 (386) 283-5675 Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club 5545 Belle Terre Pkwy (386) 446-7676 Volusia County Planet Fitness 1423 S Nova Rd & 910 S Atlantic Ave Ormond Beach (386) 253-4300 (306) 677-4000 Beach Street Gym 333 Beville Rd South Daytona (386) 763-5696 CrossFit 3000 Opportunity Ct Port Orange (386) 212-8983 Gold's Gym 333 W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach (386) 677-4949

Volusia/Flagler YMCA Family Centers Southeast Volusia Family YMCA 148 W Turgot Ave (386) 409-9622 Ormond Beach YMCA 500 Sterthaus Dr (386) 673-9622 Port Orange YMCA 4701 City Center Pkwy (386) 760-9622 Open until 9:00 PM Holly Hill YMCA 1046 Daytona Avenue (386) 253-5675 DeLand Family YMCA (386) 736-6000 761E. International Speedway Blvd.

DeLand, FL 32724

January 2016 • 29

health

Students Pitch ER Ideas to Florida Hospital Flagler Leadership On Dec. 2, a group of five students from Bunnell Elementary School came to Florida Hospital Flagler to present their ideas on how to make the emergency department more child-friendly.

Sixth graders Christina Courson, Karissa Jackson, Isabella Miller, Hope Romaine and Carmella Sweeney are members of the Bunnell Problem Solvers and pitched their ideas – such as pediatric-themed patient rooms and education to prepare families for emergency visits – to hospital leadership for possible implementation in the emergency department.

“Students involved in community problem solving develop lifelong skills including creating solutions for needs in the community, working with local entities, and inspiring change,“ said Jennifer Colindres, Bunnell Elementary School sixth grade certified gifted teacher. “The implementation of real solutions gives students a strong sense of accomplishment and helps them to see the practical applications of the processes and skills that they have been learning.

“The Florida Hospital Flagler team really enjoyed hearing the student’s ideas about creating a more child-friendly atmosphere in our emergency department. The ideas were especially valuable because they came from a child’s perspective! The young ladies were exceptionally professional and well-spoken and we will certainly be considering the feasibility of some of the ideas presented to us,” said Robert Davis, Florida Hospital Flagler chief nursing officer.

About Florida Hospital Flagler Florida Hospital Flagler is a member of Adventist Health System, a faith-based health care organization with 45 hospital campuses and nearly 8,300 licensed beds in 10 states.

With 99-beds, Florida Hospital Flagler employs nearly 1,000 caregivers. Florida Hospital Flagler is comprised of the hospital’s main campus; Town Center Surgery, a freestanding outpatient center; and the Parkway Medical Plaza which includes a walk-in clinic, laboratory, imaging and women’s center and physician offices. For more information, call (386) 586-2000 or visit www.FloridaHospitalFlagler.com.

30 • January 2016

health

Created through a partnership between Halifax Health and Volusia Flagler Family YMCA, Healthy Living Centers are open to the community, providing residents a convenient resource for health education and screening opportunities.

The centers are staffed by health and wellness professionals from both The YMCA and Halifax Health.

The centers are EDUCATION based and will offer classes, seminars, community outreach, health assessments and much more.

Essential Oils

Offering a broad array of evidenced based programs, covering a multitude of topics applicable to all ages:

Ormond Beach Family YMCA This class will teach you the basics about essential oils, when to use them, why to use them and the important health benefits from them.

• 30 Minutes With A Doc

DeLand ME Strong 5K training

• Eating Right, Nutrition Classes

DeLand Family YMCA Join us as we prepare for the ME Strong 5k race on Jan 23rd, 2016. This 8 week program will get you ready for race day. From Day 1, you will be placed with people of similar pace. Whether you are a Couch to 5k novice or an experienced runner, you will receive guidance from knowledgeable instructors.

Multiple Meet Up Times*: Mondays 5:30am Wednesdays 9:15am Thursdays 5:15pm Occasional Saturdays

• Feeling Young At Any Age • Heart Health, Classes and Assessments • Avoiding Diabetes • 5-2-1-0 Healthy Life Seminars • Red Hot Mama’s (pre- through post-menopause information) • Medication Checks • Happiest Baby on the Block • Daddy Boot Camp

* Program participants can attend one or all meet ups.

Opening at:

Nutrition 101

ORMOND BEACH FAMILY YMCA 500 Sterthaus Drive, Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach Family YMCA This class is designed to teach you the basics about proper nutrition and what you need to know to have healthier eating habits in 2016!

PORT ORANGE FAMILY YMCA 4701 City Center Parkway, Port Orange FOUR TOWNES FAMILY YMCA 280 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona DELAND FAMILY YMCA 761 E. International Speedway Boulevard, DeLand

Port Orange LIVESTRONG at the YMCA 5K - LYLW Port Orange Family YMCA LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, is a nationally recognized program that helps cancer survivors reclaim their health and their lives.

Full Breakfast buffet provided by Aunt Catfish, long sleeve race shirt, finisher?s medal and race goodie bag provided to all participants.

DeLand - Stroke Clinic - Swim League

*With every paid adult entry, one kid 12 or under can run free.

DeLand Family YMCA Technique is everything to a swimmer and sometimes a swimmer needs a little extra pool time to master a stroke. Thus clinic is open to current YMCA swim league participants so they can focus on their technique and improve their overall swimming style.

Dance Combo 1 - Ballet/Tap

Understanding why you need to warm-up and cool down Ormond Beach Family YMCA This class will teach you the importance of properly preparing your body for exercise and why it is important to cool down slowly. It will be followed by a 30 minute walk.

Essential Oils Ormond Beach Family YMCA This class will teach you the basics about essential oils, when to use them, why to use them and the important health benefits from them.

Port Orange Family YMCA At the Y participants will learn more than technique & form.

Classes are with professional instructors dedicated to the development of their students.

Pre-Dance Port Orange Family YMCA At the Y participants will learn more than technique & form.

Classes are with professional instructors dedicated to the development of their students.

Community CPR/AED Training Port Orange Family YMCA An American Safety and Health Institute certification, this 4 hour class will teach you the skills to perform lifesaving skills on an adult, child and infant. Space is limited.

January 2016 • 31

feature

Embracing Hectic Times

Don't Let A Busy Schedule Wear Your Family Down

by Christina Katz

Stress, short-tempers, and the seeming inability of the household to function smoothly are typical signals that you may have slightly overdone it in the commitments department.

