Giggle Magazine-Jupiter June/July 2024

Making Vacation Together Extraordinary

Step into summer wonder as you let loose, make a splash, and go with the flow at our thrilling water park. Find unforgettable moments together as you enjoy a nightly light show, glow-in-the-dark pool parties on select dates, and more!

At Gaylord Hotels, bringing people together is what we do best.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

WEBSITE EDITOR

EDITORIAL INTERN

DESIGN INTERNS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Irving

Aníbal Rodríguez

Shane Irving

Julia Bauer

Amelia Bowles

Sam Andoniadis, Quincy Tran

Julia Bauer, Amelia Bowles, Nicole Irving, Lindsey Johnson, Crystal Ladwig, Katie Osterhout, Cole Purvis, April Tisher, Tracy Wright

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the end of an era

Having children close in age oftentimes means celebrating big events back-to-back. For our family, this means back-to-back high school graduations. Last May our oldest son Tyler graduated, and in just one week, our middle son Nicholas will walk across the stage and receive his diploma. And, while I should be a “seasoned” mom and take this in stride, I am still an emotional basket case, only holding it together by the hairspray that keeps my curls in tack!

Graduation means the end of a season of life and the beginning of a new one. But, for our family, Nicholas’ graduation means the ending of two chapters. Along with graduating from high school and moving onto college, he has also concluded his career as a Level 10 Junior National Gymnast, something he has done for the last 14 years. For any parent who has a child that has been a lifelong athlete –– something they have poured their heart and soul into for their children –– the ending can come as a bittersweet reminder that they are growing up, and all good things must come to an end.

Over Mother’s Day weekend I witnessed Nicholas give his everything at his last National gymnastics meet, and I would be lying to you if I said I held it together OK. I did, until his last event where the tears fell, and the pride was overwhelming. I knew this day would come, but it still didn’t sting any less. 14 years of meets, trips, car rides, chalk, medals, sweat, tears, grips, tape and uniforms are now memories, solidified forever in photos and videos. But those 14 years of gymnastics gave us so much as a family. We traveled and experienced the country together. We bonded, laughed and supported each other. It taught our other sons a good dose of patience (as gymnastic meets can be very long) and that you cheer on and support each other when it is needed the most. It taught Nicholas that medals are earned and not given out freely. He learned that you shake hands with those who did better than you, and you lift up those who need it. Gymnastics helped build the wonderful young man I see before me who I am immensely proud of. I will be forever grateful to the sport, his coaches and his teammates for being a part of his journey.

You may be wondering, “Will Nicholas be continuing his gymnastics journey through college and adulthood?” The jury may still be out. But what he learned from his gymnastics career will live with him –– and us –– forever. So, for now, we set aside our competition hat for a graduation cap as we prepare for him to walk the stage as a high school graduate. This momma may need more than hairspray to keep it together!

Nicole

Irving, Publisher nbirving@irvingpublications.com

Stairs

photo by

Tanya Consaul

# parenthacks

We all know that the hardest job you can have is being a parent! The days are definitely long and the years are astonishingly short. Some days you might feel like you’re going through the struggles alone. But, we are here to share some tips and tricks from local parents that can make being a mom or dad a little less stressful!

Best Summer Vacation Spots for the Kids

Planning a summer vacation when you have kiddos takes great skill. Picking somewhere that will bring joy to all, encourages them to get along and have fun, mitigates meltdowns and makes them put down the phones is not as easy as it sounds. Our Giggle parents share their favorite family summer vacation hot spots that were a success! Try one this summer and let us know how it was!

We loved our trip to Arizona! We stayed in Flagstaff and enjoyed the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Sliding Rock and Scottsdale. Lots of great hiking and beautiful scenery. We even spent a day in Winslow so we could sing “Take it Easy.”

CHRISTY URBAN

Our out West adventures to Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole and Mount Rushmore!

RACHELLE SCHOSTER

Bar Harbor!!

BARBARA WILLIAMS

Disney cruise when they were little and the Abacos, Bahamas or skiing in Colorado when they were older!

DEANA NECHODOM

Costa Rica, Lisbon or Hawaii

JILL BECHTOLD

St.Thomas, Costa Rica and cruising to the Bahamas!

MEGHAN HENEHAN

My kids have had the best memories of their annual trips to Marco Island — same place I went to since I was 11! They are beach and pool babies all week, and they’ve made lifelong friends with other kids that go. It’s a second home to them!

TRACY WRIGHT

Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We did day trips to Yellowstone & Grand Teton national park. Our guide recommended going as early as possible in the summer to see the wildlife before they migrate North..

JENNY DRAWDY

Last summer we traveled around New England. This summer we are in Moab and loving it so far. Our goal is to get to all of the “Mighty Five” national parks here in Utah. We also have plans for Arizona and Colorado!

CARRIE GROVES

National Parks for the win!

WENDY ECKHARDT

forks and spoons

“Kids... Dinner Time!”

BY APRIL TISHER

You’ve heard it a thousand times and read it in every article: family dinners are important. They help prevent obesity and increase grade point averages; they may even be the key to world peace! So you try, especially at the beginning of every school year, to make schedules, menus and grocery shopping all work out so that you are sitting down with the family as many nights as possible for dinner. Then reality hits and you’re bargaining with your kids on how many bites they have to eat, someone is kicking someone else under the table and when you ask how your kids’ days were, all you hear is “fine” in response. Exactly how is this helping?

Experts say it is, really. According to the University of Florida’s IFAS solutions website, “research suggests that having dinner together as a family at least four times a week has positive effects on child development. Family dinners have been linked to a lower risk of obesity, substance abuse, eating disorders and an increased chance of graduating from high school.” OK, so maybe world peace is a stretch, but I wasn’t that far off. So now that we are convinced we should do it, how can we make family dinners successful and fun?

Change of location

My kids think it is much more fun to eat on the back porch than in the kitchen. Try eating outside at the picnic table or clear off the table in the rarely used dining room and set it with your fancy guest dishes. The kids will love the change of scenery and may even surprise you by using their best manners. Pinkies up!

Games

We were always taught not to play with our food, but we can create some fun activities for mealtime that will keep the family engaged. Playing restaurant (the kids can take orders or serve you), Iron Chef Family Edition, I-Spy or even 20 Questions can keep things entertaining.

Theme night

Make it “Taco Tuesday,” create a baked potato bar or make an endless salad bar to motivate everyone to eat together. You can also make signature dishes from favorite movies or books to get kids of all ages excited about mealtime.

Relax

Give up the negotiations and nagging for a night. Let them eat what they eat and don’t bargain with them over eating “one more bite of veggies.” As long as you are offering mostly healthy choices, they will get the nutrition they need.

Start a Conversation

Get your kids talking. This becomes especially important as your children get older. That 4-year-old who won’t stop talking will one day be 11 and might answer questions with one-syllable words only. Talk about things that interest THEM, even if you don’t really understand the next level of Clash of Clans. Your third grader’s account of the gaga game at recess today is the most important part of his day, so let him tell you all the details. If you can’t seem to get things going, do your research. Find out what new movies are coming out, or get family input on what everyone wants to do on your upcoming vacation. If you’re still struggling, put topics in a jar and pull one out at dinnertime.

Summer Camps

Easy All-American Recipes

Looking for the perfect dish to whip up for Fourth of July? Check out these red, white and blue-approved recipes for a tasty treat!

AMERICAN FLAG FRUIT COOKIES

“I use Pillsbury sugar cookies for the base. Next I top them with white cream cheese frosting, add blueberries for the stars, and then a mix of strawberries and raspberries to finish it off.”

- Jennifer R.

COLESLAW

“I combine one bag of coleslaw and one jar of Marie’s Coleslaw Dressing (found in the soda section of your supermarket) in a bowl and then let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving.”

- Joy I.

FLAG FRUIT TRAY

“I always make an American flag fruit tray. I use strawberries, raspberries or red apples, bananas or cheese, and blueberries. It also works well with candy for kids events.”

-

Laurie W.

FUNNEL CAKES

“Heat up your frying oil up, mix the batter (it’s basically just pancake batter), get a funnel, pour in the batter and swirl it around. Bam! Easy funnel cake.”

- Kourtney R.

SLOW COOKER SAUSAGE

“Friends and family always request my slow cooker sausages recipe. I mix one bag of brown sugar, one bottle of yellow mustard and one small can of crushed pineapple, undrained in the slow cooker. Add two packages of Hillshire Farms Lit’l Smokies sausages and cook on high until heated through, approximately 2 hours.”

- Allison R.

BAKED BEANS

“I use my family’s favorite baked beans, Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, and add some ground hamburger. It’s the talk of the party!”

- Brittani D.

FLAG CAKE

“I make a yellow cake with white icing, strawberries for lines and blueberries for stars! Ta-dah, you have a flag!”

- Amanda L.

SANGRIA

“I combine one-half of a familysize bottle of merlot, two shots raspberry schnapps and frozen berries in a pitcher, and then keep it chilled until I’m ready to serve. I add ginger ale to the pitcher right before serving, and garnish with fresh strawberry.“

- Nicole I.

