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it's all about enjoying the
I think we can all agree that the holiday season comes quicker and quicker each year. Two weeks after school starts, the Halloween and fall decorations have made their way onto the shelves. Then, very soon after that, Christmas decorations hit even before Halloween gets here. I’m all about getting a head start on things, but can we all agree that Halloween deserves its moment to shine?
The candy, the crafts, the decor, the costumes, the class parties and let’s not forget the fun and spooky movie nights for kids of all ages –what is there not to love? Well, there could be a lot. The creepy spiders, the scary scenes, the haunted houses, the dark corners… can be a lot for little ones (and even big kids). So, while your neighbor may be all about the skeletons, you may be all about the pumpkins. Either way, Halloween is a time for fun for all.
My middle son was born nine days before Halloween. On his first Halloween, we dressed him as a mushy little pumpkin and took him and his older brother, a mere 17-month-old,
to one house to experience the “fun” and went promptly home to change diapers. Fast forward a bit, and it was clear that, although born around the holiday, he wanted NOTHING to do with it. He was scared of all things Halloween, and it was hard to get birthday decorations when a 10-foot skeleton met us at the store door. It was then that I realized that a not-so-spooky Halloween was in our future for a while. During the season, I volunteered in his classroom, made cute little snacks and favors and even threw him a not-so-spooky halloween birthday party one year. When it came to trick-or-treating, we went with great friends, which made him feel comfortable and started new traditions of meeting at their house for pizza and photos (Thank you Wendy and David!). We only stayed out as long as he could handle, and costumes were fun, reflecting both his and his brother’s personalities.
Halloween, just like any other holiday, became one of starting new traditions, spending time with friends and allowing the kids
moments
to be themselves all while having fun and attempting to organize the chaos of children. It was one we looked forward to, just as much as the others. Whether you are all things goblins and ghouls or you are more pumpkin patches and hayrides, Halloween is a time to have fun and enjoy the moments before they pass and another one arrives too quickly.
Smell Test: Body Odor and Your Tween
ACCOUNTS FOR KIDS
# 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!
A tube of Plus-Plus blocks, Play-Doh, dinosaurs and sticker books from the Dollar Tree all packed in their own separate minibackpacks so they felt responsible bringing in their own supplies.
KATIE OSTERHOUT or minimizing snacks beforehand. Ordered their meal when we ordered our drinks, so it came out first preventing long wait times on food and battling being hangry.
BETSY LANGAN
My husband was the best restaurant entertainer. He always kept them busy (sometimes still does) by coloring/tic tac toe and playing “football” on the table with a folded-up napkin and goals made from sugar packets.
APRIL TISHER
What crazy tactics did you use to get your kids to SIT and EAT meals when eating out at a restaurant?
Or... did you throw in the towel and never go out again?
Sticker books, crayons/coloring books, researching the menu beforehand so we could order when we sat down and choosing family friendly restaurants.
STACEY HALL
Always made sure the kiddie menu had chicken fingers.
KAREN KRALOVANEC
CRAZY ABOUT Candy Corn!
BY AMELIA BOWLES
Whether you love it or hate it, there is no doubt that candy corn is a big part of the Halloween tradition. The tri-colored, corn-shaped candy is an icon of all things spooky – but it didn’t start that way. Here’s everything you need to know about candy corn and some fun ways to use it this Halloween!
forks and spoons | in the kitchen
Where Did It Come From?
Candy corn was invented in the late 1800s by the Wunderle Candy Company, according to National Geographic. In 1898, Goelitz Confectionary Company, now the Jelly Belly Candy Company, began to produce the candy in large quantities, marketing it as “Chicken Feed.” The candy was meant to appeal to American farmers, who at the time were a large part of the nation’s demographic. Confectionary companies also produced “candy pumpkins, turnips, chestnuts and clover leaves,” according to National Geographic.
How Is It Made?
According to HowStuffWorks, the list of candy corn ingredients is simple – sugar, water, corn syrup, fondant and marshmallow. Originally, the candy was made by adding food dyes to the sugary mixture and pouring it into corn shaped molds. Each color had to be poured by hand, a difficult and time-consuming process, according to the Smithsonian. Today, this process is done by machines, which you can see in this video from Food Network:
Brach’s, the largest producer of candy corn, sells more than just the traditional candy corn. Their newest pack – Fall Festival – comes with Kettle Corn, Caramel Apple, Cotton Candy, Lemonade Shake-Up, Strawberry Funnel Cake and Lemon-Lime Snowcone. And if that doesn't seem strange enough, previously produced flavors include Fruit Punch, Vanilla Ice Cream, Popcorn, Hot Dog and Hamburger in their Tailgate Pack and Cranberry, Green Bean, Stuffing, Roast Turkey, Apple Pie and Coffee in their Turkey Dinner Pack.
Every year, the U.S. produces
9 BILLION PIECES OF CANDY CORN,
according to USA Today, and if you lined them up, they would go around the Earth almost six times!
x 6
The state that consumes the most candy corn is California, followed by Texas and Florida. The state that eats the least candy corn is Alabama, followed by Hawaii and Nebraska, according to the Food Network.
Candy Corn Activities
Then, place three small dots of icing on the top of the Oreo. Put eyes on two of the dots and another piece of candy corn on the third dot for the nose.
CORN STACKING
A great activity to do with the kiddos is stacking the candy corn in a circle, with the white sides pointing in and the yellow sides pointing out. As you stack, you’ll start to see that the candy looks like an ear of corn.
CRAFTY FLOWERS
A non-edible treat is just as fun. Use the festive corn to make crafty flowers. Get a piece of construction paper, green pipe cleaners, orange or yellow buttons, candy corn and glue. Glue the pipe cleaner and button to the paper. The button (the middle of the flower) should be right above the pipe cleaner (the stem). Then glue the candy corn pieces around the button with the white sides touching the button so that they look like petals. Hang up their artwork or give it to a friend or family member as a gift!
forks and spoons | in the
The Ultimate At-Home Pumpkin Spiced Latte
BY NICOLE IRVING
If you have been anxiously waiting for your favorite fall drink to make its way onto the menus of your coffee house of choice, the wait is over. They have arrived, and so have those hefty price tags. Have no fear — if you still want to get your daily fix of those amazing pumpkin flavors but would like to have a few dollars left over, we have the ultimate at home pumpkin spice latte recipe for you. This easy recipe is sure to be a favorite and one that you will want to share with friends and family this fall season!
Ingredients
• 2 cups whole milk
• 5 tablespoons organic pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of pink Himalayan salt
• 1/2 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• Extra creamy whipped cream
OPTIONAL: 1 cup whole milk for frothing
Directions
• Combine all ingredients in a 2-quart saucepan on low heat.
• Whisk slowly together until blended. Do not overheat or boil.
• Remove from heat when hot.
• Pour into mugs.
• In a sperate mug, froth 1 cup milk with handheld frother. Add frothed milk if you choose.
• Top with whip cream, cinnamon stick and pumpkin pie spice and enjoy!
• Makes 3-4 cups.
TIP: All ingredient amounts can be changed based on taste preference.
Fall Beauty: Candied Red & Caramel Glam
BY NICOLE IRVING
World Diabetes Day is November 14 health | get
Navigating Type 1 Diabetes: A Family's Journey
BY NICOLE IRVING
November is National Diabetes Awareness month
“Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease. This means that it doesn’t go away. Anyone can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any age, though it usually is diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
In T1D, the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is an essential hormone that helps the body turn food into energy. People living with type 1 diabetes must take insulin by injection or insulin pump to survive.”
*SOURCE: BREAKTHROUGH T1D
According to Beyond Type 1, every year there are 64,000 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the United States.
“By 2040, 2.1 million people are expected to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The disease is growing at a rate of 2.9% per year, versus the population growth of 0.8% per year.”
*SOURCE: BEYOND TYPE 1
Celebrities with T1D: Nick Jonas, Brett Michaels, Vanessa Williams, Lance Bass
“Around 85% of type 1 diabetes diagnosis are in people without a known family history of the condition.”
