Giggle Magazine August/September 2011

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

FAMILY

don't miss our top

backpack + lunch box picks!

MAGAZINE

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AUG/SEPT 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 4

BACK-TOSCHOOL MONEY SAVING TIPS!

balancing work + life for moms

Dads!

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Our simple ideas for getting involved at school

easy

lunch ideas

a look inside

special

back

the new pediatric ER

scho issu

ol

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to

1 www.gigglemag.com

magazine • aug/sept 2011

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magazine • aug/sept 2010

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PUBLISHER Nicole Irving ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Alison Walker ART DIRECTOR Leslie Vega GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mark Archer COPY EDITOR Dana Kamp FOOD CONTRIBUTOR Jennifer Cordova CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Wendy Joysen, Chris Wilson, Helen Kornblum, Dana Kamp, Christina Vila, Kelsey McNiel, Lindsay Taulbee, Janet Groene, Stephanie Thomas, Tamara Herchel, Stella Harbilas, APR, Lindsey Karlin Mirabel, PT, DPT, Susan Kruger CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Laurel Housden Photography INTERNS Allen Haynes, Paul Flagg, Kelly Boudreau, Jessica Stoun

Mission Statement giggle magazine is a modern and refreshing magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. With our sole purpose of keeping families and communities connected, giggle magazine will keep readers intrigued, informed and inspired, with up to date information and heartwarming stories.

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in giggle magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission.

Opinions expressed by giggle writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. giggle magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

irvingpublications MAILING ADDRESS

PHYSICAL ADDRESS

5745 SW 75th Street 9127 SW 52nd Ave Unit 286 Suite D-102 Gainesville, FL 32608 Gainesville, FL 32608 p. 352.505.5821 f. 352.240.6499 gigglemag.com advertise@irvingpublications.com giggle magazine is registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. giggle magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. © 2011

al ac h ua

co u n t y’s

P R E M IE R

FaM Ily

dd

M aGaZIn E

al achua

count y’s

f

delic yd holida ies! ious

cook

TM

DEC/JAN 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 6

the peace akeeping with the family during the holidays it’s potty training time! creative gift

wrapping ideas!

PREMIER

FaMIly

Members of

MaGaZInE

®

®

h a p p y fa mily • h a p p y co mmu n it y

happy family • happy community T M

afamily-friendly tailgating

AUG/SEPT 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 4

the Doerings

family spotlight

back to school countdown

for the love of

the arts plus!

school uniforms

in Alachua County

it’s Football season !

www.gigglemag.com

www.gigglemag.com

ADDY AWARD WINNERS

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magazine • aug/sept 2010

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Aug*Sept 2011

happy family • happy community

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columns 36 ALL KIDDING ASIDE

Tough questions answered about kids, family, school, parenting, and everything in between

44 ORGANIZED SOLUTIONS

Professional organizer Helen Kornblum helps us find easy ways to keep our busy family lives organized

in every issue

36

24 LOCAL LIFE SAVERS

Easy lunch box ideas 25 GIGGLE STAMP

Top pick backpacks + lunch boxes 27 FOR DADS, BY DADS

Getting involved with school activities 35 WHY I LOVE RAISING MY

FAMILY IN GAINESVILLE 40 IN THE KITCHEN

Favorite children's cookbooks

55 GIGGLE DOLLARS

The entreprenuer family 57 CONCEPTION TO COLLEGE

58 Pregnancy | Your Birth Plan

60 Infants & Toddlers | Pacifier vs.

Thumb

62 The Early Years | Online Safety

64 Tweens | Report Cards

66 Teens | Time Management Tips 69 GIGGLE TRIPS

giggle Trips takes you boating

features 10 The New Shands Pediatric ER

13 It's Back-to-School!

14 School Bus Safety 16 Back-to-school Countdown 20 Money-Saving Tips for School Supplies 22 School Uniform Policy Reminders

Baby Safety

p.25our favorite

IS ISS

UE • PLEA

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backpacks + lunch boxes!

YC L E T H

UE • PLEA

ISS

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

FAMILY

MAGAZINE

don't miss our top

backpack + lunch box picks!

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AUG/SEPT 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 4

47 MASTERING THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

REC

ALACHUA

41 CELEBRATE HISPANIC

HERITAGE MONTH

52 30 Days of

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BACK-TOSCHOOL MONEY SAVING TIPS!

balancing work + life for moms

47

Dads!

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Our simple ideas for getting involved at school

easy

lunch ideas

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baceckial scho to

a look inside

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the new pediatric ER

issu

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giggle magazine • aug/sept 2011 1 www.gigglemag.com

Photo courtesy of Laurel Housden Photography Photo taken at St. Francis Catholic High School

S

If you live in Alachua County and are interested in receiving giggle magazine for free, visit our web site at gigglemag.com to subscribe now! giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2011

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REC

YC L E T H

IS

Letter from the Publisher

I

t's time to sharpen those pencils, stock up on pb & jelly and set the alarm clocks as another school year has approached us. Summer time fun is behind us. And what a great summer it was!

This summer Gainesville became the home to the new Shands Pediatric ER. What an amazing addition to this community. So many people came together to make this a reality for our children. We were there on ribbon-cutting day and had a guided tour of this beautiful state-of-the-art facility. As parents, we were in awe of how family- and child-friendly it was and almost forgot for a minute that this is a place we hope we never have to visit with our little ones. Thank you to everyone who has made this dream a reality.

This fall my middle son will be starting kindergarten.

I can't believe how fast time has flown by. It just seems like yesterday that I brought him home to join our family. Today he is a ball of never-ending energy who is ready to take on the world. To all those parents who will be taking this journey with me...Good Luck!!!

in our next issue Keep your eye out for our

October*November issue!

House Rules

Trick-or-Treat Accessories Leftover Turkey Recipes

Giving Thanks

Start with our 21-day countdown to a great start to school.

This will help you get prepared and set up your strategy for first-day success. Then, move on to our piece on school bus safety. It covers important information if you will be experiencing your child’s first bus ride journey.

Next, as you start out on your back-to-school shopping adventure, read over our tips on how to save a little cash in the process. Nothing beats saving money! And, just as a friendly reminder, we highlighted the Alachua County uniform policy.

Back-to-school in Alachua County also brings Gator football. We give you the best tailgating tips for you and your four-legged friend. And, don’t forget to paste our UF Football schedule on your fridge for easy access.

We are also so excited to say that we have teamed up once again with Sweat Life Fitness to bring you our “Big Weight Loss Challenge #2." If you think you would like to be a part of this awesome adventure, please go to www. gigglemag.com today to apply!

The fall is a busy time, but also a time for new adventures, new friends and new “Kodak” memories. Parents: stay calm, stay focused and stay in the moment… because these fun times shall too pass quickly!

Happy Fall!

aNicole Publisher

giggle mag news {register now!}

Wi men!

for your chance to win

babysitting for one child

during every home Gator game this season!

Registration deadline is August 19, 2011.

Visit www.gigglemag.com for more details.

oopsy daisy!: Our baby shower recipes, featured in our June/July 2011 issue, were contributed by Jennifer Cordova.

follow giggle!

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Photo by Laurel Housden Photography

The first day of school is always special. Newly-pressed outfits, crisp white paper and sharpened pencils are ready and waiting to make their debut. Friends are reunited as if not a day went by without seeing each other and new friendships are on the horizon. For us parents, the first day of school is like the calm before the storm. Soccer practice, tests, study groups, science projects, homework, carpooling and juggling multiple schedules are all in our forecast.

But do not worry, we are here to help.

Our back-to-school issue has been created to help prepare you for an organized, calm and fun school year.

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

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new

pediatric ER

takes the lead in streamlining pediatric care

BY LINDSAY TAULBEE Photos by Maria Farias/University of Florida

Who knew a trip to the emergency room could be so much fun?

On a hazy morning in June, families from around the region came out for a preview of the new Pediatrics After Hours and Pediatric Emergency Room at Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida. Caribbean music played while children and their parents explored the newly renovated, nautically themed space, which opened officially on July 1.

The open house was a great opportunity for children to encounter the ER on a less intimidating level, said Registered Nurse Practitioner Wendy McGriff, of the pediatric surgery department.

“They seem excited,” she said. “They’re looking to play with all the equipment we have. It makes it a less scary experience.” Tying in with the underwater theme, McGriff was decked out in blue scrubs and a jellyfish-inspired hat, complete with long, iridescent tentacles.

Hailey Oswalt, 8, of Gainesville, had been to the ER once before,

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needing 10 stitches after a dog bite. “It was so scary because it was with all the adults,” said her mom, Jane, who works for Shands.

“With children, everything is so big. Being able to see it in a nonstressful situation [helps counteract that].”

Outside in the ambulance bay, clowns, jugglers and Albert the Alligator provided entertainment. Kids climbed into the orange and blue pediatric ambulance, where members of the ShandsCair Flight Teams explained the life-saving technology inside.

Indoors, meanwhile, games and play areas were set up to greet visitors as they meandered among the wave-like silhouettes on the walls, porthole windows on the doors, and pictures of fish, sea turtles and dolphins throughout. Two saltwater aquariums have also since been installed.

The space, located at the east entrance of Shands on the north side of Archer Road, caters specifically to pint-sized patients and their unique needs, doctors said. Low-dose radiation equipment, for instance, is more suitable for little bodies. On the flip side, the area is not cluttered with machines typically used just for adults, Pediatric

The nursing station is equipped with the latest monitoring technology and is decorated with beach themed photos.

After Hours and it turns out they need an X-ray, they can go right down the hall, resulting in faster treatment. “It’s just a good team effort, just a win-win situation for everyone,” Dr. Tuli said.

For both the ER and Peds After Hours, free valet parking is available for the vehicle bringing the patient. Visitors can park in the East Parking Garage off Newell Drive and Archer Road for a small fee.

The renovated facilities will allow Shands to treat up to 24,000 pediatric emergency patients each year, compared to the past year’s 14,000. In the last 12 months, Shands has treated children from around the country, including 61 counties in Florida and 33 in Georgia. Fifty-six percent of their pediatric patients come from Alachua County.

The new ER was funded in part by a $500,000 donation from the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. Founders Horst and Luisa Ferrero, along with their son, Sergio, 5, were in attendance at the open house. Other generous supporters of this project include the Dance Marathon ($750,000), the Children’s Miracle Network ($550,000), Leo and Nola Flowers ($484,000 estate gift), and Kay Davison ($100,000). In addition, numerous Shands employees and UF faculty and staff members have contributed funds toward the renovation of the hospital space.

