Cayman Parent- Issue #3 2015 by Cayman Parent

The Importance of Sleep + Your Child’s Teacher + Emergency Planning

parent Cayman

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Greening your school year

August 2015

The islands’ ultimate resource for families

Free Copy Take me home!

Back to school lunches they’ll eat Bringing back family game night

A Grand Plan! Connecting with our grandparents

“Breastfeeding my newborn has been a wonderful experience. As a first time mom, breastfeeding was completely new to me and I’m thankful to the HSA Maternity Ward staff who were incredibly helpful and patient with me while I learned how to care for my son.” – Darcia Branch

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95 Hospital Road, Grand Cayman Tel: (345) 949-8600 Fax: (345) 949-2998

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Third Edition

August 2015 / Volume 1

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Did you know? A back to school eye exam is not only essential to your child’s eye care but also to their learning experience. A large percentage of what a child learns in school is through vision. Let us ensure that your child is ready for a great year...

Schedule an eye exam today! Tel: 943-1515

Editorial & Layout Tamara McKee Quirky Girl Creative editor@caymanparent.com

Contributors Dr. Christine Chen Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell Emma McArthur Faith Gealey Janet Jarchow Lindsey Turnbull Maureen Cubbon Miriam Foster Tanya Foster Riette Vosloo Virginia Czarnocki

P.O. Box 31656 Grand Cayman KY1-1207 Cayman Islands e: publisher@caymanparent.com t: (345) 517-7093 w: www.caymanparent.com Follow us on our social media channels

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Welcome

Cherish the bond with your ‘Grands’ Unconditional love is what I cherish most about my grandparents. Fortunate to have spent a lot of quality time with them, I learned many of life’s greatest lessons from them. They will always hold a very special place in my heart. #cryingwhileItype. Although my children’s grandparents are a 1,000 miles away, we are thankful for FaceTime and annual visits, when they can catch up on the time they are not physically together. My kids value that time, as do we, for we know just how special that bond is. Back to school also dredges up a variety of emotions. For parents they can run the gamut from that very first day of school, to feeling the nerves of our children, to dreading the morning rush, to thinking about what to pack daily for lunch that will be eaten and not traded! Check out this edition for delicious recipes and ideas! As your children embark on the next adventure in their lives, take a deep breath and remember you are not alone... just please don’t block the traffic school pickup!

As we all know, hurricane season is upon us and that certainly keeps us on our toes. We have a knack for believing that ‘it won’t happen to me’ - but it is vital that we never become complacent. Are you truly prepared for not only storm season? Are you prepared for other emergencies that may cross your path? Have you got an escape plan in the event of fire, flooding? Do the kids know what to do should you have a medical emergency and there isn’t another adult in the house? Do you have a meet up location planned in the event of an earthquake and you are at work and the kids are at school and the roads are closed? Recently my family created a plan, and while the kids looked mortified, discussing the “bad stuff” is imperative if your family is to come out of it unscathed. Check out page 47 for our handy double-sided Family Emergency Planner and first aid tips to post on your fridge. Cut it out and keep it at your fingertips. And with that we launch our third edition, please enjoy! Heather Cassidy Publisher, SeaGrape Media Ltd. e: publisher@caymanparent.com w: caymanparent.com

Make the best of every ground.

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Divorce Family Support: Co-Parenting

Suite D4 Cayman Business Park | George Town | Box 10462 | Grand Cayman | KY1-1004 345.949.9355 | www.wellnesscentre.ky | info@wellnesscentre.ky Congratulations Cayman Parent! We are honoured to be part of your first edition. Car City, Durham Dr. Industrial Park, PO Box 10440 APO, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Sales: (345) 949-0440

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when they are... Inside this issue

Top picks from our Back to School Edition p16

p26

Lunch Essentials Creating lunches your kids will eat.

p32

A Grand Plan Enjoying time with your grandparents.

p38

10 Ways to Enjoy Boston The importance of sleep Ideas for the long, hot summer. A vital part of your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development ParentMagazineJune15-Final.pdf 1 4/15/15 11:58 AM

p30

Bringing Back Family Games Night Fun for the whole family.

p44

Recipes to savour Create these sumptuous desserts.

Children

Address these needs and you will see negative behaviours decrease.too.

are people,

BETTER ANGLE

PHOTOGRAPHY

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For more information about this tool or on how to enhance

#rethinkparenting

your parenting tool kit, contact the Family Resource Centre

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at 949-0006 or frc.gov.ky.

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Back to School

Beating the

Morning Rush By Elke O’Donnell

ate or rushed mornings can often be avoided with careful planning the night before or creating specific tasks for you and your kids to follow in the morning. Here’s how you can out the door on time.

Preparation is key Here are a few things you and your kids –age appropriatecan do at night to save time scrambling in the morning. Pack lunches/snacks Prepare backpacks with homework, fresh supplies, library books, permission slips, etc Shower and pick out tomorrow’s outfit – even laying out shoes Sleep with socks on Check school schedule and work meetings for special items to pack or time changes Fill up water, milk, or juice bottle(s) and put in the fridge. If you or your kids pack take in lunch, bulk cook on the weekend and place food in containers labelled with names and/ or days of the week. This saves you from cooking extra each night or in the morning, and frees up time. Create a mudroom area in your house to store backpacks, school shoes, and other items needed daily by you or your kids. Tip: Creating a new routine can be stressful. Get buy-in from your family by giving them a reward or finding ways to make the change fun.

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School morning routine Depending on your child’s age, start slowly and add new ones until they’re taking care of a majority of their morning needs without you nagging and prompting. Some options are: Make their bed Getting dressed Eating breakfast Taking vitamins or medication Brushing Teeth Help your child develop a ‘system’ for remembering. Most kids are visual so it’s helpful to make a list or chart which has both words and pictures. Use laminated cards with Velcro on the back so they could move the tag when they complete a task, or use free printables as you decide what works best for your child. Find them at Living Locurto. When eating breakfast, try setting a timer or a race to see who can finish, clean up, and get ready to leave sooner. Have fun with your kids, even if there’s two of you.

Alarm your kids Give them their own alarm clock, and make going to bed and waking up fun. Know the latest they need to wake up to get up, eat breakfast, and get dressed and ready to leave the house so they don’t oversleep.

Get enough sleep Choosing the right bed time and getting a good night’s sleep will benefit every family member. Once you find your family’s sweet spot time, be consistent. Trading shorter bedtimes during

the week for a later one on the weekend will make the transition easier.

Outfit your car Ever get on the road and one of the kids spills something on their uniform? Disaster! You’re forced to drive home and be late to work or leave them in soiled clothes. One way to avoid these situations is to stock your car with supplies. Change of uniform or clothes for each child, including underwear Diapers and wipes Two or more towels Socks and shoes Water bottles (not plastic) Tip: Add supplies specific to your family’s needs.

Know your schedule and traffic route Do you know the time traffic gets busy in your area, the best route or how long it takes to get to your kid’s school or your work place? This simple information will help you plan your mornings and identify the exact times you need to leave the house to avoid heavy traffic. Have a board to track your kid’s daily school schedule, ongoing projects, school/ class events, and all other notices.

Start the school year off right!

A back to school eye exam is not only essential to your child’s eye care but also to their learning experience. A large percentage of what a child learns in school is through vision. Let us ensure that your child is ready for a great year... Call to schedule an eye exam

Tel: 943-5151

72 Market Street, Camana Bay Email: info@visionwearcayman.com www.visionwearcayman.com Hours: Mon - Sat | 10am - 7pm

Make it yours Not every routine is going to fit every family, so don’t be afraid to try new things to find what works best for your family.

Running late? Even with the perfect routine, life happens. There’s an unexpected change in your schedule or disaster strikes and your perfect schedule is shot. Quick tips to help: Take a deep breath and regroup Look for ways to shave time off your morning: make breakfast the kids can eat in the car, put shoes on in the car. When you build a routine for your kids, you are giving them a life-long skill that will evolve as they gain more responsibility and independence. Routines free our minds, reduce stress, and develop good habits. CP www.caymanparent.com

Back to School

Partners

Your child and their teacher

Communication is a vital first step toward a great relationship with your child’s teacher Story by Faith Gealey

ne of the most daunting things for both parents and children is the First Day of School. After a full year with a teacher your child knows and loves, your child now has to get used to a brand new person. As a parent, there are a thousand questions swimming around in your head. Will this teacher be patient with my child? Will they be able to teach my child effectively? Will I mesh well with his or her personality? How will my child manage in this new class? How will my child manage with the new curriculum and academic expectations? The list of questions may be even longer if your child has unique learning needs. Teachers will also have the same reservations about their new class, their new “kids” and yes, even their new parents. This is a process that every parent, child and teacher goes through every year. It is a normal part of the academic process. Teachers have a significant amount of influence on your child’s life, particularly during the year that they are in his or her classroom.

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Let your child’s teacher know that you want to be considered a partner in your child’s education. Talk to them about extending the learning process at home, and ways that you can support in class assignments and work at home. Is your child struggling with assignments? Discuss ways that you can provide remediation at home. Is your child finding the work too easy? Talk with your child’s teacher about ways you can take home-based assignments to the next level and provide your child with a bigger challenge. You may notice some difficulties at home that are related to situations in your child’s life that your child’s teacher may not be aware of. Should any changes at home (such as the death of a pet or family member, moving to a new neighbourhood etc.) or changes in the family dynamic (such as problems between family members, separation or divorce etc.) occur, you should speak to your child’s teacher. Children have a difficult time putting their emotions into words, and it is not unusual for a child to have academic or behavioural difficulties when going through stressful time periods. By making your

teacher is aware of these changes, he or she can make accommodations for your child and take the child’s emotional well being into consideration during classroom assignments. Alternatively, your child’s teacher may bring concerns to you regarding your child’s performance at school (this can be either inside or outside of the classroom). Be open and objective when your child’s teacher brings concerns to you. It is natural as a parent to come to your child’s defense and deflect any areas of concern. Very often parents want to attribute these difficulties or changes to poor choices in friends, or poor teaching skills. However, it could be something as simple as needing extra support at home with reading or reinforcing a certain strategy that can make the difference for your child academically. Your child’s teacher may not feel comfortable expressing his or her honest opinion about your child’s performance in school if he or she feels that you are a parent who is going to lose their cool, or be in denial.

Special needs Should your child have any special needs, or learning difficulties be sure to mention what they are and the interventions you

have in place at the beginning of the school year. If your child’s teacher is unaware of the disorder, or needs more support, most therapists working with your child will gladly provide PowerPoint presentations or attend meetings with your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s learning needs and how they can best be supported in the classroom. Another way to maintain a great relationship with your child’s teacher is to get involved. Teachers are always very busy, and if you have the ability to volunteer a few times a year to assist your child’s teacher with major projects, catching up on photo copying or even chaperoning field trips, it can help ease the burden on your child’s teacher. Getting involved in the Home School Association is also a great way to give back to your child’s school and making sure that your child is aware that you have an active presence on his or her school campus. As a parent, you know your child best. You are your child’s biggest advocate and best supporter. By maintaining open, frequent and effective communication with your child’s teacher you set the framework for a close parent-teacher partnership and in turn, work towards ensuring your child’s academic success for the upcoming school year. CP

For this reason, having a harmonious parent-teacher relationship is vital to ensuring your child’s academic success for the next school year. By incorporating the following strategies, you can ensure that both you and your child’s teacher are starting the school year off on the right foot.

Communication At the beginning of the school year, meet with your child’s teacher to start opening the lines of communication. Should you not be able to physically meet with their teacher, book a telephone call. Alternatively, you can begin an e-mail dialogue between the teacher and yourself. We all have busy schedules, but teachers’ schedules are extremely limiting, particularly in the primary years so try to be as flexible as possible with the times your child’s teacher has to meet with you. By starting an open dialogue with your child’s teacher from the beginning of the school year, you make it easier for your child’s teacher to reach out to you and discuss your child’s academic progress.