BY NICOLE IRVING

Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

BY NICOLE IRVING

Summer days and beautiful Florida weather mean one thing — lots of time spent outdoors. However, with temperatures in the upper 90s and high humidity, you and your little ones can burn yourselves out quickly in the summer heat.

The Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin breaks down how to recognize, prevent and treat some common and serious heat-related ailments.

BLISTERS

HOW

This is caused when skin rubs too much against clothes/shoes.

SIGNS

You may see small bubble of raised skin filled with clear fluid.

TREATMENT

Cover with Band-Aid. Do not puncture, as the unbroken skin acts as a natural barrier to bacteria and infection.

If a blister causes pain, drain it using the following steps.

1. Wash hands

2. Clean blister with iodine

3. Sterilize a needle

4. Puncture blister, and let drain

5. Leave the skin on top intact (this will reduce the risk of infection)

6. Apply ointment and Band-Aid

If infected, seek medical attention.

SEVERITY RATING: X

HEAT CRAMPS

HOW

This is caused by overexposure to heat and dehydration.

SIGNS

• Muscle cramps and spasms

• Flushed, moist skin

• Mild fever, usually lower than 102 F

TREATMENT

1. Move to a cool, shady place

2. Remove unnecessary clothing

3. Place cool cloths on skin

4. Fan skin

5. Slowly drink a cool sports drink like Gatorade®, which has sugar, salt and electrolytes

6. Help them stretch cramped muscles slowly and gently

*Call your doctor to follow up

SEVERITY RATING: XX

HEAT EXHAUSTION

HOW

This is caused when there is a loss of water and salt in the body.

SIGNS

• Muscle cramps

• Heaving

• Sweating

• Pale skin

• Dizziness

• Fast and weak pulse

• Fever, usually higher than 102 F

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Feeling faint

TREATMENT

1. Move to a cool, shady spot

2. Remove unnecessary clothing

3. Place cool cloths on the skin and fan skin

4. Slowly drink a cool sports drink like Gatorade®, which has sugar, salt and electrolytes

*Call your doctor to follow up

SEVERITY RATING: XXX

HEAT STROKE

HOW

This is caused when the body’s temperature control system fails due to extreme heat. This is life threatening and can lead to seizures, coma or even death.

SIGNS

• Warm, red, dry skin

• High fever, usually higher than 104 F

• Rapid heartbeat

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Agitation

• Dizziness

• Lethargy

• Unconsciousness

TREATMENT

1. Call 911 immediately

2. Remove unnecessary clothing

3. Immerse the affected in cool water

4. If alert, drink cool fluids

5. Fan skin

6. Place ice bags in groin area, armpits, neck and back

7. Move to a cool, shady place

SEVERITY RATING: XXXX

HEAT RASH

HOW

A skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.

SIGNS

It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts and in elbow creases.

TREATMENT

If a rash appears, keep the area dry and use powder.

SEVERITY RATING: X

How to prevent temperaturerelated illness and injury

• Know the temperature, humidity levels and heat index prior to going outside for any length of time.

• Drink plenty of water and make sure to have a cooler with extra water and ice nearby.

• Wear loose fitting clothes along with hats and sunglasses.

• Carry a misting spray bottle.

• Consume low salt and sugar meals.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and soda.*

SOURCES: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp http://www.chw.org/medical-care/sports-medicine/conditions/ heat-illness/

Sunblock 101 Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe This Summer

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

Welcome to the Sunshine State! Summer is a great time to take advantage of Florida’s many beautiful waterways and outdoor activities. While you prepare for the lazy days of summer, keep your family safe and sunburn free!

We’ve heard it a million times — wear your sunscreen — but what sunscreen should we be wearing? Why is it important? When do we need it?

What causes premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer?

The biggest risk for skin cancer is from ultraviolet light (ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B) that comes from sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays can damage skin cells, causing premature aging as well as skin cancer. Dermatologist Dr. Klint Peebles reports for the American Medical Association that “Ultraviolet A is really what I like to call the ‘aging ray.’ These are the rays that prematurely age the skin. They’re going to cause wrinkling, fine lines and age spots. On the other hand, ultraviolet B or UVB, would be what I call the burning ray, and these would be the primary cause of sunburn.”

Since it’s virtually impossible to avoid all UV light, sunscreen can help keep skin safe and healthy.

What are the different types of sunscreen?

There are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical (or mineral) sunscreens are those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and work as a physical barrier to the sun’s rays. Chemical sunscreens are the more broadly used lotions and sprays that must be rubbed into the skin and absorbed, but they may be irritating for those with sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens are effective immediately while chemical sunscreens need approximately 15-30 minutes to be effective.

If you use spray or foam sunscreen (sometimes the easiest with squirmy toddlers!), make sure you rub it into the skin as you would a lotion. This type of chemical sunscreen must also be absorbed to be effective. Ultimately, the most effective sunscreen is the one you actually use!

What is SPF?

The SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measurement of how much of the UVB rays can be filtered out by the sunscreen, Dr. Peebles explains that “an SPF of 15 is going to filter out 93% of the sun’s UVB rays. An SPF of 30 is going to filter out about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.”

Since we know that both UVA and UVB rays are damaging to skin, choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” for ultimate protection.

When should I apply sunscreen?

Dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang at Cleveland Clinic recommends applying sunscreen daily as part of the morning routine. Even when you’re not intentionally planning a pool day, you are still getting sun exposure when you walk to and from the car, to the mailbox, waiting on the bus or chatting with another parent at camp pick-up.

There are many daily moisturizers that contain sunscreen, making it a great compound self-care product. Use a facial

moisturizer plus sunscreen on your face, ears, neck and decolletage (for those whose skin is exposed in shirts below the collarbone). There are also daily body moisturizers that contain sunscreen that can be applied to all exposed skin each morning as you’re getting dressed for the day.

Experts also recommend using daily sunscreen even if you are primarily indoors. Some ultraviolet rays (primarily UVA) can still penetrate through windows (and car windows) and fluorescent lighting in some office buildings can also emit some ultraviolet light, according to Dr. Piliang.

What about cloudy days?

Even when it’s cloudy, approximately 80% of the ultraviolet rays will pass through the clouds. While you may think you’re protected from the sun on a cloudy day, the reality is that there is still significant sun exposure, making it important to wear sunscreen daily.

If you’re going to be out in the sun, use a physical or chemical sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after sweating or getting in the water. Some sunscreens are labeled as “sport” or “water resistant” meaning they have a little longer protection under wet circumstances. However, no sunscreen is waterproof, so it must be reapplied after water exposure.

Create healthy sunscreen habits with your family now! Make it the norm to wear a daily sunscreen and to be diligent about heavy duty sunscreen application when you’re outside for prolonged periods of time. You will be helping your family reduce their risk of sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging.

Did you know?

• Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and worldwide.

• Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma.

• More than two people in the U.S. die of skin cancer every hour.

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.

*Statistics from The Skin Cancer Foundation

A Tale of Two Eye Colors

BY COLE PURVIS

July 12 is National Different Colored Eyes Day — a time of year where we recognize the individuals around the world who captivate us with one of nature’s most fascinating anomalies: heterochromia.

What is heterochromia?

Heterochromia refers to the condition where the color of a person's two eyes are unique to each other or they have color variations within the one eye. The colorful part of your eye, or iris, ranges anywhere from light blue or gray to dark brown, and, typically, both of your eyes will match this color. With heterochromia, however, the iris in

one eye may be a completely different color than the iris in your other eye. For example, you may have one eye that is green and one eye that is brown. Heterochromia can also take place in just one eye when an iris contains two or more different colors. For instance, a brown eye could have a section that is blue, or a brown eye might have spikes of blue that radiate out from the center, or iris.

Types of heterochromia

Medical professionals, including those from Cleveland Clinic, agree that there are three types of heterochromia based on their distinct visual patterns: complete, sectoral or central heterochromia.

• Complete heterochromia (heterochromia iridum): One eye is a completely different color than the other.

• Sectoral — or partial — heterochromia (heterochromia iridis): One iris has a section that is a color different from the rest.

• Central heterochromia: One iris has an inner ring that’s a different color from the rest. This often looks like spikes extending outward from the pupil.

What causes it?

In the majority of cases, heterochromia occurs randomly. Most people are born with it and do not have any other health problems or symptoms — it’s simply a genetic mutation. However, heterochromia can develop later in life due to new underlying conditions, such as an injury or disease.

Is it a risk?

By all measures, most cases of heterochromia are perfectly safe and completely normal, albeit very rare. According to Cleveland Clinic, researchers and healthcare providers don’t know the exact likelihood of heterochromia, but some have estimated its chances to be near six in every 10,000 people. As previously stated however, the condition can also come as a result of a disease of or injury to the eye. If you, a newborn child or other loved one develop heterochromia, immediately visit a doctor who can help identify the root cause of it, either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. There are several conditions, both congenital (present from birth) or acquired (after birth), that can cause it, including Horner syndrome, ocular melanosis and glaucoma among several others. The severity of these ailments can range from mild to severe, so identifying the culprit as soon as possible is essential to avoid any unwanted consequences.

Get Off the Couch!