Those interested in donor opportunities at Shands can contact the Shands HealthCare Office of Development at (352) 2657237. New or gently used books, DVDs and games for pediatric patients are also welcomed. b

helpfeul phon rs numbe

Donors and leaders gather for Pediatric ER at Shands ribboncutting on June 22, 2011.

ER Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Light said. “We don’t need to walk around other things that we don’t need to take care of our children.”

There are also two waiting rooms – “Red Fish” and “Blue Fish” – to separate children with infectious diseases from ones who aren’t contagious, such as those with cuts or broken bones. “Those are kids that are well except for their injury,” Dr. Light said. “You don’t want them to leave with a little present from us.”

Other features include a conscious-sedation room, and flat-screen televisions and DVD players in each of the 13 patient rooms. The ER is open 24 hours daily for children age 17 and under.

The ER also shares space with Pediatrics After Hours, which relocated from the Shands Medical Plaza. Peds After Hours provides appointment-only evening and weekend services for patients who already see a pediatrician in Gainesville. “For the families it’s going to be a lot more convenient,” said Dr. Sanjeev Tuli, chief of ambulatory pediatrics. For example, if a child goes to Peds

For more information about Shands Hospital for Children, call 352.265.KIDS. To make an appointment at Pediatrics After Hours, call 352.265.0724.

Impacting Education In Our Community

Presents

A Night In The BIG Apple For Education Sunday, September 18, 2011 5pm - 9pm, Dinner Served 6pm

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville

1714 SW 34th Street Gainesville, Florida 32607 Ticket price $75 per person on or before Sept 5th. $100 per person after Sept 5th.

Call 352-955-7003 for more details.

www . acpsf . org / educationball Proceeds benefit the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation, Inc

Sponsors m a r ke t i n g M U D it sticks!

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backto school

school bus safety • countdown to 1st day • money saving tips

Do you have backpacks, lunch boxes, school supplies and uniforms on your mind?

It can only mean that it’s back-to-school time! You and your family are probably feeling excited about all the new things the beginning of a school year brings: new teachers, new friends and maybe even a new school! But, it’s only natural to feel a little overwhelmed and anxious at

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

the same time. Meet us at the bus stop and let’s take that bumpy ride into the season of alarm clocks, homework and pop quizzes together!

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magazine • augt/sept 2011

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backto

school

school

bus safety tips for drivers & riders

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BY LINDSAY TAULBEE

W

hen school resumes this August, more than 150 school buses will take to the streets, carrying approximately 14,000 Alachua County students each day. For some parents, letting their children ride the bus is a difficult decision.

“Am I concerned?” asks Bob Gee, of Gainesville.

“Absolutely.” His sons Robbie, 15, and Riley, 9, both ride the bus. He admits he’s not entirely comfortable with it.

Gee cites news stories from across the country of school bus accidents, bus drivers caught texting while driving and children kidnapped walking home from the bus stop.

Taking the bus to school does carry some risks. Review the following precautions with your child – and take a refresher course yourself – as you prepare for the new school year.

 Look Around

“Be vigilant,” says Harrell Harrison, director of transportation for the Alachua County School Board.

Children should pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Remind children to watch for cars, and to stay out of the street when they are waiting for the bus – three giant steps away from the road is a good rule of thumb.

 Don’t Cut Corners

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Students should be advised not to take shortcuts to the bus stop. “They need to stay in the open where people can see them and know that they’re safe,” Harrison says.

He also urges parents to fill out a request for transportation, available at their child’s school, if they haven’t done so already. This lets the School Board know who needs to be picked up, and where. The shorter the walk to the bus stop, the less likely a child is to encounter trouble. Gee says in his experience the bus drivers also help in that regard. “They do adjust their pick-up and drop-off points to try to get [the children] closer to home,” he says.

 It Goes Both Ways

Harrison emphasizes that young children, especially those riding the bus for the first time, should be allowed to ride both to and from school to become familiar with their stop and bus driver. Once in a while, a child will still be on the bus at the end of the route because he didn’t know where to get off. This can be a nerve-racking experience for children and parents alike.

Tell your child not to panic if this happens to them; the bus driver will make sure they get home. Harrison recommends

did you know?

school bus drivers across Florida recorded almost 9,000 illegal school bus passings in a single day.

be

aware! having elementary-age children carry some sort of identification that includes their name, address and phone number to help the driver know how to get them home as quickly as possible.

 Look in the Mirror

Just as youngsters should be aware of vehicles in the road, drivers need to be on the lookout for children, especially in school zones and around school buses. In a survey conducted earlier this year by the Florida Department of Education, school bus drivers across Florida recorded almost 9,000 illegal school bus passings in a single day.

So what are the rules? It is illegal to pass when the bus is stopped and the red lights are flashing. If you are travelling in the opposite direction, you must stop unless there is a raised barrier or a five-foot raised median between you and the bus. Take special care in school zones, and be prepared for the school bus to stop when approaching railroad crossings.

In the end, parents can take comfort in knowing that riding the bus is relatively safe. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, less than 1 percent of all fatal crashes since 2000 were classified as school-transportation related. Bumps and bruises do occasionally occur, Harrison says. But in the four years he has held his current position, there have been no major injuries in Alachua County. “Kids are very rarely ever hurt,” he says. Before school starts, make time to talk to your children about guidelines for riding the bus to ensure a smooth ride and a safe year. b

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

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school

backto

21

Days to BACK-TOSCHOOL

Bliss

BY SUSAN KRUGER

G

earing up for back-to-school can be a bit overwhelming; there is a lot to do, a lot of transitions to navigate, and often a sense of blues as the realization that summer has, once again, gone by too fast. However, you can easily turn back-to-school anxieties into positive anticipation for a great school year with the following action plan. Plug these steps into your calendar right now and see what a difference they can make!

ONE week before school

Week of Preparation Day 1 (seven days before school): Ease into a “school” bed-time schedule. Slowly transitioning into a “school” sleep schedule ensures proper rest and encourages a positive attitude toward going back to school.

Day 3: Create a place for everything, so everything will be in its place. Designate one basket for each child to store his shoes, book bags, and jackets. Give each child a container filled with standard homework supplies that can be transported from, for example, the kitchen to the computer room.

Finally, establish a place for each child to store extra papers from school - a section of your file cabinet or a designated box under his bed.

Day 4: Purchase supplies. Keep the supplies minimal and simple. Fancy folders and notebooks are bulky and hard for students to use. The best system to use is a one-inch binder with a plastic folder for each class, keeping all folders in one place.

1ST

week

Week of Routines

Day 7 (night before school): Have a “Sunday Night Meeting” every week! All OF members of the family should grab their school planners/calendars for a 10-15 minute “meeting.” Ask your children what they have scheduled for the week (such as sports practices), share

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Day 8: Establish a routine for papers that need your attention. Purchase magnetic clips for each child and post them on the refrigerator. Have your children clip papers here that you need to fill out, sign, etc. (Expect to spend four hours filling out back-to-school papers this week.)

Day 10: Get ready for school at night, before you go to bed.

Avoid chaotic mornings and forgotten school supplies by having everyone pack up their homework, book bags, lunch/ lunch money, etc. before they go to bed. They should also set out their clothes, shoes, and jacket at night.

Day 11: Is everyone using their school planners? All students need to use a homework planner! Check planners every night until they are part of everyone’s routine.

Day 12: Clean out book bags once a week. Cluttered book bags are the root cause of lost assignments and must be cleaned out regularly. (The Sunday Night Meeting is another good time to do this.)

2ND Week of Cooperation week Day 14: Hold your second “Sunday Night OF school

Meeting” of the school year.

Day 15: Give each child a choice about something today. The more you can give your children choices, the more cooperation you will get from them, especially when doing homework. Some choices may include giving two options for dinner or two different times to do their homework. When you give choices -and honor their choices- your children feel empowered and will be much more cooperative.

Day 18: Catch your children being good today! Improve cooperation by giving compliments to your children. Keep them specific and succinct (most children are embarrassed by mushy-gushy compliments). For example, “Thank you, Kristen, for coming home and starting your homework right away. I appreciate that.” Positive praise works wonders!

Day 21: Give yourself a break! Congratulations, you have survived the first two weeks of school and you are well on your way to a happy, productive school year. Celebrate by scheduling some time for yourself. You deserve it! (c) 2008 Susan Kruger, All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. Susan Kruger, M.Ed. is a Certified Teacher and the author of the book SOAR(r) Study Skills. Her exclusive Homework Rx(r) Toolkit at http://www.soarstudyskills.com/toolkit/index.html includes 25 Ways to Make Homework Easier...Tonight!, Homework Scorecard, Homework Inventory for Parents and a free subscription to the Homework Rx(r) eNewsletter to help you and your child enjoy homework success.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Day 6: Set goals with your children. Help your children look forward to the new school year by having each person (including you) share at least two goals for the new school year: one academic goal and one “fun” goal.

your plans for the week (children like to know what to expect, so tell them if you will have a late night at the office or will have to attend a meeting at school), arrange rides home from after-school activities, etc. Your week will be much less chaotic because everyone will be on the same page!

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The 3rd Annual

Benefiting the Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County Hosted by Davis and Judi Rembert Rembert Farm in Alachua Sunday, October 16th 4:00pm-8:00pm

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magazine • june/july 2011

19

school

backto

backto-school

money saving

tips!

Supply shopping is in full gear. Why not save a little on all those must-haves for the new school year. Follow these no fail steps to save money while getting everything checked off your list!

take an inventory Before going shopping, go through your home stash of art supplies, crayons, scissors and notebooks. You might be surprised by how many extra pencils you have laying around the house.

Consider splitting large packs with friends so you can both save money without having to find space to store your overflow supplies! A

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KEEP LUNCHES

simple.

A Plan ahead and shop for the week.

A Use recyclable containers to save on plastic bags.

A Buy whole fruit and cut up yourself.

A Make sure to always pack lunch with an ice pack. This will keep food fresh and save on waste.

For those items you know the kids will be using all year, buy in bulk at your local warehouse stores.

Notebooks Lined Paper Construction Paper Copy Paper Highlighters Erasers

Pens Pencils Folders 3-ring Binders Dividers Printer Cartridges

stay organized Set up a designated spot for all school supplies. Label containers and shelves so that things remain organized. Take a periodic inventory, so that when you start running low, you can replenish without needing to make a midnight run to Wal-Mart for a notebook.

uniform exchange For those that attend schools where uniforms are required, see if you can set up a “uniform swap” with other parents with older/younger kids. This way, you can get gently used uniform pieces for nothing.

stick to the list By sticking to the recommended shopping list given out by the school/teacher, you can save time and money.

buy for

next year

just

carpool!

coupons are your friend.

Coupons are free money. Start clipping, downloading and printing early.