*SOURCE: BREAKTHROUGH T1D
In May of 2018, our oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Today, he is a thriving 20-year-old in college, doing his thing and living with an incurable diagnosis. It isn’t always easy, but, with new technology, a team of amazing health care professionals and a little “helicoptering” from his mom, Tyler has come to terms with his diagnosis, and we are confident he will live a very long and amazing life.
I’ve shared our journey with T1D many times over the years. Partly because I think it has become therapeutic for me to work though his diagnosis. As his mom, I feel tremendous guilt for what he had and has to continue to go through (although I know deep down I did not cause his diagnosis). I also tell his story to explain the warning signs and share words of comfort and encouragement to other families managing T1D. It can feel like a very lonely world at times. It takes a village to raise kids, and it takes a small country when one is suffering.
Unlike type 2 diabetes where diet and exercise may reverse the diagnosis, T1D is a life-long journey of being insulin dependent. In laymen’s terms, the pancreas no longer produces insulin to break down sugars in the body. A buildup of those sugars can be deadly. Managing T1D is a 24-hour balancing
A year doesn’t go by when I don’t hear of someone I know, or a celebrity, being impacted by T1D. Just recently, power couple Chrissy Teigen and John Legend shared that their son Miles had been diagnosed. No one has immunity from T1D, and that has been the hardest pill to swallow. T1D can strike anyone at any time. Tyler was days away from his 14th birthday when he was first diagnosed after we got back from a family vacation. We have no family history, there are no genetic markers and there is no current answer as to why his pancreas stopped producing insulin one day – it just did.
So, if you can’t prevent it, what is one to do? Amazing question! The best advice I share with other families, with kids of ALL ages, is to understand and watch for signs and symptoms of T1D and seek immediate help if you suspect that T1D might be cause for concern. If untreated, it can be deadly, and time is always of the essence when the body can’t break down the sugars that it is building up.
While there is no cure, there is hope that with continued advancements in technology, education and medicine, those who live with T1D will continue to have long and fruitful lives like everyone else.
According to JDRF, T1D is identified in children and adults as they show signs of the following symptoms:
Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes: !
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please see your doctor right away! Without proper diagnosis and treatment, type 1 diabetes can be fatal.
act of carb counting, administering insulin and understanding the body and what you put in it.
Mug
Jesse Caedington, Esq. LL.M. in Taxation
GET READY FOR A
Spooktacular Halloween!
Whether your family goes all out or just dabbles in Halloween fun, there's no denying that this holiday can bring enjoyment for everyone. From selecting the perfect costume and candy bucket for trick-or-treating to cozying up with movies and popcorn, Halloween marks the beginning of months filled with family time and celebrations. We've got everything you need for a spooktacular time!
Halloween Safety First: A Guide for Parents and Kids
BY NICOLE IRVING
Halloween can cause a lot of anxiety for both parents and kiddos. Visiting strangers’ homes, speaking to strangers, walking dark streets, having kids roam on their own… danger can lurk around every corner. When you add spooky costumes, masks and lots of people, it can be overwhelming.
Your children’s safety is always top priority, but Halloween brings a whole new level of needing to be extra careful when their safety is at play. Taking a few extra steps can be the key to having a safe and fun night!
Stand Out in a Crowd!
Make sure that your kids, regardless of trickor-treating alone or with you, are visible to cars and others. Use glow sticks, reflectors and mini flashlights to keep them safe.
Buddy System
When sending them out to trick or treat, send them with a buddy. It is always safer to visit homes and a new neighborhood with a buddy.
Stay on the Path
Encourage your children to always stay on the path and sidewalk that you tell them to. Wandering in the dark or wooded areas is not safe. They may want to take a shortcut to a friend’s home, but have them stay on a known pathway.
Wait to Eat
While we never want to think the worst, there have been horrible stories of candy being compromised. It is always best to wait until you can inspect all your kiddo’s candy after collecting, especially if visiting homes and neighborhoods that you aren’t familiar with.
Giggle Tip: To
encourage them to wait, give them a few pieces of candy you bought yourself before they leave to quench their sweet tooth!
Meeting Grounds
If your kids are going with friends to trick or treat without you, set up a meeting spot and time so you can check in with them. This will allow them some autonomy but also give you piece of mind they are OK with several check in points.
Track them!
Yup… track them! Even if they are trick-or-treating with you, keep the tracking service on their phones activated at all times. If they don’t have a phone or are too young for one, use tracking devices like an Apple AirTag to place into their costumes. You can never be too safe.
It Takes a Village
If your kids are going to a large neighborhood to trick or treat, connect with your friends who may live in the area to keep an eye on your kids as they pass by and give you updates. It takes a village to keep our kids safe, never feel bad about asking for a watchful eye. Repay the favor!
Don’t Pressure the Fun
If your kiddo isn’t into the Halloween hoopla, don’t pressure them to go out and about. It is OK to sit back and watch from the sidelines and take it slow. Halloween can be an overwhelming time for some, so best to let them be able to express themselves and take cues from them about how they want to celebrate.
ONE SOURCE ACCOUNTING
9. “Boo” your neighbors
10. Have candy corn!
11. Make roasted pumpkin seeds
12. Visit the UF bat house
13. Have a bonfire with s’mores
14. Watch “Hocus Pocus”
15. Bob for apples
16. Make footprint ghosts
17. Get new Halloween trick or treat buckets (page 37)
18. Make pumpkin pancakes
19. Tell ghost stories around the bonfire
20. Watch “Beetlejuice”
21. Make homemade pumpkin spice lattes (page 20)
22. Bake sugar cookies in the shapes of ghost and pumpkins
23. Decorate your house for Halloween
24. Pet a black cat
25. Add a Halloween-themed door mat to front door
26. Buy all the candy for trick-or-treaters
27. Watch “Ghostbusters”
28. Do a family and friends costume photo shoot
29. Create a Halloween playlist for car rides
30. Do a Halloween scavenger hunt
31. Go trick-or-treating!
Creepy & Creative: DIY Halloween Crafts for All Ages
Fall means it is time for family traditions, one of which can be creating fun crafts with your little ones. Included here are some fun and easy Halloween crafts that can be tailored to any age and level of parental involvement. Crafting is your chance to have fun and be creative with your little ones, so grab your supplies and have a good time.
Halloween Ghoul Hands
A delicious craft that doubles as a semi-healthy snack, you and your little ones will love making these. Bonus: they can be given out at school to balance out all of the sweet treats kids get.
Supplies
• Disposable food gloves (preferably latex free and without powder for allergies)
• Popped popcorn
• Candy corn and chocolates
• Halloween spider rings
• Ribbon or twist ties
Directions
1. Place candy corn or chocolates on bottom of fingers to make ghoul nails or fingers.
2. Cook popcorn or use already bagged popcorn to stuff gloves.
3. Tie up hands with ribbons.
4. Place spider rings on fingers.
Roll Up Mummies
This craft will require little extra supplies – just make sure you save those empty toilet paper rolls! You can make a spooky mummy or a fun mummy, it is all up to you and your kids!
Supplies:
• Toilet paper rolls
• Black paint or spray paint
• Googly eyes
• First aid gauze
• Craft glue
Directions:
1. Paint toilet paper roll black.
2. After drying, affix splotches of glue around roll.
3. Paste pieces of gauze around the roll.
4. Place googly eyes on roll to make your own mummy!
Mason Jar Halloween Friends
This craft will really light up your Halloween! This is a chance to allow your kids to be creative. There are many options that can be done with this craft like green ghoul, witch, cat or spider.
Supplies:
• 3 mason jars
• Different color paints or spray paint (white, black, orange)
• Different colored construction paper (optional)
• Halloween-colored ribbon
• Tea lights
• Craft glue
Directions:
1. Paint each mason jar a different color (white ghost, black bat and orange pumpkin).
2. Paint on creepy or funny eyes and mouths on each jar.
3. If desired, use your construction paper to make and glue different parts of the monsters to the jars (green stem for the pumpkin or wings for a bat).