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Back to School

Turning a

New Leaf

How we can ‘green’ the new school term Story by Emma McArthur

nless you’re one of those control freak-y, super efficient, maniacally organised types who plan everything months in advance, September is likely to be a hectic and somewhat dreaded month. In amongst the mayhem of going back to school, it’s important at this time of year to refresh children’s interest in learning after the long summer-time, when little minds have been at rest. But modern education isn’t only about the old-fashioned 3 R’s of “Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic” - the 3 R’s which are equally relevant today are “Re-use, Reduce and Recycle”. Now more than ever before, we have an urgent and obligatory duty to teach children about the environment, and this is best done at home.

Watch your garden grow A great idea for going green at home is to grow and make food together. If you have some space in your backyard, why not consider growing some veg - tomatoes, peppers and herbs all grow well in pots. Day by day, kids will be picking up the message that food grown at home without the use of pesticides tastes so much better. Trips to farmers’ markets (Wednesdays at Camana Bay and Saturday mornings in Lower Valley) could demonstrate the importance of sourcing locally grown food. This is also a perfect way to get kids excited about healthy eating for the new school year. Sit down together and make a list of your child’s favorite healthy foods and think up some recipes you can make together. Cooking together is fun, and will be all the more interesting if they picked the food themselves from the garden. The effects of food and drink on the behaviour and academic skills of children of all ages is proven. Always reach

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for wholesome, unprocessed foods with as few dyes and preservatives as possible. You and your child really are what you eat, and healthy eating has tremendous effect on a their learning abilities.

Recycling and upcycling Another good way to teach green issues to kids is to relate it to the real world. This way they can truly understand the significance of things like recycling, rather than it feeling like just another chore. I recently had a conversation with a ten year old student of mine, in which I explained that our waste goes to landfill sites – it blew his little mind! Now he could really understand why I was asking him not to waste paper. Discussing the issue of Cayman’s overflowing landfill site really helps to put the idea of recycling into perspective. Suggest the idea of starting up a class recycling scheme at school and setting a great example to their friends and classmates. In many other countries, schools go out of their way to reduce their energy use as well as their waste output, through no-waste ‘boomerang’ lunches (meaning, any garbage goes back home and reusable

containers are encouraged). In small ways, our schools and our children can affect change for the betterment of the island and the planet. Other countries have banned the use of plastic bags and even limit the number of garbage bags a home can set out for collection. Let’s begin to teach our children to care for the planet.

Get in touch with nature Children are less connected to the natural world and more involved with the digital world – this in turn has the effect of caring less about the environment. Encourage your children to climb some trees, go hiking on the Mastic Trail, explore some woods or go for a beach cleanup at Barkers. Studies show that children who spend less time indoors are healthier and happier; less likely to become overweight or suffer from behavioural disorders, ADD or depression. Instilling green values at home can take place through your everyday habits and routines – let children follow your lead and thus pick up your habits. Around the house you can remind them to turn off lights

WIN BIG SUMMER of SAVINGS! with our

and air conditioning when leaving a room, and to conserve water, for example by not leaving the tap running when brushing teeth. Encourage them to pick up any trash they see lying around, especially on the beach – explain the impact of bags, cans and bottles on the ocean and local marinelife. Obviously the image of a turtle choking on a plastic bag is a scary one for the very small ones, but you can instead focus on the positive impact that their actions can have – for example, picking up that plastic bag may save the life of a turtle or dolphin. This is an extremely powerful message – they can really save lives! And this doesn’t just go for your own kids – we can also encourage our nieces and nephews and the children of our friends when it comes to green issues. Let’s try to positively influence all of today’s little people. We’re relying on them to carry these lessons forward into their adult life to teach future generations, in order that we have well-informed, educated, eco-conscious individuals who can look after our beautiful planet. CP Emma McArthur is a Primary Years Specialist and she can be reached at emmamcarthur@outlook.com or her website http://emma-mcarthur.wix.com/ematwork.

Back to School

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Back to School

Lunchbox essentials

The best lunch is the one that is eaten, try these ideas for the new school term.

ne of the things many parents dread with the back to school routine is coming up with creative lunches their children will eat. Lunch box creativity comes with a lot of trial and error. If the lunch box comes home empty, give yourself a Gold Star! (unless your child traded it.). Local Blogger, Virginia Czarnocki, at Moozlers.com, offers these tips to keep your routine humming along. Check out her website for more great ideas and recipes for your family!

Plan your meals Spend some time at the weekend planning your meals and lunches for the week. Prepare a meal planner and stick it on the fridge door. This way, there are are no surprises and you can make sure you buy everything you need when you grocery shop. No point having a pasta salad on the list if you’ve no pasta in the cupboard.

Weekend prep Use the weekend and perhaps a Wednesday evening to prep. You’ve got your meal planner ready, you know what you’re having for the week so set about getting it ready. Wash your veggies and fruit and put them in tubs. Chop things like carrots, peppers, lettuce, pineapple and melon. These keep well. Cook a chicken. Make egg muffins or frittata or bake a turkey breast. Boil eggs. You can pop these in a lunch box as is or mash them up and make an egg sandwich. Bake sweet potatoes and keep them in the fridge. Make up some pot noodles. You can either add boiling water in the morning and pop this into a Thermos or carry the raw ingredients and add the water when you’re ready.

Have staples on hand Be prepared and always have staples on hand. Make big batches of staples say every month and freeze these in individual-sized freezer bags. Cook and freeze individual portions of soup, tomato sauce, pasta and rice. You can defrost these overnight in the fridge and either pop them in a lunch box to be heated at school or you can heat yourself and add to a thermos. You can add chopped chicken to the pasta or a grate over some cheese. Make muffins and cookie dough and

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put these in the freezer too. You can slice the cookie dough and bake these up in about 12 minutes. The muffins are good to defrost and eat. Remember to date the bags. Make a big bag of trail mix. While most schools don’t allow nuts, you can still mix seeds, raisins, apricots, coconut, and add a few chocolate chips.

Use leftovers Make enough dinner for leftovers. If you or your family have an aversion to leftovers, be inventive and switch them up. If dinner was chili, instead of serving it up again with rice, pop it in a tub and add a bag of low salt nachos and a tub of salad. If dinner was roast chicken, make up a wrap with the leftover chicken or mix it through some rice and add a splash of soy sauce, some sesame oil and some chopped vegetables.

Pre-pack lunch boxes Pack the lunch boxes after you’ve eaten dinner and before you’ve cleaned the kitchen. This way, you can dish the food out from the pots, put it straight into tubs and put it in the fridge. In the morning you simply grab, pack into the lunch bags and go! Alternatively, make up you rsandwiches or take things out of the freezer and leave in the fridge to defrost overnight. The perfect lunch box doesn’t need to take hours of work.

Organize your fridge Organize your fridge! Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Have your prepped fruit in one place, your veggies in another, yoghurt together etc. you don’t want to be hunting in the morning. Sure as eggs are eggs, you’ll miss something!

No-Bake Energy Bites Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

Seasoned chicken thighs and homemade spelt flour wraps are a favourite for Moozlers, http://www.moozlers.com

The ideal lunch box An ideal lunch box contains (1) a main course like your leftover chili, soup or some other sandwich, wrap or salad, based on pasta, rice or quinoa or what ever other healthy carb you enjoy, (2) A core snack such as a cold chicken drumsticks, sliced turkey breast and cheese wrap, plain yoghurt and berries, crackers/low salt nachos and cheese, hummus and veggie sticks, (3) additional fruit, and (4) water. If you give your child juice, opt for fresh juices and instead of juice boxes, what about buying the baby milk storage pots and filling these with fresh juice? If kids are having fruit, they don’t need the juice too so maybe switch up the fruit once a week for a fresh pressed juice. Older kids or kids with after school activities might need an extra snack. For older kids who do sport, this is the time to pack nut butter and bananas or how about a scoop of chocolate protein powder in a shaker bottle.

Boring is best Give kids what they like. This is not the time to be adventurous! If the only fruit and veggies your child will eat are chopped carrots and cucumbers, then go with the flow!

Healthier Pizza Quesadillas Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

Ingredients 8 whole wheat or corn tortillas

Ingredients 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/3 cup honey 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup old-fashioned oats (raw) 2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted and cooled 1/2 cup ground golden flaxseed meal 6 Tbsp of mini chocolate chips

8 ounces of low fat shredded mozzarella

Directions

cheese

• • • •

1/4 lb turkey pepperoni or sliced low sodium deli ham/turkey 1 16-ounce jar of pizza sauce Optional: Adding more veggies like shredded carrots, corn, peas, mushrooms, pineapple etc.

In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and stir until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to refrigerator or freezer and chill until set. Remove from refrigerator and shape into 1-inch balls. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

pizza sauce (so thin that if you turned it over, none would drip). • Sprinkle cheese on top of the sauce on the bottom tortilla. Top with meat and other toppings, if desired. Sprinkle with another layer of cheese and place the other tortilla on top (sauce side in). • Pre-heat a medium skillet over medium heat. • Lay quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy. • Slice into quarters and serve with a little bowl of pizza dipping sauce.

Marvelous Chicken Skewers Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

Ingredients 1 -2 cups of cubed leftover chicken (breasts, thighs or even rotisserie) OR 3 – 4 large boneless, skinless chicken thighs cubed to 1 inch pieces Assorted veggies (cooked or raw): peppers, onions, corn, mushrooms, breadfruit, grape tomatoes, avocado cubes, broccoli and cauliflower (using cooked frozen pieces work well here) pineapple cubes, etc. 1 package of wood/bamboo skewers or metal skewers

Directions

Directions • Brush each tortilla with a thin layer of

Marinade/Sauce 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced 1 tablespoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon of onion powder 3/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard 2-1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed 1/4 cup of Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Tamari 1/2 cup Olive Oil • In a large bowl combine the garlic, seasoning, black pepper, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, tamari and whisk while pouring in the olive oil. • Keep at room temperature and serve with chicken skewers.

• • • • •

Soak wood skewers as directed on package. Get BBQ, grilling pan or oven ready at 350 degrees. If you are cooking the chicken and not using leftovers, grill or bake until fully cooked. Assemble the skewers by alternating meat and veggies sliding on to the stick evenly. Make sure you pierce the veggies and meat in the middle to prevent it from falling off. Drizzle the marinade (recipe below) and then grill or bake skewers for 10 minutes or until warm/charred. If veggies are raw you can keep them cooking for longer until done to your liking. Serve with a side of dipping sauce and enjoy!

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Back to School

and kid plays days.

Fall Activities Guide After School Clubs/ Programmes Cayman Islands Ministry of Education Government schools offer after school programs. Please visit Web: www.education.gov.ky 345-244-2417

Fitness Connection Club includes an outdoor play area, a craft centre and a self-directed homework corner. The children enjoy endless time with their friends, jumping on the trampoline and there is always an arts and crafts project for them to take part in. Web: www.fitness.ky Email: fitness@fitness.ky Tel: 949.8485

Starfish Village Ages: 3–12 years Monday – Friday: 2:30pm – 5:30pm Certified teachers will engage with the children in various projects and activities designed to peak their curiosity, expose them to new and different subject matters, and enjoy hands on fun. Web: www.starfishvillage.com Email: starfishvillage.com Tel: 815.6120

Baseball/ Softball

Cayman Islands Little League The purpose of the Cayman Islands Little League Association (CILLA) is to establish, and conduct recreational baseball and softball programs for the benefit of children. Web: www.thecilla.com Email: info@littleleague.ky Tel: 9165.643

Cadets

Cayman Islands Cadet Corps Ages: 12-17 years The Cadet Corps is a youth development organisation with cadet membership for both male and female high school students. Cadets learn life skills, and develop morals and high standards of conduct through challenging, military-style activities. Web: www.cicadetcorps.ky Email: cadetcorps@gov.ky Tel: 946.9810 or 938.8820

Cooking Cooking Classes at Bon Vivant Ages: 4–11 years Join Bon Vivant for their one of kind culinary program designed to inspire your budding chef to be thoughtful about what they eat, learn basic cooking concepts and skills, create delicious & nutritious dishes and learn about local and international foods. Hours: Ages 4-7 years 2:30pm 3:30pm. Ages 8-11 years 3:45pm - 4:45pm Email: info@bonvivant.ky Tel: 623.2665

CrossFit

CrossFit Cayman This program is for girls and boys of all fitness levels and capabilities ages 5 to 10 years old and is designed to promote fun fitness through games, challenges, and relays. Website: crossfitcayman.com Email: tarasa@crossfitcayman.com

Dance

Cayman Islands National Dance Company & School, Dance Unlimited Registration Saturday, August 29

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Instructors are professionally trained and have years of dance experience; teaching style focuses on self discipline and the enjoyment of dance; environment supports creative learning experiences for everyone. Web: danceunlimitedcayman.com Email: danceunlimitedcayman@ yahoo.com Tel: 916.0146, 916.6795

Centre Pointe Dance Studio New term registration 5th September 2015 CPDS is focused on the development of sound technique through classical training and creative movement. The lessons and disciplines taught at CPDS are meant not only to create excellence in the arts but may also be applied to the daily lives of its students. Web: www. centrepointedancestudio.com Email: centrepointedance@gmail. com

Miss Jackie’s School of Dance Ages: 3 and up Offers all levels of classes from beginner to advanced pupil. Classes in a wide variety of dance styles, including ballet, creative, freestyle, jazz, lyrical, modern and tap. Web: www. missjackieschoolofdance.com

Cayman Music School

Musicians

A variety of performing arts and instrument lessons most days of the week. ’Mummy & Me’, ‘Broadway Tots’, Musical Theatre, Broadways Stars and more! Web: www.musicians.ky Email: janine@musicians.ky Tel: 525.6787

Tel: (345) 749.8365 Email: info@motionsunlimited. com.

