grAndPArents

Long-Distance Grandparenting Done Right

By KElly goEDE

In centuries past, families lived in close proximity to their grandparents, allowing them to play a daily role in the lives of their grandchildren. In our modern world, many families live several counties, states or even continents away from grandparents, increasing the need for creativity and ingenuity to allow them to be an active part in each other’s lives. And we live in an amazing technological time, with the Internet at our disposal and the ability to communicate at the speed of our fingers, making a close relationship with longdistance grandparents a possibility.

Keeping in touch between visits is key. Try some of these ideas to keep the grandparent/ grandchild relationship up to speed.

• Although living in this fast-paced world, our children can still be taught to appreciate the value of writing a letter or coloring a picture and sending it through snail mail to their grandparents. And receiving something in the mail in return is a thrill for any child. Postcards are also fun, inexpensive and perfect for a quick update.

• If your child has a special stuffed animal or toy, he can send it to animal or toy, he can send it to

Grandma to have her photograph it Grandma to have her photograph it having adventures where she having adventures where she normally visits. The photos normally visits. The photos can be emailed or snail mailed back to your child.

• Grandparents can also send a disposable camera, encouraging the grandkids to snap photos of their favorite friends and pets. Then, when it gets mailed back and the pictures are developed, the kids and Grandma have a long list of topics to discuss and share.

• These days, those conversations aren’t just limited to phone calls. Skype,

FaceTime, and Google Talk are all video chatting services that allow face-to-face communication through the Internet. While video chatting, grandparents can also read books and sing songs with their grands.

• The Internet also offers many kid-friendly games that grandparents and grandkids can play together, offering a shared experience, even if it isn’t in the same room or even the same state.

• Embracing social media has been a fabulous tool for grandparents to stay on top of the daily lives of their grandkids.

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all provide a platform for staying connected with friends and family, and this holds true for grandparents as well. Children may be too young to call Grandma and

Grandpa on their own, but Mom or Dad can easily update Facebook and keep everyone informed.

No matter the method, grandparents score big points with their grandkids when they reach out in a meaningful and genuine way, even from far away. Regularly checking in and inquiring about what is important to the grandkids will not require anything fancy, and the payoff will be a loving and lasting relationship that grandparents and their grandchildren will cherish.  grandparent resourcesMORE!

grandparents.com is a wonderful resource for grandparents to fi nd ideas and tips for having a fuller relationship with their grandkids, no matter how far apart they live.

If the Internet isn’t your speed, check out “Totally Cool Grandparenting:

A Practical Handbook of Tips, Hints & Activities for the Modern

Grandparent,” by leslie linsley and

“Great Ideas for Grandkids! 150 Ways to Entertain, Educate and Enjoy Your Grandchildren—Without

Setting Foot in a Toy Store!” by Peggy epstein.

"grandchildren don’t stay young forever, which is good because Pop-Pops have only so many horsey rides in them. " – gene Perret

Sail into Summer!

Whether you’re spending lazy family days by the pool, hiking newfound trails or gearing up for an all-out boating excursion, our summertime tips and tidbits are sure to keep you safe while having fun this summer!

Photos By lIFEPRInts PhotogRaPhy | stylED By gIgglE MagaZInE

Warmer weather and the end of the school  KEEP EVERYTHING SHIPSHAPE year signal the start of the family When you board the boat, have everyone stow their boating season. Boating offers one gear and any water toys away neatly. Be sure there of the best ways for parents to escape the are no loose lines, mops, buckets, etc., on deck that distractions of everyday life and share someone might trip over. their enjoyment of nature with their children. However, it’s important for ‘ HAVE A PRE-CRUISE CHECK parents – especially those new to The adult who is driving the boat should boating – to follow a few basic give the kids a safety lesson before safety steps that will help leaving the dock. Make it a point to tell make the experience more them there can only be one captain, enjoyable for the whole and it’s important to follow his family. orders quickly and quietly. Set The Sea Tow Foundation, running or sitting on the side a 501[c][3] nonprofit rails, foredeck, aft sunpad organization dedicated or swim platform when the to boating safety and boat is under way. education, offers the following tips for ’ CHECK THE RADIO boating with kids. Be sure everyone Œ LIFE JACKETS operate the boat’s SAVE LIVES VHF radio in case Be sure all kids on board are wearing a life jacket whenever the boat is moving. This is not just sound advice; it’s BOAT SAFETY 101 of an emergency. Sea Tow’s free Automated Radio Check service shows the kids how to key the microphone and talk the law. The U.S. 10 TipS For BoATing SAFely WiTh KidS over the VHF, and it also Coast Guard requires lets you confirm the radio that all children under 13 years is in good working order. Visit seatow.com/boatingof age wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is safety/automated-radio-checks to find the automated radio being operated, unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin. check channel in your boating area.