So, you overscheduled your family. This does not make you a bad person or a poor parent. Your family simply has a voracious appetite for participation. What's the harm in that? The only reason to alter your set course is if someone in your clan is physically, mentally or emotionally unable to participate. If you have to pull some plugs for any of these reasons, it's perfectly okay if you do.

But if you are simply cycling through an extra-hectic time of the year with many activities happening all at once, you are certainly not alone. Whether you see the hectic times coming in advance or only realize the chaos when it is almost upon you, there are some specific strategies you can take as a family that will help you slay the activity-overwhelm dragon before anyone gets burned. See if these tips are Call a family meeting.

Take charge of the situation as soon as you can by calling a family meeting. Tell everyone to bring their calendars and scheduling tools, if they are old enough to manage their own. Make some beverages, put out some cookies, and go through the upcoming week one day at a time. Now is also time to figure out carpooling, best shopping times, and whether or not it is humanly possible to squeeze everything in.

Make scheduling a weekly event.

Some families have formal, complex family meeting but this is not going to be help most families because you won't likely stick with it. Instead, a quick drink and cookie break on Sunday afternoons might just turn into something everyone actually enjoys. At the end of the scheduling session, ask, "Does anyone have anything else they want 32 • January 2016

to discuss?" Soon, you'll be kicking each week off strong using the power of good, old-fashioned communication.

Create a master calendar.

Every person in the family who is old enough to write should have his or her own calendar. Without a master plan you are going to lose track of the big picture. Assign one parent as the keeper of the master plan and keep it updated daily. Put all your critical to-dos on it. Glance at it in the morning and before bed. Much stress will disappear once one person takes on the role of family dispatcher.

Expect everyone to be responsible.

Just because you are the dispatcher, does not mean you should manage schedules for kids who are old enough to do it themselves. Taking responsibilities off of your chil-

dren's shoulders does not serve them or the family. Who is the weakest link in this scheduling arrangement? Let them know how important good communication is, not just in the family, but also in life in general. Then help them figure out a system that works well for them. Try to make the most of their natural strengths if they are predominantly visual, verbal, aural, physical or logical.

Keep priorities straight.

If you are following these suggestions and meeting your family commitments still feels unmanageable, then some things are going to have to give. Don't look to others to find out where your feelings of overwhelm are originating - look within. Have you let your priorities become confused? When you are a spouse and a mother, your first priorities are to the people who live under your roof.

If you are taking care of others who are

already adults, then it's time to remember your irreplaceable role to your family. Your family comes first and other commitments come afterwards.

Let the extraneous go.

Here's the secret to a happy life for you and your family: don't do what you think is expected of you. Do what you want to do. Although peer pressure may still be challenging for your kids, it should be a no-brainer for you. You don't need to do what the Jones family does. You need to do what your family does. Period. The world needs the unique contributions of every member of your family. And no one is going to blossom if everyone is running around like a bunch of followers. So lead by example and live the life you want to live. Steer your own course and teach your kids to steer theirs. If you do, your kids will follow your lead and be engaged and happy no matter how busy they are - on any given day of any given week.

Books To Help Simplify Family Life In your down time, if you have any, you can dream up ways to streamline family life by checking out these books:

Simplicity Parenting, Using The Extraordinary Power Of Less To Raise Calmer, Happier, And More Secure Kids

by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

No Regrets Parenting, Turning Long Days And Short Years Into Cherished Moments With Your Kids

by Harley A Rotbart, M.D.

Mindful Parenting, Simple And Powerful Solutions For Raising Creative, Engaged, Happy Kids In Today's Hectic World

by Kristen Race

Family Bucket Lists, Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie Into Every Day

by Lara Krupicka

January 2016 • 33

events Cultural Educational and Museums

January 2016 We need to hear from you.

Our magazines list local events for families.

To submit an event, send your information by the 10th of the preceding month to:

charlie@bradymediainc.com or mail to: 515 Palm Coast Pwy., SW Ste. 5 Palm Coast, FL 32137 Cultural Educational and Museums

JAN 3 Living History at Fort Matanzas 10:30AM - 3:30PM Fort Matanzas presents cannon or musket firings; with period re-enactors demonstrating how Spanish soldiers in the colonial days defended Fort Matanzas from attackers.

Fort Matanzas defended the southern approach to St. Augustine. This fortress was integral to the safety of the fledgling port town, St. Augustine.

Admission is free.

For more info call (904) 471-0116.

JAN 5 Lyonia Environmental Center Earth Flight 1PM Watch a series of films that depict awe-inspiring journeys across three continents from a bird’s perspective. New films will begin on the hour.

This program is free.

Meet in Lyonia Environmental Center's classroom, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 386789-7207, ext. 21028.

JAN 6 Lightner Museum Curator Tours "Made for Children’’ This month's tour "Made for Children," will focus on a selection of everyday objects used by children throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. All objects were designed to educate and instruct children as they grew up to be young ladies and gentlemen. The tour, which is included in admission, takes place at 10 a.m. on the second floor of Lightner Museum.

Regular admission is $10 adults; $6 for active duty military; $5 college student and youth ages 12-18; 12 and under are free.

75 King St., St. Augustine. 904-824-2874 www.lightnermuseum.org 34 • January 2016

JAN 7 Explore Volusia: Indian River Lagoon Park 9AM – 11AM Explore the waterfront park while learning about the importance of estuaries, natural uplands and wetlands. Participants can test water quality and learn about environmental issues facing the lagoon. Meet at 700 Sandpiper St., New Smyrna Beach.

Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia to acquaint residents with the county’s conservation lands and land management practices.

Reservations are required; call 386-736-5927.

JAN 16 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Guided Night Tour 6:3-PM – 8PM Climb the lighthouse at night and enjoy an evening of Lighthouse and maritime history.

Meet our own Captain Murphy and learn about his adventures on the high seas. Also on that evening, visit with the most famous female Lighthouse keeper and American heroine, Miss Ida Lewis from Lime Rock Lighthouse in Rhode Island. All active teachers will be admitted free of charge with proof of employment. All activities are included with regular admission, no advance reservations required. Please contact Mary Wentzel at mwentzel@ponceinlet.org, or (386) 761-1821 ext. 18, for more information. www.ponceinlet.org.

JAN 24 Lyonia Environmental Center Family Game Day Families can play environmentally themed board games, examine specimens under a microscope, and meet the center’s animal ambassadors.

Meet in Lyonia Environmental Center's classroom, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.