Horse Riding

Horse Riding - The Equestrian Centre

Email: purple@candw.ky Tel: 946.1241 Website: www.purpledragon.ky

Web: www.caymanmusicschool. com E-mail: info@caymanmusicschool. com Tel: 938.3838

Have personalised attention from internationally qualified riding instructors. This riding facility is recognised by the UK Pony Club Centre and is family owned and run with over 23 years experience instructing and conducting Pony Camps.

See CIFA website: www. caymanfootball.com for league details and more teams!

The Academy Sports Club Learn to play The Academy way! Follow The Academy on Facebook or see their website for try out details for the new season. Email: academysportsclub@ hotmail.com Web: www.academysportsclub.ky

Email: equestriancentercayman@ gmail.com

Inline Hockey Kings Sports Centre

Recreational youth hockey for all ages and skill levels. Each season we take returning players along with any new players and conduct a draft.

Football - Sunset FC Established in 1982, Sunset FC has an Under 15 and an Under 13 team. They also run a Sunday Football programme for Juniors.

Karate

Website: sunsetfccayman.com

C.A.S.K. runs beginner, intermediate, and black belt programs year round, with students receiving a chance to compete nationally and abroad. The style of Karate taught is WADO, which is one of the four largest styles of karate in the world.

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers run a variety of annual events including sleepovers, leadership days and pack holidays. Groups operate from September to June. Email: jlfrates@candw.ky Tel: 949.6897 or 917.1800

Gymnastics

Motions Unlimited Studio All ages and levels, plus fun toddler

Languages

Modern Language Institute and Tutoring Services Ltd. Email: modernlanguages11@ yahoo.com Tel: 943-8254

Tel: 516.1751

Web: www.kingssportscentre.com

Girls Clubs

Karate at Purple Dragon

Email: caymancarriages@candw. ky Tel: 926.7669

Cayman Riding School Daily riding lessons and stable management, run by the only British Horse Society Instructors on the island.

Football

Web: www.caymankarateacademy. com Email: bobdaigle@me.com Tel: 926.5425

Don Jitsu Ryuis one of the most unique, practical and disciplined schools of modern Martial Arts today. From its humble beginning on the small island nation of Trinidad & Tobago in the West Indies, the system has grown into a worldwide organization that has gained international distinction and respect.

Offering music tuition for most instruments including piano, violin, guitar – jazz, classical and electric, clarinet, saxophone, and drums. As well we offer voice training, rock school program, music theory, music appreciation, ear training/ solfege, composition, music technology, bands (jazz and rock), vocal ensemble, Music Time (for 1-4 y.o.) and Music Therapy.

Girl Guides Association

Drama, Instrument and Voice Lessons

Dates: Official term: 7th of September - 12th of December (14 weeks)

program because it’s exciting and challenging.

C.A.S.K., King’s Sports Center

Web: www.caskcayman.com Email: www.caskkarate@gmail. com Tel: 925.3367

Cayman Karate Academy Cayman Karate Academy offers the finest martial arts instruction in the Cayman Islands. Classes are taught by head instructor Bob Daigle. We specialize in bringing out the best in children. Children love are

Rugby

Cayman Rugby Football Union The Maples Youth Community program that runs each Saturday from September through May is split into two parts. September to December is focused on skill based learning. January through May is based on match learning. Each age grade is split into three teams of 7, 10 or 12 a side and a mini round robin tournament held each Saturday. Website: www.caymanrugby.com for sign up and more details

Sailing

Cayman Islands Sailing Club LEARN TO SAIL After School Sailing Program: Program runs on every weekday (except Wednesdays when we are closed) on 6 week rotations from 3:30pm - 5:30pm. All lessons are taught by certified instructors and coaches. We provide all safety equipment. Email: sailingcentre@sailing.ky Tel: 947-7913 or 926.7914

Scouts Promotes exploration and the development of leadership skills through fun activities. Membership is for boys only and is divided into four groups: Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-11 years), Scouts (11-16 years) and Venture-Scouts (16-20 years), with weekly meetings for all groups. A local programme is run with the Lighthouse School for physically and mentally challenged students. For details call 949.1515 or 939.8813, Email: ciscouts@candw.ky Website:www.scouts.org.ky

Squash

3-5; Beginner: 6-9; Intermediate: 10-15; Advanced 10-15. Tel: 949-9464 E-mail: tennis@tennis.ky Website: www.tennis.ky

Tutoring

Cayman Learning Centre Tutoring programs built with your child in mind! Math, Reading Fluency or Comprehension. Email: info@caymanlearning.com Tel: 943.7323 Website: www.caymanlearning. com

Leadership

YMCA Team Leaders Club

South Sound Squash Club

sAges: 13-17 years

www.squash.ky

In YMCA Teen Leaders Club, teens receive leadership training and learn the importance of social responsibility and service to others. Leaders Clubs meets once a week. Members also participate in social events, service projects and have the opportunity to go on trips and retreats. Leaders Club provides a safe, genuine place for teens and helps direct energy to positive outcomes.

Swimming

Camana Bay Aquatic Club Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) is for swimmers of all ages and abilities and provides top quality coaching and an excellent club atmosphere. We have swimmers from the novice level to the national level who compete locally and internationally. Tel: 323-0697 Website:cbac@camanabay.com

Stingray Swim Club Founded in 1996, with a goal to promote the sport of competitive swimming at all levels, the club is a year round competitive swim team offering high quality support and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. Email: stingraysec@gmail.com Website:www.caymanswimming. com

Tennis

Cayman Tennis Academy We cater to players of all abilities and offer children’s group lessons or private lessons. We can even come to you! Web: www.caymantennisacademy. com Email: contact@ caymantennisacademy.com Tel: 547.6257

Tennis - CI Tennis Club Offering multiple lessons weekly for various ages and abilities. Tiny Tots:

Tel: 926 9622 Email: info@ymcacayman.ky Website: www.ymcacayman.ky

Yoga

Yoga Sprouts Yoga Sprouts is a mobile children’s yoga studio, which hosts classes, workshops, parties at locations throughout the Cayman Islands. Mondays 3:15 - 3:45: Montessori by the Sea Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:15: Montessori by the Sea Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:00: Fitness Connection, Ages 4 - 8 Fridays 3:30 - 4:00: Casa Montessori, Coming soon! Mom and Baby: 3 months to precrawlers Crawlers and Toddlers Yoga for 3 - 5 Year olds Web: www.yogasproutscayman. com Email: yogasproutscayman@gmail. com

Not listed? Email editor@caymanparent.com www.caymanparent.com

Unlock your child’s potential with our educational programming.

Ages 3 –12 will delight in our innovative programmes that nurture creativity and foster their self-confidence!

Mondays

Tuesdays

•After School Care

Ages 3-12 | 2pm – 5:30pm

•After School Book Club 4pm – 5:30pm

• Music Together

Ages 0-3 | 10am

• After School Care

Wednesdays • Mommy/Daddy Coffee & Play Group • After School Care • After School Book Club

Special Feature

A Day in the Life What’s a typical day in the life of a parent like? Cayman Parent kicks off a new segment that takes a peek into the lives of parents in the Cayman Islands. We begin with Kadi Merren-Pentney.

4pm – 5:30pm

Thurdays

Fridays

• Singing with Miss Izzy

•Mommy/Daddy Coffee & Play Group •‘TGIFFK’ - Thank goodness its Friday

Ages 0-3 | 9am

• After School Care • After School Book Club 4pm – 5:30pm

for Kids! Fun themed nights twice a month from 4pm - 9pm

•After School Care

YOGA & LEGO CLUB Coming Soon!

Visit website for full details . Located at Camana Bay, next to Gelato & Co.

T: 345.640.7827 | E. info@starfish.ky | www.starfishvillage.com

Interview By Faith Gealey

his effervescent George Town native is known for her infectious smile and zest for life. Until recently, Kadi was an accountant with Price Waterhouse Coopers. She is also an entrepreneur managing two small businesses – Tea Time in Cayman, which is a local supplier of premium loose leaf teas, tea ware and tea themed gifts and a mobile car wash service. Kadi is also an active member of the Kiwanis Service Club. It’s no wonder that this busy lady was chosen as the 2015 recipient of the

prestigious Young Caymanian Leadership Award. On May 6, 2015 Kadi acquired another job title, one that she describes as the most important role she could ever have – the title of a Mother. Kadi and her husband Damian welcomed Cayman Parent into their airy villa style home to talk about life as new parents to their son, Maximus Henry Pentney (affectionately known as “Max”). As we settled into the cozy, hand-painted nursery, doting Daddy Damian took advantage of getting some father-son cuddle time so that Kadi could talk more about her transition from a busy, career-focused woman to a stay-at-home mother. > see next page

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A mother and an entrepreneur, Kadi runs Tea Time in Cayman with her business partner, Kelli Dawson.

What are some of the challenges that you’ve faced so far as a new mother? The first two-three weeks were probably the hardest for me. I wasn’t expecting to be so emotional, you know, with all of the hormones. Max would burp, and I’d start crying! I was wondering why all of these outbursts were happening. Damian was so worried that I was getting depressed, but I told him it wasn’t like that. Sometimes I would smile and cry at the same time. So that was unexpected for me, all of the emotions. Also, getting breastfeeding established was a bit of a challenge as well. By week two I felt more comfortable with breastfeeding and Max was doing well with it as well. Finally, the sleep deprivation! People tell you about it, but it’s so different when you experience it for yourself. By week three, we got into our own little routine and now it’s much easier. Definitely those first few weeks are the toughest!

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What have been the biggest rewards for you as a parent so far? There are so many! Knowing that this is our child, knowing that we’re going to raise him and I’m his entire food source, it’s pretty amazing! At first those early morning feeds were so difficult but now at 3 am I’m so happy to be with him and snuggling with him because he is such a sweet child. Just being with Max all day long is such a reward. People say if you can stay home, do it. So we decided that’s what I would do and I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to do so. I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be – being a Mom is the toughest job but it’s the best. The love you feel is so different than anything else you could ever imagine.

How has the transition from career woman to stay at home mom been? Really good actually. I still keep busy with our small businesses – Tea Time in Cayman and our mobile

car wash. I also have speaking engagements with YCLA. In fact, my first post-baby engagement was when Max was only 10 days old! I fed him right before I went in, and Damian waited in the car with him while I gave the speech and I left right after. I really love kids, which is why I enjoy being a part of Kiwanis. Being able to give kids motivational speeches through YCLA is so rewarding and I enjoy interacting with the kids in that way. Damian and my family and friends are so supportive, so that I’m able to juggle engagements with their help.