 MAKE SURE IT FITS Children’s life jackets come in different sizes appropriate to the child’s body weight. Make sure you have one that fits each child onboard, and that the kids haven’t outgrown their life jackets over the winter. Infant life jackets have a strap that runs between the legs and extra flotation behind the head to ensure the baby floats face up at all times. Keep an extra child’s life jacket on hand in case a friend comes along.

Ž THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS Kids often complain about having to wear their life jackets on board. Get them “invested” in theirs by letting them pick it out for themselves. Be a good role model. If the kids see you wearing your life jacket, they’ll be more likely to willingly wear theirs.

 SAFETY STARTS IN THE PARKING LOT Get the kids in the habit of putting on sunblock, a hat and their life jacket even before you walk down to the boat. That way, they’ll be ready for the outing and protected if they accidentally tumble off the dock into the water. a few basic rules, including no knows how to

In 2007, Sea Tow Founder and CEO Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer created the Sea Tow Foundation to promote safe boating practices. The Foundation’s goal is to reduce accidents, fatalities and property damage related to recreational boating. For more information, please visit boatingsafety.com. “ DESIGNATE A FIRST MATE Kids will get a bigger kick out of a boat trip if you make them your First Mates. Before you leave, show them where you’re going on a chart. While under way, have them keep a lookout for marker buoys. Teach older kids how to work the chart plotter and find your GPS coordinates.

” TOW FOR TWO When you tow kids behind the boat on inflatable water toys, water skis or a wakeboard, be sure to designate an adult to be the official watcher, keeping his eyes on the towed rider at all times. Teach the kids hand signals they can use to tell you to speed up, go slower or stop. Be sure they wear their life jackets while skiing, boarding or riding.

• PLACES, PLEASE! Give the kids assigned seats on the boat while docking, so they don’t accidentally block the driver’s view. Make sure they know to keep their fingers and toes inside during this process!

These basic guidelines will help you ensure everyone stays safe on board. But the most important tip for your family boating adventure is this: Have fun out there! 

By nIcolE IRVIng anD aPRIl tIshER

Enough children drown each year in Florida to fill three to four preschool classrooms. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 in Florida. Florida’s drowning death rate among children ages 1-4 is the highest in the nation. From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2013, at least 202 children between the ages of 1 and 14 drowned in a swimming pool or spa in the United States.

Living in Florida has its perks for our active families. We have yearround sun, surf and sand. We attend pool parties in October. There are a plethora of springs and rivers for kayaking, beautiful intercoastal waterways for cruising and abundant ponds for fishing.

With that, comes the reality…we are surrounded by water and are at a great risk of being personally affected by an unintentional drowning. Drowning is silent, it is deadly and it can happen in any body of water, including your own bathtub. It can happen to anyone…young or old. Still, it can be prevented.

There are several safety steps that must be taken to reduce the chances of a drowning. No child, or anyone for that matter, is ever “drown-proof!”

BarrIers:

Install a safety fence around pools and use it all the time! No exceptions. Have it inspected every year and have broken or loose pieces fixed immediately. Ensure that latches to screen doors or doors leading to a water area are high so that children cannot easily reach them. Use alarms on windows and doors leading to the area.

aCTIVe suPerVIsIon:

Do not allow older children to “watch” younger ones around water. Designate an adult supervisor to watch children. That person cannot be on the phone, reading or distracted in anyway. If having a large pool party, hire a lifeguard.