4. Tie ribbon around the opening of each jar.
5. Drop a tea light into the jar.
*Crafts should always be done under the supervision of an adult.
by Tanya Consaul Photography
Photo
FROM Thanksgiving
6 Spooky and Sweet Trick or Treat Totes
BY NICOLE IRVING
As the countdown to Halloween begins, it’s time to get those costumes, candy and accessories ready! One of the stars of the night is the trick or treat tote, and we have found the sweetest and spookiest ones for kids of all ages! Get ready for the perfect night of Halloween fun!
*Children
photo by Jimmy Ho Photography
Whether it happens during a Saturday soccer match, on the playground, or while stretching the limits of your yoga flexibility, injuries aren’t convenient — but UF Health ORTHOcare is. For sprains, strains, and minor fractures, turn to UF Health ORTHOcare, open 7 days a week and most evenings. In addition to treating adults, we offer expert care from pediatric-trained providers for kids ages 2 and up. Don’t let an injury keep you sidelined. Get moving again with UF Health ORTHOcare. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Sunday, 5 – 9 p.m. At the corner of SW 34th Street and Hull Road
Fall is finally back! Along with the cooler weather, we finally get to enjoy the fun of Halloween. One of the favorite traditions in our household is an afternoon Potion Party. Join us in making this something your kiddos will never forget - and ask for year after year.
Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout
What is a Potion Party Exactly?
A Halloween themed sensory play session and a spooky twist on the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment. You’ll want to create a “lab” atmosphere for your little mad scientists or witches. Setting the table is sometimes half the fun. Let them explore what you’ve laid out then mix away, creating their potions!
Containers
Grab some mason jars, plastic bottles, small ramekins, vases, bowls, plastic jars, ceramic mugs, mini buckets, wooden crates and of course squirt bottles filled with vinegar. To make your containers look extra spooky, add Halloween/potion labels. You can order potion stickers online or make your own with black paper and white chalk. Worms wart, lizard toes, bat wings, zombie brains and cobwebs are all names guaranteed to make them laugh.
Supplies
Besides the baking soda and vinegar, some ideas for “ingredients” are plastic bugs, spider rings, expired spices, dried flowers, yard clippings, bread crumbs, beans, seeds, craft moss, potpourri, small rocks, glitter or anything you find lying around.
Round 1 - Fizzy Play
In your mixing containers, add a few drops of food coloring topped with a generous scoop of baking powder. Once vinegar is added from the squirt bottles, they will discover the colors! Keep the baking soda close by so they can scoop in more. We found mini white plastic skulls and black cauldrons at the Dollar Tree that are great for the color reveal. Any type of clear container (tupperware or plastic cup) works great as well.
Round 2 - Spells
For all the larger and hardier ingredients, use a large plastic cauldron or bucket to make spell potions. An assortment of utensils offers extra fun. Some ideas: wooden spoons for stirring, measuring cups, water droppers, chopsticks or even a branch from outside.
If you have the supplies, set out lab coats, safety goggles and gloves. For the witches, bring out hats and give them a witch name for the day.
This gets wonderfully messy and memorable! Happy potions to you!
We’d love to see your creative potions! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!
Always supervise kiddos.
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Eviction Notice: No Bats Allowed
BY COLE PURVIS
Bats are misunderstood. Despite their relatively unsettling appearance and association with all things scary, they contribute greatly to a healthy ecosystem by limiting pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. However, these fascinating creatures can occasionally find their way into buildings and shelter, causing concern for homeowners. If you suspect that bats have taken up residence in your home, it's important to address the situation promptly and safely.
Signs your home may have bats
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
1. Noises: in your attic or walls, particularly during the evening or early morning. If you hear scratching, squeaking or fluttering sounds during these times, it could be a sign that bats are present.
2. Droppings: presence. Guano resembles mouse droppings but are often slightly larger and black and dry in appearance. Piles of it are usually found under the main entrances and exits bats use to travel in and out of a building. Keep an eye on these access points to see if you have any guano piled up.
3. Stains and Smells: vents or chimneys. Bats secrete oils and can leave dark streaks on surfaces they frequently encounter. Additionally, the smell of ammonia from accumulated guano alone can be a strong indicator of a bat problem.
4. Visual Sightings: near your home during these times, it is an indicator that they have access indoors.
Removing bats from your home
If you are trying to remove a colony of bats from your home or a building, eviction is the only legal and appropriate method. In the state of Florida, bat evictions are only permitted during a select time of the year outside of their maternity season, which ranges from April 16 to Aug. 14. The most common, efficient way of removing bats from your home is through an exclusion device, which can be purchased online or in stores. A bat exclusion device is a one-way passage that is installed over their access point to your home. This allows bats from indoors to easily exit a house but not return back through.
For any additional support or guidance throughout the process of evicting bats from your home, consult a local pest control service provider. They are equipped with the knowledge and resources to help keep your home clean while protecting our flying friends.
What Drives Your Car Insurance Rate?
BY COLE PURVIS
Some form of insurance is required for all drivers – and for good reason. The road can be a dangerous place, so any form of financial protection in the event of an accident is critical. However, many people often find themselves puzzled by the fluctuations in their insurance premiums. Understanding what drives these changes can help you manage your insurance costs more effectively and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
What Influences Our Rates?
There are several elements that tie into the total cost of your insurance rate, and some may surprise you. “Key contributing factors related to car insurance rates are the age of the driver, their driving history — including any at-fault accidents or moving violations within the last three to five years, the type or size of the vehicle, the amount of miles the vehicle is driven on an annual basis and how the vehicle is being used,” said agent Casey Hahn of Florida Farm Bureau Insurance.
As Hahn mentioned, age is a major component that impacts your premium. Younger drivers, particularly those under 25, typically face higher insurance rates because they are statistically more likely to be involved in an auto accident. According to a 2021
study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers between the ages of 16 and 24, despite only making up approximately 11% of all licensed drivers, accounted for about 23% of all motor vehicle accidents. Additional research conducted by the Journal of Safety Research suggests that “teen drivers do not always realize the consequences of their actions because areas of the brain responsible for making well-grounded decisions and judgments are not fully developed until about age 25.”
Keeping Costs to a Minimum
Everyone is a fan of a good deal. While there may not be a simple trick or life hack to immediately reduce our car insurance premiums, there are some factors to keep in mind to find the best rate for you.
“Multi-vehicle discounts, multi-policy discounts, a clean driving record, a good student discount and longevity discounts by sticking with the same carrier are a handful of the ways insureds can help lower their auto insurance costs,” Hahn said.
Good student discounts, in particular, are a savvy way parents and young adults can reduce their car insurance rates. Personally, I was able to lower my premium during my time as a student by working hard and maintaining a high GPA. All that was needed was proof of my academic record — so be sure to save those transcripts!
Look to an Agent for Assistance
With the number of moving parts that affect car insurance premiums, the entire process can feel overwhelming at times. That is why it is so important to consult an insurance agent for any outstanding questions or concerns you have about your policy to make sure you find the unique plan that is best for you.
Making Fall Festivals
Fall festivals
As the weather begins to cool and fall decorations abound, Floridians love to get out of the house and enjoy a reprieve from the relentless heat and humidity of summer. Fall festivals provide us with family-friendly activities we can all enjoy. As you start planning your weekends full of festivals, keeping a few specific considerations in mind can help parents of children with disabilities relax and enjoy the festivities, too.
Family-Friendly for YOUR Family
Let’s face it. Not all fall festivals are familyfriendly for every family. For those of us who have children with disabilities, some fall festivals may not be accessible or may even provoke challenges. At the same time, we also have family members who want to see it all. So, what do we do?
Start by considering the needs of each family member. Family members who need assistance or accommodations with mobility, sensory issues, proximity to health equipment and more may find some activities inappropriate or inaccessible.
Family hayrides may not be appropriate for a child with significant physical needs. A haunted house may be overwhelming for a child with severe anxiety. Crowded festivals with music and lights may be overwhelming for some with sensory needs.
How Do I Know?
Learn as much as you can about the setting and activities before attending a fall festival. Are there paved pathways? When will it be the least crowded? What accessibility measures have already been put in place? Many of our community fall festivals have been around for years, so ask others about their experiences. Feel free to contact the event organizers, too. There may be accommodations available that you’re not aware of.