Make sure to check expiration dates and special conditions.

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© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

A Buy favorite non-perishable foods in bulk.

tip!

G buy in bulk | bulk checklist

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magazine • aug/sept 2010

21

school

backto

Alachua County School Uniform W

ith the new school year upon us, don’t forget to check the list of do’s and don’ts before you go clothes shopping to make sure you have the appropriate wardrobe for school.

The Alachua County School Uniform Policy applies to all students in kindergarten through the twelfth grade.

policy remind e

rs!

Basic Uniform for Girls • Long or short-sleeved solid colored collared blouse or polo shirt (may have a small manufacturer’s logo).

• Plain solid colored skirt, pants, walking shorts, jumpers, or skorts of corduroy, cotton, twill or denim fabric. Capris may also be worn.

• Jeans must be solid color, without color trims, embroidery or other decorations.

• Dresses can be worn, but they must also be solid colored, the appropriate length and have short or long sleeves.

• Leggings may be worn underneath a skirt.

• If tights are worn, they must be solid color.

Basic Uniform for Boys • Long or short-sleeved solid colored collared shirt (may have a small manufacturer’s logo).

• Plain solid colored pants or walking shorts of corduroy, cotton, twill or denim fabric.

• Jeans must be solid color, without color trims, embroidery or other decorations.

BASIC GUIDELINES FOR GIRLS AND BOYS

Basic Guidelines for Shoes • Shoes must be safe and appropriate - bedroom slippers or shoes with wheels are not permitted.

• Elementary students only: must wear shoes that are closed toe and closed heel and/or athletic shoes. Platforms, sandals, flip flops, crocs or jellies are not permitted.

Leave these at home: • Clothing that is not properly fastened • Clothing that is torn, has holes or pants that are frayed

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*note

The principal of each school may designate certain alternatives to the dress code. In addition, a particular school may have more restrictive guidelines, as approved by the school’s SAC. Each school will provide students and parents with a copy of the school’s dress code. For more information on the Alachua County School Uniform Policy, visit www.sbac.edu or contact your child’s school.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

• Clothes must be the appropriate size (not too big or too tight).

• Belts are not required; however, waistband of pants must be worn at the waist and not below.

• Shirts must cover midriff, back and sides at all times.

• Shirts must be properly fastened with no visible cleavage or undergarments.

• Shorts, skirts, jumpers, skorts or dresses shall be worn no shorter than “mid thigh” – determined by extending the arms to the sides of the body and finding the tip of the longest finger (using normal posture).

• Athletic shorts, cut-off pants, short-shorts or running shorts • Visible undergarments, sleepwear or outer garments traditionally designed as undergarments (such as boxer shorts or bras) • Outer garments or accessories (such as backpacks, jewelry and purses) which have slogans, signs, images or symbols that: Promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gang identification, weapons, or lewd sexual behavior or Denigrate or promote discrimination for or against an individual or group on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, race, religion or gender.

• Hats, headgear, or other head coverings, except when prior approval is given by the principal or designee • Body piercings, except for earrings on the ears (remove or conceal all other body piercing jewelry) • Jewelry or accessories that may be used as weapons, such as chains, spiked jewelry or arm bands • Combs, curlers or hair picks • Sunglasses inside the school building

pour heading community’s life savers for every age!

5

make it easy!

easy lunchbox

ideas

BY DANA KAMP

The sound of that familiar school bell will soon confirm the start of the new school year. As we return to our morning routines, after-school activities and nightly homework, we also revisit the task of packing a healthy, quick and yummy lunch for our little ones. While PB&J might be their favorite, changing things up every now and then can be fun and will take that monotonous feeling out of lunch time.

Here are five easy, non-PB&J ideas for your child’s lunch box.

Roll-ups with pretzel sticks|Your choice of sliced lunch meat and cheese, rolled together and skewered with a pretzel stick is a simple alternative to the everyday sandwich. Add a cup of yogurt (we like to dip the pretzels in the yogurt) and sliced strawberries and you’re set.

English muffin pizza| These easy

personal pizzas are a hit in our house. Spread diced tomatoes or tomato sauce on an open English muffin, place halves together and wrap in plastic wrap or a reusable cloth. In a small container or baggie put shredded cheese and toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or pineapple. Let your little chef build his own pizza at the lunch table. A container of carrot sticks or sliced cucumber with a dip, such as hummus or ranch salad dressing, makes this a fun, hands-on meal.

penne or spiral, create a main dish that is easy to gobble up. Add small slices of cucumber, tomatoes, celery, bell pepper or broccoli for some added nutrition and color.

This can easily be made ahead of time and stored in ready-to-go containers in the fridge.

Rice and bean burrito|My little ones like anything that is “rolled up,” so this is a great choice for a healthy lunch. Choose black beans or pinto beans, 24 giggle

Soup and crackers|Grab a thermos or a hot and cold bowl (I found ours at Target) and serve your child’s favorite soup for a warm, nourishing lunch. Goldfish crackers and cheese cubes are fun to dunk! Blueberries or grapes (sliced if you have a preschooler) complete this healthy lunch variation.

lunch

box

A Put juice boxes in the freezer and take one out in the morning when packing your child’s lunch. A reusable bottle can be filled half full and frozen, then filled up in the morning. Both of these can be used as cold packs and will thaw by lunchtime.

tips!

ACut a tiny snip in granola bar wrappers or make a small cut in the peel of an orange so little hands can open them independently.

ASlice fruit and veggies on Sunday and separate into reusable containers so they’re easy to grab and pack on busy mornings.

ADrop a wet wipe into your child’s lunch box in case there’s no time to wash hands before sitting down to eat. 

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Pasta salad|Bite-size pasta, such as bow-tie,

yellow rice or white rice, salsa or sour cream. However you stuff your tortilla, it is sure to be a winner. Pack melon wedges or pineapple chunks for a sweet treat.

W

LOV

E IT.

W E

•

US

W

E

US

•

E IT

E IT E

LOV

E IT.

our favorite backpacks + lunch boxes

E

W

Yubo

made entirely from recycled plastic water bottles!

Beatrix

Beatrix is your one stop shop for lunch boxes and backpacks this year. Made from heavy duty nylon it's perfect for all ages. Lunch boxes are insulated, washable and lead free. The backpack has a padded back and straps for comfort. www.beatrixny.com

Meet the Yubo lunch box. Changeable faceplates allow you to switch up your child's lunch box style at anytime. You can even upload your own photo to be made into a faceplate sticker! www.getyubo.com

AUTOSEAL Kids Cups + Food Jars from Contigo Perfect for kids on the move, these kids cups are 100% leak proof that automatically seal between sips. The jars are vacuum-insulated keeping food fresh. www.gocontigo.com

Kids Konserve

With these waste free lunch kits from Kids Konserve you can reduce lunch trash entirely!

Everything is washable and reusable. Perfect for your child's school lunch or a family picnic. www.kidskonserve.com

Rock & Roll Backpack Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

Get your child rockin' and rollin' back to school. Easy to clean, durable and lightweight, this backpack is perfect for your pre-schooler or kindergartener. Get your child's name on it for free because personalization is included! www.mulberrymoon.com

Jane Jenni Lunch Bags

These building styled insulated lunch bags are perfect for a homemade meal.

They come in three fun designs: Cabin Fever, Sunshine Diner, & Birdhouse. www.janejenni.com OR www.justgot2haveit.com giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2011

25

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for dads. by dads. p

the dad's guide to

{getting involved} with school activities

BY CHRIS WILSON

The working man always finds obstacles while trying to keep the family happy.

For stay-at-home dads or fathers with a flexible schedule, a lot of obstacles can be avoided. But how does the nine-to-five dad get involved at school? Is there a way to enjoy school-day functions without adding more stress to your work day?

The answer is never easy and it always seems to take some special arrangements. Things rarely just fall into place. Here is some advice for dads looking to be more involved in their children’s education.

ATake a half-day off.

The great thing about school is that the dismissal bell usually rings around 2 p.m. That’s still the heart of the day in most job settings. If there is a classroom or school function in the morning or even around noon, Dad can still make it to work with plenty of time to get some things accomplished. Plus, since it is personal time, Dad won’t have to stress about hitting green lights all the way back to work. If you can’t afford to lose a whole half day of work, try getting away for lunch with your child.

"plenty of school volunteer opportunities... that are

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

fun for dads

AShare your job with the class.

too!"

Some schools have a day when speakers come to discuss their occupation. However, most teachers would be open to having guests even if it is not at a pre-designated time as long as it is arranged beforehand. Sharing your occupation will give your child’s friends a chance to learn about your family and job choices. This is especially fun if you have a job children find exciting, such as being a firefighter, surgeon or detective. Middle or high school age students may find certain technical details of a job particularly interesting.

AHelp out on a field trip or with a classroom party.

It’s easy to just drop off the cupcakes on a child’s birthday, but staying to help out gives you another chance to celebrate with your child while getting to know the child’s classmates. Attending a field trip can give you all an experience to remember.

AGet involved with extracurricular activities. Dads can always help coach the soccer

or baseball team or lead the Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts in their activities. Helping with activities outside of school is a great way to meet the other parents and children. This is also valuable on the high school level, where Dad can help the coach keep statistics, arrange team photos, or let the Spanish Club use the kitchen at home for a project. There are usually plenty of school volunteer opportunities in the evenings or on weekends and most are fun activities for dads too.

The most important aspect in getting involved in school and extracurricular activities is spending time with your son or daughter. Talk to them about how they would like you to be involved. And, always go into school functions with a positive and fun attitude. b

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

27

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gator pets!

Gator-inspired pet names Swamp Dog 2-Bits Al Tim Albert Blue Alberta Gator Tebow

Urban Donovan Rex Emmitt Danny Billy Griffin Will Heisman

give F the f ido ull

Gato

r

expe rienc e!

Don’t forget about your four-legged friends

this football season. Tailgating with your pets can be fun, but remember these simple steps to make it enjoyable for all.

1) Bring plenty of water for your pet.

2) Keep your pet on a leash at all times.

3) Be cautious of children and other animals.

4) Bring “poop bags” for easy clean up.

5) Bring an umbrella or tent for shade.

6) Never leave your pet alone at a tailgating site outside your home. Make proper arrangements if you are attending the game without your pet.

7) Bring pet appropriate toys/games for them so they don’t get bored.

freeze slices of watermelon, apples and kiwis in ice cubes for cool treats during the heat. (www.webmd.com)

Meet Mason!

4 year-old Teacup Maltese His best friend is Snickers, his favorite toy is a squeaky skunk toy and his favorite treat is Frosty Paws ice cream!