CPr:

Learn proper CPR techniques and always have a phone nearby for emergencies.

swIM InsTruCTIon:

Swimming lessons are readily available for all levels, from 0-99 years old. Invest in teaching your family members to float, swim and the many safe swim practices that all swimmers should know.

waTer rules:

Create family water rules and post them for all to see. Some of our recommendations are: • No running around the pool.

No pushing others into the pool or off the boat.

No “crying wolf” or pretending to drown.

No pulling anyone under the water.

If jumping and diving are permitted, make sure the water is more than 9 feet deep.

Look for other swimmers and objects in the water before you jump in.

PreCauTIons:

Empty kiddie pools, buckets, etc., and keep them stored upside down so they don’t become a potential drowning hazard. Check all drain covers for proper fitting and fix immediately if needed.

É For more tips and recommendations, visit National Drowning Prevention Alliance: ndpa.org, and Consumer Product Safety Commission: poolsafely.gov.

loCal swIM and safeTy InsTruCTIon resourCes:

City of Gainesville Little Aquatics cityofgainesville.org littleaquatics.com

Florida Heart Saver floridaheartsaver.org

Gator CPR gatorcpr.com

Gator Swim Club gatorswimclub.com

Haile Plantation Club clubcorp.com/clubs/HailePlantation-Golf-Country-Club

ISR gainesvilleswimlessons.com Makos Aquatics Club makosaquatics.com

Sebastian Ferrero Foundation (Free swim lessons each May) sebastianferrero.org

Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com

YMCA ncfymca.org

BUGGIN' OUT!

By alEXIs KIng

At long last summer is finally here! That means it’s time to get outside and have some fun. Unfortunately, outside fun can also mean a lot of encounters with bugs. Use this chart to learn what critters you may find in different areas.

ANTS Found near any food source BED BUGS Found in hotels/cabins

BEES Found near flowers/pollen

JUMPING SPIDERS Found in palm trees

TICKS Found in wooded areas

MOSQUITOES Found near lakes/creeks/standing water

PREVENTING BITES AND STINGS Although bug bites are common, they can still spoil your child’s fun. Follow these simple steps to reduce the chance of a bite and keep the good times going.

Avoid fruity and sweet perfumes on outings. Generously use bug repel spray or a natural alternative like daddy’s All Natural Anti-Bug Spray. Wear child-safe bug repellent wristbands like Mosquitno Bands. Light citronella candles to repel mosquitoes and other fl ying insects. Post bug repellent lanterns like ThermaCELL’s Mosquito Repellent Outdoor Lantern around campsites, backyards and patios.

FIRST AID Any time children play in the great outdoors they are at risk of being bitten or stung. While most bug bites just lead to a little itching, others can cause some serious health issues.

Disclaimer: Before starting or trying any new treatment, medication, lotion or the like, consult your physician. Check out these tips to help your little ones get back out there after a bite.

Ant Bites: Wash the area with soap and water, then swab the bite with alcohol. To keep the kiddos from itching, make a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the bite and cover with gauze.

Bee Stings: Always begin by checking the area for a stinger that may have been left behind. If it is there, gently remove the stinger. Wash the area with soap and water, then apply a cool compress for a few minutes. If the area is very irritated, you can apply a corticosteroid to help the healing process.

Spider Bites: First try to identify what type of spider caused the bite. Describe the spider to your doctor to determine if the bite needs medical attention. If the bite just needs fi rst aid, wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to soothe any irritation or pain.

Ticks: Firmly grasp the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Pull steadily away from the body until the tick releases the skin. Because many ticks carry Lyme disease, it is important to save the tick in a plastic bag and meet with your doctor as soon as possible. 

STAY BUG-FREE!

Mosquitno Bandz All-natural, non-toxic wristbands made of silicone rubber infused with 100 percent citronella oil. Available at mosquitnoband. com. Price: $3.99.

daddy’s Anti-Bug Spray Chemical-free spray made using only natural ingredients. Available at daddyncompany. com. Price: $9.95.