Plan Ahead
As your family prepares to attend the festival, plan ahead. Planning ahead helps when you encounter inevitable accessibility challenges so you can all relax and enjoy your time together. Where will you be able to park? How long will you stay? What will you do if it gets crowded or loud or
offer a unique opportunity each year for everyone to enjoy being outside, seeing arts and crafts and decorating pumpkins.
if you encounter accessibility problems? What special supplies do you need to bring with you?
The Rest of the Family
In an ideal world, everything would be accessible to everyone, and your entire family could participate in the fall festival without barriers. But we know there will be challenges, some due to accessibility and some due to individual needs, that will prevent some family members from enjoying certain aspects of a fall festival. If you have family members who enjoy hayrides, corn mazes and haunted houses that are not readily accessible to the entire family, then plan for those, too. Perhaps some family members can join one of those activities while others enjoy a tasty fall treat.
Enjoyable for All
Fall festivals offer us a unique opportunity each year to enjoy being outside, seeing arts and crafts and decorating pumpkins. As your family gears up for your annual fall favorites, plan ahead and ensure that you make fall festivals enjoyable for everyone.
First
Family + Fall = Fun!
BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.
The start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and maybe a few nerves. Even for veteran homeschoolers, the first few weeks of a new year take some settling in as we say goodbye to summer leisure and welcome new co-ops, activities, plans and curricula. Now, as we’ve settled into our new routines and look forward to cooler weather, we are blessed in this community to have so many fall family activities that bring a wealth of fun and learning for the whole family.
Fall Lessons are for Everyone!
While we typically think about teaching the seasons only to young children, there are fall activities that are appropriate for all ages and ability levels. As you begin exploring family activities this fall, consider what each family member can gain from the experience. Individualize fall family activities and events so everyone, young and old, is involved while learning.
Art Festivals
There’s nothing quite like a good fall art festival. The cool breeze (hopefully). The smells from food trucks. And, of course, the art! There are countless ways art and craft festivals can be tied into your lessons. Talk with your children about the different types of art, such as painting, photography, origami, woodworking and more. Ask vendors to share how they selected the topic and materials chosen and any interesting tips for budding artists. Examine the artwork and discuss cultural influences and historical imagery. After the festival, your children may enjoy creating their own masterpieces!
Pumpkin Patches
Visit one of the many pumpkin patches in our community. You may select one that brings back fond memories or allocates the funds to a cause or organization you support. Have fun selecting the perfect pumpkin for a jacko-lantern and unleash your family’s creativity. Learn where and how pumpkins are grown and why there are so many sizes. For young scientists and engineers, research “punkin chunkin” and encourage your children to create their own punkin chunkin devices. You may want to buy additional small pumpkins at the local patch for this one.
Encourage Inquisitiveness
Many homeschoolers have an insatiable appetite for “why.” Why do people decorate with scarecrows, pumpkins and other gourds in the fall? Why is everything orange, red and brown? Why are there corn mazes in the fall? Can we make our own maze?
Football
Living in a southern college town, we can’t let the fall go without mentioning football. For diehard fans, there’s nothing better than tailgating with friends and family and enjoying a weekend full of football in person and at home. Include your children in those preparations. They’ll learn valuable life skills in the process!
Whether you have an artist, a scientist or an athlete, our community offers a wealth of opportunities for family fun. So, take a breath, slow down and enjoy the season with your family.
Beyond Football: 6 Fun Thanksgiving Activities for Everyone
BY AMELIA BOWLES
You’ve finished Thanksgiving dinner with the family, packed the leftovers away into the fridge for later and washed the dishes you haven’t seen since last year. Now, you’re wondering what to do and sitting down to watch football isn’t really your cup of tea. Luckily, you’ve read this article and are fully equipped to have an evening full of Thanksgiving and family fun with these six activities.
Watch “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
Filled with fun, laughter and classic Charlie Brown mishaps, this holiday special will put smiles on the whole family’s faces. Settle in with blankets, cozy slippers and pumpkin spice drinks and enjoy an evening of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is available for streaming on Apple TV+ or for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray on Amazon and in stores like Walmart and Target.
Make Thanksgiving Desserts
If you haven’t already had enough pie, try making desserts or snacks with fall vibes. Enjoy the classic backyard s’mores or get creative and create a popcorn bar with different flavors and candies. Or try pumpkin and apple pie ice cream with toppings like marshmallows, chocolate syrup or caramel sauce. Get the kids involved with some hands-on helping and bake desserts like pumpkin snickerdoodles, sweet potato pie cookies with marshmallow centers, pumpkin cheesecake bars or swirl brownies with pumpkin spice Oreos.
Create a Gratitude Jar
Have everyone at the table write down three to five things on pieces of paper or sticky notes that they are thankful for about each person. Then, place them in a jar and take turns reading them out loud, guessing who wrote what. When you’re finished, place the pieces of paper back into the jar. Next time you need a reminder of something good about yourself or someone in your family, take a few papers out of the jar and read them.
Get Some Exercise
If a Turkey Trot 5K isn’t the activity for your family, take a walk or go on a bike ride in your neighborhood or on a beautiful local trail. Play catch in the yard or have a sack race! Burn off some of the calories you just consumed from your Thanksgiving feast, spend some quality time with your kids and give them a way to get all their energy out before bed. Everyone will be sleeping well tonight!
Break Out the Board Games
Board games, Thanksgivingthemed Pictionary and charades, card games, etc. are great ways to add a little fun competition and bond with your family. Games will get everyone participating and actively engaged with spending time together and having fun!
Get Out the Christmas Decorations Christmas season has finally arrived! Put on some classic Christmas tunes, get the Christmas decorations from the attic or storage closet and start decking the halls! Take some time to make some homemade decorations with your kids for a hands-on approach.
learn | featured teacher
WHERE DO YOU TEACH?
WA Metcalfe Elementary
WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH? 4th
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER? 5 YEARS!
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?
All Subjects: Math, Science, E/LA, Social Studies
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!
Lin Lim Tippin
My family came to the United States in 1984 as refugees from a war-torn country. I went to school to study medicine and came away realizing what I wanted most was to have a family of my own. After many years of heartbreak, my husband Chris and I had our beautiful miracle, Kirra. I was fortunate to be able to stay home with her, pursue pursuits beyond my formal training and finally find my footing in teaching. I’m an adventurer and learner at heart. I am always open to learning new things and finding new paths to explore.
Why were you inspired to teach?
I suppose it was a “who” that inspired me. My daughter, Kirra, attended Lawton Chiles Elementary, and I loved how that campus and the people in it helped her grow into an independent, compassionate and thoughtful person. I volunteered there daily and wanted to be part of that special experience for other families.
What is your favorite part of the school day?
My favorite part of the day is when the first student walks into the classroom. Each morning, that student and I will have a few moments to connect. I love those moments. During each day, there are times when a student finds understanding, asks the one question that I don’t expect, shows a kindness that takes me by surprise, those moments – those moments, I carry with me in my heart.
Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?
You know, I don’t. My favorite assignments bring a sparkle to a student’s eye. I like to find a way to incorporate creativity in all subjects. I love to do investigations. Each one reaches a student differently. Whether it is observing nature, dissections, chemistry, engineering, novel studies, writing prompts, poetry or artistic pursuits, I love each one because it brings a whole new excitement to learning.
How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?
Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.
I rely on my people. I have made the most wonderful friends while teaching. Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family enjoying nature. My husband is the rowing coach at the University of Florida, and we spend many evenings on Newnans Lake watching rowing practice.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love art. I enjoy making things: sewing, crafting and painting. I enjoy birding, yoga, traveling and EATING!
Share a funny teaching moment/day
Each year, our class hatches chickens. It brings me joy to see how students grow to love these messy animals. Everyone knows a student of Mrs. Lim’s class proudly bears the “stains” of caring for our chickens. They were fixtures on desks during instruction and often imprinted on their caretakers. It makes me smile thinking about those wonderful times.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
I want to say Wonder Woman, but I know that I am more of a Professor X.
What is your favorite book?
“A Wizard of Earthsea” by Ursula LeGuin
If you could share 3 pieces of advice to parents about how to keep kids engaged with learning, what would you tell them?