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Your tailgating menu Nothing beats a great tailgating menu of burgers and hotdogs so don’t forget Fido when it comes to yummy tailgating treats. Try some of these fresh ideas that are easy and simple, and not to mention nutritious! (Please check with your vet before adding any of these to your pet’s diet.)

Chicken hot dogs Tofu hot dogs Mini carrots Mini celery sticks Green beans Cooked yams A Doggy football from Sweet Paws Bakery

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

or yummy summer treats

A Doggy jersey from Sweet Paws Bakery in Haile Plantation

Florida Gators

Schedule Fall 2011

Away

GAMES

Opponent Location Time

Sat, Sep 3

Florida Atlantic

Gainesville, FL

7:00 pm

Sat, Sep 10

Alabama-Birmingham

Gainesville, FL

7:00 pm

Sat, Sep 17

Tennessee

Gainesville, FL

3:30 pm

Sat, Sep 24

 Kentucky

Lexington, KY

TBA

Sat, Oct 1

Alabama

Gainesville, FL

TBA

Sat, Oct 8

 LSU

Baton Rouge, LA

TBA

Sat, Oct 15

 Auburn

Auburn, AL

TBA

Sat, Oct 29

 Georgia

Jacksonville, FL

3:30 pm

Sat, Nov 5

Vanderbilt (HC)

Gainesville, FL

TBA

Sat, Nov 12

 South Carolina

Columbia, SC

TBA

Sat, Nov 19

Furman

Gainesville, FL

TBA

Sat, Nov 26

Florida State

Gainesville, FL

TBA

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Date

melamine plates NO Lea d, PVC, Phth a l ate, or BPA. DISHWASHER SAFE.

Kitchen & Spice 32 giggle

and other things nice

(352) 379-8811

www.kitchenspice.com

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

33

Your perfect date night since 1973 | 8 shows a week!

34 giggle Tickets at (352) 375-HIPP & thehipp.org | Downtown Gainesville

Your professional theatre since 1973

why I l ve raising my family in

gainesville

The Whitehouse-Cabrera Family Cristina, Ron, and Colin (2)

O

k, I have to be completely honest. I was not thrilled when my husband told me he had matched to do his residency at Shands UF. We were living in D.C. at the time and I just could not imagine leaving. But my husband was so excited and he kept saying, “You are going to love it. Trust me.” And, as he often likes to remind me, he was absolutely correct! We love living in Gainesville.

We have enjoyed Gainesville as a young married couple, taking advantage of the springs, the downtown music scene, the diversity of locally-owned restaurants (Tim’s Thai being our favorite), the Gator games, and all the fun happenings of a college town. I even decided to pursue my PhD at UF as I was so inspired by the people around me.

Photo by Laurel Housden Photography

Even with all that, we have found a new appreciation for Gainesville since our son was born 2 years ago. Gainesville with kids is something extra special! We have always appreciated all the trees and protected spaces but we have simply become spoiled by exploring all the parks throughout the county. I am still in amazement that we have four wonderful parks to choose from, all within a few miles from our house… even a water park in Alachua!

We love going to the farmer’s market, eating peanut butter pie at The Top, and enjoying all the family-friendly activities on the weekend. We often have to choose among the many options!

The museums here even challenge the ones in D.C.! We love visiting Kanapaha Gardens, the Butterfly Rainforest, and saluting the welcoming Mastodon at the Museum of Natural History.

I truly can’t say enough about what Gainesville has meant to our family. We have met such wonderful, creative, thoughtful and intelligent people since moving here. To my continuous wonder and surprise, we continue to find new activities and fun locations all the time. And, when I find myself excited about something, I hear the familiar, “I told you so” coming from my smirking husband! Yes, I admit it, you were perfectly correct!

And, of course, anything about Gainesville would not be complete without two words - “Go Gators!” 

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magazine • june/july 2011

35

p

all kidding aside

Retired elementary school counselor, Wendy Joysen, answers tough questions about kids, schools, parenting, & everything in between.

M

y husband and I have made the decision to home school our sons who are currently 4 and 2 1/2 years old.

My 4-year-old has started asking me to "take him to school." How do I explain to him that he will be going to school at home and I will be his teacher?

Making the decision to home school and teach your child is a very commendable one. There are many factors that lead people to make the decision to want to home school their children and having a strong passion and belief in those reasons will help you explain your plans to your children.

Neither of your children have had the opportunity to experience a traditional kindergarten classroom. Start by explaining to your 4-year-old what going to school is going to be like for him. Depending on what choice you have made in a homeschooling program, this could consist of having a tailored curriculum and lesson plans that you follow on a daily basis or having a non-traditional homeschooling role with many trips to the local library and other outdoor activities. You need to prepare your child for the program that you plan to develop and follow. Will you have a room in your house that will be used as the classroom or will you teach naturally with no set plans or textbooks and use life as your guide?

again. Make it a priority to meet up with the friends your child has made.

Continue playgroup meetings or have play dates at your house to allow your child the opportunity to see his friends on a regular basis. You may also want to join a local homeschooling network that will allow you and your child to meet with other homeschooled children around the area. Not only will this be a good opportunity for your child to play with other peers but will also give you an opportunity to share ideas and strategies for teaching. This will be a positive experience for both of you!

making the

decision

to homeschool

You may have a playgroup that you like to meet on a weekly or monthly basis. Make sure to explain to your child that although he may not be going to the same school as his friends that it does not mean he will never see his friends

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Š 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

You also need to explain to your child that you will be his teacher. You can share with him your reasons for wanting to be his home school teacher and how necessary you feel it is that you are able to do this very important job with him.

You can share with him how excited you are and some of the plans that you are working on to make your time together so special. Work on lesson plans together and allow your child to suggest some places you can go to learn about certain subjects. Consider taking your child shopping at a local teacher supply store. Incorporating your child's interests and ideas will also develop his excitement for the program you intend to follow.

Once the time comes for your youngest child to begin school, the transition for him will be much easier. Your younger child will have been experiencing the structure you have developed for your homeschooling routine for almost three years and will be excited to join you on this amazing journey! b

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

37

eyesight super foods How to Score a 20/20 on Your Next Exam

BY CHRISTINA VILA

It takes an apple a day to keep the doctor away. But what does it take to keep the optometrist at bay? Turns out it’s pretty easy, too. By adding a few simple foods to your family’s menu, you could be avoiding eye degeneration and cataracts. August is National Eye Exam Month, so it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of following this easy food list as a basis to make sure that our family’s eyesight stays in top shape.

vegetables Now there’s another reason to pile on the vegetables at dinnertime. Carrots are consistently ranked by professionals as one of the best foods for your eyesight. They are loaded with beta carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect your eyes from degeneration. Carrots are especially good at protecting your retina since they are also packed with vitamin A. It’s easy to add carrots to any meal, be it lunch or dinner. Pack them as a snack in your child’s lunchbox with some light dressing or add it to a soup or salad for dinner.

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Just like when you’re choosing which vegetables to buy, pick the fruits that have the most color.

Mangos, apricots and cantaloupes are great choices. One cup of raw mango has 130 percent the daily value of vitamin A, while a cup of cantaloupe has 100 percent and half a cup of canned apricot has 35 percent, according to the National Institute of Health. Apricots are also rich with lycopene, which promotes good vision. Blueberries have also been proven to reduce eye fatigue.

when all else fails, stock up on supplements!

fish

Salmon is repeatedly ranked as an eye health food source. The amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in the fish assist in preventing macular degeneration and dry eye symptoms and may reduce the risk of high eye pressure and glaucoma. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of two servings of cold-water fish (wild, as opposed to farmed) weekly. For those picky about their fish intake, fish oil supplements are available in the vitamin aisle. Tuna and sardines are other good sources of omega-3.

Keeping your kids healthy is not easy if you’ve got a bunch of picky eaters. When all else fails, stock up on supplements. Make sure these multi-vitamins or mineral supplements include those needed for ocular health, including vitamin A, zinc and other antioxidants. Investing in healthy eyesight now could save you a lot of money and headaches in hindsight.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Other high-ranking vegetables include bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. These are loaded with vitamin C, another antioxidant that protects the eyes. The sweet potato is another veggie that boosts your beta carotene.

And spinach contains all kinds of antioxidants to help protect your sight. Dark green vegetables, like spinach and kale, are rich in lutein, employed as an antioxidant and for blue light absorption.

fruits

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p

in the kitchen with little chefs!

cookbooks for children

BY JENNIFER CORDOVA

Children’s Cookbook Katharine Ibbs

getktiticnhg en...

in theren teaches them valuabityle

qual child me great with your akes for so y provides a m d an ls il skil fam king as a even the time. Coo for everyone, and ntribute et tl u gets to co creative o y member ! il ay m w fa s st u io smalle in a delic to a meal s, cookbook e fantastic rary, that m so e ar Here cal lib for at your lo available framework the at re g a e id in v e ro m p ti l il y w ualit ng your q jumpstarti en as a family! ch it k

Simple and healthy recipes are accessibly sophisticated - with beautiful photographs that bring the food to life! Stepby-step photographs make it easy for young chefs to follow instructions, and allow even the smallest ones to keep up.

A great book for little chefs who are just starting out in the kitchen - with a clear, concise layout, tips for eating a healthy diet, and safety and hygiene rules for the kitchen - it provides the perfect framework for good kitchen habits.

Ingredients for recipes are both written out and shown in picture form, and a tool checklist is included in every recipe to ensure your little chef is always prepared!

Fun notes are sprinkled throughout, with serving tips and recipe ideas for extra inspiration, as well as food facts and chef’s tips. For the more ambitious, the glossary provides a fountain of information, with lots of definitions and technique demonstrations.

Must-try Recipes:

Paula Deen’s My First Cookbook Paula Deen with Martha Nesbit

Much like her popular cooking show, Paula Deen’s cookbook for children is welcoming, homey and full of comfort food! Whimsical drawings take the place of photographs, filling the pages with color and adding a storybook feel to the cooking experience. A thorough introduction not only outlines safety instructions and definitions, it also includes useful sections regarding measuring, setting the table and meal etiquette!

Many of the recipes are simple enough for a young chef to complete from start to finish (with adult supervision!), and the detailed instructions always note tasks “adult helpers” should either supervise or assist with. In addition to day-to-day recipes, there are holiday treats and fun drinks, as well as kitchen arts and crafts to inspire you in the kitchen past meal-time!

Must-try Recipes:

Pineapple Cheese Spread Homemade Pretzels

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Stone Soup Cinnamon Rolls

The River Cottage Family Cookbook

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall & Fizz Carr

A beautifully photographed, inviting book full of information and amazing recipes, this family cookbook will provide older children with a fantastic reference full of inspiration and information about their food from farm to table!