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

Activity is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle as well as critical in childhood development. Many of us grew up outdoors and played outside every afternoon until dinnertime. We played wiffle ball, rode bikes, explored trails, waded in creek beds and climbed on backyard play structures. Today’s kids have cell phones, video games, do all their homework on a computer and have limited P.E. time. It’s time to get kids back in action for their current and future health.

What are the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on children?

Besides the well-known effects of a sedentary lifestyle such as obesity and low energy, sedentary behavior in children can also lead to some of the same health conditions seen in adults. A 2023 study conducted by Hanifah, Nasrulloh and Sufyan on children in Indonesia determined that “sedentary behavior may also cause alteration in the cardiovascular system by increasing blood pressure, cholesterol level and risk of heart disease. Children who maintain sedentary behavior are associated with a chance of type 2 diabetes and lower bone density later in adulthood.” This study also found that sedentary behaviors can lead to poor mental health outcomes. A 2022 analysis of the prevalence of childhood obesity by Tsoi et al. found that from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018, the prevalence (total cases) of childhood obesity rose from 14.7 to 19.2% and severe obesity from 3.9 to 6.1%. The 2023 SEARCH for Diabetes Study reported that the adjusted incidence (new cases) of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents in the United States nearly doubled from 200203 to 2017-18, from 9.0 to 17.9 cases per 100,000 per year. The increase in these health conditions among American youth is staggering and we must do what we can to reverse the trend.

How

much activity does my child need?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents ages 6-17 need 60 minutes (or more) of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. While this may seem like a lofty goal if your child is fairly inactive, it’s an ultimate gold standard and any progress you can make over time towards that goal will benefit your child, both now and in the future. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without training, if your child prefers the couch, taking incremental steps will get them started.

How

can we get kids moving again?

There are lots of ways to encourage activity with your kids. Regardless of your child’s personality and interests, there are many methods to sneak in extra movement throughout the week. Any activities that you participate in with them will make them more likely to continue (plus you are setting a good example and reaping benefits for yourself as well).

If your child likes sports or other after school activities such as dance or karate, this is an easy way to get in some structured activity. If scheduled activities aren’t in the budget or time allotment, there are many other creative methods to get kids moving.

• Reward them for cleaning up the yard. Use an age-appropriate incentive and “pay” them for the number of pinecones/sticks they collect in an hour.

• Take a family walk or bike ride after dinner.

• Have them walk to the mailbox to collect the mail.

• Create obstacle courses in the yard. Time them and repeat to see if they can beat their previous time. Compete with siblings and parents.

• Take the stairs. Make it a habit to always use the stairs in any building less than five stories. You can start out with one flight at a time but gradually increase.

• Park further from the store. This encourages everyone to get a few extra steps.

• Invent creative games. For example, each family member guesses how many steps it is from the back door to the end of the driveway. Or each family member guesses how long it will take to run a certain distance. Who can hula hoop the longest?

• Walk the dog. If you have a pup, involve kids on the walking responsibilities. Fido will thank you for the extra steps also!

• Visit a trampoline park. Kids love jumping and flipping and playing!

• Go bowling or play miniature golf.

• Play paintball or laser tag.

• Explore local trails and parks.

• Play hopscotch on the sidewalk or jump rope in the driveway. There are lots of fun variations of these childhood games and many different jump rope skills to master!

• Incentivize children to complete chores. Vacuuming, dusting, putting away laundry, taking out the trash and scrubbing showers are all active tasks (plus it benefits the whole family and also teaches lessons about responsibility and cleanliness!)

For more ideas on additional sports and activities to explore, see the article in C2C for Kids 7-9 for some out of the box options!

BY NICOLE IRVING

$49.99

poolcandy.net

*Photos provided by manufacturer

Watex Wheat

Congratulations

To the Graduating Class of 2024

Drew Riccardi

Graduating from: Suncoast High School Plans after graduation: Tallahassee!

“Congratulations Drew!”

Isabella Fitzgerald

Graduating from: Jupiter Community High School Plans after graduation: Isabella will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall.

“We are so very proud of you Bella!”

Emily Fallon

Graduating from: Florida Virtual High School Plans after graduation: To attend Palm Beach State College and study environmental science

“Emily, we are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments love mom and dad.”

Isabella Tickner

Graduating from: Dreyfoos School of the Arts Plans after graduation: Attend NYU for film production

“Go out and conquer the world, but don’t forget to call your mother sometime!”

Landon Carr

Graduating from: Palm Beach Gardens High School Plans after graduation: Attend UF majoring in Engineering

“You have definitely proven to the world that you will always have faith through your failures. You are GREATNESS!”

Logan Nin

Graduating from: William T. Dwyer High School Plans after graduation: College at University of South Florida

“We are so proud of you, your accomplishments and all the adversity you have overcome to reach this moment.”

Melissa Mann

Graduating from: Jupiter Community High School Plans after graduation: Attend college at FGCU Honors College

“We Love You!!”

Taylor Edwards

Graduating from: William T. Dwyer High School Plans after graduation: She is joining the military

“Love, laugh and live life to the fullest everyday!! Love you always Mom & Michael”

Leah Flynn

Graduating from: Homeschool Plans after graduation: Teach dance

“You are such a special girl and you have the BRIGHTEST future! We all love you!”

Micah Griffith

Graduating from: The Benjamin School Plans after graduation: To attend Santa Fe College

“We love you and are so proud of you!!!”

Shaelinn McGovern

Graduating from: Jupiter Community High School Plans after graduation: Attend University of Central Florida and major in Kinesiology

“Shaelinn- We are so proud of you and your journey, keep being an amazing human!”

Jessica Reex

Graduating from: William T. Dwyer High School Plans after graduation: Pursuing entrepreneurship at FGCU

“Soar high and dream BIG! We are proud of you!”

Micah Griffith

photo by

Norma Duran

Shaelinn

McGovern

photo by

Courtney Crow

Jessica Reex

photo by

Sierra

DiVosta

What to Do if Your Child Goes Missing

BY AMELIA BOWLES

Your child’s safety is always a top priority, so losing a child can be an extremely scary and overwhelming experience, especially because it is not an uncommon occurrence. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, “about 28,000 missing children reports were made to Florida law enforcement agencies” in 2022.

Knowing what to do in such a situation can be crucial to your child’s recovery. There are also preventative actions you can take to ensure your child knows how to avoid dangerous situations and what to do if they realize they are lost. Knowing the steps to take when you find a child you believe might be lost is also vital to helping reunite them with their parents. It is always good to be well informed, especially on matters that can ensure the safety of your children and the children of others.

What to do if your child is missing

• Immediately notify police

• If your child goes missing at home, search areas where they might be hidden, such as in closets or cabinets, underneath beds, under vehicles or in other areas both inside and around your home

• If your child goes missing in a store, notify an employee. The store will most likely have their own procedures and assist in the search for your child

• Ask law enforcement about the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). This can be crucial to finding your child by using shared law enforcement information

• Refrain from moving or touching anything in your child’s bedroom or play area to keep from tampering with any potential evidence

• Answer any questions from law enforcement and write down as many details as you can remember about what your child was wearing, circumstances of their disappearance, what has already been done to try and recover your child and any other details you think may be relevant

• Remember to obtain the name and contact information of the investigator assigned to your child’s case

• Reference the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s “When Your Child Is Missing: A Family Survival Guide” online for free

• If they cannot find you by calling out, staying where they are (as long as it is a safe place) gives you the best opportunity to find them

• Look for a nearby police officer or store employee (if they cannot find an officer or employee, they should look for a mother with children)

• Teach them a simple phrase such as “I’m lost,” or “I can’t find my mommy/daddy”

• They should stay where they are even after they have found someone to help. Stress the importance of them not leaving with a stranger, especially if the stranger approaches them first

• Help them memorize your full name and phone number as well as your home address if they are old enough

How to prevent your child

from getting

lost

• Tell them not to wander off and make sure to always keep their eyes on you

• Make sure that babysitters, childcare providers and summer camp employees are trusted individuals or the organizations perform background checks on their staff

• If you are going to an event or crowded area, consider placing your phone number on a bracelet or clothing or backpack tag

• Be aware of social media and individuals that may be contacting them

• Tell them not to open doors for strangers, accept anything from them or go anywhere with them, even if the stranger claims that you have instructed them to take your child home

• Refrain from posting personal information on the internet

What to teach your child if they should get lost

• Tell them to stay calm and call out for you even if they are in a place where they know they should be quiet such as a library or museum

What to do if you find a lost child

• Do not wait to gather more information, and immediately ask the child if they are lost

• Tell the child your name and attempt to comfort them while making sure not to touch them

• Stay with the child and do not move locations or place them in a vehicle

• Ask the child if they know their parent’s phone number and look for identification or phone numbers of parents

• If you have water, you can offer it to the child, but do not give them any type of food due to potential unknown allergies

• Try not to ask too many personal questions, but do ask their name

• Try to locate a police officer, store employee or other adult to assist you

• If a parent finds you, make sure that there is recognition from the child. The child should seem happy or relieved, and the parent should know the name of the child. If something seems off, wait and call law enforcement to assist you)

Sum-Sum Summertime!