What has been the best parenting advice you’ve received so far? In Cayman everyone wants to give you advice! I would say the best advice (which I didn’t listen to at first) was to sleep when the baby sleeps. It seems like such an obvious thing but the first couple of weeks when Max would sleep I’d check my phone, check my to-do list and try to get things done. I got so exhausted and it was so overwhelming. Now I realize the truest advice you should listen to is sleep when the baby sleeps!

What do you do when you want some “Mommy Time” for yourself? I’m still figuring that part out. At the beginning I was nervous about things like doing my nails because of the time that it takes. What I have done is scheduled all of my nail appointments through to December in twothree week intervals. I let my husband know in advance so he can come home to watch Max. I either breastfeed him right before I go, leave an expressed bottle or he can have a bottle of formula if needed. A trick I’ve figured out is to get my fingers and toes done at the same time so it only takes one hour versus two hours. I hope that is a time saving trick that can help other new moms too because having some down time is really important. Normal, everyday things like showering can become a big deal when you’re a new mom. I’ve found putting Max in the swing so I can take a quick shower helps. Sometimes I break the “sleep when he sleeps” rule and sit outside on the computer just to get some down time. When my husband and I do date night, we and found that keeping it to an hour or two is best. You don’t feel guilty that he’s been fussy with someone or that you’re

leaving him hungry but it’s long enough for us to reconnect and get a break. People want to help you when you have a new baby – grandparents, family and friends. If people offer help, I would say take it!

Who is your parenting role model? Without a doubt, my Mom, Joy Merren! I love my Mom – she is one in a million and anyone who knows her knows what an amazing person she is. Since I’ve had Max, I have such an appreciation of Moms and what they do. You look back and think, “I can’t believe that I was a horrible teenager” when you think about all that your Mom does. My Mom is incredible. I can ask her anything and she’s right there to support me. She and my Dad help me out so much with Max and we enjoy our family Friday evenings together.

What are your Mommy Must Haves? A Boppy for sure is my number one item! You can get small or big ones, but I prefer the bigger ones. I use it

so much for breastfeeding because it helps your arm from getting tired. Swaddle blankets are another must have on my list.. I would say have at least six on hand in case any get soiled. I also love our white noise maker. Max sleeps so much better with it and we use it to help teach him the difference between a short nap and night time sleeping. We also love our internet monitor. With this particular monitor you download an app on your phone and you can hear and see him sleeping at anytime which is pretty cool. Grandparents can also download the app, so if you have family overseas, they can use it to peep in on their grandbaby. My final Mommy Must Have item is the Diaper Genie. I’ve never smelled a diaper and it is so easy to use! CP Cayman Parent would like to thank Kadi and Damian for allowing us into their home. If you would like your family featured in “A Day in the Life” in an upcoming edition, write to us at publisher@caymanparent.com.

Kadi and Max with helpful hubby Damian.

 A premier international school for children aged 2-18 years old  Approximately 550 students representing over 30 nationalities  Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA)  American/International Curriculum for Pre K through Grade 12  International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12 Director of CIS: Dr. Jeremy Moore Tel: (345) 945-4664 Fax: (345) 945-4650 Website: www.caymaninternationalschool.org Email: cis@cayintschool.ky

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Spotlight

Setting the Standard A grassroots effort to set protection and safety standards for all youth serving organisations in Cayman. “Child sexual abuse does happen here: it is not a new occurrence, it is not imported, and perpetrators come from all walks of life, backgrounds, nationalities and social status. We are not immune.”

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t likely comes as a surprise to most people in Cayman- locals, long term residents and new arrivals alike-that there are no national standards for youth serving organisations in our islands. What exactly does this mean? To put it simply: there is no overarching legislation or policy that requires those who are providing services for youth- be it summer camps, music lessons, athletic development,etc- to properly vet potential employees and volunteers, train personnel, or adhere to best practices aimed at ensuring safe environments for children and young people. “Our status as a “safe jurisdiction”- a marketing highlight for our tourism producthas somehow been equated with a sense of immunity against all manner of social ills,” explains Deputy Director of the Cayman Islands Red Cross, Carolina Ferreira. “We are made to believe that certain things, such as child sexual abuse, don’t happen here and that is simply not true. Child sexual abuse does happen here: it is not a new occurrence, it is not imported, and perpetrators come from all walks of life, backgrounds, nationalities and social status. We are not immune.” Over the last several years, much has been said about the downward trend in the reported child sexual abuse statistics in the United States where the estimate was that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys would be sexually abused prior to their 18th birthday. That statistic has ‘improved’ to 1 in 10 children. However it is important to remember that these statistics are not reflective of what is going on in Cayman.

“Regardless of what the true picture of child sexual abuse is in our region, one incident is far too many,” adds Mrs. Chandler Alleyne. The Cayman Islands Red Cross joined forces with the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre(CICC), Cayman Story Company (CSC), Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Family Resource Centre (FRC), Health Services Authority (HSA), Hedge Fund Cares (HFC) and the Ministry of Education (MEEGA) through the “Protection starts here” child sexual abuse awareness, education and prevention project, a multi-organisational effort to raise the issue to the national spotlight. To date the project has yielded a series of hard hitting public service announcements; an educational documentary which highlights the historic, social and cultural factors that drive child sexual abuse locally; a DVD tool aimed to educate and empower parents/ guardians, caregivers, teachers and youth workers; and free monthly Darkness to Light “Stewards of Training” child sexual abuse prevention trainings to the community. Yet the work is just starting.

Seal of Protection

“These figures are North American figures and do properly reflect the Caribbean reality where there has been less Prevention Education; appropriate and accurate media coverage of sexual abuse; stronger and clearer legal consequences; mandatory organizational implementation of child protection and safety policies and; intervention of adults with other adults when children’s safety boundaries are crossed, “ explains Sophia Chandler Alleyne, Child Psychologist at the Health Services Authority. “When Darkness to Light was first introduced here in Cayman, while the information was limited, we were able to ascertain that our statistics were closer to 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys being abused before their 18th birthday,” recalls Cindy Blekaitis, Programme Manager at the Employee Assistance Programme. “Those of us who are at the frontline strongly believe that those figure have, in the best case scenario, remained the same,” she adds.

The multi-organisational working group has developed a set of minimum standards that all youth serving organisations should meet in order to ensure that the young people in their care are kept as safe as possible, and it is counting on parents and guardians to assist with the push for implementation. “The idea behind the Seal of Protection is to make it easy for parents and guardians to recognise those organisations and service providers that have in fact taken these measures and adopted best practices by awarding them this seal,” explains Ms. Ferreira. The Seal of Protection will be awarded to organisations that have met requirements such as background checks/criminal history records for employees and volunteers; written policies and procedures including mandatory reporting, reference checks, and a code

Protection Starts Here team members Back row: (l-r) Laura Elniski, Camila Ferreira, Nancy Davey, Mari Abe, Racquel Duhaney, Sophia Chandler Alleyne. Front row: Cindy Blekaitis, Kristy VanDenBroek, Carolina Ferreira, Brenda Dawkins and not pictured Paulinda Mendoza-Williams and Miriam Foster.

conduct (among others); and mandatory training for all staff and volunteers. “This is really a grassroots efforts to empower parents and guardians as consumers to use the ‘weapon of choice’ to help create pressure on organisations and business establishments to take these steps and put these measure in place,” adds Ms. Ferreira. While this may seem like a daunting task, organisations are not being asked to do this alone. “We are committed to this effort, so we are willing and able to assist any organisation that wants to obtain the Seal of Protection to do so,” explains Nancy Davey, Children and

2015 Upcoming training dates: 2015 Upcoming training dates:

Month

Tuesday, 6:30-9:00pm

Saturday, 9am-11:30am

Tuesday, 6:30-9:00pm

Saturday, 9am-11:30am

7th 7th

18th

August August

4th 4th

15th

September September

8th 8th

19th

6th

17th

3rd

14th

July

October

6th

November

3rd

November December

If you see this seal at a local business you can rest assured that your children are being kept as safe as possible.

Youth Services Coordinator for the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre. “The working group is diverse and is made up of extremely capable professionals who will work together with organisations at whatever stage they are in, and that includes those that are starting from zero. This is not a band-aid solution; it is a long term investment that we are making in our community,” she adds. For more information on the Seal of Protection, Darkness to Light training, or to book a lunch and learn for your organisation, contact deputy@redcross.org.ky. Learn more about Cayman Islands Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org.ky.

December

1st

12th

1st

18th

17th 14th 12th

To register email: PSO@redcross.org.ky Cost: Free. Spaces are limited. Register now

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Cover Story

A Grand Plan! The importance of staying connected to our grandparents

It’s vital that our children stay connected to their grandparents, discover your family’s rich and varied history, and be supported

Gabriele and Dante enjoying time with ‘Nonno’ and ‘Nonna’, Heather and Geoffrey Corroyer.

Story by Lindsey Turnbull Cover photos courtesy of Better Angle Photography

hugely important influence on a young person, grandparents can be the backbone of family life, taking care of grandchildren while parents work, offering words of wisdom and friendly advice, or

simply spoiling their grandchildren with sweets and treats

understand that important bond between children and their grandparents and do all they can to ensure that bond gets stronger with age.

The Conolly-Basdeos Married couple Marilyn Conolly and Dax Basdeo say that

“It is a top priority for us to be part of our grandchildren’s lives. Our favourite things centre on family events, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries and other special events. We have the traditional

grandparents and great-grandparents provide an anchor for

Sunday lunch for our kids and grandkids every

the family, children Zoe (14 ), Kiran (12) and Kaz (6):

Sunday that we are in Cayman - of course the major

not always allowed by mum and dad! Decades ago families

“They provide context for family traditions, family

in Cayman were incredibly close knit, with family members

history and can provide another layer of unconditional

looking out for each other, especially while the men were

love and support for their children, grandchildren and

at sea, and extended families often living under the same

great-grandchildren,” Marilyn says. “They demonstrate the

roof. Nowadays, while our lives are busier and families

continuity of family and we both value the role that “grands”

become more fragmented, there are still many families who

from both families have in the lives of our children.”

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Sam and Joy Basdeo are grandparents to the children. Joy (Gamma) confirms:

holidays like Christmas and Easter get a lot more fancy.” Spending time with her grandchildren has always been a priority for the couple. “We cannot always attend their sporting or school events because of the nature of our jobs, but Sunday

by them.

is sacrosanct for family time. Our grandchildren also enjoy another Sunday event - high tea at their great-grandparents - where they often meet up with their aunts and uncles and visit with their greatgrandparents who are in their late 80s,” she says.” Mrs. Basdeo says they try to make individual time with each grandchild, whether it’s a sleepover or a visit or outing, realising that they have individual needs and interests. “When Sam and I were first married we often talked about building a strong family unit where our children would feel safe and supported; a family group that loved each other and liked each other. > see next page

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We are very blessed to have achieved this and our children and grandchildren are a strong family unit which will be there for each other long after we are gone,” she says. The Conolly Basdeo children confirm: “We love that Gamma and Papa give us their full attention when we are talking. They are kind and generous. Even though Papa might seem tough he is actually very caring and can provide advice about serious things. Gamma is always willing to do anything that she can to help you. We just love them!”

Kiran and Kaz with Joy Basdeo, also known as ‘Gamma’.