Younger children will enjoy the opportunity to cook classic, familiar dishes with adults, take part in family projects like making salt, planting a garden and making pasta, and learn fun facts about how cheese is made and the history of pancakes!

The authors intersperse recipes with history, ingredient facts and projects, making this the perfect book for an aspiring chef and any family looking for delicious inspiration!

Must-try Recipes: Drop Scones Roast Squid

Vegetable Fritters Homemade Marshmallows

Top left photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com, Book photos by Laurel Housden Photography

Sausage Popovers Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Pesto Toast No-bake Chocolate Cake

National Hispanic Heritage Month

celebrating culture & cuisine

BY CHRISTINA VILA

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 through October 15. It is a celebration of the history, culture, cuisine and contributions of Americans whose ancestry originates from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

September 15th marks the independence day of five Latin American countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The anniversary of the independence of Mexico, Chile and Belize also fall within the first week of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Through a presidential proclamation, Lyndon B. Johnson began this as a weeklong celebration in 1968. In 1988, during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, it was enacted into a month-long celebration.

Above all, Hispanic Heritage Month is a showcase of the best the Hispanic American community has to offer. It is a celebration of family and tradition, of heritage and diversity. This month brings to attention the contributions of people who have faced hardships and attained the American dream. It is a time to celebrate Desi Arnaz, Sonia Sotomayor, Joan Baez and countless others who have made a difference in the face of America.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

While each country and culture has its own rich traditions, there is one thing that can span across most: food. Hispanics and Latin Americans love to gather and cook up feasts for the entire family.

With abuelas making black beans in the kitchen and dads roasting pigs in the backyard, there’s nothing like dinner to showcase the best of a culture.

Arroz con Pollo:

Rice with Chicken This traditional dish is popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

Made with yellow rice, chicken and a mixture of vegetables, herbs and sometimes even beer, this meal is like a simpler Spanish paella. It’s the perfect one-dish meal, since everything cooks together in the same pot.

Lechon Asado: Roasted Pork Reserved for Christmas Eve and other large family gatherings, lechón asado is sure to bring everyone around the table. While a whole roasted pork may sound scary to a first-timer, take one taste of the salty, crispy skin or the tender meat and you’ll be hooked. Delicious with rice or as “pan con lechón,” a pork sandwich. Picadillo:

Ground Beef This ground beef dish can be served over white rice or used as a filling for empanadas or papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes). Add small, cubed pieces of potato, peas and tomato sauce to make this a truly Hispanic dish.

Arroz y Frijoles: Rice and Beans Nothing makes a better side dish than rice and beans. A simple and very nutritious dish on its own, and a perfect match to just about any Latin American meat dish, rice and beans is a fundamental for any menu. Black beans are most popular, but red beans, lentils and garbanzos are delicious alternatives.

Tostones: Fried Plantains

This popular side dish is made from green (unripe) plantains.

Slices of the vegetable are fried, removed from the oil, pounded flat, and fried again. Add a little salt, and they’re ready to be eaten. They can also be served with a “relleno,” or stuffing, like chicken or shrimp ceviche.

Flan: Custard Pie No meal is complete without dessert, and a flan will really add the perfect finishing touches. This custard dessert is baked in a mold. When removed from the mold, the caramel involved in making the dessert forms a layer on the top of the pie and slides down the sides, making a sauce all its own for the dessert. b giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2011

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p

health & wellness

to stem the tide of chronic injuries and surgeries.

A groundbreaking study in the August 2008 American Journal of Sports Medicine found that female soccer players who participated in a physical therapist-developed prevention program had an overall ACL injury rate 41 percent lower than the group who did their regular training regime.

Adolescent Sports Injuries:

What Parents Can Do to Protect Your Child

“Sports injuries often result from faulty movement patterns. We [physical e therapists] can analyze gait and r o m ree -f other movement patterns, and y r u inj laying then provide the education and p s r yea ports treatment needed to correct them s the ove l so overall performance can be y e th improved,” said Dr. Melissa Cere, doctor of physical therapy and coowner of Kinetix Physical Therapy.

BY LINDSEY KARLIN MIRABAL, PT, DPT

As the popularity and intensity of youth sports escalates, chronic and debilitating sports injuries are occurring at higher rates and younger ages.

A recent study in the journal Sports Medicine found that of the estimated 30 million U.S. children and teenagers who participate in organized sports, more than one-third will sustain an injury severe enough to be treated by a doctor or physical therapist.

“We often see injuries to the back, shoulder, knee and ankle in youth sports,” said Dr. Tony Cere, doctor of physical therapy and co-owner of Kinetix Physical Therapy in Haile Plantation. “Young athletes face rigorous practice and competition schedules, often with multiple sports, which can eventually take a toll on their growing bodies."

"Whether it is a traumatic or overuse injury, the pain can affect performance or even

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According to Sports Medicine, children and adolescents have inherent physical and physiological differences that make them more vulnerable to sports injuries than adults.

"Adolescents' bodies are still going through numerous physiological changes which can affect their performance, response to exercise, and ultimately their risk of sustaining an injury," Dr. Tony Cere said.

Some of these physical differences include children having larger heads in proportion to their body mass, developing cartilage that is more susceptible to stress, a lack of complex motor skills needed for certain sports and problems arising from improper fitting of protective equipment, according to Sports Medicine.

What you can do to protect your child The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one-half of all adolescent sports injuries are preventable with proper education on technique, use of protective equipment and specialized training that addresses muscle weakness and imbalance.

Many athletes are turning to the expertise of physical therapists for sports-specific prevention and maintenance programs

The direct access law in Florida permits individuals to go directly to a physical therapist without a physician’s referral.

This allows athletes to be seen by a physical therapist who will evaluate their walking, running, jumping, landing and throwing mechanics, in order to design a treatment program specific to the athlete's impairments and sports goals. Physical therapists also play a key role in preventing recurrent injuries like ankle sprains and shoulder dislocations.

"Properly rehabilitating an injury soon after it happens the first time can help to ensure the athlete returns to an optimal performance level," Dr. Melissa Cere said. In addition, she believes early intervention decreases the risk of re-injury and the likelihood for an athlete to develop compensatory movement patterns which could lead to pain in areas adjacent to the original injury.

By utilizing preventive measures, such as sports-specific physical therapy programs, athletes can return to the field quicker and enjoy more injury-free years playing the sports they love.

To learn more about physical therapy, or to find a physical therapist in the Gainesville area, visit the American Physical Therapy Association website at http://www.apta. org. b Lindsey Karlin Mirabal, is a 2011 graduate of the University of Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Sports injuries are classified into three categories: acute, recurrent and overuse injuries. Acute injuries, like a torn ACL in the knee, occur suddenly, often after a misstep or collision with another player.

Recurrent injuries are subsequent acute injuries (like repeated ankle sprains) that result from instability, weakness and faulty neuromuscular control in a previously injured joint. Overuse injuries (like Little Leaguer's elbow) are caused by repetitive motion that damages the body over time.

sideline an athlete indefinitely,” Dr. Tony Cere said.

Give your child a head start

on a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

Dr. A. Page Jacobson and Dr. Dawn L. Martin

have over 45 years of combined experience and offer comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens and adults.

Call now to make your appointment - we can’t wait to welcome you to our office!

In Gainesville, call (352) 331-5132

7575 W. University Ave., Ste. E • Gainesville, FL 32607

In Lake City, call (386) 754-0092

457 S.W. Perimeter Glen • Lake City, FL 32025

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Interest-free in-office financing & flexible payment options • Most insurance accepted & filed • www.jmortho.com

organized

solutions

Professional organizer Helen Kornblum helps us find easy ways to keep our busy family lives organized.

make room for

homework!

“Mom, where’s the calculator?”

“Dad, I need poster board for tomorrow’s project.”

“Help! I can’t find my homework.”

Parents know all too well how much time and energy can be lost because of homework hassles, especially last-minute surprises. You can’t eliminate all roadblocks to academic achievement, but a little strategic planning can ease common homework headaches.

R be consistent Be as consistent about homework location as you are about time. A firm routine for where and when homework is done highlights the importance of this activity.

identify the most comfortable

homework area for each child. Young children may want to be near you while they work. They may need your supervision or gentle oversight. You, however, don’t want them near the television or ringing telephone. If the kitchen table doubles as the homework surface for your little ones, be sure to clear any household clutter so they can spread out their work as needed.

R posture + privacy Teens might prefer to sprawl across their beds or the family room couch, but these locations don’t promote good posture or mental readiness.

They also need some privacy from younger siblings and electronic distractions.

The Homework Caddy All of your child's school work, supplies, and schedule all in one place! Organization is possible with the over-the-door homework caddy.

It comes in four unique styles. www.thehomeworkcaddy.com

R good lighting Provide good lighting, comfortable furniture, and quiet surroundings. Keep the homework space pleasant. The children can help you decorate the area with their artwork. Lots of natural light or a window view will be a plus for some children.

If your child is easily distracted, narrow down the opportunities for him to lose focus. Some children need background music to help them concentrate, so don’t rule out that possibility.

R get equipped Equip homework spaces with resources: pencils, pens, crayons, markers, extra paper, scissors, glue sticks, tape, index cards…and whatever else teachers have requested. If you have shelves nearby, load in whatever books the children might need. A calculator, paper clips, stapler, and pencil holders will be useful, especially if you don’t want the children raiding your supplies. You can also color-code the supplies so each child recognizes her own items.

R for visual learners A cork board or magnetic white board would be a great addition if your children are visual learners. A tape recorder or digital recorder might be a novelty for your auditory learner.

R "close the loop"

Create a checklist to help the children “close the loop.” Their final action should be to put their homework, along with other needed items, into backpacks.

Your little scholars may never consider doing homework “cool,” but they will benefit from an organized approach to this necessary activity. b

Helen Kornblum is a professional organizer in Gainesville, FL. She owns NaturalOrderOrganizing.com.

heading p

the

balancing

act

mastering the work-life balance

BY TAMARA HERCHEL

W

hen my daughter arrived, I stepped right up into the opening number of “The Greatest Act on Earth” - motherhood. Now our home is under the Big Top, and I am the ringmaster, sans top hat (although a megaphone would come in handy!). Like many new mamas, I struggle to keep my balance when our family circus runs helter-skelter, especially on days I’d rather be a spectator than throw my hat in the ring.

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magazine • aug/sept 2011

47

Here are few tips to try when the show must go on: 1. PUT YOURSELF CENTER STAGE.

Most moms prioritize in this order: Family, Job, Self. However, this will leave you teetering on a tight rope without a safety net. The best thing for your family is to put yourself first- take care of your own health, nutrition and well-being so you’re at your best for your family and your outside commitments. Remember to ask for help, and schedule time for yourself to get a massage, curl up with a good book, or even just get outside on your own for some fresh air.