Farmers Markets JAN 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Flagler Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 12PM Downtown Flagler Beach, by the Ocean- Every Friday & Saturday, Year Round Rain or Shine.

Sunrise to early afternoon.

JAN 10, 17, 24, 31 Ormond Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 1PM Fresh Produce • Baked Goods • Honey • Flowers • Thai Cuisine • Meat • Jewelry • Art • Plants • Prepared Food and more from a select group of farmers and vendors. 22 S. Beach St. (City Hall Plaza), Ormond Beach.

For more info visit www.ormondbeachmainstreet.com/farmers-market/.

JAN 7, 14, 21, 28 Salt Air Farmers Market 10AM – 2PM Marineland Marina hosts the Salt Air Farmers Market every Sunday. Find an array of fresh, organically-grown produce and other yummy things.101 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augustine. (904) 814-9886 or www.saltairfarmersmarket.com.

JAN 3, 10, 17, 24 Moose Market 10AM – 2PM From organic produce to local seafood and everything in between. Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona, 1637 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach. (386) 316-2959 Just For Fun - Out & About

JAN 1 Parents Night Out St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, 999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine.

For more info visit http://www.alligatorfarm.com/parents-night-out/ JAN 2 Kids Craft Club - Michael's Craft Store 10AM – 12PM Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop! 30 minutes of crafting fun. All supplies are included. Register for a session every half hour.

See an associate to reserve a spot today.

5250 Hwy 100 E, Palm Coast.

JAN 3 DeBary Kids Corner Children are invited to DeBary Hall Historic Site’s stable to hear a story, play an old-fashioned game, and make a craft. DeBary Hall is at 198 Sunrise Blvd. The program, which meets every Thursday, is free.

For more information, please contact Kayce Looper at 386-668-3840 or klooper@volusia.org.

JAN 8 First Friday Art Walk Browse the wide variety of creative artwork exhibited at St. Augustine's fine art galleries and enjoy an evening of refreshments and live entertainment at this festive monthly event. The new exhibit for January is "Black, White and Shades of Gray," which will be premiered in an opening reception from 5 - 9 p.m. 22 Marine St. Gallery hours are from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays. http://augustine.com/event/first-friday-art-walk

events

JAN 8 – 10 Volusia County Home & Garden Show The Volusia County Home & Garden Show will be held in the Ocean Center's Arena and Ballroom.

This event will be open to the public. For additional details, please visit their website at http://showtechnology.com/event/annual-volusia-county-home-garden-show/ JAN 4 First Friday Flagler Beach 6PM – 9PM Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come for the live entertainment, local food vendors and flair. Family fun with Kids Zone sponsored by Flagler Parent. Veterans Park, Flagler Beach.

JAN 30 Tiny Trekkers 10AM Children ages 2 to 5 can listen to "Winter Lullaby,” take a short hike through Lyonia Preserve, and make a take-home craft. This program is free. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center's, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. ext. 21028.

Special Causes

JAN 17 – 17 The State Cheer & Dance Championship The State Cheer & Dance Championships will be held in the Exhibit Hall, Arena & Ballroom of the Ocean Center. This event is open to the public.

For additional details, please visit their website at http://ac.varsity.com/scdc-general.aspx

JAN 4 First Friday Art Walk 5PM – 9PM Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries.

Historic Area, St. Augustine. (904) 779-2781.

JAN 7 The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents Romeo & Juliet 7:30PM and 8:30PM Founded by legendary dancer and former principal dancer of The Bolshoi Theatre Ballet, Maya Plisetskaya, The State Ballet Theatre of Russia - now under the direction of award-winning dancer and Moiseyev Dance Company soloist Nikolay Anokhin - presents the most passionate romantic tragedy every told. This full-scale production is choreographed by Bolshoi Theatre Ballet Choreographer Michael Lavrovsky, and based on William Shakespeare's timeless tale of tragic love. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents 55 of Russia's brightest ballet stars to bring this celebration of true love onto our stage and into our hearts.

Flagler Auditorium 5500 East Hwy. 100, Palm Coast, FL (386)437-7547 • Toll Free: 1-866-FLAGLER www.flaglerauditorium.org

JAN 15 Cirque Italia ~ Water Circus 9:30AM and 7:30PM Come experience the magical world of Cirque Italia – a show like no other. We are proud to be the first traveling WATER circus in the US! Our extraordinary stage holds 35,000 gallons of water and features a dynamic lid which lifts 35 feet into the air, allowing water to fall like rain from above as fountains dazzle below! This incredible show takes place under our majestic white and blue big top tent which came all the way from Italy……..Inside we have such a theatrical and intimate setup, you just might forget you are under a circus tent! Town Center – across from Epic Theatres of Palm Coast 470 Bulldog Drive, Palm Coast.

Event Website: http://cirqueitalia.com/ JAN 30 The Color Vibe 5k 9AM – 11AM Get ready Palm Coast for the most colorful funfilled day of your life! You’ll have more color on you than your happy levels can handle! So get your friends and family stretched out for this amazing color blast event where you'll get blasted with color while you run the Color Vibe 5K. Color Vibe is here, and you’re about to get tagged! Kids 12 and under run FREE! http://www.thecolorvibe.com/palmcoast.php

JAN 9 City of Palm Coast 9th annual Christmas Tree Recycling Event 8AM – 1PM Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free three-gallon evergreen tree. To be held at the Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive, Palm Coast. Also accepting: DVD and CD players, keyboards, old wires, cell phones, Syrofoam, used gift wrap, Christmas tree lights (but no TVs, monitors). All trees donated for recycling will be ground and used as mulch to beautify the parks and trails across Palm Coast.

More info: 386-986-3722

JAN 12 Mobile Food Pantry 10AM – 1PM Precious Hearts Foundation's mobile food pantry serving not only domestic abuse survivors, the elderly & the homeless, but the community.

Call (877) 731-2210 or visit http://www.preciousheartsfoundation.org/

January 2016 • 35

events

Event Calendar

Community Classes/Activities: Breastfeeding Class January 11, March 14, May 16 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room F 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008.

Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

If you are choosing to breastfeed your baby you may have a number of questions like “How do I know if my baby is getting enough?” and “Is breastfeeding really best for my baby?” All of these topics and more are covered in our four-hour class led by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Ellen Barton, RNC and Susan Bekken, RNC. You will learn positioning techniques, what to expect during the early days of breastfeeding, how to be prepared for breastfeeding at work and also discuss the best products to help during breastfeeding.

Please bring a pillow and baby doll (if available) to class.

Class Fee: $25/couple.