1. Prepare your learner with a schedule: Organize time to learn, to play, to decompress.
2. Get to know your teachers. They are now part of your family. They share in your desires for your legacy.
3. After each school day, ask your learner two questions, “What questions did you ask today?” and “What made you proud of yourself today?” Encourage curiosity. Questions like, “Did you make any mistakes?” allow for reflection and moments of understanding and perseverance.
Photos courtesy of Lin Lim Tippin
conception2college
EXPECTING
Pregnancy Bands and Kinesiology Tape: Alleviating Back Pain in Pregnancy
INFANT | 0-1
Elimination Communication: Can You Potty Train Your Infant?
TODDLER | 2-3 What to Do if Your Child is Cross-Eyed: How to Assess and Treat the Condition EARLY YEARS | 4-5 A Fall Bucket List Just For Kids!
KIDS | 6-9 The Next Big Thing: Birding!
TWEENS | 10-13 The Smell Test: Body Odor and Your Tween
Pregnancy Bands and Kinesiology Tape:
Alleviating Back Pain in Pregnancy
BY AMELIA BOWLES
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), back pain is prevalent in almost 70% of pregnancies. These aches and pains can interfere with your everyday life – and can put more stress on both you and your baby. Fortunately, there are ways to relieve this back pain – including decreasing the amount of pressure put on you by your stomach with pregnancy bands and kinesiology tape.
What Are Pregnancy Bands and Kinesiology Tape?
Pregnancy bands are bands designed to “support the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy,” according to Healthline. They are worn on the lower part of the belly and can help to both compress and slightly lift your stomach to alleviate pain. Kinesiology tape is a flexible tape that is designed to assist muscles in their movement, alleviate pain and lessen swelling, according to Healthline.
Pregnancy Bands
According to Healthline, pregnancy bands have many benefits. Other than alleviating pain, they can assist in activities by providing compression (like a sports bra) and support good posture. Bands range from about $20 to $70 and can be found online and in stores like Walmart, Target and other department stores. Physical therapist and owner of Empower Womens Physical Therapy Payton Williams says, “I like to think of belts as an assistive tool to help
relieve pain and symptoms to allow you to optimize movement during pregnancy.” To avoid becoming too dependent on the band, Healthline says it should not be worn more than two to three hours at once, and abdominal strengthening exercises should be done in conjunction with using the band. Pinnacle Women’s Therapeutics also notes that babies might find the pressure uncomfortable.
Kinesiology Tape
Lady Bird Physical Therapy says that kinesiology tape can assist in pregnancy by “[reducing] short term pain and the need for pain relief, [improving] and [supporting] muscular activity of the taped muscle fibers, [improving] blood flow and lymphatic flow and [providing] some good sensory feedback and a mid-term reminder of body positioning.” It is also a relatively inexpensive option. Pinnacle Women’s Therapeutics mentions some things to watch out for, including skin sensitivities to the adhesive on the tape and many stores carrying only eight-inch strips, which are often not long enough for pregnancy taping. Williams also suggests asking someone to help tape your back instead of taping your belly to help increase movement and alleviate some pain.
How to Kinesiology Tape Your Pregnant Belly
Lady Bird Physical Therapy provides these four steps for taping your belly:
1. Lay on your back and press the small of your back against the floor, tucking your tailbone under your hips.
2. Place a strip under your belly, making sure that this strip does not have any tension. It is meant simply to anchor the other strips and provide additional support.
3. Measure two pieces of tape that are slightly shorter than the distance from the anchor strip to your rib cage, and another two from the anchor strip to the side of your rib cage. Round the corners at the top so it will be less likely to peel off on its own.
4. Place each strip an inch to the left or right of the center of the anchor strip and stretch the tape so it is stretched about 50%, sticking it to your belly as you go. Do the same with the diagonal strips, stretching them about 50%.
How to Prevent Back Pain
While pregnancy bands and kinesiology tape are great ways to alleviate pain, there are also ways that you can help to prevent it in the first place. Mayo Clinic suggests keeping good posture, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, lifting things with proper form, sleeping on your side, staying active and trying therapies like visiting a chiropractor or acupuncturist may help with pain. Pelvic PT can also be a great way to help prevent back pain as “addressing the root cause is the best course of treatment,” according to Williams. Karen West, owner of West Health Spa, recommends a wholistic approach to your pregnancy journey. Eating a variety of colorful foods provide you with lots of phytonutrients that “are natural anti-inflammatories for the body.” Reducing stress, getting good sleep on a consistent routine, and making time for some regular exercise such as walking can also help you feel more comfortable during your pregnancy, says West.
Elimination Communication: Can You Potty Train Your Infant?
BY TRACY WRIGHT
All parents deal with potty training their children, with the average age of training in the U.S. being between 2 and 3 years old, according to HealthyChildren.org. But many societies around the world embrace infant toilet training, also known as elimination communication (EC), and it has spiked in popularity in the U.S. as well.
“Elimination communication, also referred to as baby-led potty training, involves using timing, signals, cues and intuition to know when your baby needs to ‘eliminate waste,’” according to BabySparks.com. “Instead of wearing diapers, babies are held over the potty when it’s time to go. While this diaper-free approach may seem unconventional, it actually has a long history of success.”
The history of potty training in the U.S. varies widely. According to PottyGenius.com, by the late 1950s, more than 90% of children were potty trained by 18 months of age. “[Today], the average age [that] toilet training begins in the United States is between 2 and 3 years of age. Most children in the [U.S.] are bowel and bladder trained by 4 years of age,” said HealthyChildren.org.
Experts believe that age has risen because of the rise of popularity of disposable diapers, which keep little ones dry and don’t
motivate them to want to use the toilet. Other factors include convenience and a parent-centered approach to training giving way to a child-centered approach to training (waiting until a child is “ready” to train).
EC attempts to push this age way back. “When babies need to urinate or defecate, their parents hold them, bare-bottomed, over a preferred target [usually a toilet or potty seat]. The parents signal the babies to proceed, and the babies respond,” according to ParentingScience.com.
BabySparks.com reports that parents using EC are instructed to use methods like:
• Timing - what are your child’s peeing and pooping rhythms?
• Signals - this may involve facial cues or body language
• Cueing - parents should communicate “a cue with their baby, such as a whistle or a humming sound, while they’re relieving themselves. This is meant to help babies eventually connect the cue with an appropriate time to go potty.”
• Intuition - no one knows your baby better than you do! By using EC, you can use your instinct to guide you when it’s time for your infant to go.
Some of the benefits of EC are saving money on diapers, whether cloth or disposable; eliminating the impact of diapers on the environment; preventing diaper rashes and the risk of urinary tract infections; and helping make your life more predictable without having to run to do diaper changes.
Cons of EC can include it being extremely time consuming and requiring someone to stay at home full-time with your child. Unless you have an in-home caretaker who is committed to practicing EC, most parents who work away from home will find EC difficult to maintain. Critics also believe that EC is not suitable for children who aren’t developmentally ready to potty train, according to Tinyhood.com.
The site says, “In order to be independent in toileting and bowel and bladder control, children must be able to have good sphincter control, maintain upright sitting on a potty or toilet on their own and understand the association between urge sensation and being able to independently act on it.”
One thing to note is that even if you and your infant are successful at practicing EC, they are not truly potty trained in the traditional sense because “young babies can’t walk, wipe or dress themselves. So, they aren’t ‘trained’ in the sense of being capable of taking independent trips to the toilet,” according to ParentingScience.com.
Like any parenting method, each family and child are different, so EC may or may not be right for you. Consult your pediatrician to discuss different types of potty-training methods and what fits with your family and home life.
What to Do if Your Child is Cross-Eyed: How to Assess
Causes of strabismus include nearsighted or farsighted vision, premature birth, neurological disorders and Down syndrome, or it may occur for no reason at all, said the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Strabismus can be obvious in a child or sometimes not at all. Nemours reports that “most kids with strabismus don't complain of eye problems or notice changes in their vision. Usually, it's a family member, teacher, or health care provider who notices that the eyes are not straight. [Vision problems caused by strabismus] can affect reading skills and classroom learning. Younger kids who aren't talking yet may squint a lot and turn or tilt their heads in an attempt to see more clearly.”