School is out, warm weather is here and Floridians can be found outdoors enjoying our surroundings all summer long. Those surroundings, of course, include many wonderful and unique native birds. I’m sure I’m not alone in picking the beautiful flamingo as a favorite! Our handprint craft for the summer honors these elegant and popular birds. It is also a great one to hang on the wall to add some color and sweetness to your summer decor.

SummerFlamingo

BY KATIE OSTERHOUT

happy home | crafting with katie

How to create your own flamingo artwork:

Instructions:

Choose your favorite pink and add a sideways handprint on a canvas, thumb pointing downward.

• Use the same pink paint to add an s-shaped neck.

• Add orange for the legs and black for the beak and eye. We chose to go with two flamingos, facing one another for a little nuzzle.

• Do you have a large flock? Consider getting a longer canvas and have each child add a handprint. Line them up in a row, listing the child’s name and age.

Why a Canvas?

This gives your keepsake a much longer life than a sheet of cardstock and allows for a formal wall hanging. They also make awesome gifts if you want to knock out birthday and holiday presents over the summer! a gathering of flamingos is called a flamboyance

We’d love to see your flamingo paintings! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!

Summerize Your Home!

BY NICOLE IRVING

Summer is upon us and it’s time to prep that house for what is coming. While fun in the sun is on the agenda this summer, Florida has a reputation for packing a punch with bugs, heat and storms that can quickly put a damper on those beach days without proper planning!

CLEAN GUTTERS: Florida summers can be extremely rainy and with the downfall of raindrops comes leaves and debris that can clog gutters. Cleaning them out prior to the rainy season allows for the water to flow freely through the water spouts without getting clogged.

SPRAY YARD FOR MOSQUITOES: According to the Centers for Disease Control, “The most common mosquitoborne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV). On average, there are 2,400 reported cases each year.” With heavy summer rains, mosquitos can populate quickly, so it’s important to get your yard sprayed regularly for mosquitos and other pests.

CHECK YOUR HVAC SYSTEM: There is nothing worse than realizing your AC has gone out in your home during the summer. Make sure you change out air filters regularly, check for leaks in hoses and clean around the unit outside and have your unit serviced regularly.

POOL SAFETY CHECK: During 2018-2019, the CDC reported that “the greatest percentage of such deaths [unintentional drowning deaths] among children aged 1–4 and 5–13 occurred in swimming pools (59% and 46%, respectively).” It is vital to make sure that pool drains are properly working, pool screens are void of holds or broken locks and that doors leading into the pool are able to be secured with locks that are out of reach of small children. All children should be supervised while around pools.

CHANGE CEILING FAN DIRECTION TO COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Did you know that the direction of the blades can make it feel cooler or warmer in your house? The Home Depot suggests, “In summer and hotter months, your ceiling fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. When fan blades turn counterclockwise, they push cooler air down in a column. This creates a ‘wind chill’ effect. To maximize this effect, run your fan at its highest speed.”

Other safety measures to do at home during the summer!

1.

Never drink/touch water that comes directly out of a hose before letting it run for 1 minute. The water sitting in the hose has been baking in the sun and is extremely hot!

2.

Empty water tables and little kiddie pools at the end of each day. This will cut down on algae growth and other animals entering for a swim or play time.

3.

Create a hurricane readiness kit and plan for your family. June 1 is the first day of hurricane season!

4.

Never leave food outside too long that can spoil and cause food poisoning. Egg, mayonnaise, dairy and meat-based items are prone to spoiling fast. Even freshly brewed iced tea can start to grow bacteria if left outside in heat too long. When in doubt, don’t leave out!

Is It Safe? Traveling When You Have a Child Who is Chronically Ill

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

All around us, we hear friends and co-workers talking about their summer travel plans. For many families that have a child who is chronically ill, the possibility of traveling brings with it many emotions. We want to travel. We want to do things we see others doing. Yet we are worried about meeting the child’s needs away from home. Traveling with a chronically ill child during the summer can be both challenging and rewarding. As parents, it's natural to want to provide enriching experiences for your child, but it's important to approach travel with careful planning and consideration for your child's unique needs.

Before Traveling

First, consult with your child's care team before making any travel plans. Your child's care team can offer valuable insights and recommendations based on your child's specific condition and medical history. Ask about special considerations regarding medicine or precautions that may differ from what is needed at home.

When choosing a destination, consider environmental factors that may affect your child's health. For example, if your child has respiratory issues, you may want to avoid destinations with high levels of air pollution or allergens. Select a location that has medical facilities and services that you may need. This ensures that you have access to the care your child may need and gives you peace of mind, knowing you have a plan in place if needed.

Packing for your trip requires careful consideration of your child's medical needs. Make a checklist of essential medications, medical equipment and supplies, ensuring that you have an ample supply for the duration of your trip. Carry a written summary of your child's medical history, including any relevant diagnoses, treatments and emergency contact information.

During the Trip

During travel, prioritize your child's comfort and well-being. Plan for frequent rest breaks, especially if you're traveling long distances. If your child has specific dietary requirements, research and identify restaurants or grocery stores that can accommodate their needs. Additionally, consider the accessibility of your accommodations, ensuring that they

are suitable for your child's mobility and medical requirements.

Flexibility is key when traveling with a chronically ill child. Unexpected changes may occur, so have a contingency plan in place. It's important to communicate openly with your child about the trip, addressing any concerns or anxieties they may have about traveling. Encourage them to express their needs and preferences and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible.

Traveling with a chronically ill child requires careful planning, but it can also be an opportunity for growth, resilience and cherished family memories. With thoughtful planning and consideration, you can create a safe and memorable summer travel experience for your entire family!

Taking School on the Road: A Homeschooling Adventure

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

Summer plans for homeschooling families vary widely. Some take the summer off, some keep teaching through the summer months and some choose a mix. Homeschooling families have a unique opportunity to turn the world into a classroom and have a fun-filled family adventure at the same time. Whether it's a road trip, a visit to a national park, a beach getaway or a tour of art museums, there are endless possibilities for learning.

Our Biggest Advantage

The flexibility homeschooling includes is unparalleled. We can learn anywhere. We can teach subjects that our children want to learn. And we can teach it in a way that works for each child. This extends to the summer months. Traveling to new destinations provides children with firsthand experiences that can't be replicated in a textbook. Whether it's learning history in Saint Augustine, exploring a national park like Yellowstone or experiencing different cultures in a new city, the opportunities for learning are boundless. As you plan your family getaway, consider each child’s current interests and hobbies.

How can those be incorporated into the trip? Take the beach as an example. Encourage your children to bring with them anything they may individually need to make the trip enjoyable. Your budding artist may sketch the shoreline while your young scientist collects shells and your architect builds the best sandcastle ever!

Customized Curriculum

If you prefer a more structured approach, customize your children’s curriculum and tailor learning experiences to the places you visit. For example, a trip to a science museum inspires hands-on experiments and exploration of scientific concepts, while a trip to the Everglades is the perfect setting for lessons in ecology and environmental science.

Cultivating Independence and Resilience

Traveling and learning on the road helps children develop important life skills such as independence and resilience. Navigating new environments, interacting with different communities and adapting to changing circumstances all contribute to the development of these essential skills. Homeschooling parents can use these experiences to teach their children valuable lessons in problem-solving, adaptability and cultural awareness. Family interactions while on the trip also support the development of these skills, as children respect the interests and desires of each family member.

Strike a Balance

While taking school on the road offers a sense of adventure, it's important to maintain a balance between structured learning and free time. Homeschoolers are known for turning any situation into a learning experience. While that may be possible, remember to balance learning with time to just enjoy your trip and your family. After all, everyone in the family deserves a little downtime.

Ready, Set... Let the Olympic Games Begin!

BY NICOLE IRVING

This year, the 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in stunning Paris, France. Below the glistening lights of the Eiffel Tower, athletes from around the world will come together for 16 days of thrilling and jaw dropping competition. They will run, jump, flip, dive, climb and throw for a chance to bring home gold to their country. The XXXIII Olympic Games is a wonderful event to view as a family. Who knows, maybe you have your own future Olympian in the making!

Take our Olympic Quiz

Throwing

an Olympic Party

How many new sports are being added to the Paris Olympics?

A) 5

B) 4

C) 6

D) 8 1

How many times, including 2024, has the Olympics been held in France?

A) 1

How many athletes will be competing in Paris?

A) 15,700

B) 20,800

C) 6,000

D) 10,500

If you are hosting an Olympic viewing party to cheer on your favorite sport or athlete, you won’t want to skip out on some of these favorite American staples! Oh yeah, and don’t forget the red, white and blue!

Nathan’s Hotdogs

Apple Pie

Banana Split

Mac & Cheese

Chips and Dip

Lemonade

How many torchbearers are there?

A) 9,000

B) 5,000

C) 11,000

D) 4,000

D) Biarritz, France 4 5

Where will the surf competitions be held, since there are no waves in Paris!