Grandparenting 101 January 17, March 20, May 22 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room F 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call (386) 254-4008 Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

Class Fee: $50 per couple.

To register online go to halifaxhealth.org/ob.

Tummy Time, Back To Sleep and Diaper Genies.

These were certainly not a part of the script when we had our children decades ago. As times have changed, we want to make sure you are equipped to be the best grandparent on the block. We will bring you up to speed with a CPR demonstration, diapering options, comfort measures and much more.

This class is led by Susan Bekken, RNC, IBCLC. Class Fee: $30.

36 • January 2016

Infant Massage Series January 6, 13, 20, 27/February 1, 8, 15, 22/March 2, 9, 16, 23 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room E 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008.

Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

The Infant Massage Series is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their baby, while learning the styles and strokes of infant massage. This four-week class is intended for babies newborn to six months of age and combines different routines of soothing and rhythmic strokes with guided instruction. This class is led by Susie Johnsen, RN. Susie is a mother of four, a NICU Registered Nurse, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Neonatal Touch and Massage Nurse Certified and Neonatal Development Care Specialist.

Class Fee: $50.

Newborn Care Class January 9, February 6, March 5, April 9, May 14, June 18 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room E 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008.

Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

Our Newborn Care Class will teach you everything you need to know from bathing, diapering, what to expect with newborn appearances and also how to soothe your colicky baby using Dr. Harvey Karp’s Happiest Baby on the Block method. This class is led by Valarie Urquhart, RNCOB, Certified Childbirth Educator and Certified Happiest Baby on the Block Instructor. You will leave this class with a Happiest Baby on the Block Parent Kit that includes a DVD available in English/Spanish and a Super-Soothing Sleep Sounds CD along with an education manual on infant CPR from the American Heart Association.

Class Fee: $35/couple.

Class size is limited to 10 couples.

Sibling Celebration February 28, April 10, June 5 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room F 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008.

Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

Going from a household of an only child to a home with siblings can be a challenge.

Sibling Celebration is a fun, interactive program, which provides a special way to introduce the newest addition to your family.

Parents and children together learn “what baby does best,” how to change a diaper and we also share the “Berenstein Bears” story of bringing home their new baby. We will also provide a short tour of the Center for Women & Infant Health at the end of this class. This class is intended for parents and their children ages three to 10 years of age.

Class Fee: No cost.

Understanding Birth January 30, February 27, March 12, April 23, May 21, June 4 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room E 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008.

Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

Join us for a day full of real discussions, tips and preparation for what to expect before, during and after delivery. You will leave this class feeling ready and prepared for that amazing day when you welcome your baby into this world. Your class is led by Certified Childbirth Educator Valarie Urquhart, RNC-OB. Class Fee: $50/couple Welcome Baby Series February 3, 10, 17, 24/April 6, 13, 20, 27/ June 1, 18, 15, 22 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower - Meeting Room F 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL To RSVP, call: (386) 254-4008 Register online at halifaxhealth.org/ob.

The Welcome Baby Series is a combination class that encompasses two of our most popular classes, Understanding Birth and Newborn Care, into a four-week series. You will learn everything you need to be prepared for childbirth and how to care for your newborn baby once you go home.

This series is led by experienced parent educators Rebecca Sarwi, Labor & Delivery RN and Patti Hoffman, RN, IBCLC. Class Fee: $75 for four-week series.

Parenting Group Every Tuesday (January 5, 12, 19, 26/ February 2, 9, 16, 23/March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) 6:00-7:00 pm Halifax Health-Behavioral Services 841 Jimmy Ann Dr., Daytona Beach (386) 425-3900 This six-week program covers topics such as parenting styles, how to deal with anger, role modeling, conflict resolution, how to handle stress, and more. Each class costs $5. Participants receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.

A children’s group takes place during the parenting group. Call for a referral.

Information Sessions: East Coast Bariatrics at Halifax Health Free Information Sessions Every Thursday at 6 p.m. (January 7, 14, 21, 28 /February 4, 11, 18, 25/ March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31) Halifax Health Medical Center France Tower 303 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL Reserved Seating Only Call (386) 238-3205 for more information.

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Coulda been a contender Three Reels – Something to talk about.

Four Reels – You want the truth?

Great flick!

Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Here’s a sneak peek at what's new in theaters and home entertainment this month. Note that release dates are subject to change.

KUNG FU PANDA 3 PG for martial arts action and some mild rude humor Reel Preview: Yes! Another "Kung Fu Panda" movie. A big favorite in this house.

This third installment finds Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappearing and the reunited duo traveling to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when supernatural villain Kai (J.K. Simmons) begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po (Jack Black) must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas! Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Allesandro Carloni, this cute family movie also features the voice talent of Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, Bryan Cranston and Kate Hudson.

THE FINEST HOURS PG-13 for intense sequences of peril Reel Preview: This action-thriller tells the true story of the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. On Feb. 18, 1952, a massive nor’easter struck New England, pummeling the Eastern seaboard and wreaking havoc on the ships caught in its deadly path, including the SS Pendleton, a T-2 oil tanker bound for Boston, which was literally ripped in half, trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly-sinking stern. As the senior officer on board, first assistant engineer Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) realizes he must take charge of the frightened crew and inspire the men to work together to ride out the storm.

Meanwhile at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Chatham, Massachusetts, Warrant Officer Daniel Cluff (Eric Bana) orders a daring rescue operation, sending four men, led by Coast Guard Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), out in a wooden lifeboat with an ill-equipped engine and little means of navigation to face frigid temperatures, 60-foot high waves and hurricane-force winds.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and based on the book by Casey Sherman and Michael Tougias, this movie also stars Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, John Ortiz and Eric Bana.

THE NUT JOB 2 Not yet rated; likely PG Reel Preview: Not much has been released about this sequel to the 2014 family comedy "The Nut Job," but it will no doubt feature plenty of action and center on the further adventures of Surly the mischievous squirrel. In the first movie, he planned a heist to get into his town's biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter.

New on DVD/BLU--RAY ROBO-DOG Nor rated Reel Review: When Tyler's furry best friend tragically dies, his inventor dad, Tom, creates a new "ROBO-DOG" out of spare parts and a techie "super battery." But Tom’s old boss, Mr. Willis, wants the battery for himself and will stop at nothing to get it! Robo-Dog must help his new family save the day!