2. KEEP YOUR CIRCUS FROM TURNING INTO A ZOO! When it is time to feed the

elephants (or the monkeys…or the tigers) create a routine that works for everyone to keep mealtimes from turning into a stampede.

Give each person a role to play and it will all come together. Or, opt to feed the little ones first and save the adult dinnertime for Act II, which gives you a chance to chat, unwind and really enjoy yourselves. Try different approaches to find what works best for your family.

3. DON’T JUGGLE, TOO MUCH! Of course, you’re juggling a million things - you’re a mom! Whether you are a full-time working mother, or a stay-at-home mom, your schedule is packed with meetings, play dates, errands and more. Before you drop the ball on something you hold dear, try this exercise in prioritizing your commitments: Make a pie chart that shows what is most important to you – for example, family, work, charities, playgroups and workouts at the gym. Next, make a second chart displaying your actual time as it’s divided. The differences will help you see where to cut back and make more room for what matters most.

4. BRING IN THE CLOWNS. After a grueling day of errands,

5. SCHEDULE AN INTERMISSION. Even the most talented

performers need a break! Make a point to arrange childcare for you and your partner to get out for date nights. Whether it’s just the two of you, or a group of your favorite friends, meet up for an evening of fun and good conversation - no baby talk allowed!

Even planning a night-in will give you the time to recharge, slow down and appreciate the crazy, zany production that is your family! b

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• 72% of moms with children 1 year old and older work outside the home, compared to just 39% in 1976.

• Full time working mamas spend 13+ hours a day on their office and home responsibilities- not much room for a Happy Hour!

120

• Mamas spend 120 hours a year just h on diaper changes- 3 full weeks of work! ours!

• The biggest challenge working moms face is maintaining a work/life balance.

• 39% of all moms, both working

and stay-at-home mamas, feel like a “married single mom.”

• 77% of working moms also contribute to over half of the housework and childcare in their families. Go Supermoms!

• 94% of all mamas suffer from the dreaded “mommy guilt.” Find ways to combat it at www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com Sources: HappyWorker.com, babycenter.com and TheBump.com

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

meeting with pest control, comforting a cranky, teething baby, I prepared a cup of tea to enjoy before I crawled into bed, and then I heard it - a wretched, gagging sound as my dog got sick on the doormat - which is what I felt like at that point! All I could do was laugh. Yes, I laughed so I wouldn’t cry, but my mood lightened and I was better able to tackle the job at hand without letting it bring me down. Take the time to spot everyday humor.

Getting the giggles with your kids will always cheer you up!

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september

1

4

6

9

30

Plug safety covers into electrical outlets throughout your home.

days of safety

September is National Baby Safety Month and we have created a 30-day plan to help you take some simple steps toward safe-guarding your little one. Each tip only takes a few minutes and can make a world of difference in the safety of your child’s environment.

BY DANA KAMP

2

Turn down water heater temperature to 120 degrees or lower.

5

Test each smoke alarm in your house and replace batteries.

Make sure all candles and incense burners are out of baby’s reach, whether he’s on the floor, in a high chair or in your arms.

Tie back and secure drapes and the cords from window blinds.

or hinge to 12 latch any toy box or bin Attach a safety

7

If your home was built prior to 1977, call the National Lead Information Center (1-800424-LEAD) to find out about lead-testing and making sure lead-free, non-toxic paint is used throughout your house.

cabinet locks on all 10 Put cabinets in baby’s reach and those containing cleaning supplies, pesticides, paint, cosmetics and toiletries.

13

with a lid.

Remove stuffed animals, pillows and blankets from the crib.

in a locked cabinet out of baby’s reach.

Inspect toys for broken, chipped or loose parts and throw out those with any possible hazard.

Examine pacifiers and bottle nipples for peeling or worn edges and discard those in bad condition.

8 8

Install a baby gate at the top and bottom of staircases.

bookshelves to the 11 Bolt walls.

over baby pools, 14 Flip buckets and empty containers in your yard

so they can’t accumulate water.

16

Call your local fire department for a free car seat installation check.

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

15 Keep all vitamins and medications in their original bottles and

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3

17

Install a sliding door lock or door knob cover on all doors leading outside or into the garage.

a mental 20 Make note to put down hot drinks when carrying your child or holding her on your lap.

22

25

Designate a place to hang diaper bags, purses, necklaces and headbands away from the crib.

Apply non-slip strips to the bottom of the bath tub or shower.

18

Have a pool fence installed around your pool or spa.

the types of 21 Research plants you have in your home and remove any possibly toxic ones.

23

26

Unplug kitchen and bathroom appliances when not in use and keep cords out of reach.

Check out www.recalls. gov to see if items in your home have been recalled.

28 Start the habit of draining the bath tub immediately after using it.

19 Go to www.travel-tot.com to order a Travel Childproofing Kit you can take with you when staying in a hotel or a friend’s or relative’s home. the crib mattress 24 Lower around six months of

age, or before your baby is able to pull himself into a standing position.

in a CPR/First Aid class 27 Enroll or review the techniques if

you’ve completed the course.

Post a first aid checklist on the fridge for babysitters, grandparents, and older children to follow when needed.

29

place it on the floor!

Place the infant car seat/carrier on the floor. Never put it on counters, tables or beds.

30 Get down on the floor, at your child’s eye level, and crawl around to look for possible hazards you may have missed.

giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2011

53

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the

Entrepreneur Family

How one family manages life when both parents are self-employed

BY DANA KAMP AND JESSICA SCHNEIDER, Photo by Carline Hines Photography

$ how do they

$p

do it?

giggle dollars

"listing what is a pro and con of entrepreneurship is a personal project that depends on your priorities."

smile on their face. They both agree building friendships with your clientele because of the time you are able to give to them is another kind of payment altogether.

Still another benefit in their situation is the time they spend with their son. They have chosen to schedule their work hours so that one of them is with Braige while the other is working.

This means they don’t have the added expense of daycare. Because they do have such great relationships with their clients, rearranging appointments in order to have a parent home with Braige hasn’t been an issue. They love that Braige has quality time with each of them and they aren’t missing his important milestones as he grows.

I

f you asked Jessica Schneider her opinion on starting your own business, she would say, “Go for it!” Jessica and her husband, Dustin, are both entrepreneurs and feel the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to being your own boss. Dustin has been an indoor air quality specialist for four years and Jessica has worked as an independent hairdresser at BJ’s Hair Builders for seven years.

Together, they happily juggle the demands of two businesses and raising their son, Braige.

Listing what is a pro and a con of entrepreneurship is a personal project that depends on your priorities. To make the unpredictability of life as a business owner acceptable, you have to receive something that you feel is worthy in return. For the Schneiders, having a work day that is different every day, being able to spend more time with their son, and feeling like they are doing something positive with their time makes up for the irregular paychecks and higher insurance costs. Before jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, make your own list of priorities and decide for yourself if being your own boss will be a worthwhile venture for you and your family! b

Owning your own business can result in many scenarios. On one hand, you make your own work schedule and hopefully create thinking Are you the lifestyle you enjoy. On the other hand, you might also need coming e to learn to live without a steady, predictable paycheck and about b you may pay more for individual, rather than group, insurance selfcoverage. Entrepreneurs often must pay themselves according ployed? m e to how the business is fairing that month, instead of a set Becoming self-employed is a huge decision. amount. Budgeting your personal expenses so that your needs If you think it’s right for your family, there are great are met even when business is slower is key. According to Jessica, resources out there to help motivate you and answer they have cut back on travelling and shopping for more expensive your questions. For more information and tips for clothing in order to manage their personal finances responsibly.

giggle tip!

successful entrepreneurship, check out these websites:

Both Jessica and Dustin extremely love what they do, which plays a huge role in being successful business owners. The time you must dedicate to running your own business must be worthwhile in the long run. While Dustin feels satisfaction in knowing that he is helping his clients breathe better and live a healthier life, Jessica is rewarded when her clients leave feeling beautiful and with a

The Mom Entrepreneur Startup Nation Today’s Entrepreneur Woman Inc.

www.themomentrepreneur.com www.startupnation.com www.todaysentrepreneurwoman.com www.inc.com

giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2011

55

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Conception toCollege

babies • toddlers • tweens • teens

a pregnancy

a infant/toddler

a early years

a tweens

a teens

Creating A Birthing Plan page 58

Pacifier vs. Thumb page 60

Online Safety for Their Little Eyes page 62

Report Card Mishap page 64

Time Management page 66

p

pregnancy

creating a

realistic birth plan

BY STELLA HARBILAS, APR

H

ow will I manage the pain?

Who is allowed in the delivery room? Can I have my own music during labor? Will I get to hold my baby immediately after birth?

If you are pregnant, especially for the first time, these may be some of the questions running through your mind as you anticipate the big day. This is a great time to make sure you are communicating with your doctor or midwife about your concerns. They can help you walk through the steps and potential outcomes in advance, so you can approach your labor and delivery with confidence and a sense of calm.

“It’s certainly fine to have some of this written down,” says Dr. Anthony Agrios, founder of All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology. “But it is not required.

The best use for a birth plan is to spark a conversation. It’s a way of generating questions that we can answer, long before you are in labor.”

Dr. Agrios and his colleagues appreciate the importance of allowing their patients to personalize their childbirth experience, and they try to accommodate those wishes whenever possible.

“In general, we tell our patients that as long as it is reasonable and it’s not going to endanger the baby’s health or the mom’s health, then we’ll go along with it,” says Dr. Joseph Iobst, Ob-Gyn at All About

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So, how do you write a birth plan or even know what questions to ask your doctor or midwife?

"Every birth is

It helps to do so unique, and it's your homework. important to be Consult a reputable About Women. “It website, such as doesn’t matter if americanpregnancy.org you wrote down that or babycenter.com, or you didn’t want pain your favorite pregnancy medication. If your books for sample birth plans labor is long and you and information. You are likely are exhausted, it’s okay to to find topics of particular interest change your mind.” to you, such as whether or not to have an epidural or to allow the baby’s siblings to be Russell also recommends in the delivery room.

open-minded"

Dr. Agrios also advises communicating your preferences in advance to family members or friends who will be in the delivery room with you, and your labor and delivery nurse.

“Make sure they understand how you want things to go, but be flexible,” he says.

It is important to treat your birth plan as a starting point, and to trust your healthcare providers to make the right decisions and recommendations as the situation unfolds.

And if you have more questions or change your mind about something during labor, be sure to let them know.

“Every birth is so unique, and it’s important to be open-minded,” says Shelley Russell, CNM, a certified nurse-midwife at All

setting a positive tone by focusing on what you would like to have happen, instead of making a list of what you don’t want.