A simple eye exam by a pediatrician can assess whether a child is suffering from strabismus, and they may order a full exam from a pediatric ophthalmologist.
TREATMENT FOR STRABISMUS VARIES WITH EACH PATIENT AND CAN INCLUDE:
• Eyeglasses: These can be used in some cases of strabismus especially “if a child's vision is blurry due to nearsightedness or farsightedness [where] they may have to strain to see clearly,” according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Condition
and Treat the
BY TRACY WRIGHT
Between the ages of 1 and 4, some children may develop crossed eyes, or what is clinically known as strabismus. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, about 2% to 4% of children in the U.S. are afflicted with the condition.
Strabismus occurs when the eyes don’t line up properly and can point in different directions. Most children are diagnosed in those three years, and it’s rare that it occurs after 6 years old, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“When eyes don't line up together, the straight or straighter eye becomes dominant,” according to Nemours KidsHealth. “The vision strength of this eye stays normal because the eye and its connection to the brain are working as they should. The misaligned or weaker eye, though, doesn't focus as it should and its connection to the brain doesn't form correctly.”
NEMOURS REPORTS THAT THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF STRABISMUS:
• Inward (called esotropia or "cross-eyed")
• Outward (exotropia)
• Up (hypertropia)
• Down (hypotropia)
• Patching or eye drops: Patching the stronger eye can help to improve the child’s weaker eye. “Getting a baby or toddler to accept wearing an eye patch can be a challenge. But most kids get used to the patch. Wearing it becomes part of their daily routine, like getting dressed in the morning,” according to Nemours. If the patch is not tolerated, eye drops can mimic this action. Nemours reports that drops “temporarily blur out vision in that eye. This makes the weaker eye work harder so that eye muscles and vision get stronger.”
• Surgery: When strabismus doesn’t respond to the above treatments, the child may be suffering from a severe form of the condition where surgery is needed. “Eye muscle surgery is typically needed to straighten the eyes and prevent vision loss when other interventions don't work,” according to Boston Children’s Hospital. “The surgery involves detaching the muscle or muscles that is causing misalignment and reattaching it or them to a new spot.”
Parents should always consult their pediatrician who can refer them to the correct specialists that can help children who may be suffering from strabismus.
“Strabismus usually can be fixed when found and treated early,” according to Nemours. “If it's not treated, the brain eventually will ignore the visual images of the weaker eye. This change — called amblyopia, or ‘lazy eye’ — can make vision blurry, cause double vision and harm a child's depth perception. These problems can become permanent if they're not treated.”
4-6 YEARS
Autumn Adventures: A Fall Bucket List for Kids
BY NICOLE IRVING | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANIBAL RODRIGUEZ
the weather cooling down and the leaves changing color, it is the perfect time to round up the kiddos and have them do their very own fall bucket list. This list combines fun, learning and new experiences to embrace the fall season!
{ 7-9 YEARS }
The Next Big Thing: Birding!
BY NICOLE IRVING
Does your kiddo have a love of all things nature? If they do, this is the perfect age to introduce them to the world of birding. What is birding? Birding is observing birds in their natural habitat and actively pursuing witnessing them, recording how many you see and having a love of the pursuit! While you are trying to find them and see them, you are not hunting them. Birding does not involve touching, harming or capturing the birds. This is a great family activity or activity to encourage them to do on their own in the backyard and in the community.
What you need for beginning birding:
• Binoculars
• Notebook for recording
• Bird species book (area specific or all encompassing)
Birding made simple:
Spend time outside and keep a lookout for birds. Use binoculars to get up close with them. It’s that simple. Record the species of birds you find on your list and see the list grow.
What is not birding:
For a true birder, capturing a bird in a zoo or sanctuary would not count. It must be in their natural environment. But, if you visit a zoo and see a non-zoo bird resident perched on the grounds, that DOES count. To get them started learning about the different species of birds, a zoo like Santa Fe Learning Zoo is a perfect place to start understanding the bids and begin recognizing them.
Gainesville Hot Spots:
Gainesville is the home to a plethora of birds, so it is a wonderful place to begin their new calling as birders!
• Your own backyard
• Sweetwater Wetlands Park
• Depot Park
• Lake Alice
• Veterans Park
• University of Florida Campus
According to the Alachua Audubon Society website, which is a division of the National Audubon Society, there are currently 362 bird species in Alachua county. Visit their website at alachuaaudubon.org to find an up to date list of birds in our area!
MORE RESOURCES:
Alachuaaudubon.org
Audubon.org
Ontarionature.org
Birdwatchingdaily.com
Some birding tips:
1. Never touch the birds. They are wild and they can harm you, just as much as you can harm them.
2. You will never want to touch or get close to a bird nest!
3. Be very still and quiet. Birds startle easily!
4. You will want to look on the ground, as much as you do in the trees and air! Birds are everywhere!
5. Keep an eye out when you travel. There are different birds all over the state!
MILK CARTON BIRD FEEDER
Hang a bird feeder in your yard to attract neighborhood birds!
MATERIALS:
• Paper milk carton
• Marker
• Box cutter
• Popsicle sticks
• Birdseed
• String
• Acrylic craft paint lead-free and non-toxic
DIRECTIONS:
Head to gigglemagazine.com to get the directions for the fun craft!
10-12 YEARS }
The Smell Test: Body Odor and Your Tween
BY TRACY WRIGHT
As our children transition into “tweenhood,” we notice a variety of changes due to the influx of hormones, including mood changes, body development, hair growth and, of course, body odor. Girls typically begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, and boys start when they are between 9 and 14 years old. Puberty causes an increase in new hormones, which can incite the tween’s sweat glands. Sweat alone does not cause body odor — it is the bacteria breaking down the oily sweat found under the arms and in other areas that produce body odor.
The new puberty hormones also cause teen sweat to contain different chemicals that are not present during childhood. These new chemicals produce stronger odors when they are broken down. This may explain the “youth locker room effect,” or why body odor is so much more intense at the beginning of puberty and can become less pungent as teens’ bodies adjust to body changes.
Even if a child hasn’t begun puberty, they may still emit body odor due to excessive sweating. For parents, talking about body odor is never an easy conversation to have with your child. A good approach is to explain to your child that as we grow older and more independent, there are hygiene habits that need to be followed regularly. Help to create a routine for your child so that they can effectively battle body odor.
According to Nemours Clinic, some key habits that should be followed include:
Make sure your child is bathing daily. While younger
children can go a day or two without a shower or bath, tweens will build up body odor and often not realize it while friends and classmates will inevitably notice. If your child is involved in activities like sports, dance or gymnastics, or sweats excessively, another shower might be in order.
Emphasize how important it is for the child to clean from head to toe, including under the arms, in the groin or pelvic area, and the feet. Take your child shopping to pick out soaps, shampoos and other products they may want.
Ensure that your child is wearing clean underwear, socks and clothes every day. Running from one class to another and sweating during daily activities (especially in warmer climates) means bacteria can stick to their clothes and cause odor.
Watch your child's diet to see if something they eat, such as garlic, onions or spicy food, may be causing or contributing to their body odor.
LET'S TALK DEODORANT
While all of these are recommended healthy hygiene habits, it may be that your tween may still need some form of deodorant to ensure daily body odor is kept at bay. There are different kinds of products available. Deodorants cover up the odor of sweat and bacteria, and antiperspirants actually stop or dry up perspiration. Products aimed at kids and teens work the same way as adult versions, but may have packaging or smells that may be appealing to tweens.
It is important for parents to understand the ingredients in some of these products before purchasing:
• Antiperspirants typically contain ingredients like aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium to help stop sweat. Antiperspirants and some deodorants may also contain ingredients like phthalates (ingredients that help products stick to your skin) and parabens (preservatives) in deodorant which may interfere with hormones.
• If you prefer that your child has a product free of aluminum and preservatives, there are many high-quality natural deodorants sold in drugstores, online or at health food stores. Popular brands include Tom’s of Maine, Native, Jason and Fresh Kidz deodorants. You may need to try several types of products to see what works best for your child.