A) Surfer’s Point, Barbados

B) Teahupo’o, Tahiti

C) Black’s Beach, California

ANSWERS: Q1: B (The 2024 Summer Olympics will include skateboarding, surfing, breaking (urban dance style) and sports climbing for the first time. “The IOC is keen to set a new standard for inclusive, gender-balanced and youth-centered Games” according to the official Olympics website, olympics.com. Q2: D (The 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Q3: D (There are 10,500 athletes competing in 329 events.) Q4: C (There are 11,000 torchbearers that have been selected to be a part of the relay to celebrate the arrival of the Olympics in Paris.) Q5: B (Teahupo’o, Tahiti)

Sweet Tea

Watermelon

For red, white and blue fun…

• Watermelon, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry fruit salad

• Vanilla cake with the American flag created out of strawberries and blueberries

• Red, white and blue trifle with layers of pound cake, berries and whipped cream

• Strawberry and blue raspberry Jell-O parfaits

WHERE DO YOU TEACH?

I teach at Lighthouse Elementary. I have been there since it opened in 1988.

WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH?

Second grade

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?

35 years

WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?

I teach all academics.

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students? An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!

Allison Andersen

I have lived in Palm Beach Gardens my whole life. I studied at Florida State University and Florida Atlantic. I have been very lucky to spend my whole teaching career at one school, Lighthouse Elementary. Being part of this Jupiter community has been an honor. I currently live in North Palm Beach with my husband. We have two grown sons and three wonderful grandsons.

Why were you inspired to teach?

Both my grandmothers and my mother were teachers. I also wanted a job where I could work with children. They make each and every day interesting. It is never the same. I can remember every one of my teachers from first grade on. It’s a good feeling to be able to make a lasting impression in children’s lives. I run into adults now that I have previously taught. We still remember each other. I also get children of former students.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

I enjoy our Morning Meeting. It is a relaxing way to start the day. We share thoughts, feelings and foster good character education. It makes our class feel like family when we get to get to know each other by casually talking and listening to each other.

Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?

How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?

I enjoy making dinner and reading to wind down after teaching. I also enjoy settling in for a good movie on the couch.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I have two sons and three grandsons, so it is the woods, fishing and boating for our hobbies.

Share a funny teaching moment. We were doing a word family activity with the -ay ending. The students were to write words that belonged in the -ay family. One student wrote flay. So, I circled it to let him know that wasn’t really a word. He marched up to me in a huff and asked, “What is wrong with this?” I answered, “Well, that is not a real word.” He looked at me like I had two heads...and said, “You never heard of flay (filet) of fish?”

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

Visit gigglemagazinejupiter.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

As an extension of the social studies curriculum, students participate in an immigration/Ellis Island unit. We take a trip back in time to learn about immigration to America during this time period. The culminating event, “Ellis Island Day,” takes place in our pavilion that is transformed into “Ellis Island” where students experience entering the U.S. as an immigrant. Students dress according to the time period of Ellis Island. They pass through stations with their own “passport” that we make in class! They pack a bag, old pillowcase, blanket, etc. filled with two or three items they would bring with them if they were immigrating to America.

I have a T-shirt that says, “I am a Superhero, I teach second graders!”

What is your favorite children's book?

I would never be able to pick one. I love reading. That is how I wind down and relax at the end of the day. In class, that is another one of my favorite parts of the day. I read aloud to my students every day. This way I can introduce them to different genres, authors and series. This year they really enjoyed the series by Jory John and Pete Oswald. It includes The “Cool Bean,” “The Bad Seed,” “The Good Egg,” “The Couch Potato”... just to name a few. The books have great pictures, characters and good lessons to learn.

Photo courtesty of Allison Andersen

What exciting things do you have planned for this summer?

This summer I look forward to spending time with my grandchildren. We will be taking a trip to the Keys to fish, catch lobster and relax.

What are you looking forward to on the first day of school?

A whole new group of children and families to build a relationship with so we never forget each other. A whole new group of children to discover that learning is fun and never ending.

If you could share three pieces of advice to parents about how to make school time amazing, what would it be?

• Be involved. Set aside time each day to go over your child’s day with no distractions. The home-to-school connection is so important.

• Show/model that reading is important. I want the children to have a love for reading, not think of it as a chore. Families reading together is awesome!

• Teachers and parents need open communication. We are raising the child together for the school year. Both parties need to be fully invested.

Navigating the Regulations Behind Baby Names

BY COLE PURVIS

Choosing the perfect name for your bundle of joy is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. However, did you know that in some parts of the world, including the United States, certain names are actually illegal? While some restrictions are understandable, others might surprise you with their strangeness or specificity. Let's dive into the fascinating world of forbidden baby names and learn how parents can ensure their child’s name is legal and appropriate for whatever country or region they may reside in.

Banned names in the United States

The United States, relative to most other countries in the world, is very lenient when it comes to naming children. In the U.S., names are considered a form of expression and are, therefore, greatly protected by The First Amendment. However, issues may arise when a name is considered controversial, spreads hate, is simply confusing or does not comply with administrative processes. Per U.S. Birth Certificates common naming restrictions include obscene or derogatory terms, offensive names, foreign characters, numbers, diacritical marks (such as accents, tildes and other stress marks), hyphens, asterisks and apostrophes.

These are a few examples of names that have been banned in parts of the United States:

• 1069

• @ (pronounced “at”)

• Jesus Christ

• Roman numerals pronounced “three”

• King/Queen

It’s important to remember that the rules for names vary by state. A name that is banned in one part of the country might not be in the other and vice versa. Kentucky, for example, is one of a few states in the nation that have no naming laws in place. Fortunately for residents of the Sunshine State, Florida does not have any strict laws or regulations in place regarding what you can and cannot include within your child's name.

Banned names across the globe

Countries around the world have different ideals and values than what many of us are accustomed to here in the United States. As such, prohibited names can vary tremendously by country. In fact, did you know that a name as common as Sarah is illegal to have in Morocco?

These are some examples of names that are illegal across the world — from weird to weirder.

• Robocop (Mexico)

• Friday (Italy)

• Blue (Italy)

• Metallica (Sweden)

• Sarah (Morocco)

• Linda (Saudi Arabia)

• BRFXXCCXXMNPCCCCLLLMMNPRXVCLMNCK SSQLBB1111 (pronounced as “Albin”) (Sweden)

• 007 (Malaysia)

• Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii (New Zealand)

An essential tip for parents, regardless of location, is to research the naming laws and regulations in your country or region before naming your child, especially if you anticipate them being a citizen of a nation outside of the U.S. as well. Consulting official government websites or seeking guidance from legal professionals can help clarify any uncertainties regarding proposed names. Of course, as a last resort, you can always have a different legal name in a foreign country given you have completed the proper paperwork.

{ 0-1 YEARS }

How Dads Can Bond with Their Newborns

BY TRACY WRIGHT

The bond between a mother carrying her child typically starts when that baby is in her womb. While the connection between a dad and baby is just as important, it may not begin until the baby is born. Experts say that this bond between dad and baby is vital.

“Successful father-infant bonding during the immediate postpartum period has been shown to have several benefits for the infant: it reduces cognitive delay, promotes weight gain in preterm infants and improves breastfeeding rates,” according to the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. “It is [also extremely] important for a father to interact and bond with his newborn. [It can help] reduce the risk of paternal postpartum depression.”

It may be a challenge for dad to bond with baby when so much of the emphasis is placed on the attachment of mom and baby, especially if mom is breastfeeding. However, there are ways for dad to more easily connect with baby, which may be necessary if mom requires postpartum medical interventions like post-csection care, has difficulties from birth or experiences depression or mental health issues.

Mom Cheryl Farris suffered from medical complications after her baby’s birth, so she was physically unable to perform a lot of those first tasks with her newborn.

“I think there's so much emphasis on mom and baby bonding time now that it's easy for dads to be pushed aside,” Farris said. “There needs to be a balance. My extreme delivery complications prevented me from caring for our daughter much of the first two weeks of her life. My husband had to step in and perform a lot of the tasks that moms typically do like cuddling, feeding, diapering, dressing, her first bath … and taking her to her first pediatrician appointment.”

“It [was] heartbreaking, but also beautiful at the same time because we are both so attached to her now and each share a unique bond with her,” she said. “By necessity, he saw early on that he was quite capable of and excited to meet her needs.”

One of the often-cited ways of dad bonding with his baby is skin-to-skin contact – sometimes referred to as “kangaroo care” –which researchers have proven to be quite beneficial for both baby and parents. This can be initiated with both mom and dad while in the hospital, and dad can take over if mom is having medical complications or is still in surgery due to a c-section.

A National Institute of Health (NIH) study found that during the first three days postpartum, a group of dads who had skinto-skin contact for at least 15 minutes with their babies scored significantly higher on the father-child attachment scale. The researchers concluded that fathers “should take an active role in caring for their newborn in order to enhance father-neonate interactions and establish parental confidence.”

“Touch helps baby feel safer and can even help reduce how often they cry,” according to HealthPartners insurance and health care. “Your body can also help baby regulate their temperature and heartbeat. This a natural ability that both moms and dads have. Skin-to-skin touch also provides tons of other benefits for baby, including improved mental development, reduced stress and possibly a lowered risk of obesity in the future. For dad, this kind of touch boosts the ‘feel good’ hormones, endorphins and oxytocin. These create feelings of love, protectiveness and happiness.”