The Dell ‘Oglios Raffaele and Erica Dell’Oglio have two boys, Gabriele (11) and Dante (9) and Erica’s parents Heather and Geoffrey Corroyer live next door. As a family, Raffaele says they are very close. “Before anything else we treasure each other’s presence and love,” he confirms. “We are very blessed to have Erica’s parents live so close to us. Watching their relationship grow with our two boys is a wonderful experience. We are very fortunate to have the people we respect and trust most support us and take care of our children when we cannot be there. It gives us a total sense of peace knowing that their grandparents are there for them, to guide, encourage and listen to them as well as to reaffirm our family values.” The children are clearly blossoming with the close influence of their grandparents. “We call our Grandad, ‘Nonno’ and our Gran, ‘Nonna.’ We do lots of fun things with them. We love to talk to Nonno about growing up in Africa; he has so many great stories. We love asking him questions. Nonna paints with us and plays cards with us. We love watching movies together on their bed. We all

Frank Carey and his wife Lillian live in Glasgow, Scotland, and are grandparents to Jade and Amber Barnes. 28

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love music, singing and dancing together,” the boys confirm. The boys say that their grandparents each have little sayings that they love. “Nonna always says “This is Divine!” when she likes food. Nonno likes to work in the garden and often makes fun of himself by saying silly comments like “ a frog kicked me” when we ask him how his day was!” Gabriele and Dante say. They add that, best of all, Nonno always agrees with them when they ask mum and dad to be feed them because they are always hungry! “He is never too busy for us and always makes time to explain things and words we do not understand. We love Nonna because she loves cooking us breakfast and makes the best porridge. Also she always wants to help us with school work,” the boys say. For their part, Mr and Mrs Corroyer say: “We consider ourselves very fortunate as so many families these days live far away from their birth countries.” Some of their favourite activities with their grandchildren include when they stay overnight with them alone and they chat around the dining table. “They have all sorts of questions and they get us to talk about the days when we were young, especially Nonno’s stories of Africa.” Mr and Mrs Corroyer say it can be difficult to maintain a close relationship when lives are so busy. “It can be, now that they are older and they have activities after school, but because we now live right next door, every day they do come by for “big family hugs”,” they state. They have so many special memories; it’s very hard to choose their favourite. “One would be when we used to live in a cottage on the beach one weekend we all helped collect bamboo

poles and made a raft; that was good fun. All their birthdays have been so very special, helping decide on the type of cake to make and watching them have loads of fun with their friends. Playing with them on the beach, discovering the beauty of nature together. It’s just lovely watching them grow and develop their own interests and unique personalities,” they say. Particular words of wisdom they would like their grandchildren to remember include to be grateful and to be happy. “Believe in yourself, always be truthful and have a goal,” they say.

The Barneses Frank Carey and his wife Lillian live in Glasgow, Scotland and are grandparents to Jade (13) and Amber (9) Barnes. Mum Charlene Barnes says that although her parents live thousands of miles away from her girls, they have still played a critical role in their lives. “I have always thought it was really important for my children to develop a strong bond with their grandparents, even if my parents do live in Scotland. Jade and Amber have visited their grandparents many times and my parents have always found the time to visit us over the years, as the girls were growing up. Granny and Grandpa bring so much fun and joy into my children’s lives – they treat them with spending money when they go shopping, they spend time playing with them and generally take a huge interest in their lives. We always make sure that we communicate with them via Skype eachweekend so the strong relationship continues, even as the girls grow into teenagers.” Mr. Carey echoes his daughter’s sentiments: “It is very important for my wife and I to be part of the girls’ lives, no matter where they live in the world, whether it was Glasgow or Grand Cayman,” he confirms. Mr Carey says it has never been difficult to keep in touch. “Due to the distance between us, we haven’t seen them as often as we would have liked, but Skype has been a godsend. We have wonderful memories from the day the girls were born until now. We had so much fun from taking them to the swing park and watching them learning to ride their

bikes. They loved to turn the hose on me when I was washing the car when they were supposed to be helping us. It was great when they sang the Glasgow songs my wife and I used to sing to them. Now we have to learn One Direction songs!” Jade and Amber have lots of lovely memories of growing up with their grandparents. “They always took us to the park, took us out riding on our bikes and scooters and told us funny stories about when they were children,” Jade says. “I’ve also got lots of favourite songs that they used to sing to us. My Grandpa would bounce us on his knee and sing us songs.” Jade says: “I love how caring and loving they are, how they let us do things mummy and daddy don’t let us do. I love how they give us money to spend at the shopping centre and I love that they let us give them makeovers. They also record movies for us so when we get to Glasgow we can all watch them together.” Amber has also enjoyed all her special moments with her Grandpa and Grandma and adds: “They let me stay up later than mummy and daddy do!” CP

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Family Time

The Return of

Family Game Night Story By Faith Gealey

here is nothing more exciting or memorable for a child than playing games with his or her family. The slap of the winning domino on a table, getting a fifty point word in scrabble or yelling BINGO! during a heated game are all pinnacle moments that can be etched into a young child’s mind forever. Games and in particular, Family Game Nights offer so much more than just entertainment. They provide children with a variety of skills and confidence building experiences that will last a lifetime. Regular family game nights give your child an opportunity to learn social skills in a comfortable, familiar environment with their family. Concepts such as taking a turn, waiting for a turn and sharing game pieces can be difficult for little minds to grasp. Board games and group game activities are a great way to introduce these social skills in a functional, and easy to generalize manner. Game nights also teach children about rules. What they are and why they should be followed. Many of the rules in our society are difficult for little minds to fully grasp and understanding. Concrete rules as outlined by a game can teach children about rules in a way that is tangible and easy to comprehend. Family game nights also provide your child with a sense of belonging. They are a part of your family team and when playing a board game in particular, they are equal

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stake holders in the game. There is no parent versus child but instead, all family members are equally involved in the gaming process. When your child wins a game on their own merit, they have a feeling of accomplishment and pride because they have earned a special place among their family during the gaming experience. When another person in the family wins, it is an opportunity to teach sportsmanship within the family – and encourage both winning and losing with grace. The focus should be on doing your best, regardless of the outcome. Games can also double up as learning tools. There are many games on the market that are geared for specific academic skills. Is your child struggling with math? Does he or she have difficulties with reading or spelling? There is a game for that! Using family game nights to target your child’s academic or developmental areas of weakness is a sneaky (and fun) way for you to help your child with those skills without it feeling like an extension of homework or school work. There are many games available for children of all ages, so start when your children are young – even as young as two and three and years old. It will become “just something we’ve always done” and will be a high point for all family members to look forward to. By setting a standard date (like the last Friday of each month) you will ensure that family game night will always be included on your family calendar! CP

Cayman Parent Recommends

Ages 3-5

Ages 6-9

UNO MOO Preschool. This is a great twist on the classic UNO game. It focuses on teaching colours. There are no cards so little hands can manage the game without difficulties. The pace of the game is fast, so it’s perfect for children with shorter attention spans.

Scrabble Junior The junior version of the classic game. This is a great way to reinforce spelling skills. It also sets children up to transition into the original Scrabble game as they get older.

Original Memory Game. This is a classic game that never goes out style. This game works on memory and matching skills. Hungry Hungry Hippos. This game gives children a chomping good time. The goal is to get your hippo to eat the most marbles! Parents can reinforce counting skills and good sportsmanship with this game. Candy Land Another classic game. This game focuses on colour and number matching – perfect for those children who are working on concept development!

Guess Who? Children have to develop critical thinking skills to ask their opponents the correct questions in order to guess “who” their opponent’s person is. Jenga Reinforce fine motor skills with this stacking and removing game. Children can develop their hand eye coordination skills as they remove Jenga blocks one by one. HedBanz This game is perfect for developing good sentence structure, reasoning and inferencing skills. Children try to guess “what am I” by asking other players yes/no questions about the card on their head.

Ages 10-12 Apples to Apples Junior This game sets children up to play the Apples to Apples game for older children. Players learn to find comparisons between objects while developing their vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Skip Bo This sequencing game requires children to use both skill and strategy to complete numerical sequences. It is a card game, and is very portable – so perfect for travelling with as well! Bingo This classic game is loads of fun. Children have to hone their listening skills and eye-hand coordination to cover the called numbers before the rest of the players. Parents can increase the difficulty of this game as children as get older by giving them more cards to manage. Monopoly This classic game teaches children about property ownership, money management and strategy.

Ages 13-17 Charades Although great for all ages, this is a fun way to get your teenager up and active. With everyone having fun and being silly, they will get into the groove in no time. Dominoes. This game is such a big part of Caribbean culture. Learning the rules of the game, how to “read” the board and how to strategize for a winning hand will have your teen slapping their domino on the board in no time and asking for more games! Minute to Win It Games. You can find tons of ideas on how to create these “Minute to Win It” games on Pinterest and other online sources. These games can have players from all ages, but are a sure fire way to engage your teenager in family game night. These games are available locally at the Book Nook. www.caymanparent.com

Development

with a clean slate. • Your heart gets a break and gets to reduce its rate and lower blood pressure. • Your lungs get a few hours of regular, slow breathing and allows them recovery time. • Your muscles release growth hormones that work to rebuild muscles and joints, allowing it to repair itself. Sleep is very important stuff. Families need to come together and look at how they can give sleep the time it deserves, similar to a family exercise plan. A family that is well-rested will have more energy, create more positive memories and have better overall health. Be consistent with the same bed and wake times, keep screens off/out of rooms, have winding down time in the evening, chat, journal or meditate. The tricky thing is that humans have an ability to rationalise that they do not need

Rockabye, Baby

Sleep is as vital to children as air, water, food and shelter, so be sure to set a schedule By Miriam Foster, Family Resource Centre

leep is like food. Depriving children of sleep is similar to depriving a child of a meal. Most people will agree that sleep is important. Then

why is it that as soon as summer hits, out go the bedtimes? Children’s brains don’t turn off; whatever they find themselves doing, the needs remain the same yearround. Water, Air, Food, Shelter, Love, Play….. and Sleep!

Of course, throughout the summer, travelling and events impact a normally scheduled bedtime routine. However, later bedtimes should always be the exception and not the rule. Every hour is precious to children as it allows the body to engage in the processes needed to make sense of the day, transfer memories and strengthen the immune system.

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Ensuring a child has an adequate amount of sleep on a daily basis is vital to their growth and development. Children that lack in sleep are more prone to attention issues, anxiety, impulsivity, moodiness, obesity, hyperactivity, poor judgement and weakened immune systems. It’s safe to say, no parent wants a child displaying any of the aforementioned. According to the Sleep Foundation, www.sleepfoundation.org, the recommended amount of sleep hours is given as a range as it may vary by individual: • Newborn (0-3 months) 14-17 hrs • Infant (4-11 months) 16-18 hrs • Toddler (1-2 years) 11-14 hrs • Preschool (3-5 years) 10-13 hrs • School Age (6-13 years) 9-11 hrs

• Teenager (14-17 years) 8-10 Hrs • Adult (18-64 years) 7-9 Hrs • Older Adult (65+) 7-8 Hrs Many children and most adults are not getting the recommended hours of sleep. This issue is not to be taken lightly. Sleep deprivation can affect every facet of life, from A to Zzzzzz. There are different ways that sleep hygiene can be developed or improved for adults. The problem is that there needs to be value placed on sleep and not accept the lack of it, as the status quo.

Did you know? Your brain has cerebral spinal fluid pumping more quickly. It acts like a dishwasher, and gets rid of the waste product of brain cells. So you wake up

Sleep practices that work:

water is,”have Dr. Frederick-van that muchessential sleep. That they explained. learned toGenderen function with what “When preparing for Stick to a sleep schedule a hurricane, important to store•enough they can get. Another it’s problem water, not just to get you and your • family Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual. is that children may not display through the hurricane, but to get you being tired in the way adults do. Avoid too many naps through the days after the storm • as well.” They often act hyperactive and In the aftermath of a hurricane, you • Exercise daily. are likely to be labelled as having should not use the public water supply until social, emotional and conductadvises that service has the Water Authority • Evaluate your room. problems.been Studies have restored shown to your area and/or that the • Sleep on a comfortable mattress and consistently, sleep-deprived water supply is safe. children get“Before lower grades. The be prepared; during the storm, pillows. theisstorm, be aware; and, after the storm, good news that children’s cautious,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen • Use light to help manage your circadian behaviourbe can be noticeably advised. improved by implementing an Residents are asked to monitor localrhythms. age-appropriate bed-time. communication channels in the aftermath of eating large meals and stimulants • Avoid So as we move back into a hurricane to learn vital information about the Back to School routine, find and for two to three hours before bedtime. the status of the public water supply ways to increase a child’s sleep sewerage services in the Cayman Islands. • Wind down. hygiene by monitoring sugar Any damage to public water mains, meter intake, ensuring 1-2sewerage hours of lines should be reported boxes or • Avoid stimulation from TV, devices. outdoor activity, limiting screen to the Water Authority. time and keeping a daytime For more hurricane preparedness tips, schedule, please too. visit the Water Authority website at If you have further trouble sleeping or getting www.waterauthority.ky or the HMCI website Keep the bedtime routine http://www.caymanprepared.gov.ky. to sleep, please speak with your family doctor. and keep at the family healthy and Hannah Reid is Corporate consistent, all year long. CP Communications Officer at Water Authority

come play today! Cayman’s COOLEST Spot for Fun - Out of the Sun!