TIMBER THE TREASURE DOG Not Rated Reel Review: When Tyler's furry best friend tragically dies, his inventor dad, Tom, creates a new "ROBO-DOG" out of spare parts and a techie "super battery." But Tom’s old boss, Mr. Willis, wants the battery for himself and will stop at nothing to get it! Robo-Dog must help his new family save the day!

POWER RANGERS DINO CHARGE: UNLEASHED Not Rated Reel Review: Get charged up and unleash the mighty strength of the dinosaurs with the Power Rangers Dino Charge! Centuries after intergalactic bounty hunter Sledge tried to get his hands on the mysterious Energems, a new team of Rangers has unearthed the gems, and bonded with their powerful dinosaur spirit. With the help of Dinofueled weapons, new Mega Zords, and teamwork, they must protect these gems at all costs from Sledge's monsters and keep the universe safe!

feature

Alcohol, Sex & Peer Pressure Tackle Tough Topics With Your Kids

by Christina Katz

When it comes to discussing difficult topics with your kids, your natural inclination may be to try to avoid the job altogether. But remember, your children will pay for your hesitancy or embarrassment with a lack of awareness they will need to make good decisions. You don't want your child making emotion-fueled, spur-of-the-moment choices about alcohol, sex or peer pressure to try and prove something to their friends. You want them to be in the know, be prepared, and know in advance where they stand on crucial decisions before they get caught in a slippery situation.

While sweet, innocent naivetĂŠ might be a preferable fantasy to parents in the short run, protecting kids too much can cost them as they progress through rites of passage.

How soon do your kids need to be ready to make good choices? Earlier than you may think-according to the National Institute On Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism, 40 percent of adolescents report drinking by eighth grade, and 55 percent report being drunk at least once by 12th grade. Kids who head off to middle school with a solid understanding of how to make good choices about alcohol, sex, and peer pressure, can worry less and thrive more.

According to The Mayo Clinic, sex education is a parent's responsibility. And by reinforcing and supplementing what kids learn in school, parents can set the stage for a lifetime of healthy sexuality. Kids rely on parents to help them make good choices.

Eighty percent of teens feel that parents should have a say in whether they drink or not. Be optimistic about the positive impact 38 • January 2016

you can have. Information is power. It is uncommon for tweens to start having consensual sex before the age of twelve, therefore conversations about sex need to start early-likely long before you think your child is considering the option. Ideally, you want to start presenting your child with basic information on alcohol, sex, and peer-pressure from a young age.

The Mayo Clinic also reports that peer pressure, curiosity, and loneliness can steer teenagers into early sexual activity.

Therefore, do not delay. Start talking to your kids about the big three today. Here's how:

Start Early Don't wait until your child is facing challenges to start talking about tough topics.

As soon as your child begins to read, arm her with books that tackle important topics.

Girls start puberty between the ages of eight and thirteen and boys start puberty between the ages of nine and fifteen. This means if you are going to get a jump on

teaching kids about puberty, you will begin around the time they enter Kindergarten. A little bit of information delivered gradually each year will seem much less intimidating, rather then waiting for middle school and dumping a lot of information on kids all at once.

Cover The Basics How well do you understand biology, chemistry, and sociology? When your child hits puberty, he is going to be affected physically, emotionally, and within his peer group. This is especially true if your child is the first or the last in a group of friends to hit puberty. You might need a refresher course before you feel confident holding your own in conversations with your child about challenging topics. When your child starts watching health and wellness videos in school, be sure you watch them too. You can even watch them together, if you think this will spark questions and discussion.

Check in with your child's teacher for more

Back To School For Parents

Get the information you need first, so you won't be thrown by questions your child dreams up about alcohol, sex, and peer pressure. These sites can help: Kidshealth: http://kidshealth.org/ MedlinePlus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childrenandteenagers.html NIAAA: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Watch Media Together

TV Shows That Tackle Tween/Teen Issues:

information on her plans.

Be Authoritative Parents who have the best results getting through to teens are authoritative rather than authoritarian, permissive or neglectful.

So have thoughtful limits for your kids and express them to your kids frequently. Don't imagine they will know what you expect unless you tell them. Studies show that parents with a permissive attitude towards drinking, combined with poor communication and unhealthy modeling, lead teens into unhealthy relationships with alcohol.

Parents who provide a healthy and consistent balance of discipline and support are more likely to have teens respect their boundaries on drinking and other behaviors.

Cover New Angles Kids grow up and as they do, you will become aware of important details that you failed to cover. You talked about biological sex, but did you discuss when to have sex?

Kids who know their parents discourage sex are more likely to wait. You broached the topic of alcohol, but did you get into the dangers of drugs? You don't want your child thinking drugs are any less dangerous than alcohol. You talked about peer pressure on the playground, but what about when there is a car involved? Make sure your child will call you rather than get in the car with a drunk driver. The older kids get, the more contexts and social situations they will encounter. Keep reviewing possible scenarios with your kids so they will not be taken

off guard. Teach them that it's not only okay to say no, but that life requires us to say no sometimes in order to make the best choices for ourselves.

Keep Circling Back You are never done discussing delicate topics. For example, 80% of kids will try alcohol in high school but even if your child starts drinking in college or later, keep talking. She needs to know that you are consistently focused on her wellbeing no matter what her age. Late elementary school and middle school are important times to talk about the negative effects of over-indulging in alcohol. By the time kids become teens, they should have an in-depth understanding of the negative effects of alcohol and should know you are willing to talk more any time.

Restrict Media Images Of Partying A 2010 Dartmouth Medical School study concluded that parents who steers kids clear of R-rated movies helped kids stay strong against peer-pressure to drink alcohol.

According to James A. Sargent, M.D., "The research to date suggests that keeping kids from R-rated movies can help keep them from drinking, smoking, and doing a lot of other things that parents don't want them to do." In another study conducted the same year, Doctor Sargent concluded that children who watch R-rated movies become more prone to sensation-seeking and risk taking. Make sure your kids are mature enough for what they watch. If you are

The Wonder Years Freaks and Geeks My So-Called Life Movies about peer pressure: For Tweens: The Mighty Stand By Me Now And Then August Rush The Sandlot The Breakfast Club For Teens: Pretty In Pink Freedom Writers Mean Girls The Man In The Moon Mystic Pizza Say Anything Perks Of Being A Wallflower Movies about pregnancy: Riding In Cars With Boys Where The Heart Is Juno QuinceaĂąera For Parents: American Teen (documentary) Secret Life of the American Teenager

January 2016 • 39

Books About Puberty

unsure, watch with them and set clear guidelines.