If your child’s odor doesn’t improve or worsens despite using an antiperspirant, a deodorant and improving hygiene habits, visit their doctor. Children may have conditions that cause excess perspiration. Your doctor may suggest running tests to confirm other problems like an infection, diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
{ 14-18 YEARS }
Is Handwriting Still Important?
BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone? Some may answer, “never,” while others begin to reflect on days long ago. Our reliance on phones, tablets and computers fundamentally changed how we communicate with others. Yet many argue that there is still a place for good, old-fashioned handwriting.
Increased Learning
As computers became smaller and portable, teachers in middle and high schools and colleges noticed that students were taking notes on their laptops. Research into this practice is not favorable. When students type their notes during discussions, they tend to hear and type while not really attempting to digest the information. The result is a long document summarizing everything teachers say rather than primarily important or salient points. When students study those notes, they often struggle to remember and understand essential elements, or they’re hard to find within the lengthy document.
On the other hand, physically writing notes has been shown to increase learning and memory. Most people can’t write as fast as they hear. So, we tend to paraphrase larger amounts of information into smaller amounts that make sense to us. There’s also something critical about the physical act of writing notes. It forces us to listen, process and physically reproduce content, increasing learning, understanding and retention. Handwritten notes are also easier to use when studying because only the most critical points are included, and they’re already provided in a way that makes sense to the student. Legible and fluent handwriting provides the foundation for this type of notetaking and learning.
Personal and Practical
While technology provides a quick and relatively easy way to communicate, it is not always available or the best approach. Whether you’re writing a thank you note, a birthday wish or a sympathy card, the personal nature of a written message still holds value. At other times, handwriting may be required. Consider the forms we complete at a doctor’s office or how often we sign our names.
What Schools Teach
Florida schools are required to teach handwriting and cursive in elementary grades. First and second graders learn to print letters legibly, while third through fifth graders learn fluent and legible cursive writing. By the time students enter middle school, they are expected to write in both print and cursive as needed. However, outside of notetaking, most assignments allow students to use and submit work that has been typed. In fact, in high school, many teachers require students to submit assignments electronically.
The outcome is mixed. Technology has the potential to help students become better writers, communicate their thoughts and ideas more clearly and make it easier for teachers to provide feedback and grades to students. But it also limits the continued practice and use of those handwriting and cursive skills learned in earlier grades.
How You Can Help
Handwriting is still essential. However, it has become a challenge to maintain those skills as teens mature. Encourage your teen to continue writing. Have them complete forms independently. Give them blank cards to write to grandparents for holidays. Remind them to sign their name anytime it’s appropriate. Consider giving them a journal so they can take advantage of the mental processing that occurs when they physically write. Finally, let them see you writing and write messages to them. They’ll likely think it’s corny, but years from now, those notes will become cherished memories for you both.
IMAGINE INNOVATE INSPIRE
Trilogy believes in the strength of students, the importance of community, and changing the world for good. Our Bold Learning Objectives and rigorous competency-based assessment create meaningful academic study and empower students to take the lead. From K-12, Trilogy students chase their passions, build a vocabulary of self, and live by principles which make the world a better place.
october/november
NOW THROUGH MAY Barnyard Buddies
3 - 4 p.m.
Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm visitgainesville.com
At the Living History Farm, visitors can interact with farm animals and help staff feed them apples, sweet potatoes and melons, all of which can be donated.
This event repeats every Wednesday.
Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mill Creek Farm millcreekfarm.org
Bring 2 carrots to pay for your admission to feed retired horses!
This event repeats every Saturday.
Cade Museum Maker Workshop Series
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cade Museum cademuseum.org
This is an innovative program for kids ages 9 and up to participate in hands-on activities using different materials, electronics and coding platforms.
This event repeats every Saturday.
Story Time at the Zoo
10:30 - 11 a.m.
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo sfcollege.edu/zoo
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library host a free story time in front of the zoo on the lawn. Feel free to visit the zoo afterward!
This event repeats the third Wednesday every month.
Weekly Farmers Market at Celebration Pointe
4 - 8 p.m.
Celebration Pointe facebook.com/events
Head out to Celebration Pointe to enjoy live music and yard games while shopping for produce, baked goods and more. This event repeats every Wednesday.
NOW THROUGH MAY Frogs and Friends Fridays
2 - 3 p.m.
Morningside Nature Center Education Building visitgainesville.com
At the outdoor screened pavilion at Morningside Nature Center, you and your child can learn about amphibians and reptiles! This event repeats the first Friday of each month.
Haile Farmers Market
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Haile Plantation hailefarmersmarket.com
Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more! This event repeats every Saturday.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Coon Hollo Fall Festival
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Coon Hollo Farm facebook.com/events
Celebrate fall at the Coon Hollo Fall Festival! There will be pumpkins, a crop maze, pony rides, pig races, concessions, shopping and more.
This event repeats every weekend.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Rosh Hashanah Begins
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4
Rosh Hashanah Ends
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
UF vs. UCF
6 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Central Florida Peanut Festival
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Heritage Park | willistonflchamber.com
If you like peanuts, this event is for you! There will be rides, arts and crafts, live music and more.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
Ninja Jam
Noon - 12:55 p.m. | Sun Country Sports – West suncountrysports.com
The Ninja room is ready for action! Ninja Jam is an opportunity to meet Sun Country’s instructors and get a taste of their recreational classes.
This three-day festival is full of music and storytelling to honor Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
SUNSET ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11 - NIGHTFALL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Yom Kippur
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
ELCAC Storybook Village
9 - 11 a.m. | Mount Carmel Baptist Church facebook.com/events
To celebrate National Book Month, the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County is hosting its Storybook Village event where the tale “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” will come to life! There will be free books, games with prizes, face painting, food and more.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
McIntosh 1890s Festival
McIntosh Historic District east side of US 441
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | mcintosh1890sfestival.com
Enjoy a day on the tree-lined streets of Victorian McIntosh and browse arts, crafts, jewelry, plants, decor, treats and more! There will also be children's activities.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Tioga Town Center Oktoberfest
2 - 8 p.m.
Tioga Town Center
facebook.com/events
Celebrate Oktoberfest locally! World of Beer Tioga is offering brews from Munich and the official German Oktoberfest breweries.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
13th Annual Movie on the Lawn
6 p.m. | Empower Park (Campus USA Credit Union) facebook.com/events
Campus USA Credit Union presents the 13th annual Movie on the Lawn! Bring your family and enjoy "Despicable Me 4" under the stars, free popcorn, refreshments and giveaways.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Gator Growl and UF Homecoming
All day | University of Florida | gatorgrowl.org
Show your Gator pride and celebrate the University of Florida at different events before the homecoming game!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Historic Micanopy Ghost Tour
4 - 7 p.m. | Town of Micanopy facebook.com/events
Explore Historic Micanopy and its haunted past on this ghost tour! Hear chilling tales of paranormal activities, learn historical tidbits and encounter supernatural occurrences.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Gator Gallop
8:30 a.m.
Plaza of the Americas gatorgrowl.org/gatorgallop
This 2.2-mile fun-run throughout campus is a UF Homecoming tradition that will have photoops, music, prizes and more!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18
Kid’s Night Out
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Sun Country Sports – West suncountrysports.com
Take a well-deserved night off and leave the kids in capable hands at Sun Country’s expansive multipurpose facility where children ages 3 and up can have a blast while staying safe.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Back Handspring and Tuck Boot Camp
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Sun Country Sports – West suncountrysports.com
Experienced coaches will assist students of all levels through a variety of drills designed to increase the strength and muscle memory needed to perform both back handsprings and tucks.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
Homecoming Game:
UF vs. Kentucky
3:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
High Springs Fall Festival
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Behind High Springs City Hall highsprings.com
Enjoy a craft fair, food trucks, a kids' corral, prizes, fall activities and more!
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens and the Gainesville Orchid Society welcome you to browse 50 booths selling all kinds of plants. There will also be an orchid show.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
Cedar Key Lions Seafood Festival
10 a.m.