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Women’s health

Tackling the

Variations of Diastasis Recti

L CHOO S O T R BACK IST FO E L K C E IL CH HY SM T L A E A H

‘Mummy Tummy’ Column by Riette Vosloo

Tired of having a mommy pooch? Frustrated at still looking pregnant months or even years down the line? Fed up with working out but not seeing results? Or have you thrown in the towel and made peace with that protruding little ‘mummy tummy’ as the ‘fate of motherhood’? The real question is: are you missing something? 34

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any women have never even heard of the condition ‘diastasis recti’. In simple terms diastasis recti means separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the six pack muscles we would all very much like to have), most commonly as a result of pregnancy. The female body is beautifully designed in many ways, and in particular when it comes to growing another little human inside. Your body cleverly creates space for the growing baby through pregnancy hormones that softens the connective tissue throughout your body, including the connection between the left and right side abdominal muscles (also called the linea alba). This allows for the linea alba to stretch and the abdominal muscles to move sideways, creating a gap for the expanding uterus to protrude forward and eventually grow into your beautiful baby bump. Diastasis is very common, with 27 per cent (nearly 1 in 3 women) of pregnant women having some separation in their second trimester and up to 62 per cent in their third trimester. Your body also does not magically just ‘snap back’ once the baby is out, although some celebrities may give that impression… Over half of these women (53%) will have remaining separation immediately after birth and for 35% of women the gap remain abnormally wide at 8 weeks postpartum, allowing the belly to literally bulge out and give the appearance that you are still pregnant.

How do I know if I have it? Diastasis comes in different shapes and sizes, but generally appears as a bulging ridge running down the midline of the abdomen, or part thereof, anywhere from the bottom tip of

the breast bone right down to the pubic bone. It becomes more prominent with straining such as during a sit-up or head lift maneuver, and may disappear when the abdominal muscles are relaxed. The width of the gap can be measured in ‘number of fingers that fit in the gap’ with more than 2 fingers width considered abnormally wide.

Why does it happen? The reasons why diastasis happen are myriad, a lot of is unfortunately luck of the genetic draw. However research has helped identify some risk factors for developing diastasis. These include expecting mothers over 34 years of age, big babies, women carrying multiples, i.e. twins or triplets, multiple pregnancies, excessive maternal weight gain, a narrow pelvis, excessive pushing in the 2nd stage of labor and having a caesarean section. Inappropriate or incorrect exercises (i.e. excessive abdominal exercises) in pregnancy or early post-partum can also contribute, so jumping right into an exercise program after delivery isn’t ideal. Contrary to popular belief, well-toned and trained abdominal muscles do necessarily increase a woman’s risk to develop a diastasis in pregnancy. In fact, well defined and trained abdominals stretch better and recover better. Petite women on the other hand may be at increased risk of developing diastasis due to the way they carry the baby, very much like a football pointing outward, encouraging separation of the abdominal muscles to allow space for the expanding uterus. Excessive diastasis recti is less likely to happen if separation recognized early and

mom is given good advice about how to minimize the problem. Support, good posture and correct body mechanics in pregnancy and especially those early days after delivery will encourage optimum spontaneous closure of the gap by around 8 weeks.

Why is it important to treat? A small separation can become larger if not treated, and cause problems in pregnancy and afterwards, even many years later. It is important to understand that the gap created by separation of the abdominal muscles impacts more than just the abdominals and physical appearance (that mommy pooch). It exposes the internal organs and compromise the ‘inner corset’ of support. As a result it affects breathing mechanics, posture, core stability, movement control and continence (bladder and bowel control). In pregnancy a diastasis can allow the uterus the tip further forward, make it more difficult to push the baby out, increase the likelihood of a Caesarean section and contribute to developing pain in the low back and pelvis.

What can I do to help myself? The saying is true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do whatever you can to protect the vulnerable midline throughout your pregnancy and in the early few months after birth. Most importantly avoid activities that can interfere with natural healing and recovery postpartum. Avoid jack knifing or sit-up maneuvers such as rising from supine lying (instead turn on your side), minimize excessive trunk twisting especially while carrying load, and avoid targeted

abdominal workouts. Many traditional ab and core exercises, such as planks, crunches and even the downward dog yoga pose, can actually make diastasis worse. You should always have good posture to keep your abdominals in alignment (pay attention to common habits of slumping that would encourage gaping of the abdominals) and it is recommended you wear supportive maternity and postpartum clothes rather than baggy comfy wear. If you think you may have a diastasis recti, ask your General Practitioner for a referral to a Women’s Health Physiotherapist that specializes in treating diastasis recti. Specific exercises focused on activating and strengthening the deep core muscles, particularly the pelvic floor muscles and transverse abdominis muscle group, can be taught from early on and progressed to more challenging workouts. It is never too late to take action, the correct exercises can have a positive impact months or years down the line. Take the first step to healing, your health is your responsibility. CP Riette Vosloo is a Women’s Health Physiotherapist specialising in problems associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, including continence issues, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor injury or straining during childbirth and painful intercourse. She can be reached via Tel: 345-943-8200.

REGULAR DENTAL EXAMS

REGULAR BRUSHING WITH FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE AND FLOSSING.

to diagnose and treat or prevent dental problems. Our Hygienists or Dentists may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to prevent decay and can diagnose and treat dental problems to save your child pain and lost school time.

Head for the dental care isle when you’re out shopping for school supplies. If parents buy several toothbrushes they could have their child change to a new one every three months, or after an illness.

EATING HEALTHY LUNCHES AND SNACKS.

WEARING A PROPERLY FITTED MOUTHGUARD

Include portable healthy lunch items and snacks in your child’s lunch, including grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. Cut back on sugary foods and soft drinks.

while participating in organized sports, PE classes or playground activities.

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

10 Alexander Place 949-7303 | www.smiledental.ky

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Health

Ask the Doctor Doctors get countless queries each day from parents about their child’s health.

Here, paediatrician Dr. Christine Chen, addresses parents’ concerns.

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We will be travelling soon.

Are there any tips for our flight? To make the experience as smooth as possible it’s important to carefully plan ahead as your little one can be very unpredictable. Here are a few tips: • Choose a window or aisle seat to avoid being pressed on either side by other passengers. Breastfeeding moms may want to choose a window seat for more privacy. • If possible, it may be helpful to book your flight during a time when your child usually sleeps or takes a nap. • If your flight requires a layover, choosing a flight with a longer layover may provide additional time to help you stay organized, to allow for bathroom stops, time for a snack or meal and to give older kids a chance to walk around and release some excess energy. • Double check to make sure you have essentials such as extra bottles, pacifiers, formula, snacks, diaper supplies, an extra change of clothes, thermometer, OTC medicines such as fever reducers and normal saline nose drops, and books or toys to keep older kids occupied. • Ensure everyone is dressed appropriately Shoes that are comfortable and are easy to get on and off when you have to go through the security check point, clothes that are easy to remove when it’s time for a diaper change or your older child needs to go to the bathroom; carry a sweater in case it gets too cold. • Ear pain If you are concerned about your child’s ears, you can ease ear pain by keeping your child awake during take off and initial descent (during landing is too late) and encouraging them to swallow often by, offering babies a bottle, pacifier or the breast and offering older children a snack or drink, during this time to help equalize the pressure in their ears. Keeping your child hydrated during the flight may also help thin out

mucous secretions. If your child has a stuffy nose, head cold, or current ear infection this may increase your child’s chance of experiencing ear pain. In mild cases, analgesic ear drops (Auralgan) or oral pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may be helpful if given at least 30 minutes prior to boarding. For children with significant ear discomfort it may simply be best, if possible, to postpone flying. • For loud airplane noises which tend to be louder during takeoff, using cotton balls or small earplugs may help keep your little one calm. • Motion If your child is prone to motion sickness, make sure to offer plenty of fluids during travel and give your child a snack before the flight. Short flights or flights with layovers may help your child feel better. If possible, choose seats near the front of the plane or over the wing for less turbulence. If your child starts to feel ill, aim the air vent towards the child’s face. Have the child recline with eyes closed. Antihistamines like Benadryl are sometimes recommended to deal with motion sickness, however, they are not without side effects. They can make your child very sleepy which may seem great for the flight but not great if you need your child to walk once the flight is over. On the other hand, they may also make your child very restless and irritable and can have unpredictable effects on heart rate and blood pressure. • Travel with another adult That way you have extra hands to take care of the ticketing, luggage, and strollers, as well as, other kids and you have emotional support to help make the trip a less stressful one. • Handwashing To decrease the chances of catching the latest seasonal viruses that are circulating, remember to take extra precautionary measures such as stepping up your hand washing or hand sanitizing routine, preventing children from rolling about on the floor and putting dirty objects in their mouth,and shielding your yourself and your child from sneezing and coughing travelers. Ensuring that your child is properly vaccinated will also help to protect them from targeted infections. • Checklists Don’t forget to go through the usual checklist of why your

child may be crying - hunger, needs a diaper change, feels cold, bored,

My baby is constipated. What should I do?

First of all, recognize that normal poop can range anywhere from one poop every several days to a week to several poops everyday. In general, breastfed babies poop more than formula fed ones, younger babies poop more than older ones and younger babies tend to have several tiny poops in succession. In an infant, apparent grunting and straining especially with passage of soft stools during defecation does not necessarily mean constipation. Imagine trying to poop while laying on your back with no feet support! Alarm signs that may suggest a more serious problem when your baby strains while passing hard stools include: delayed passage of meconium, severe abdominal distention, vomiting, and rectal bleeding(unless due to an anal fissure).

To help your little one, you can try pushing his knees up toward his chest while he is lying on his back to give some resistance against which to strain. Bicycling movements may also help. If your baby is crawling, encourage him to crawl around for a while. Gently massaging your baby’s lower tummy for a few minutes may also help to move things along. You may consider switching brands of formula in case your little one has a sensitivity to a particular brand. Give some extra water - no more than 1 to 2 ounces per day. For infants who have not yet started solid foods giving 1 to 2 ounces of 100-per cent sorbitol containing juices such as apple, prune or pear juice once or twice a day may be helpful. For infants who have started solids, sorbitol containing fruit purees may be added. To increase the fibre content of their diet, multigrain or barley cereal may be substituted for rice cereal and puréed peas, pears and prunes can be substituted for other pureed fruits and vegetables. Be aware that foods such as bananas, applesauce, rice cereal, breads, pasta, and excess dairy products can contribute to

constipation. As a last resort, glycerin suppositories or rectal stimulation with a lubricated rectal thermometer can be used occasionally if there is very hard stool in the rectum. Mineral oil, laxatives and enemas are not recommended for babies due to unwanted side effects. CP Dr. Christine Chen is a paediatrician with an office in Camana Bay and on Crewe Road. She is actively involved with The Children’s Health Task Force/Cayman Heart Fund and is the founder of Get Active and The Get Active Challenge programs which serve to raise awareness and tackle the problem of childhood obesity in Cayman. Feel free to contact Dr Chen at 345-943-4633 or through Facebook/Get

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Travel Massachusetts has its fair share of vineyards and winemakers. The Coastal Wine Trail passport is a great place to start planning your journey as it lists some of the best winemakers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

Take a Brewery Tour

10 Ways to Enjoy Boston T

he Cradle of Liberty. The Hub of the Universe. The Athens of America. These are big words for a mid-sized city, but

Boston more than lives up to them. With its rich history, grand architecture and world-renowned academic and cultural institutions, the city radiates the glory it has garnered over the last four centuries. Disastrous urban renewal projects in the 1950s provoked such a furious backlash that Boston now has some of the best preserved historic buildings in the U.S. Walkable, historic and clean, the city blends old-world beauty and modern convenience. From cultural and educational to outdoor and family-friendly, Massachusetts offers a wealth of

Stroll Around Boston

The best way to see and experience any destination is almost always on foot. Boston’s Harbor Walk showcases some of the city’s best neighborhoods, including East Boston, Charlestown, North End, Downtown, South Boston and Dorchester. It’s an ideal way to while away an afternoon and see the city like a local. The heart and soul of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a bustling complex of restaurants, food stalls, shops, bars, and public spaces. Since it opened in 1976, this festive market and eating center draws both visitors and locals to its cobblestone plaza, teaming with shoppers, street performers, and peoplewatchers.

free things to do any time of year. Here are 10 of our favourite free things to do in the Bay State this fall:

Hike the Berkshires Massachusetts may not offer the tallest

or most dramatic peaks in the country, but the Berkshires are a unique outdoor destination in their own right. If you’re into “peak bagging,” Mount Greylock offers excellent day hiking opportunity to the state’s highest point at 3,491 feet. For travelers who prefer more leisurely pursuits, the auto road to the summit is open May through November.