Whether or not you create a birth plan, an open mind and good communication with your healthcare providers and others can make for a more joyful delivery. No matter how you get there, you are all working together toward the same goal, the safe delivery of a healthy baby. b

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

a From conception to college

For some women, this could mean writing a birth plan, a list of how they would like various scenarios to be handled. While others prefer to take the experience as it comes.

Women. “It’s their time and we want to encourage it.”

p

infant/toddler | Ages 0-3

Pacifier vs.

Thumb

BY DANA KAMP

Your grandmother tells you babies don’t need pacifiers. Your cousin’s children all used a pacifier and she swears life was easier because of it. Your best friend didn’t allow pacifiers in her house, but now has a fourth grader who still sucks his thumb. The debate of pacifier versus thumb continues.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states that sucking on fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers "is completely normal for babies and young children." You may have even seen your little one sucking his thumb on the ultrasound screen. Whether by using a pacifier or his thumb, sucking is a very basic way for babies to soothe themselves.

But which way of soothing is better? Weighing the pros and cons of each may help you decide which is better for your baby and your situation.

Although using a pacifier is no guarantee that your child won't become a thumb sucker, it is a substitution that most babies naturally accept. Many lactation specialists recommend waiting until your infant has mastered breastfeeding before introducing a pacifier, but this decision is your personal preference since your baby may find his thumb in the meantime.

Both should be used short-term

A huge pro for thumb-sucking over a pacifier is that your infant doesn't need you to continuously put her pacifier in her mouth because she is able to self-soothe. Babies naturally put things in their mouths as a way of exploring their world, and their hands are often their first discovery.

It can also be a tough habit to break for that same reason; it’s always handy. According to pediatrics.about.com, many experts report that thumb-sucking habits are harder to break and thumb suckers are more likely to develop prolonged habits. It is the parent’s decision to discourage thumbsucking by giving your baby a pacifier when she puts her thumb in her mouth, or allowing her to use nature’s pacifier and letting her outgrow it when she’s ready.

Some pacifier use is recommended

While prolonged use of a pacifier is discouraged, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that you “consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bed time” to reduce your infant's risk of SIDS. There haven't been any studies to show that thumb-sucking offers the same benefit in reducing the risk of SIDS, so at this time the recommendation is only for pacifiers. The fact that you can limit the use of a pacifier, and eventually take it completely away, is an added bonus in the argument for pacifiers.

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While it is great to take the time to consider your options, your baby may decide on her own. She may simply prefer one or the other or may not want to take either. The first year is most likely when she will want to suck on something for comfort. Allowing some kind of soother and helping her transition when the time is right is the overall advice from experts. Now you just have to decide how to handle your grandmother’s advice. b

mommy

tips

* Always keep multiple pacifiers handy • Keep child's nails short and clean • Invest in a safe pacifier clip to avoid dropping

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

a From conception to college a From conception to college

The thumb is nature’s pacifier

Most children stop sucking their thumb, pacifier or other objects on their own between 2 and 4 years of age. However, some children continue these habits over long periods of time and that is when experts feel parents should intervene.

One important reason for intervention is the fact that the AAPD states that "thumb, finger and pacifier sucking all affect the teeth essentially the same way." The upper front teeth may not align properly and the way the teeth bite together can be altered. But helping your child wean from the thumb or pacifier at a young age will prevent any harm being done to the teeth and jaws. Your pediatric dentist or pediatrician can help with habit-breaking tips, if needed.

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early years | Ages 3-7

Keep little eyes safe with online

monitoring tools

BY STEPHANIE THOMAS

The Internet can be an excellent source for educational tools and enhanced entertainment; however the scale of what content your child can access online has reached unbelievable heights.

Now, preschoolers are using the Internet more than ever and by doing so run the risk of their little eyes seeing inappropriate content, including exposure to cyber bullying and Internet predators.

Keep such risks at bay with computer software engineered to keep your family safe.

There are many programs available that have different filtering, monitoring and blocking capabilities. They also vary in price from FREE to close to $100. Here are a few programs to consider that allow you to monitor your child’s computer activity and some even allow for blocking specific website content.

Norton Online Family

The best part of the Norton Online Family software for busy parents - you’ll receive alerts via email if the rules are violated.

With the increase of social networking in younger age groups, it is especially helpful that Norton analyzes which information your child submits on sites, such as age and profile picture, so you can see what choices he or she makes in front of such a social audience. Easy-to-read reports detail each site your child visits, what your child searches for online and who your kids chat with and what they say.

The tool has a free sign-up but requires a paid subscription for certain functions, such as video monitoring and extended activity history. For more information, visit onlinefamily.norton.com.

If your child uses the computer primarily for entertainment, McAfee Family Protection likely fits your family best. Objectionable TV shows, movies and YouTube videos can be blocked thanks to keyword filtering technology. Even further, any songs on iTunes with explicit language in the title will be filtered from search results on your computer.

Parents can also use the software to protect children from giving out too much personal information. Also, your family’s information will remain safe with peer-to-peer file sharing protection, shielding your PC from possible threats caused by file sharing services and potential viruses.

Parents can use McAfee in exchange for a sound night’s sleep.

Time limits for computer use can be set, including giving parents the ability to block out times completely. For older children, you

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Net Nanny

The best part about Net Nanny is that it’s highly compatible with Mac computers (it also has a Windows version). This software has a very thorough filtering system and can be controlled through any Internet connection with a remote management system.

Net Nanny sends web access alerts via email and text message within five minutes of an occurrence. If your child is a gamer, this is the first system to cooperate with the ESRB game rating system to manage and filter video game content. For more information, visit www.netnanny.com.

CYBERsitter

CYBERsitter prides itself as an experienced parenting control tool, serving families for over 15 years. The program allows a master controller to set unique filters for different computer users. However, each user must log off in order to reapply different user settings during the next user’s experience. Be mindful of this if you log in and leave the computer unattended!

You can control the “strictness” of each filter by adjusting how sensitive you want the filter to be while a user is on a search engine site. For more information, visit www.cybersitter.com.

Safe Eyes

Safe Eyes offers 35 specific filtering categories to fine-tune website access for little eyes. Safe Eyes is best to keep busy children at task while doing homework. The time limit function allows children to finish their responsibilities instead of getting sidetracked playing games or watching videos.

You may choose to receive your notifications through email, text message or phone call when someone attempts to access restricted websites. For more information, visit www.internetsafety. com/safe-eyes-parental-control-software-affiliate.php.

Installing a monitoring tool on your computer is the best bet to ensure your children are following your computer rules and staying safe online. As always, even though such tools can help monitor your family’s computer activity, nothing can replace the value of a caring and engaged parent. b

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

a From conception to college a From conception to college

McAfee Family Protection

might want to block out 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. so the kids can’t go online when they should be sleeping. For more information, visit home.mcafee.com/store/family-protection.

p

tweens

| Ages 8-12

how to use

low grades on a report card to help your child do better in school

BY ALISON WALKER

Who knows better than anyone how much your child has actually studied for tests, how much extra help they have asked for from teachers, what homework assignments were completed and actually turned in – on time? That’s right – it’s your child. When report card time comes, children shouldn’t be surprised because they know the answer to all of the above questions, but do you?

Parents who are truly invested in their child’s academic success cannot let low grades just slide by because things may be going well one moment but they can quickly change.

Teaching kids how important it is to keep on top of their school progress at an early age can help avoid struggles before they reach middle school. So, what do you do when your child comes home with a bad report card?

Stay Calm

Overreacting can only cause your child and you to get more upset than necessary. Staying calm can help with getting to the root of the problem. It could simply be that your child is struggling with understanding the subject matter. There can be other problems too – maybe your child is having problems with other students, unable to concentrate because he is not getting enough sleep, or the homework is being completed, but just not turned in. Once you talk to your child, you will have a better picture of why he got the low grades in the first place. Then, you can get to work and put a plan in motion for your child to have more success in school.

Schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher or teachers as soon as possible - the sooner, the better. Making sure you, your child and the teacher are all on the same page with what went wrong and what s a "...as simple changes need to be implemented kly getting wee is key to future success. Maybe s from it’s as simple as getting weekly email update email updates from the teacher. Or, the teacher." maybe the teacher is willing to allow you to volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis so you can observe your child in the classroom setting. If your child knows or at least thinks that you and the teacher have

64

giggle

Get Extra Help

After talking with your child’s teacher, explore ways to get your child more help in the areas in which he is struggling.

The teacher might have extra assignments that can be completed at home. If your child’s school does not have a tutoring program, consider the option of hiring your child a private tutor. One of the perks of living in a college town is that there are a plethora of college students that can tutor children of all ages. There are also businesses that specialize in tutoring students who need a little extra help.

Encourage Good Grades with Incentives

Come up with short and long term goals with your child.

Together, you can decide what the incentive should be for reaching each goal. For example, if your child struggles with remembering to turn in his homework, then set a goal of making sure he turns in his homework every day for two weeks. If the teacher verifies that he has met this goal, then take your child out for a dinner at a place of his choice or to see that movie he’s been dying to see. If your child helps pick the goals and incentives, he is more likely to perform.

Keep Perspective

One bad report card in elementary school probably won’t end what could have been a successful academic career. However, it can be a wakeup call for both children and parents. Use low grades as a motivation to tweak whatever obstacles are in their way. Remember, stay positive and learning can be fun and rewarding for both you and your children. b

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

aaFrom college Fromconception conception toto college

Meet with the Teacher

frequent communication, your child might be less likely to hide when he is falling behind.

p

teens

| Ages 13-18

A Minute Saved: Help Your Teen Manage Time Wisely

M

BY KELSEY MCNIEL

y clothes rarely see the floor, I have always had a nearly photographic memory and there’s a chance I rolled out of the womb planning and list-making. But no predisposition, even the obsessive ones, prepares a student for the onslaught of time demands that begin in middle and high school. I preach as a happy convert to the church of effective time management (they bribed us to keep up-to-date day planners as 11-year-olds).

Enrolled in accelerated academic programs from sixth through 12th grade, I learned a few tricks early on – many of which my over-committed colleagues ignored. Use a few of these to help your teenager – whether ankle-deep in soccer balls, books or both – to wrangle the school year schedule beast.

Use a planner.

It’s hard to stress the importance of that small 365-page notebook, but a day planner can very nearly save your teen’s life.

Not only will your teen have one place he can constantly turn to for an up-to-date run down, but he will also save time not having to revisit old emails or announcements to get the details.

Use a planner – together.