For moms, skin-to-skin contact was cited often as a means of dad bonding with their newborns. (See sidebar for more details).

“He had a lot of skin-to-skin and baby wearing, especially in those early days,” said local mom Keri R. Duesing-Fowler. “He stayed home with us for a few days, and while I rested, they bonded. It was beautiful, and their relationship is something I could've only dreamed of.”

HealthPartners reassures new dads that “bonding can seem a lot more difficult than it really is. You’ll be surprised how many skills you already have that can make you a natural at taking care of and bonding with your baby.”

Other methods to bond with baby include:

• Early interaction after birth, according to Lamaze International, a non-profit working to advance pregnancy, birth and early parenting. “Play with newborn in the first hours after birth and make eye-to-eye contact.”

• Get involved immediately with caring for baby at home. “Don’t be afraid to begin immediately caring for and loving your baby. The more you hold your baby, the more comfortable and natural it will feel,” according to the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

• Paternity leave is thankfully something more businesses are offering as a benefit to new dads, and it’s important for parents to explore their options when it comes to staying home and helping to care for both baby and mom. “Parents are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off in the first year after the birth (or adoption) of a child according to the Family and Medical Leave Act and still have job protection,” according to Lamaze International.

• Create a routine with baby with parenting tasks like bathing, bedtime dressing and changing diapers, according to Scripps Health. This can also include giving baby a bottle and taking over the “night shift” so tired moms recuperating from birth and pregnancy can rest.

• Reading and singing to baby can create a familiarity with dad’s voice. “Newborns and young infants are fascinated with the sound of human voices and are very comforted by being held close and listening to the voice of their father, safe and familiar,” according Lamaze International.

• Babywearing takes a break from mom as well. According to Lamaze International, “Most babies love to be worn, and when a father does so safely it is a chance to further strengthen the bond between a father and his child.” Always be sure any carrier meets safety guidelines for the size and age of your baby.

“Remember, you were made to bond with your new baby,” according to HealthPartners. Though it can feel overwhelming at first, natural instincts will take over. Doctors can offer guidance and answer your questions so you can focus on being the best dad.”

Moms shared the ways their partners or husbands bonded with their babies in the early days.

He did skin-to-skin time after birth; now he changes more diapers than I do, and I think this has actually helped. He feeds our daughter with a bottle while I pump during the night.

- Melanie S.

Dad learned to soothe baby without my intervention: skin-to-skin bouncing was huge from infancy on as was dad bathing the baby. Baby is now 9 months old and trusts daddy completely.

- Elise R.

When we were pregnant, my brother-in-law suggested that my husband do the night shifts with our newborn because it was a great time for bonding. My husband did it well, and I 100% believe that’s what helped develop their bond!

- Stefani N.

My husband did lots of night shifts while I was up pumping. He also did tons of diaper changing, which resulted in him even getting the first giggle on the changing table! Though I was super jealous, I’ll never forget my baby’s first giggle for Dada!

- Merissa M.

My husband fed my daughter a bottle while I napped, which was so helpful but also let them bond. He would also do a lot of the skin-to-skin time with her since I needed to often take care of myself in other aspects (pumping, nipple cream, sleep, shower, etc.) I think he really enjoyed the skin-to-skin calm time.

- Payton M.

Seconds after my baby was born, I was hemorrhaging bad. They pulled my baby off my chest and gave her to dad for skin-to-skin while I was in the operating room. Well, seven weeks later he is now the one who can put her to sleep or calm her down. I love it because while I did the work for 9 months he is now physically helping.

- Purpl S.

I think dad doing morning skin-to-skin while I slept helped a lot. Also, emphasizing one-on-one time with dad and baby is important. I know a lot of friends had dad feed the newborn/small infant a bottle before bed for bonding time too.

- Kelly B.

He did skin-to-skin, and he was changing diapers more than I was at the beginning. Both my kiddos were c-section, so I couldn’t just hop out of bed right after. He was ALWAYS the one who put them to sleep; he had the “magic touch,” but to be honest, it was because he had bonded with them early on.

- Pamela B.

{ 2-3 YEARS}

Quiet Time Kits for Toddlers

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

Ask any toddler mom how she feels about quiet time, and you’ll likely get similar reactions: a mix of sighs, “I wish,” and “Wouldn’t that be nice.” Toddlers are naturally curious and active, often leaving parents tired and wishing for more quiet time. Yes, naps are great, and we love the break, but quiet times aren’t just good for weary parents. They’re great for children’s development, too!

Why Does My Toddler Need Quiet Time?

Quiet time play can occur anywhere, any time and with any ageappropriate materials. But it helps if you’re prepared. If possible, prepare three to five boxed kits to use at home. Switch them out every two to three days to keep them interested. Prepare two to three more (in zippered pencil pouches) to keep in the car. These are great to use in restaurants, doctor’s offices and other times when you need your child to wait quietly. Always stay close to supervise. If they’re playing quietly, just do what you need to do. If they want you to play, too, then follow their lead.

What’s In a Quiet Time Kit?

Short answer…anything age-appropriate that your toddler can play with quietly, independently and without harm (watch for choking hazards). You’ll find many supplies around your house already or with a quick trip to a dollar store. Include items that your child is interested in or that develop specific skills. Here are a few favorite activities/materials:

• A picture book or a small photo album

• Coloring pages and crayons

• Craft supplies: large buttons (some are specifically made large enough for young children), pipe cleaners, colored popsicle sticks, clothes pins, ribbons and empty water bottles

• Stringing: toilet paper tubes, pool (or edible) noodles, yarn or rope; crazy straws and felt shapes with holes in the center

• Sensory: sealed water bottle containing water, glitter and vegetable oil; play dough, silly putty or slime in a bag

• Pinching (helps with writing later) – tongs and egg carton/ cupcake pan and items to put in it; plastic colander to put pipe cleaners in for a silly hat

• Sorting/Matching – cups and popsicle sticks with colors, numbers or letters of their name on them; could use tongs for this; paint samples (at least two of each color)

• Building – Cut pool noodles (or similar material); plastic cups of different sizes; blocks

• Puzzles – paint samples or old photos cut into two to three pieces

• Toys – stuffed animals, toy cars, etc.

Get Creative!

Toddlers are great at creating their own play, too. Give them a sheet of contact paper and let them stick on as much as they want to create collages. Laminate photos of family members and give children yarn or play dough to add hair. Use the box, too. Knot different kinds of ribbon, string or pipe cleaners through holes for children to pull. Most of all, encourage your child to have fun while they learn during quiet time!

Always supervise children with boxes and supplies.

{ 4-6 YEARS }

Preschoolers and Tantrums: Causes and Ways to Cope

BY TRACY WRIGHT

As parents, we’ve all dealt with temper tantrums in our children. Often, they begin as early as 2 years old with nonstop crying and sometimes last until the tween and teen years in their own hormonal ways. However, between the ages of 4 and 6, many parents deal with a special kind of tantrum that may be laced with anger and explosive behavior.

“During the preschool years, children are developing emotional regulation skills,” said Lauren Soberon, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist. “They are learning to manage bigger emotions and

have greater awareness of context and experience more frustration with expectations that are not met. This very often ends up looking like anger, even in the form of temper tantrums. This is normal and to be expected.”

Learning to manage these complex emotions is a common reason why these tantrums take place in preschoolers. There may be certain triggers that are occurring in their lives like divorce or a death in the family. Additionally, medical and psychological conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, autism, learning disabilities or sensory processing disorders can also cause tantrums, according to the Child Mind Institute.

While these tantrums and spouts of anger may be normal due to their age or condition, it’s imperative that parents deal with this behavior immediately.

“If left untreated, behavioral problems in childhood can make it harder for kids to succeed in school and increase their risk for mental health problems, physical illness and substance misuse later in life,” according to the American Psychological Association.

It is important during this developmental period to help children learn effective strategies to emotionally self-regulate. This can certainly be a challenge because emotional self-regulation is a skill many adults haven’t fully mastered, Soberon said.

Soberon recommends three main areas to educate our children: 1) naming emotions, 2) developing skills and 3) learning empathy and perspective taking.

• Naming emotions -One of the most important ways to educate our children is to help them understand and put into words what they are feeling. “Encouraging children to name their feelings doesn’t necessary change the feeling, but it helps them feel a greater sense of autonomy,” she said.

• Developing skills – “Skills that can assess with emotional self-regulation include relaxation techniques, reduction of excessive and unnecessary sensory stimuli and helping children learn to slow themselves down,” Soberon said.

• Learning empathy - The preschool age is the first time that children are really able to develop a sense of empathy for others. It is a perfect opportunity to begin helping them understand the concept of perspective and encouraging them to take a moment and look outside of their own perspective to help them, possibly mitigating their personal emotional experience.

“External factors, which can also contribute to greater expressions of anger or temper tantrums, include excessive screen time and/or lack of appropriate physical activity and lack of consistency

with routines, such as meals, wake time and bedtime,” Soberon said. “Children thrive with stable routines, and this can also help them achieve a greater sense of autonomy that can work to reduce overall frustration.”