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Drive the New England Coast

Few U.S. destinations are as iconic as coastal New England. From Maine to Massachusetts to Connecticut, the region’s shores offer stunning lighthouses, dramatic beach cliffs, and the country’s quaintest, most historic towns. Allow a full day to explore the entire area by car.

Tour the Wine Trail

Wine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New England. But

Boston is home to Sam Adams Brewery — one of the largest microbreweries in the country. Harpoon Brewing, Trillium Brewing, and Watch City Brewing Company all offer free tours and tastings around the Greater Boston area. For those looking for a sudsy day trip, the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Passport Program is a great place to plan your trip to the nearly 50 breweries throughout the state.

Day Trip to Provincetown

It’s wild, eclectic, and unlike anywhere else in Massachusetts. Provincetown has been a hub of the state’s artistic and gay communities for decades. Just a two-hour drive from Boston, the town offers more than a day’s worth of exploring for shopping, gallery visits, and some of the best seafood restaurants in New England. Be sure to check out Race Point Beach which is arguably the best, most scenic stretch of sand in the entire state.

Visit the Hatch Shell

Boston’s Hatch Shell has been a hub of the city’s entertainment scene for 75 years. In that time, it’s hosted some of the world’s biggest, most well known musicians and performers. Throughout the year, the venue offers dozens of free concert and movie opportunities.

Track Wildlife and Bird Watch in a National Park

Massachusetts is home to some of the region’s best national parks. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply hunt for wildlife along the Appalachian Scenic Trail, Blackstone River Valley, or Boston Harbor Islands. The National Park Service offers maps to help plan your trip to any of the state’s 16 National Parks.

> see next page

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Free Shakespeare on the Common

Boston Common is a worthy stop for any Massachusetts traveler. Since 1996, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company has been performing “Free Shakespeare on the Common” with some of the playwright’s most famous works. From Othello, to Comedy of Errors, to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, it’s a unique cultural experience.

Take the Ferry to Martha’s Vineyard

Boston offers so much to see and do — from the historic to the natural.

For decades, Martha’s Vineyard has been a vacation playground for the country’s elite, from politicians to celebrities. It’s impossible to see everything the island has to offer in a single day, but it’s well worth it to try. Take a leisurely stroll along South Beach — arguably the island’s most beautiful and well-preserved stretch of sand. Lighthouses are an icon of coastal living and the island’s Edgartown Lighthouse is one of the area’s most historic and fascinating. Travelers with children will also love the 19th century Flying Horses Carousel which is officially the country’s oldest platform carousel. — Courtesy of TravelPros

Books

Luckiest Girl Alive! from Jessica Knoll Review by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Jessica Knoll’s debut novel explores the unbearable pressure women feel to “have it all”. From page one, when she imagines plunging a steel blade into husband-to-be, it’s clear whatever face the heroine, Ani presents to the world, isn’t her true nature. Something inside her is dark and broken and desperate because of what happened to her as a freshman at an exclusive prep school. The story begs the question: do we every REALLY grow up? Are we all children

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Hands are not for hitting by Martine Agassi Ph. D

My Body by Patty Carratello

Cutting and Pasting by Steve Mack

The Thankful Book by Todd Parr Knock Knock Who’s There

www.travelproscayman.com | (345) 949.8182

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she’s been hiding that might set her free, and reveals a heart bigger than it first appears. Luckiest Girl Alive is a well-plotted pageturner that lifts back the veil of the heroine’s glamour and privilege to tread amongst the sharp emotional thorns beneath. This is a heart wrenching book that grabs you from the beginning, twists your guts into knots, and spits you out at the end. CP

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inside, dealing with issues that define us –individually different, but the same? At fourteen, Ani suffered a shocking public humiliation she has NEVER recovered from. Thirteen years later, she has it all – a glamorous job, an expensive wardrobe, a wealthy fiancé. Her life is exactly what she wants? She’s happy, right? But Ani has a secret threatening to destroy everything she’s worked hard to achieve. Ani is an unlikeable character at the beginning of the story, but as you journey through each page, you can’t help but root for her as her perfect life façade falls away and reveals the shocking scandalous truth

by Tad Hills

Middle School

Teens

(Divergent Series)

The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch

Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws by Janette Rallison

I Funny: A middle School Story

Paper Towns by John Green

by James Patterson

Story Thieves

The Maze Runners

by James Riley

by James Dashner

The One and Only Ivan by

The Iron King

Katherine Applegate

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James and the Giant Peach

#3 Commerce House, Dr. Roy’s Drive | Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm & Sat: 9am-12pm

by Ronald Dahl

by Julie Kagawa

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

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Mina Samantha & Tea Teresa Whorms August 1 Happy 17th Birthday! You may be growing up but you’ll always be my babies. Love Mom.

Kassandra Moreno

Do you have a November to January birthday baby? Email your photo and details to editor@caymanparent.com

Michael Noel

Natalya Didier

September 5

September 21

Happy 7th Birthday We love you bunches!

Happy 1st Birthday Taly!

August 3

Ari-Mae Solomon

Happy 6th Birthday We love you!

Daniella Whiteman

Jahiem White

August 10

Happy 10th Birthday!

August 5

Calvin Walsh

September 26

Shane Blackwell

Many blessings on your 7th Birthday!

September 6 Happy 9th Birthday to my wonderful son!

August 6

September 6

Happy 3rd Birthday Love You So Much!

Happy 4th Birthday! We love you baby girl!

Oh my I’m ONE!

Pitufina August 28 Happy 12th birthday!

Jocelyn Fuller

We wish you many more!

August 12 Happy 2nd Birthday, Bah Bah!

Leonardo Hydes August 13 Happy 8th Birthday

Alex Richardson

Jacob Solomon

September 28

October 4

Happy 15th Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Caleb Evans

Leila Kirkconnell

August 21

August 24

October 7th

Happy 10th Birthday Princess Janiah!

Happy 14th Birthday!

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!

Janiah Bodden

Gael Phelan

Antonio Whiteman October 11 Happy 1st Birthday

Keeley Rose

We love you baby boy!

October 24 Happy 8th Birthday!

Elena McDow

Julianna Sanchez

Kyla Khillawan

Khloé Adam

Gracelyn Huys

August 31

September 5

October 13

Happy 4th Birthday We love you!

October 15

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Emergency Planning

Savour these creations from chefs and home chefs to keep your family well fed.

Protect your Family with a

Just Desserts! CONTEST WINNER

Dine & Dish Recipe of the Month

Disaster Plan By Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell

Caramel Shortcake

Courtesy of Virginia Czarnocki

Ingredients 150g of spelt flour or glutenfree flour 2x100g of best quality butter 1 small tin of organic condensed milk 2 x 15ml of syrup (use golden syrup or maple) 25g of golden fine sugar 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract 6oz of melted 80% cacao chocolate

Directions • Heat the oven to 350F • Grease and line an 8” x 8” square pan. • Rub the butter into the flour until the mix comes together and flatten it into the baking pan. • Bake for about 15 minutes until cookie-like in texture. • Remove from the oven and set aside. • Melt butter in pot; Add milk and sugar and stir on medium heat. • Stir for 10 minutes until paste. • Add vanilla pod then beat mixture for about 5 mins. until you have a caramel coloured paste. Set aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Once cooled, spread over the biscuit base. • Melt the chocolate and pour over. Allow chocolate to set. • Cut 16 squares.

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Strawberry Shortcake

Courtesy of Chef Tanya Foster, Foster’s Food Fair – IGA

Ingredients 1 pint strawberries 2 cups all purpose flour 1 Tbsp. Baking Powder 4 Tbsp. sugar Pinch Salt 1 ¼ cups of heavy cream Fresh mint

Directions • Add all dry ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well • On a clean surface sprinkle with flour, gently work the dough until incorporated • Roll out the dough and cut into biscuits. Any remaining dough pieces can be re-worked and re-rolled to cut out more biscuits. • Place biscuits on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a 425F oven for about 14 minutes. • Quarter the strawberries and sprinkle with sugar. Mix well and set aside. • Whip the heavy cream until you have “soft peaks” and a small amount of sugar to sweeten the cream. • Refrigerate. • Assemble shortcakes.

Apple-Banana Bread Courtesy of Kimberley Wedderburn

Ingredients 6 ripe Apple-Bananas 1 cup of fine brown sugar 1 1/2 cup of flour 1 tsp of baking soda 1 tsp Salt 1 egg 1/4 cup of melted, unsalted butter 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or almonds (optional) 1 loaf pan Non-stick cooking spray 2 Tbsp flour

Directions • • • • • •

Preheat your oven at 325F Mash the apple-bananas in the mixing bowl with a fork until everything is all “smooth” Mix in all other ingredients (including the nuts if used, save a little to sprinkle on the top of the batter) with the mashed apple-bananas, either by hand or with a hand-held mixer, until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. Spray the loaf pan with the non-stick spray and add the 2 Tbsp of flour to coat pan. Add mixed bread batter to the coated loaf pan and add the left over chopped nuts to the top. Bake for 1 hour or until the bread is firm

Pineapple Tarts

Courtesy of Carsley Williams

Ingredients 1/2 fresh pineapple, diced Frozen pie crust, thawed 1/2 cup brown sugar dash nutmeg 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 cup orange juice 1 egg, beaten

Directions • Preheat oven to 450F. • Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg is a small bowl • Toss pineapple with OJ. • Stir in sugar mix. • Cut frozen pies into medium-sized circles and place crust in the bottom and along the sides of a greased muffin tin. • Fill with pineapple filling. • Optional – cover with additional pie crust or with crust strips. • Brush top with egg wash. • Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

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From Fosters Food Fair- IGA.

Simply send your recipe to publisher@ caymanparent.com See Facebook.com/ caymanparent for contest details!

Disasters can strike at any time or place so it’s important your family is prepared, no matter what the emergency. There are four basic steps to developing a family disaster plan.

1. Find out what might happen to you. By learning what your risks may be, you can prepare. Contact Hazard Management Cayman Islands or the Red Cross. Questions to ask.: n What type of disasters are most likely to happen in your community? n How should you prepare for each? n What about animal care? Where you would take your pets if they’re permitted in public shelters. n If you care for elderly, disabled persons, or persons with poor health, how can you help them? What might be some special needs to consider? n What are the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or day care, and other places where members of your family spend time?

2. Creating a Family Disaster Plan. Once you know what disasters are possible in your area, talk about how to prepare and how to respond if one occurs. Make checklists of steps you can take as you discuss this information with your family. n Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, and severe weather to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. Keep it simple so people can remember the important details.

n Discuss the types of disasters most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. Everyone should know what to do if family members are not together. Discussing everything ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety and will help everyone know how to respond. n Pick two places to meet: Right outside of your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. n Outside of your neighborhood in case you can’t return home or are asked to evacuate. n Develop a communication plan. If family members are separated, know how you’re getting back together. n Discuss what to do if authorities ask you to evacuate. Make arrangements for a place to stay with a friend or relative who lives out of town and/or learn shelter locations. n Be familiar with escape routes. Remember to follow the advice of local officials during evacuation situations. They will direct you to the safest route; some roads may be blocked or put you in further danger.