Create Opportunities For Discussion Whatever you do, don't become so fanatical about your child making good choices that she will want to avoid these topics with you altogether. A relaxed, age-appropriate, multimedia approach can help keep the conversation going without you having to constantly bring up topics yourself. For family movie night, choose a film that sparks discussion or take your child to see a movie in the theatre and then discuss it over dinner afterwards.

Studies have shown that parents who are concerned, engaged and speak openly about expectations help their kids make more responsible choices. You want kids to know you care, but you don't want to drive them nuts. So don't ban films and media altogether, just try to take an active role.

For Girls: The Care And Keeping Of You, The Body Book For Younger Girls Revised Edition by Valorie Schaefer

The Care And Keeping Of You, The Body Book For Older Girls

by Carla Natterson

The Girl's Body Book, Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU

by Kelli Dunham

Encourage Questions If your kids come to you with questions about alcohol, sex, and peer-pressure, then you know you are doing a good job keeping the doors to good communication open.

Thank your child for asking questions. Resist the urge to make jokes or brush off your child's feelings. Respond to inquiries as thoughtfully as you can. You want to make sure the questions keep coming to you. Cast your vote in every potentially confusing situation. Better yet, turn the table and ask your teen what he thinks is the best choice in a situation. This is a good way to find out if she is listening or tuning you out.

Look In The Mirror Your child is going to pick up on the way you relate to your own body. Are you constantly on a diet? Typically complaining about weight you want to lose but not exercising? Do you drink soda, eat junk food, and hit the fast food drive through when you are upset? Do you drink often or excessively on occasion? Kids are imitators. They will do what you do. They will act the way you act. If you say yes to every request for your time and don't take time to take care of yourself, then your children will not learn to say no, either. How's your sex life? How's your drinking? How's your ability to say no?

If the answer is not good, get to work on make better choices yourself, since this is what you expect of your kids.

What's Happening To My Body? A Girl's Guide

by Lynda Madaras and Area Madaras

For Boys: What's Happening To My Body?

A Boy's Guide

by Lynda Madaras and Area Madaras

The Boy's Body Book: Everything You Need to Know for Growing Up YOU

by Kelli Dunham

When is your job as a choice coach done?

Never. The goal for both you and your child is thoughtful responsiveness. Make sure your child has all the information she needs to get to the place where she can make conscious choices and you will sleep better tonight and every night.

40 • January 2015

What's Going On Down There?

Answers To Questions Boys Find Hard To Ask

by Karen Gravelle

Like Us On FaceBook for your chance to win great prizes! www.facebook.com/ flaglerparentmagazine www.facebook.com/ volusiaparentmagazine www.facebook.com/ stjohnsparentmagazine www.flaglerparent.com / January 2016 • 41

January 20 Family Story Class 10:00 – 11:00 AMAges 6 and under Stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes – promotes early literacy skills.

Adult participation required.

Theme: Do Not Sneeze on your Knees January 21 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons.

Adult participation required.

Flagler County Library January Children’s Activities January 2 Game Day 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Ages 6+ Yu-Gi-Oh! and other card or board games.

Bring your own Yu-Gi-Oh! deck.

January 7 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons.

Adult participation required.

January 14 American Girl 4:30 – 5:30 PM Ages 6 and up.

Stories, activities, crafts and refreshments based on books in the American Girl series.

Featured Character – Julie, a nine-year-old girl growing up in San Francisco in the 1970s.

January 9 Saturday Crafts Day 10:00 – 11:30 AMAll ages Join us for a morning of fun with seasonal craft activities.

All supplies provided.

January 14 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons.

Adult participation required.

42 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

January 25 Family Movie Night 6:00 PM All Ages Rated: G Six cute and cuddly puppies find themselves in the icy terrain of Alaska where they meet some new friends, compete in a sled race and try to find their way home.

January 26 Boys’ Book Club 4:30 – 5:30 Ages 8 - 11 Members read the same book and meet once a month for a lively discussion and book related snack and activity.

Limited to 12 members.

Club is currently FULL. Contact Children’s Dept. about wait list.

January 27 Family Story Class 10:00 – 11:00 AMAges 6 and under Stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes – promotes early literacy skills.

Adult participation required.

Theme: Home Sweet Home

January 13 Family Story Class 10:00 – 11:00 AMAges 6 and under Stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes – promotes early literacy skills.

Adult participation required.

Theme: Snow Day January 13 PAWS to Read 4–6 PM Ages 4–8 Beginning readers can practice their new skills by reading to a real dog. Builds confidence and makes reading fun.

First come, first served.

January 23 Lego @ the Library 9:30 – 11:15 AM All ages A monthly multigenerational program providing families with an opportunity to work creatively together.

January 27 PAWS to Read 4–6 PM Ages 4–8 Beginning readers can practice their new skills by reading to a real dog. Builds confidence and makes reading fun. First come, first served.

January 19 Girls’ Book Club 4:30 – 5:30 Ages 8 - 11 Members read the same book and meet once a month for a lively discussion and book related snack and activity.

Limited to 12 members.

Club is currently FULL. Contact Children’s Dept. about wait list.

Info

January 29 Kids in Motion Flagler County Library 10:00 AM All Ages 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy., N.W. Build motor Palm and Coast, listening skills.

FL 32137 Music + movement + props (386) 446-6763 =Fitness Fun!

Bunnell Branch 103 E. Moody Blvd.

Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 437-7390

Flagler School News

education

JANUARY 2016 Character Education Word of the Month: PERSEVERANCE

January 2 3 p.m.

Illusionist Brad Ross’ Unbelievable Flagler Auditorium

January 12 5 p.m.

Belle Terre Elementary School PTO Meeting BTES, Media Center

January 2 5/7 p.m.

FPCHS vs MHS Boys Soccer Matanzas High School

January 13 Teacher Planning Day

January 4-6 2:30 p.m.

BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor

January 13 9 a.m.

Classroom to Careers Symposium Government Services Building

January 5 3:30 p.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School SAC/Title I Mtg. WES, Media Center

January 14 4 p.m.

VSA Art Class Session 4: Party with the Alien Chorus Government Services Building, Third Floor

January 5 5 p.m.

School Board Workshop GSB, Board Chamber

January 14 4:30 p.m.

BTES Skate Party for Grades K, 1, 2, 3 BTES, Multi-Purpose Room

January 5 6 p.m.

School Board Meeting GSB, Board Chambers

January 14 5:30 p.m.

BTES Skate Party for Grades 4, 5, 6 BTES, Multi-Purpose Room

January 6 5:30 p.m.