ThermaCell Mosquito repellent outdoor lantern Compact, portable and odorfree lantern provides light and protection from fl ying insects in a full 15x15 foot area. Available at thermacell.com. Price: $31.99.

p Handcrafted Anchor Serving Bowls these colorful bowls are perfect for every day or your next summer dinner party. coton-colors.com. $85.95 for the set of two.

p Cast Iron Anchor Hook Hey, p Red, White and Blue Dog Collar adorn Fido with this fun anchor collar this summer. old navy. $5.94. Incorporate a maritime vibe in any room with this great accent piece. hobbylobby.com. $5.99. q Anchor Casual Crew Socks Bring a nautical touch to your Sailor! everyday wear with Merona’s decorative socks. target. $3. Bring a little bit of the coast to your life with these great nautical inspired products.

t Row Boat Salad Bowl use this nautical polished aluminum bowl with carved sheesham utensils to make a splash at your next cookout! uncommongoods.com. $65.

t Nautical Anchor Large Candle Relax with the tranquil scent of this alex and ani candle. Down to Earth. $28.

t Knit Baby Hat this adorable baby hat is made to order with a variety of yarn colors to choose from. ninishandmades.etsy.com. $23.

p Anchor Note Cards send a quick hello with these classic nautical note cards. target. $4.99. target. $4.99.

p Patterned Whales Stickersp Patterned Whales Stickers have fun with these cute nautical have fun with these cute nautical themed stickers. available at target. 99¢.

t Suri the Octopus and Friends Teething Toys these nautical teething toys are free of plastics, phthalates and BPa! Mayapplebaby.com. $22.99.

p Personalized Charm Bracelet choose your own fun, beautiful charms to create a one-of-a-kind nauticalthemed bracelet. lang Jewelers. charms starting at $25.

What should I know about boating and fi shing licenses?

A. Before venturing out on the water this summer, remember to obtain the necessary registrations and licenses. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, most Florida residents attempting to fish in fresh or saltwater are required to obtain a fishing license. Exemptions to the rule are children under the age of 16 and resident seniors who are 65 or older. The cost for an annual saltwater fishing license is $17 and the cost for both a salt and freshwater annual license combined is $32. Other prices are listed on their website at myfwc.com/license/recreational/saltwater-fishing/.

All vessels, with the exception of non-motor-powered vessels less than 16 feet in length, non-motor-powered canoes, kayaks, racing shells or rowing sculls, regardless of length, must be registered through your local tax collector’s office. Florida does not require a boating license and while there is no minimum age to operate a boat, those younger than 22 need a Boating Safety Education ID Card.

BOATING CHECK LIST

By nIcolE gERMany

Whether you’re planning an afternoon on the boat with the family or a voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, it’s always important to be prepared when sailing any body of water. Here is a list of must-have items when boating. • Life jackets for every person • Boat radio • Whistle or air horn • Flares • Fire extinguisher • Boating registration and fishing license • Plenty of fuel • Dock lines and anchor lines • First aid kit • Water • Crackers • Sunscreen • Hat • Sunglasses • Fishing poles & bait Fishing poles & bait Giggle Tip! Keep your little ones protected with kid-friendly sunblock like australian gold's hello Kitty sunscreen line.

FEELING A LITTLE green?

Even though the open sea can be peaceful for many of us, for some it’s the complete opposite. Seasickness is another term for motion sickness, which is caused by the change of one’s balance and equilibrium. The nausea you feel on a boat may lead to dizziness, vomiting and sweating, and can sometimes be avoided by taking an over-the-counter medicine like Dramamine. Before traveling on longer trips at sea, seeing a doctor for a prescription patch is also an effective way to help reduce symptoms. One of the worst things you can do when feeling seasick is to lie down and close your eyes. It’s important to focus on the horizon or a fixed point. Staying outside of the cabin where fresh air is circulating is the best way to keep from feeling rough on the rocky seas.