3. Complete your checklists. n Take the steps outlined in the checklists you made for your Family Disaster Plan. Items to include on your checklists. See cut out on page 45. . n Emergency telephone numbers (fire, police, ambulance, etc.) n Teach all responsible family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches or valves. n Instructions for health related issues, disabilities, or elderly n Check your insurance coverage. Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.

n Get training from the fire department on how to use your fire extinguisher (A-B-C type), and show family members where extinguishers are kept. n Conduct a home hazard hunt. Ordinary objects in your home can cause injury or damage. n Stock supplies and assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. Keep a small kit in the truck of your car if you become stranded to not able to return home. n Keep a portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries. n Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class and have your family learn basic safety measures.

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Practicing will help you make the appropriate response during an actual emergency. You will need to review your plan periodically and change as needed. n Quiz your children every six months. n Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills at least twice a year. n Replace stored food and water every six months to ensure freshness.

What to tell your children n Tell children disasters are events that might happen and could hurt people, cause damage, or cut off utilities such as water, telephones, or electricity. n Give examples of possible disasters and help children recognize the warning signs. n Teach children how and when to call for help. Even young children can be taught how and when to call for emergency assistance. If a child can’t read, make a telephone number chart with pictures to help the child identify the correct number to call. n Explain when people know what to do and practice in advance, they’re better able to handle emergencies. n Explain there are people (police officer, firefighter, etc.) who can help them. Talk about ways these people might help. n Teach children to call your family contact if they are separated in an emergency. Help them memorize the telephone number.

Tips for Families n When planning ways to keep your

children safe, remember they are constantly changing. Review your family's home and habits often to make sure your safeguards remain age appropriate for your child. n Pick up Hurricane preparation

booklets specific to Cayman in the supermarkets or visit www. caymanprepared.gov.ky who have plans in place to mitigate against a wide range of hazards that may affect the Cayman Islands. n Check your children’s schools

or community organizations for information on keeping them safe in Cayman and visit www. healthychildren.org for how to keep your children safe at home, school, and in public spaces.

Cut me out. Fill me in. Stick me on the fridge where everyone can see me!

4. Practice and maintain your plan.

n Test your smoke alarms once a month, and replace battery-powered smoke alarms at least once a year. Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years. n Ensure your fire extinguisher is charged.

n Determine the best escape routes from your home in preparation for a fire or other emergency requiring you to leave the house quickly. n Find safe places in your home for each emergency. n Make two photocopies of vital documents and keep the originals in a safe deposit box. Keep one copy in a safe place in the house, and give the second copy to a friend or relative. Vital documents are birth and marriage certificates, credit card numbers, financial records, and wills and trusts. n Make a complete inventory of your home, garage, and surrounding property. The inventory can be written or photographed.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Our Address:________________________________________________________________________________________ Important Phone #s:

Other Local #s:

Overseas #s:

______________________________

Household Members Name:_______________________ DOB:_______________

Name:_______________________ DOB:_______________

Allergies:_________________________________________

Medical Conditions:________________________________

Name:_______________________ DOB:_______________

Allergies:_________________________________________

Medical Conditions:________________________________

Medical Contacts & Phone #’s

Insurance at a Glance

Police/Fire/Ambulance: Call 911

Medical:____________________________________

Doctor: _____________________________________

Phone:______________________________________

Pediatrician: _________________________________

Motor Vehicle:_______________________________

Vet:_________________________________________

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Group Number:______________________________

Specialist:____________________________________

Dentist:______________________________________

Policy Number:______________________________

Policy Number:_______________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Home Insurance Provider: ____________________

Consulate Information

Policy Number: _______________________________

Contact:_____________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________

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Hurricane Preparations

FIRST AID TIPS I

n the event that an accident should happen, you should always seek medical advice, but until you can get professional help use these handy tips provided by the Cayman Islands Red Cross.

BURNS If someone gets burned DO NOT apply anything to the affected area.

Instead keep cold water running on it. For sunburns it is best to apply cool wet compresses often.

BROKEN BONES Do not move someone with broken bones. Call 911. CHOKING If someone is unable to cough, speak or breathe because of an

object stuck in their airway they are choking. Hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades 5 times to dislodge the object. If choking continues wrap your arms around their waist, make a fist in the abdomen - below the ribs, grasp your fist with the other hand and pull in (towards yourself) with a quick upward thrust.

NOSEBLEEDS

For a nosebleed have the person sit down and lean forward. Pinch the nose and have them breathe through their mouth. If bleeding persists, get medical help. Ice may be applied to the area for short period of time.

SEIZURE

If someone has a seizure, has a severely bleeding wound or becomes unconscious call 911 and follow the operator’ instructions.

OPEN WOUNDS

Wash wounded area with water and cover with sterile gauze bandage. If bleeding is severe call for help. Take a clean cloth or towel and press hard on the wound until bleeding stops.

BUG BITES and BEE STINGS!

Do not put off preparing for a direct hit until the last minute.

FOR MILD REACTIONS: • If needed, remove the stinger. • Wash with soap and water. • Apply a cool compress. • Apply a hydrocortisone cream. • Take a pain reliever if necessary.

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION: Difficulty breathing. Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat. Dizziness, faintness or confusion. Rapid heartbeat. Hives. Nausea, cramps or vomiting. A scorpion sting and is a child. For marine life stings, use white vinegar to relieve pain.

onditions may change suddenly in an emergency and you may have to leave at a moment’s notice. When a hurricane threatens, get together a personal survival kit for each family member from your supplies or, better yet, prepare it beforehand.

m Drinking water for at least three days m Food and drink for at least three days - lightweight, compact, water-proofpackaged, non-perishable items that don’t need cooking, heating or refrigeration.

Use a large Ziploc bag to keep important documents weather-proof and ready to grab.

during a hurricane

Spiders, Scorpions, Centipedes and Bees can inflict a painful bite/sting. Most are mild causing redness, itching and swelling.

GRAB BAG ESSENTIALS

Keep copies!

Water Smarts

m Change of clothing and sturdy, protective shoes; rain gear, hat, sun glasses m Sleeping bag, mat or blanket m Personal identification and other important documents m Portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries m Cell phone and charger/ extra battery m Can opener, utility knife, utensils m Special items for children, elderly or those with special needs m Cash (including coins) m Prescription medicine if necessary For comprehensive lists and m Eyeglasses if used more information visit: m Extra keys for house and vehicles www.caymanprepared.gov.ky

or many families, summer marks a welcome break in the hustle and bustle of the school year, and the chance to spend more quality time together. Unfortunately, although Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on 1 June and continues until 30 November, Cayman Islands typically experiences more storm activity in the later months of hurricane season. Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen, Director of Water Authority Cayman and Chairperson of the Utilities and Communications Sub-Committee under the National Hurricane Plan, said that residents should not hold off on preparing for a hurricane until the last minute. “No one likes to think about the possibility of a storm affecting the Cayman Islands,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen said. “But, although it’s tempting to wait until later in the year, the reality is that a serious weather event can occur at any time during the season and advance preparation is key to ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.” Preparations for hurricane season should include determining the safest place to shelter during the event of a storm and equipping that location with essentials like food, water and personal sanitation supplies. Simon Boxall, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) Awareness and Education Officer, explained that one of the most important considerations is knowing in advance of a hurricane where you and your family can shelter safely during the storm.

“Residents must plan where they will safely ride out a hurricane, especially if they live along the coast or in a low lying area,” Mr. Boxall said.

Minimise property damage Whether you plan to stay in your home or shelter somewhere else during the hurricane, the Water Authority recommends taking steps to minimise property damage, and to ensure your family has access to safe water and adequate sanitation supplies. All customers should have a shut-off valve installed on the customer side (downstream) of the water meter. If you plan to shelter somewhere other than your home or business, the Authority encourages you to turn off the shut-off valve prior to the onset of the storm to minimise the chances of property damage or a high water bill due to broken pipes. Customers who do not have a

shut-off valve installed downstream of their meter are urged to have their plumber install one as soon as possible. Similarly, residents who have onsite wastewater treatment systems that require electricity are encouraged to turn off the pump at the circuit box before the onset of a storm while it is still safe to do so. Dr. Frederick-van Genderen explained that, although the Water Authority tries to make certain that water and sewerage services are not interrupted during a hurricane, it may be necessary to temporarily disrupt service in order to protect the distribution system, or due to a damaged plant, road, pipeline, or the loss of electrical power. Should water or sewerage services need to be temporarily interrupted, the Water Authority will use all available communication channels to notify customers well in advance. Nevertheless, your emergency supplies should include items such as non-perishable

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foodstuffs, water, and personal hygiene necessities. “In the event that water or sewerage services have to be interrupted during a storm, access to adequate water and sanitation supplies is crucial,” Dr. Frederickvan Genderen said. “The Water Authority is prepared to deal with the realities of a hurricane but we need our customers to be prepared as well.” To prepare for a disruption in sewerage services, your emergency supplies should include moist towelettes, feminine supplies, hand sanitiser, garbage bags and plastic ties, rubber gloves, and containers for collecting waste. HMCI recommends using plastic bags to line at least two five-gallon buckets with tight-fitting lids. After each use, add chlorine bleach or disinfectant to stop odour and kill germs. To ensure you and your loved ones are prepared for the possibility of a water service disruption, the Water Authority recommends storing at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day for at least seven days. You should also keep additional stores of potable water on hand for pets and persons with special needs, such as nursing mothers,

young children, or people with illnesses. “People often take for granted how essential water is,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen explained. “When preparing for a hurricane, it’s important to store enough water, not just to get you and your family through the hurricane, but to get you through the days after the storm as well.” In the aftermath of a hurricane, you should not use the public water supply until the Water Authority advises that service has been restored to your area and/or that the water supply is safe. “Before the storm, be prepared; during the storm, be aware; and, after the storm, be cautious,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen advised. Residents are asked to monitor local communication channels in the aftermath of a hurricane to learn vital information about the status of the public water supply and sewerage services in the Cayman Islands. Any damage to public water mains, meter boxes or sewerage lines should be reported to the Water Authority. For more hurricane preparedness tips, please visit the Water Authority website at www.waterauthority.ky or the HMCI website at http://www.caymanprepared.gov.ky.

JULY 2015

Important Numbers Water Authority - Cayman

(345) 916 1000 Caribbean Utilities Company

(345) 945 1282

REACHING HIGHER

Recognising young persons for outstanding achievements in Academics • Career • Business Sports • Culture • Community Service

Hurricane Emergency Operations

(345) 949 6555 Emergency Information Hotline

(345) 946 3333 Red Cross

(345) 949 6785 Executive Air Ambulances

(345) 949 7775

CHA

A BIJIT H A N U

A SHLEY E AMAD OR-RANKIN

ACADEMICS

SPORTS

KRIST IANN POWELL

MEL A NIE EBANKS

NATH AAN WHITTAKER

ACADEMICS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

CULTURE/ COMMUNITY SERVICE

ALL CATEGORIES

ROC HEL GARDENER

R. NA TALIE WILLIAMS

LINW SH A N A OOD-MCL AUGHLIN

ACADEMICS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ACADEMICS

N ELLE S C O T T

CH A NTÉ SMIT H-JOHNSON

Please call 911 in the case of any life or death situation.

OUR FAMILY IS READY… Is yours?

Don’t wait until dark clouds loom to start preparing for hurricane season.

Water Authority - Cayman “Suppliers of the World’s Most Popular Drink”

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The Water Authority is prepared for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season and encourages its customers and the general public to do the same. Visit us online at www.waterauthority.ky to learn more about how you can prepare for hurricane season.

JA NEL

L TAYLOR

VIT O

RIA B U T T R U M ACADEMICS

In partnership with:

www.redcross.org.kyÂ

Photo credit: Courtney Platt Photography

The time for individual action is NOW.

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Our children deserve a life free of abuse. Protecting them is an ADULT responsibility.

- Nelson Mandela

There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.