So, we can better understand how to teach our children important life skills to combat tantrums — but how do we deal with those outbursts in the moment? The Child Mind Institute recommends staying calm and not shouting or engaging with your child’s anger, not giving into a child’s cause of their tantrum and ignoring nonviolent tantrums as much as possible.

“Young children often throw tantrums because they want something but don’t know how to get it,” according to the American Psychological Association. “Try holding your child’s hands and taking deep breaths together. Tell your child: ‘You’re feeling a little angry right now and so am I. Let’s both take some deep breaths to help us calm down, so we can figure out what’s going on.’”

Time outs can work for younger than 7 or 8 if they are consistent, according to the Child Mind Institute. “Time outs for nonviolent misbehavior can work well with children. When using time outs, be sure to be consistent with them and balance them with other, more positive forms of attention.”

It is not recommended to ignore violent tantrums as a child can hurt themselves and others.

“If aggressive behavior persists, parents can seek counsel from a mental health center or evidence-based parent training program to learn more about the distinction between normal behavior and a pattern that could be problematic,” according to the American Psychological Association.

It is important as a parent to be able to differentiate from what is normal and expected and what becomes problematic and possibly clinical, Soberon said.

“One thing to be thinking about is as you implement new strategies: ‘is it moving my child in a better direction or is it making no difference?’” she said. “If there is no difference than this is typically a sign that you might want to consult with your pediatrician about your concerns.”

Psychologists, other mental healthcare professionals and occupational therapists can also be especially helpful, Soberon said. Your pediatrician can refer you to the appropriate practitioners. Experts may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for both child and family, parental or caregiver training sessions, and other educational programs.

{ 7-9 YEARS }

Find the Perfect Sport for Your Young Athlete

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

Organized sports are a big part of childhood for many families. Sports teach children valuable lessons such as teamwork, camaraderie, how to lose gracefully, hard work, commitment and leadership. But what if your child isn’t interested in soccer or flag football? Are there other opportunities for them to participate in the fun?

Our bodies are made to move. We are active creatures who must stay in motion to keep all systems working optimally. While not every child is the stereotypical athlete, every child can find a way to stay active that interests them and allows them to experience success. It’s important to let children try multiple activities during their early years on their quest to find something that sticks. Take cues from your child and help guide them to try activities they express interest in.

If your athlete loves soccer, football, baseball, basketball or softball, you’re in luck. Youth programs in these sports are easy to locate in just about every city or town. If these sports don’t interest your child, there’s no need to despair. There are plenty of other activities that can keep them active! There are also scholarship opportunities for some of the less popular sports if you’re looking for long-term payouts.

When exploring new opportunities, help assess what might be a good fit for your child. Some questions to consider when looking for the perfect sport:

1. Would they enjoy being part of a team sport or a solo activity?

2. Do they have good coordination? Would ball sports be rewarding or frustrating?

3. Do they like to be outside, or would they prefer an indoor activity?

4. Would they prefer a group of loud spectators?

5. Would they be more likely to try something new if a friend or sibling joined them?

Think outside the box. Offer suggestions that are both mainstream sports as well as those that they may not be familiar with. Get on YouTube and show videos of new sports and ideas. Research online and ask friends (both local and in other cities that may have different options) what activities their kids enjoy. Make it a fun experiment to explore with your child and find something that is interesting but not intimidating.

If they try a new activity and love it, bingo! Let them continue as long as it fits the family dynamics. If you strike out on your first try, keep at it! Sometimes you have to find what you don’t like in order to appreciate what you do.

Sporting activities to appeal to a wide range of interests:!

• Archery

• Billiards*

• Bowling*

• Boxing*

• Cheer*

• Circus

• Cross Country*

• Cycling

• Dance* (ballet, tap, hip hop, contemporary, jazz)

• Diving*

• Field Hockey*

• Frisbee Golf

• Golf*

• Gymnastics*

• Hockey

• Horseback Riding*

• Kayaking

• Lacrosse*

• Marksmanship*

• Martial Arts (karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, tai chi, MMA)

• Motocross

• Mountain Biking

• Paddle Boarding

• Paintball

• Pickleball

• Rock Climbing

• Roller Skating

• Rowing*

• Skateboarding

• Surfing*

• Swimming*

• Tennis*

• Track*

• Tumbling*

• Volleyball*

• Water Skiing

• Wrestling*

• Yoga

*Denotes that scholarships may be available.

10-13 YEARS }

Keeping Your Tween Healthy

BY NICOLE IRVING

Tweens are extremely busy creatures. Between their social calendars, school, extracurricular activities, work, family and sleeping, a tween can basically be considered a live version of the Energizer Bunny. These “bunnies” burn calories like nobody’s business. But, with fast food, busy schedules and self-esteem at play, being overweight or underweight may become an issue for these growing young adults.

The average tween male needs about 2,850 calories per day to keep going, and the tween female needs to consume an average of 2,350 calories.

But, it is what those calories are made up of that is most important. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that in the United States, the number of obese children and teens has continued to rise over the past two decades. Lack of physical activity and poor eating choices are the culprits.

Tweens need a balanced diet for brainpower and growth. They should be getting a diet full of protein, healthy fats, calcium and iron. Empty calories and low-fat foods are not their friends. Healthy fats, such as nuts, avocados and olive oil are great for them.

The CDC states that childhood obesity can lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and social discrimination. These serious ailments can plague a person for life, so it is important that we have our tweens get on the healthy path right from the start.

So, how do we get these ever so moody and disgruntled tweens to eat right and learn good habits? By making sure their food tastes good, looks good and is simple and quick for them to digest and move on.

If your tween likes pizza, try making it at home instead of ordering it. Pizza dough, skim milk mozzarella and fresh tomato sauce are all you need. Add some of their favorite veggies and there you go!

If your tween likes milkshakes, make him or her a protein smoothie with banana, dark cocoa powder, spinach, almond milk, Greek yogurt and acai seeds. Blend with ice and serve.

If your tween likes burgers, make homemade burgers combining lean meat, an egg and shaved carrots. Bake it in the oven instead of frying.

If your tween likes French fries, try organic sweet potato fries. Then try moving to just sweet potatoes.

If your tween likes soda, try sparkling water like LaCroix, Perrier or San Pellegrino.

Other ways to encourage healthy calorie intake in your tweens.

• Make their lunch daily

• Limit eating out

• Keep fresh and in-season veggies in the fridge

• Practice what you preach

• Purchase a water machine if your fridge doesn’t have a

{ 14-18 YEARS }

Why Do Teens Sleep Till Noon?

BY TARYN TACHER

Your daughter used to scurry to your bedroom door at a ripe 6 a.m. and peer inside at your sound asleep self. Without hesitation, her mouse-like tendencies would turn feline and she'd pounce — jolting you awake in hopes that you'd play with her. Your son used to greet the sunrise with the boisterous vroom-vroom sounds he personified his toy cars with and the cantankerous chaos of a tumbling tower of blocks that would jostle you from your sweet slumber before your REM cycle could come to an appropriate stopping place.

Now, the kids have transformed into the typical sleep-until-noon teenagers, whose slumber is not the least bit disrupted by the ping of the toaster that just finished preparing your breakfast or the news anchor voices exuding from the living room TV, broadcasting the morning's latest updates. The roles have reversed. Your once upbefore-the-sun children are now nowhere to be seen before midday — and you are now the one tugging on their shirt sleeves to wake them up for school days or weekend plans.

You may chalk it up to laziness because your teen stays up late watching unrealistic reality TV shows while simultaneously unleashing a phalange attack on the touchscreen of his or her cellphone — taking intermittent breaks to snap selfies, check Instagram and post a four-second story on Snapchat. But, the truth is that biology is to blame for your teen’s newfound wake-sleep schedule.

Our bodies secrete a hormone called melatonin, which regulates our wake-sleep cycle. For children, melatonin secretions happen in the early evening, but as they mature into teenagers they release melatonin later and later. Because they start going to sleep at a later time, they sleep in to compensate for those missed early evening hours of shuteye.

Our bodies secrete a hormone called melatonin, which regulates our wakesleep cycle. For children, melatonin secretions happen in the early evening, but as they mature into teenagers they release melatonin later and later.

Additionally, our bodies have their own internal clocks that operate on a 24-hour cycle known as our circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is physical, mental and behavioral, and it determines when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Environmental and biological changes can alter the time frames in our circadian rhythm, and that is why teenagers go to bed late and sleep in later. During our teenaged years, we experience puberty; our bodies begin to develop and transition from girl to woman, from boy to man.

Ideally, teenagers should be sleeping for nine hours each night, but because of schoolwork, part-time jobs, heightened social lives, extracurricular activities and distractions from new-aged technology, few teens actually meet their daily sleep needs. Sleep deprivation is a legitimate concern if it persists for an extended period of time. Lack of sleep can lead to decreased concentration, mood swings and more.

So, next time you notice your teen still catching some Z’s in the early afternoon, remember to let them sleep in. Growing up is the culprit here!

june /july

Recurring Events

Waterfront Market at Harbourside Place

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Harbourside Place harboursideplace.com

Enjoy outdoor dining and walk along the water and shop for handmade goods!