Old Kings Elementary School PTO Meeting OKES, Media Center

January 14 5:30 p.m.

WES PRIDE Night 2nd Quarter-Technology WES, Cafeteria

January 6 5:30 p.m FPCHS vs MHS JV/Varsity Wrestling Flagler Palm Coast High School

January 14 5:30 p.m.

Grandparents As Parents GSB, Rooms 3A&B

January 6 5:30/7:15 p.m FPCHS vs MHS Women’s Soccer Flagler Palm Coast High School January 6 6 p.m.

Matanzas High School Final Piano Recital MHS, Pirate Theater January 6 6:30 p.m.

Rymfire Elementary School PTO Meeting RES, Media Center January 7 4 p.m.

VSA Art Class Session 4: Party with the Alien Chorus Government Services Building, Third Floor

January 15 1 p.m.

RES No Referral Dance for Grades 5/6 RES, Bldg. 7. Gym January 18 NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Holiday January 19-20 2:30 p.m.

BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor January 19 6 p.m.

OKES Terrific Kids Awards for PreK-2nd Grades OKES, Cafeteria January 21 4 p.m.

VSA Art Class Session 4: Party with the Alien Chorus Government Services Building, Third Floor

January 7 6 p.m.

Matanzas High School Final Piano Recital MHS, Pirate Theater

January 21 5:30 p.m.

ESOL PLC Wadsworth Elementary School

January 10 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Menopause the Musical: The Survivor Tour Flagler Auditorium

January 21 6 p.m.

OKES Terrific Kids Awards for 3rd - 6th Grades OKES, Cafeteria

January 11-12 2:30 p.m.

BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor

January 21 6 p.m.

Flagler County District Spelling Bee WES, Cafeteria

January 11 6 p.m.

Bunnell Elementary School PTO Meeting BES, Media Center

January 21 6 p.m.

Bunnell Elementary School Terrific Kids Program BES, New Café

January 12 TBA Teacher of the Year/Employee of the Year Celebration Flagler Auditorium

January 22 5:30 p.m.

RES No Referral Basketball Game for Grade 6 RES, Big Gym

January 22 7 p.m.

Flagler All County Band Concert Matanzas High School January 23 – 24 Flagler County Home Show January 25-29 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! 2016 January 25-27 2:30 p.m.

BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor January 25 9:15 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 2nd Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 25 10 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 3rd Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 25 5:30 p.m.

FPCHS SAC Meeting FPCHS, Media Center January 25 5:30 p.m.

FPCHS vs MHS Men’s Basketball JV/Varsity Flagler Palm Coast High School January 26 9:15 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 4th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 26 10 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 5th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 27 9:15 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 1st Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 27 10 a.m.

Wadsworth Elementary School 6th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria January 27 6:30 p.m.

RES Boys/Girls Basketball Game RES, Bldg. 7, Gym January 28 4 p.m.

VSA Art Class Session 4: Party with the Alien Chorus Government Services Building, Third Floor January 28 5:30 p.m.

Bunnell Elementary School GREEN Event BES, Media & Multipurpose Room January 28 6:30 p.m.

WES Terrific Kids Ceremony WES, Cafeteria January 29/30 Flagler Rotary Tournament JV/Varsity Wrestling Flagler Palm Coast High School January 29 6:30 p.m.

Rymfire Elementary School PTO Movie Night RES, Cafeteria January 29 6:30 p.m.

Wadsworth Elementary PTO Movie Night WES, Cafeteria

www.flaglerparent.com / January 2016 • 43

travel

Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels

TM

Feature An Ideal Location And Offer Many Appealing Benefits If you are visiting the Orlando area, you should definitely consider staying at one of the seven Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels. Ideally located in the Walt Disney World® Resort, the hotels are within an easy walk to the outstanding shopping, dining and entertainment venues at Disney SpringsTM, formerly known as the Downtown Disney® area. The new name took effect September 29, 2015 in recognition of the transition to the one-of-a-kind, reimagined Disney SpringsTM, which features a charming waterfront setting, and new shopping, dining and entertainment. Significantly, this is the largest expansion in Downtown Disney® history. When work is completed in 2016, Disney SpringsTM will have expanded to more than 150 shopping, dining and entertainment venues, in four distinct outdoor neighborhoods, with a high-quality, diverse mix of retailers, entertainment, upscale restaurants, and casual dining options.

The Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels (DisneySpringsHotels.com) is a consortium of seven Official Walt Disney World® Hotels that includes: • B Resort & Spa – the stylish resort (pictured) opened in June 2014 and offers 394 newly renovated guest rooms, the full-service B Indulged® AVEDA Spa, a zero-entry pool, free Wi-Fi, and the new American Kitchen Bar & Grill; • Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel – overlooking scenic Lake Buena Vista and the Walt Disney World® Resort; • Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa – nearing completion of an impressive renovation that includes the guest rooms and recreation areas; • Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – just steps from Disney SpringsTM, the resort offers a Disney Character Breakfast each Sunday, and multiple restaurants; • Holiday Inn Orlando – Lake Buena Vista – the only Holiday Inn in the Walt Disney World® Resort features elegant rooms, and no resort fees; • Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort – offering 626 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, and the Oasis Aquatic Playground.

In addition to having an ideal location, the seven hotels also provide complimentary shuttle transportation every 30 minutes to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, two water parks, and to the Disney SpringsTM area. Among the many fine establishments at Disney SpringsTM are Rainforest Café®, T-Rex CaféTM, Wolfgang Puck® Express, The LEGO® Store, House of Blues® Restaurant, and Splitsville Luxury LanesTM. 44 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

Other benefits of staying at one of the seven hotels include: • The ability to purchase Disney theme park admissions at each hotel • Advance tee times and discounts at all Walt Disney World® Resort golf courses • Disney Merchandise store located in each hotel • The ability to book advance dining and dinner show reservations for all restaurants across the Walt Disney World® Resort.

Well underway in its transformation, Disney SpringsTM already has many new offerings that are open, including the upscale waterfront restaurant The Boathouse, Morimoto Asia restaurant, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Exposition Park (featuring Disney-owned food trucks with delicious offerings from each of the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks); a new five-level parking garage; and a new pedestrian bridge from the Disney SpringsTM Resort Area Hotels to the Disney SpringsTM area.