Cedar Key City Park facebook.com/events
Celebrate Cedar Key's fishing heritage with two days of food and fun! There will be seafood, arts and crafts exhibitors, live local music and more.
Join us as we celebrate the Child Advocacy Center’s 25th Anniversary! Enjoy a wonderful evening to include a sit-down dinner, signature drinks, live music, silent and live auctions, debut of the CAC’s newest mission video, raffles & more! We’re headed back to the ranch for a fun, heart-warming evening of coming together to share in the mission of breaking the cycle of child abuse and helping more children heal. Visit www.cacgainesville.org to sponsor, purchase tickets, and/or make a donation! October 24, 2024 * 6:00 October 24, 2024 * 6:00 pm to 9:30pm pm to 9:30pm Santa Fe River Ranch Santa Fe River Ranch
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Gainesville Gone Wild West Fundraiser
6 - 9:30 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch facebook.com/events
The 16th annual Gainesville Gone Wild West fundraiser, presented by Rays of Hope Foundation, is celebrating the Child Advocacy Center, Inc.’s (CAC) 25th anniversary. There will be a buffet dinner, live music, drinks, a silent auction, a live auction and the debut of the CAC’s newest mission video!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
The Hope Weekend: Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure Times vary | Event locations vary tylershope.org
Celebrate the achievements of Tyler’s Hope and raise funds to contribute to research about Dystonia, a neurological movement disorder that affects the central nervous system with involuntary and often painful spasms of the muscles.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Tioga Movie Night: Casper
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Get outside with your friends and family and enjoy this outdoor Halloween movie. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Slightly Frightly at The Bryer Patch
2 - 10 p.m. | The Bryer Patch facebook.com/events
Enjoy a crop maze, a movie showing, farm activities, photo ops, fire pits, a costume contest, a pumpkin patch, u-pick flowers, concessions including s'mores and popcorn and more!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Trick or Treat at the Shoppes at Thornebrook
5 - 8 p.m. | Shoppes At Thornebrook facebook.com/events
Come trick or treat at the Shoppes at Thornebrook! Local vendors will be showcasing their best spooky goods as you gear up for Halloween.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Trunk or Treat with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
6 - 8 p.m. | Alachua County Sheriff’s Office facebook.com/events
For this free family-friendly Halloween event, the field next to the main entrance of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office will be decorated and ready for your kids to collect candy. No ticket required!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER, 26
7th Annual CountryWay Town Square Pro Rodeo
8 - 10 p.m. | CountryWay Town Square facebook.com/events
The 7th annual CountryWay Town Square Pro Rodeo is a boot-stomping rodeo event! There will be cowboys and cowgirls participating in barrel racing, bull riding and more.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Fourth Annual International Car Show
9 a.m. - Noon | Butler Town Center facebook.com/events
This event will feature over 120 vintage and modern cars and motorcycles with everything from Mercedes to Lamborghinis. There will also be music, vendors, awards and more. This will take place in the parking lots across the street from The Cheesecake Factory.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
20th Annual Florida Bat Festival
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Lubee Bat Conservancy lubee.org
Celebrate these winged nocturnal animals with activities and exhibits! You can also see the world’s largest bats and explore the beer garden.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's
9 a.m. | Trinity United Methodist Church act.alz.org
Raise awareness for Alzheimer’s at this annual walk. All funds raised will go toward furthering the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Mini Howl-A-Palooza presented by Grins & Giggles
2 - 4 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com
Don’t miss Mini Howl-A-Palooza, a special kids only event for kids ages 3 through 12 to wear their costumes! This event benefits the Food 4 Kids backpack program. Last year, $22,500 was donated.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
6th Annual Oktoberfest presented by Audi Gainesville
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Audi Gainesville facebook.com/events
Enjoy a day filled with authentic German food, craft beer from Swamp Head Brewery and live music by a band from Munich, Germany! All proceeds will go toward the Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida.
Explore over 200 booths set up by artists and crafters, enjoy live music and celebrate autumn at this 49th annual festival!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale
Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sun. - Wed. Noon - 6 p.m. Friends of the Library Alachua County facebook.com/events
This is the largest Friends of the Library sale in Florida! Shop for books, art, comics, manga, CDs, DVDs, records and more. All proceeds support the Alachua County Library District and area literacy projects.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue
3 - 5 p.m. | Locations vary | gainesvillefl.gov
Join the Gainesville Fire Rescue every month for family-friendly fun while learning important health and safety information and connecting with the community. Check their Facebook for updated meeting information!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Community Trunk or Treat at Jonesville Baptist Church
6 - 8 p.m. | Jonesville Baptist Church facebook.com/events
Wear your costumes and enjoy trunks with candy and prizes, games, a cake walk, face painting and more! Dinner is provided.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
Halloween
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
28th Annual Boo at the Zoo Presented by Studio32 Orthodontics
3 - 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo facebook.com/events
The whole family can enjoy a spooky and safe trick-or-treating experience! There will be a kids' zone, live entertainment by Danscompany of Gainesville, animal encounters and more. Admission per person is one non-perishable food item, which will be donated to local food banks.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Tioga Concert Night Featuring Gilly & The Girl
7 - 10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
At this Tioga Concert Night, bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live music by Gilly & The Girl!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Woofstock
6 - 10 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch humanesocietyncfl.org
The 9th annual Woofstock will have live music, food, drinks, a silent auction and more! Over the last eight years, this event has raised over $300,000 to help pets in need.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Rock the Runway at Butler Town Center
7 - 10 p.m. | Butler Town Center facebook.com/events
At this night of “fun, fashion, food and philanthropy,” enjoy the latest styles from the Shops at Butler, hors d’oeuvres, wine, champagne and an RTR signature cocktail provided by the best Butler restaurants. Donations support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Krawl'n for the Fallen
4 p.m. | The FIRM eventbrite.com
The 10th annual Krawl'n for the Fallen is an off-road event to remember, honor and respect those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 - S UNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
43rd Annual Downtown Festival and Arts Show
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza gainesvilledowntownartfest.net
This is the largest free arts and culture festival in north Florida! The streets of historic downtown Gainesville will be lined with over 200 artists, and there will be live music, performing arts and culinary art experiences.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Veteran’s Day
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Tioga Movie Night: It’s A Wonderful Life
7 - 10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center | facebook.com/events Get outside with your friends and family and get in the holiday spirit by watching “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
UF vs. LSU
3:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Annual Fall Sunflower Festival
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | The Bryer Patch facebook.com/events
Join the Bryer Patch for their “Fall on the Farm” season and annual Fall Sunflower Festival! There will be farm activities, live music, vendors and farm activities including u-pick flower fields, a crop maze, hayrides with ducks and cows, farm animal petting, photo ops, games and more.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Beyond Bourbon Gainesville
4 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch rmhcncf.org/event
Join the RMHC North Central Florida Advisory Council for their annual Beyond Bourbon Gainesville event. Enjoy an evening of fun, friends and bourbon! This year there will be a live auction, silent auction, tasting experience, competition of various bourbons, fun, food, live music and a tantalizing experience for all.
Come shop for goods as vendors line the streets of historic Downtown Alachua!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Main Street Lights: Community
Christmas Tree Lighting
5 p.m. | City Hall | newberrychristmas.com
Kick off the holiday season with this annual event! There will be holiday music performed by Newberry school choirs, a message from the mayor, a cookie walk, the traditional countdown to light the town and more.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
UF vs. Ole Miss
Noon
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Light Up Ocala
3 - 8 p.m. | Downtown Ocala | ocalafl.gov
Don't miss the 40th annual Light Up Ocala! There will be over 100 vendors, live entertainment, a holiday parade, a visit from Santa, and, of course, the lighting of downtown Ocala.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27
Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue
3 - 5 p.m. | Locations vary | gainesvillefl.gov
Join the Gainesville Fire Rescue every month for family-friendly fun while learning important health and safety information and connecting with the community. Check their Facebook for updated meeting information!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Thanksgiving
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Annual Craft Festival at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Stephen C. O’Connell Center facebook.com/events
This event showcases handmade crafts made by artisans and crafters. There will be over 200 different vendors showcasing and selling their items. This is the perfect event for holiday shopping!