(This event repeats every Sunday)

The Gardens GreenMarket

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

City Hall Municipal Campus pbgfl.com/278/GreenMarket

Enjoy food, live music, shopping for fresh produce, pastries, flowers and more! (This event repeats every Sunday)

Public Self-Guided Beach Cleanup with LMC

8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center marinelife.org

Join Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) for its weekly Public Self-Guided Beach Cleanup! Help keep the sand and ocean clean. LMC provides all necessary cleanup materials. (This event repeats every Saturday)

Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches Documentary at LMC

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. | Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Loggerhead Marinelife Center | marinelife.org

Learn about the work Loggerhead Marinelife Center does to protect sea turtles and the ocean’s ecosystems with a 30-minute documentary, “Sea Turtles of the Palm Beaches.”

(This event repeats every Saturday and Sunday)

Hatchling Discovery Program

7 - 8:30 a.m. | Loggerhead Marinelife Center marinelife.org

This event is an opportunity to witness a live sea turtle nest excavation while logging scientific data on a beach walk. Ages 10 and up.

(This event repeats Wednesday through Sunday)

Guided Turtle Walk

9 a.m. - Noon | Loggerhead Marinelife Center marinelife.org

At this event, visitors can observe the nesting and egg-laying process of loggerhead sea turtles! Ages 10 and up.

(This event repeats Tuesday through Saturday)

Evening Guided Tours

6 - 7 p.m. | Loggerhead Marinelife Center marinelife.org

During June and July, visitors get the chance to meet current sea turtle patients at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Ages 10 and up.

(This event repeats Tuesday through Saturday)

Hatchling

Release

8 - 10 p.m. | Loggerhead Marinelife Center marinelife.org

Visitors can see hatchlings on their journey to the ocean! This event also includes a presentation about sea turtles nesting behavior and their hatching process. Ages 10 and up.

(This event repeats Monday through Sunday)

Looking for even more local fun?

community

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Sunrise Nature Hike with River Center

7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area jupiter.fl.us

Join the River Center for a nature walk through the nature and uneven terrain of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Friends of Jupiter Beach Cleanup

8 - 10 a.m.

Ocean Cay Park friendsofjupiterbeach.org

Help clean 2.5 miles of beach from the Juno Beach Pier to the southern edge of Carlin Park. Enjoy breakfast, drinks, friends and free prizes after!

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Free Kids Crafting at Lighthouse Candle & Scent Bar

10 - 11 a.m.

Lighthouse Candle & Scent Bar lighthousecandlebar.com

Enjoy a free kids crafting event and discounts on all scent crafting products — including candles, bath bombs and more — if you stay after kids craft.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Bloomin’ in the Garden Program

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Loxahatchee River Center jupiter.fl.us

Designed for children ages 3 to 6, this event will have a story time, a nature-themed craft and hands-on outdoor gardening fun. And your child will receive seeds to start their own at-home garden!

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Clematis by Night | Sweet Justice + the GreenMarket Mini

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy live music by the reggae band Sweet Justice. Plus, visit your favorite vendors at a mini version of the hit West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Tequesta Trucks N’ Tunes

5 - 8 p.m. | Constitution Park | tequesta.org

Enjoy live music and tasty bites from local food trucks!

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Golf Cart Night in Downtown Abacoa

6 p.m. | Downtown Abacoa abacoa.com/events

Gather your family and friends, hop on your golf cart and spend the night cruising around downtown with the community.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Family Fishing Clinic

9 a.m. - Noon | River Center members.pbnchamber.com/events

Bring your family to learn the basics of fishing methods and tactics, including knot tying, fish identification and more.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Food as Medicine with the American Heart Association

10 - 11 a.m.

Riviera Beach Urban Farm facebook.com/AmericanHeartFlorida

Learn how to make a nutritious grocery list, how to make your meals healthier and the benefits of a heart-healthy diet from Heidi Reever, a nutrition education expert.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

Pride 5K Run/Walk presented by Night Runners WPB

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

The Landing wpb.org

This run/walk celebrates the LGBTQ+ community for Pride Month. The charity Vita Nova Inc. will benefit from this event.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

Clematis by Night | Andrew Morris Band + the GreenMarket Mini

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy country music by the Andrew Morris Band. Plus, visit your favorite vendors at a mini version of the hit West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Screen on the Green: Barbie (PG-13)

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Waterfront - The Great Lawn wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for this month’s Screen on the Green! Enjoy the 2023 Barbie movie.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14 - SATURDAY, JUNE 15

AustinBlu Family Fishing Tournament 2024

7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | River Center members.pbnchamber.com/events

This family-friendly fishing competition supports the education and outreach efforts of the AustinBlu Foundation, which teaches people about the importance of water safety.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Sensory Saturdays at Manatee Lagoon

8 - 9 a.m. | Manatee Lagoon visitmanateelagoon.com

Each month, Manatee Lagoon is offering a sensory-friendly atmosphere for guests by adjusting the lighting and sound levels and providing sensory-friendly kits with activities tailored to individual needs.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

Free Concert: Smokin’ Renegade – Boston and Styx Tribute

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Abacoa Amphitheater abacoa.com/events

Enjoy a free Boston and Styx tribute show by Smokin' Renegade with live music including guitar vintage synthesizers and vocal harmonies.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Father’s Day

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

Sunday on the Waterfront: Motown and More

4 - 7 p.m. | Currie Park | wpb.org

Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series held the third Sunday of every month! This month, enjoy a performance by Motown and more!

MONDAY, JUNE 17

3rd Annual Juneteenth Unity x Black Excellence Festival

3 - 9 p.m. | Meyer Amphitheatre | wpb.org

This free annual celebration unites the community while recognizing Emancipation Day. There will be live music, food, vendors, music and more.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 Juneteenth

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 First Day of Summer

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

Clematis by Night | Modern Day Divas + the GreenMarket Mini

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons | wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy pop tributes to Gwen Stefani and Blondie by the Modern Day Divas. Plus, visit your favorite vendors at a mini version of the hit West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

Clematis by Night | The Holidazed + the GreenMarket Mini

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons | wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy live music by the reggae band The Holidazed. Plus, visit your favorite vendors at a mini version of the hit West Palm Beach GreenMarket.

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Independence Day

THURSDAY, JULY 4

Abacoa’s 4th of July

Golf Cart Parade

Check in at 2:45 p.m. | Downtown Abacoa eventbrite.com

Show your U.S. pride by decorating your golf cart and joining the Abacoa 4th of July Golf Cart Parade! The parade is led by Jupiter Police along with the mascots from Roger Dean Stadium.

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Tequesta Trucks N’ Tunes

5 - 8 p.m. | Constitution Park | tequesta.org

Enjoy live music and tasty bites from local food trucks!

FRIDAY, JULY 5

Golf Cart Night in Downtown Abacoa

6 p.m. | Downtown Abacoa | abacoa.com/events

Gather your family and friends, hop on your golf cart and spend the night cruising around downtown with the community.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Friends of Jupiter Beach Cleanup

8 - 10 a.m. | Ocean Cay Park friendsofjupiterbeach.org

Help clean 2.5 miles of beach from the Juno Beach Pier to the southern edge of Carlin Park. Enjoy breakfast, drinks, friends and free prizes after!

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Free Kids Crafting at Lighthouse Candle & Scent Bar

10 - 11 a.m. | Lighthouse Candle & Scent Bar lighthousecandlebar.com

Enjoy a free kids crafting event and discounts on all scent crafting products — including candles, bath bombs and more — if you stay after kids craft.

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Clematis by Night | Mark Telesca

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons | wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy live music by the rock and R&B artist Mark Telesca.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

Screen on the Green | Trolls Band Together (PG)

6:30 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront - The Great Lawn wpb.org

Enjoy a free screening of the movie “Trolls Band Together” on the waterfront. Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs!

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Food as Medicine with the American Heart Association

10 - 11 a.m. | Riviera Beach Urban Farm facebook.com/AmericanHeartFlorida

Learn how to make a nutritious grocery list, how to make your meals healthier and the benefits of a heart-healthy diet from Heidi Reever, a nutrition education expert.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

Clematis by Night | East Harbor

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons | wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy live music by the alternative-pop band East Harbor.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Sensory Saturdays at Manatee Lagoon

8 - 9 a.m. | Manatee Lagoon visitmanateelagoon.com

Each month, Manatee Lagoon is offering a sensory-friendly atmosphere for guests by adjusting the lighting and sound levels and providing sensory-friendly kits with activities tailored to individual needs.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Elements – The Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Experience

7:30 - 10 p.m.

Abacoa Amphitheater abacoa.com/events

Enjoy an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute show by the Elements!

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Clematis by Night | Melinda Elena

6 - 9 p.m. | Waterfront Commons | wpb.org

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy live music by Melinda Elena.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Family Friendly Yoga with the American Heart Association

10 - 11 a.m.

Riviera Beach Urban Farm facebook.com/AmericanHeartFlorida

Enjoy outdoor yoga with your friends and family! Yoga mats, water and snacks will be provided.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

Boardroom Night

6 - 9 p.m. | Ocean Magic Surf Shop oceanmagicsurf.com

Enjoy live local music, free beer from Tequesta Brewing Company with purchase of an OM Silipint and free food!

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