Visit DisneySpringsHotels.com

www.flaglerparent.com / January 2016 • 45

Teacher of the Year

education

Volusia County Volusia’s Teacher of the Year Finalists Named

Five teachers have been named Teacher of the Year finalists and are now competing for the honor of being named Volusia County School District's 2017 Teacher of the Year. The finalists are: • James R. Clements, chemistry, physics and earth space, Atlantic High • Robin Marie Diedrichs, fourth grade, Blue Lake Elementary • Mindy Goode, AVID, Pine Ridge High • Samantha R. Hulsman, fifth grade, Spirit Elementary • Kimberly White, fourth grade, Spruce Creek Elementary Volusia County School’s 2017 Teacher of the Year will be announced at a gala banquet to be held Friday, February 12, at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanwalk Resort.

The Teacher of the Year celebration is hosted by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools and the presenting sponsor is Halifax Health.

The winner is selected through an application process. Each of Volusia’s schools nominates a teacher (see complete list of names below) who completes an application to vie for the district title. The winner’s name is kept confidential until the announcement at the banquet.

The district Teacher of the Year will be nominated for the state Teacher of the Year program and will serve as Volusia’s representative of quality education until 2017.

2017 Teacher of the Year Nominees Maggie Cotto • Alternative Education James R. Clements • Atlantic High Robin Marie Diedrichs • Blue Lake Elementary Maria P. Godino-Faircloth • Campbell Middle Buffy Snipes • Champion Elementary Jennifer Grant • Chisholm Elementary Amie Metz-Dalton • Citrus Grove Elementary Debbie Cloer • Coronado Beach Elementary Carolina C. Gullo • Creekside Middle Mitzi Stevenson • Cypress Creek Elementary Melissa Parker • DeBary Elementary Brett Brandner • DeLand High Stacey DeCamp • DeLand Middle Mary Rena Tilford • Deltona High Rebecca Britton • Deltona Lakes Elementary Donna LynnMayes • Deltona Middle Mandy Sichting • Discovery Elementary 46 • January 2016 / www.flaglerparent.com

2017 Teacher of the Year Nominees

Melanie Amato • Edgewater Public Tiffiny Weston • Enterprise Elementary Kathy R. Anselmo • Forest Lake Elementary Kimberly Tindal • Freedom Elementary Lissette Seda-Carrera • Friendship Elementary Zanetta Barnes • Galaxy Middle Christine M. Hall • George Marks Elementary Erin Zablo • Heritage Middle Kemisha Ann Rainge • Hinson Middle Elizabeth A. Albert • Holly Hill School Alisha R. Kennedy • Horizon Elementary Theresa Marie Cameron • Indian River Elementary Shana L. Palmore • Longstreet Elementary Johnny Mims • Mainland High Susan VanEngen • Manatee Cove Elementary Kyle J. Bryer • McInnis Elementary Teresa Marie Tyson • New Smyrna Beach High Colleen Bender • New Smyrna Beach Middle Steven R. Stevenson • Orange City Elementary Ruth Anne Bethea • Ormond Beach Elementary Elaine Harwood • Ormond Beach Middle Cynthia C. Bradley • Ortona Elementary Deborah L. Treur • Osceola Elementary Jennifer Lynn Scorza • Osteen Elementary Mshende R. Brown • Palm Terrace Elementary Jennifer Kuftic • Pathways Elementary Kahlin Morris • Pierson Elementary Mindy Goode • Pine Ridge High Sussi Mulcahy • Pine Trail Elementary Judith Myers • Port Orange Elementary Terri Lynn • Pride Elementary Susan Sappington • Read-Pattillo Elementary Charles Munk • River Springs Middle Carolyn Rudolph • Seabreeze High Nancy Parris • Silver Sands Middle Mary Nave • South Daytona Elementary Arlene F. Jones • Southwestern Middle Samantha R. Hulsman • Spirit Elementary Kimberly White • Spruce Creek Elementary Heather Alexander • Spruce Creek High Sandra Guthrie • Starke Elementary Katherine Shipman • Sugar Mill Elementary Michael Buchanan • Sunrise Elementary Christi McLoughlin • Sweetwater Elementary Joni J. Workman • Taylor Middle High Jaime Harris • Timbercrest Elementary Amanda Shirah • Tomoka Elementary Jennifer Coates • Turie T. Small Elementary Estelle Nina Callaway • University High Leanne Krafft • Volusia Online Learning Lindsey L. Hannah • Volusia Pines Elementary Michelle Nelson • Westside Elementary Jennifer A. Hargroves • Woodward Ave. Elementary

Flagler County Please join us Tuesday night, January 12 as we announce our Teacher and Employee of the Year for Flagler Schools. Our gala kicks off at 6:30 at Flagler Auditorium, 5500 East Highway 100, Palm Coast.

10 teachers and 17 support employees have been chosen from each school and department. A committee has gone through all of the finalists and will name the top educator and employee during the ceremony.

The 2016 Teachers and Support-Related Employees of the Year have been selected from each of the district's schools and departments.

The 10 Teacher candidates and 17 Support Employee candidates, nominated by their peers from their schools and departments will now compete for the district Teacher and Support Employee of the Year. The Flagler School District winner will then compete for the state honor.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Melissa Irving • Belle Terre Elementary Randi Fasnacht • Bunnell Elementary Kim Weeks • Old Kings Elementary Amber Baumert • Rymfire Elementary Jaime Byrne • Wadsworth Elementary Katherine Acosta • Buddy Taylor Middle Lori Decker • Indian Trails Middle Courtney VandeBunte • Flagler Palm Coast High Michelle Czarnecki • Matanzas High David Nelson • Flagler Technical Institute SUPPORT EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR George Obloj • Belle Terre Elementary Cynthia DeLance • Bunnell Elementary Susan Hamilton • Old Kings Elementary Trish Burns • Rymfire Elementary Corrie Archambault • Wadsworth Elementary Valena Ridgway • Buddy Taylor Middle DeAndre Harris • Indian Trails Middle Carol Carnelli • Flagler Palm Coast High Pam Brown • Matanzas High Brandon Seminara • FPC/Youth Center Thomas Adams • Technology Department Leonard Wood • Transportation Department Licinia Paiva • Custodial Services Lisa Gross • Government Services Building/HR Craciela Butarelli • Food Services Department Bob Trevethan • Plant Services Department Gloria Barreiro • Flagler Technical Institute It’s an evening meant to recognize the district’s teachers and staff for all they do for the more than 12,000 students each and every day. This event is free and is open to the public. This is your chance to say “thank you” to some of the top educators and employees in the district!

The top teacher and support employee named from the district will have the opportunity to compete for similar statewide honors in the spring.