A planner’s a great tool for your teen to keep her schedule together, but what about keeping the chauffeurs (i.e. mom and dad) in the loop? Encourage your teen to use a second calendar that you both have access to.

It could be through email (Google calendar, offered through Gmail, allows you to invite others to events and make calendars viewable

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Prioritize.

After school activities can work wonders for your teen’s sanity, self-expression and college applications. But an overbooked schedule – particularly one that includes year-round commitments – can be a student’s biggest burden. Suggest to your teen that she pick a few activities to focus on each semester, with no more than one regular meeting or practice each afternoon. Is conquering the SAT her goal for the spring?

Then perhaps running for president of Key Club and Spanish Honor Society isn’t feasible. Writing down a list of priorities, even ones that may change over time, can help you and your child realize where her time is best spent.

The pink highlighter is for “me” time.

Just as important as beefing up those resumes and getting good grades is having time to relax. Remind your teenager that taking study breaks, planning fun time with friends or just making sure to take an afternoon off once a week is just as important to his survival and success as studying hard.

Or, if your teen leans more towards “me” time than anything else,

...help him to carve out some time each week to dedicate to an ambition of his, whether academic or otherwise.

Learning guitar, apprenticing at a hair salon or getting in some ramp time at the skate park are all important if it means getting your kid one step closer to reaching his goal. With accelerated academic, athletic and artistic programs beginning for younger and younger children each year, it’s never too early to have a realistic but ambitious talk about how your child can best use his time – plotting everything from how to spend Monday afternoons to where he wants to be in five years. b

"an overbooked

schedule...

can be a student's biggest burden."

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Fromconception conception toto college aaFrom college

Having a place to jot down every homework assignment, extracurricular event and due date – particularly when a regularly scheduled event changes – is vital to staying on top of your schedule.

by other users) or simply on a blackboard in the kitchen.

heading p

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giggle

magazine • june/july 2011

68

Kids love

giggle trips

boats!

but put safety first!

BY JANET GROENE

K © 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved, family photos provided by Janet Groene

eeping children safe while onboard a boat–any boat from a canoe to a cruise ship-- means observing the same, sane rules you use at home and away but with important differences.

First, boats move up and down, side to side. They can lurch unexpectedly and sometimes violently. When a boat suddenly goes aground it stops as abruptly as a collision, yet you probably never saw it coming.

Second, being on the water has its own dangers. Look away for only a moment and a child could fall overboard and perhaps be injured from the fall. A good family rule is to put on children’s PFDs (personal flotation devices) as they leave the car and leave them on until the boating day is over and everyone is back in the car again.

Third, boating is great fun. Being “rocked in the cradle of the deep” can put babies to sleep but also lull families into complacency. Before spending the night on board, review safety drills and fire escapes. They’re required on cruise ships and are a smart idea for the family boat as well. Such drills are far different from fire drills at home. For example, older children should know the locations of all escape hatches and how to open them.

They may also vary each night depending on whether you’re at your home dock, an unfamiliar dock, or at anchor. At home, families choose a place to meet after everyone is safely out of the house. In boating, that safe place will be different each time.

Here are tips on kid-proofing your boat. Adding guardrail netting (much like the soft netting used in playpens) is a big safety plus in keeping little ones from falling overboard.

It’s available from marine suppliers and catalogs.

Larger selections of many types of safety netting are available from U.S. Netting, 800-331-2973, (www.) usnetting.com. Plug-in household night lights work when you’re on shore power. At other times children can use chemical light sticks (e.g.

Cyalume) to provide safe, cool, spark-proof emergency lighting. Install waterproof, shockproof, 12-volt LED courtesy lights at strategic spots around the boat.

They’re found at marine suppliers. At least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is a must on any boat that uses fuel (cooking engine, generator).

CO is not “seen” by smoke detectors or fuel “sniffers”.

You need dedicated CO alarms, preferably models that give both audible and visual signals. An alarm should be mounted in every sleeping compartment. Often the

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Childproofing s p ti Your Boat

Debra Smiley Holtzman, J.D., M.A. is a nationally recognized child safety expert and the author of “The Panic-Proof Parent: Creating a Safe Lifestyle for Your Family” (NTC/ Contemporary Books). Here are her tips for child-proofing a boat: 1. Check for hazards in every part of the boat from your child's perspective. Crawl around on your hands and knees.

“Observe what looks tempting (from that angle) and what is within a toddler’s reach,” suggests Ms. Holtzman. “Check floors and carpets for buried dangers like pins or coins.”

headaches and nausea of CO poisoning are mistaken for flu, so you’re tempted to stay in bed at a time when it’s crucial to get out into fresh air.

CO tends to seek out low places so you’re even at risk in the open air when running an engine or generator in a small lake or enclosed harbor.

About the Author

Janet Groene holds a Parenting Publications of America Gold Award for travel writing and an NMMA Directors Award for boating writing.

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4. Install latches and locks for drawers and cabinets. To prevent strangulation, keep window blind cords and other cords, ropes or strings out of children’s reach. Don’t put your child's bed near a window or drapery.

5. Keep tools, batteries and machinery locked and out of the reach of children. Lock and store poisonous materials, all sharp objects and flammable materials including matches, emergency flares, and lighters out of the reach of children. (Older, responsible children should be taught the dangers and proper use of flares and other lifesaving gear.)

6. Never store flammable materials near a heat source.

7. Use a spill resistant mug for hot beverages. Don’t hold or carry a child while holding hot foods or beverage, Ms. Holtzman advises. Use back burners on the stove and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Keep appliance cords from hanging down. (Children are naturally curious, she says, and may pull on cords, unintentionally pulling the appliance and its scalding contents on themselves.)

Keep hot food and beverages, glassware and knives away from the edge of counters and tables. Set the hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees to reduce the chance of scalding. Supervision at bath time is important for the child’s safety, and to prevent water waste.

For more boating tips, visit gigglemag.com

Photos provided by Janet Groene

To be Coast Guard compliant you must have safety equipment on board including life vests. Better still, fit new vests every few years specifically for children’s sizes, including infants. The best PFDs can turn a body upright and keep the head above water, even if the person was unconscious when he or she hit the water. They aren’t necessarily the most comfortable so a good compromise is to have two sets of PFDs, those that children wear all the time and those that would be put on in an emergency.

Despite obvious dangers, boating has unique delights for families. Children ages 8 and over can do chores and steer a course. Kids can learn salty skills such as splicing, knot tying, and how to “flemish” and “flake” lines. Nothing teaches conservation better than running out of fresh water or having the “house” battery go dead. Without realizing it kids soak up meteorology, environmental sciences, navigation, teamwork and so much more. b

2. “Make sure all child safety devices are properly installed and well maintained. Check them frequently. Proper supervision is always required,” Holtzman points out.

3. Your boat should, of course, meet Coast Guard safety standards. Have all of the required safety equipment such as a fully stocked first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguishers, children’s and adult life jackets and rescue equipment.

Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and maintain them properly. If the Coast Guard pops a spot check on you and you pass easily, you’ll look like a hero to your kids.

SAVING MONEY Never felt so

GOOD.

Homes more than 10 years old can really show their age through higher utility bills.

Lower your monthly utility bill and increase comfort with the help of one of GRU’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Partnering Contractors. They use state-of-the-art tools to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and identify cost-effective home improvements that will improve energy efficiency. At the same time, you’ll be helping to protect the environment.

That’s a savings we can all enjoy.

Choose from one of GRU’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® packages for rebates up to $1,435* and save up to 30% on your energy bill.

To see a list of partnering contractors and learn more about saving with GRU’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, call 352-334-2118 or visit www.gru.com. *Some restrictions apply.

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Calendar of Events

AUGUST Children's Eye Health & Safety Month National Immunization Awareness Month August 2

National Night Out

National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation. www.nationalnightout.org August 3-6

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

Just Between Friends Sale

Just Between Friends is the nation's largest children's and maternity consignment, twice-a-year event, with franchises across the United States. The sale offers participants the opportunity to participate as consignors, shoppers, volunteers - or all three. Consignors prepare their items and price them for sale. Shoppers select from thousands of items in children and maternity categories. Volunteers help with all aspects of running the sale...as well as getting the opportunity to shop the presale. www.gainesville.jbfsale.com August 7

National Friendship Day August 13

Stop the Violence Back to School Rally

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

For the 12th straight year the community

group People Against Violence Enterprises (PAVE) will be hosting the event, which is expected to draw about 3000 people. The event, sponsored by a variety of businesses and community organizations, including primary sponsor Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., offers entertainment, guest speakers and snacks. Meridian will also provide free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 1200 children attending the fair. The purpose of the rally is to give parents and students important tips on preventing violence in their neighborhoods, homes and schools, and to help them prepare for the upcoming school year. This year’s theme is ‘Be Fight Free,’ and the focus will be on preventing fighting and drug abuse.

Santa Fe College Gymnasium August 13

The Book Rack Grand Opening

an evening packed with great food and good times. The 2011 Caribbean Cruise Gala for Kids will be hosted by radio personality Storm Roberts along with Mrs. Shelley Meyer, wife of Urban Meyer, head coach of the 2006 & 2008 National Championship football team. The evening will include a full casino with a variety of gaming tables and slot machines, silent auction tables loaded with everything from rare sports memorabilia to exotic vacation packages and a live auction that will also feature a variety of unique gifts. www.galaforkids.com August 22

1st Day of School in Alachua County August 27

Tioga Town Fair

1st odfay

4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

An annual town fair benefiting the

4936 NW 39th Avenue, Suite A, Magnolia Parke, Gainesville 352-224-3945 August 19-21

Children’s Home Society Treasure Hunt

Friday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday: noon - 3 p.m. (Half-off sale!)

Children's Home Society of Florida's (CHS) Gainesville Auxiliary presents the second CHS Treasure Hunt Consignment Shop event. This high-end yard sale features a variety of items including furniture, antiques, electronics and more.

Whether you are an avid antique collector or a college student, the Treasure Hunt has something for everyone! www.chsfl.org August 20

Caribbean Cruise Benefit Gala for Kids for Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County

August September

6:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.

During the course of the evening, guests will have the opportunity to meet many local and national celebrities, professional athletes and community leaders and enjoy

Over 1,000 listings for kids’

activities around Alachua County

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Calendar of Events SEPTEMBER

Labor Day

morning golfers can register and select from a large number of gift package options valued at the price to play. Golfers can then warm up their golf swing, enter a putting contest, have a photograph taken and bid on silent auction items. After a catered lunch, the golfers tee off. When play is finished dinner is served, the silent auction closes and player prizes are awarded. www.stopchildrenscancer.org

September 5

September 24

National Baby Safety Month National Piano Month September 5

The Education Ball

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Join the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation for a night in the Big Apple for education! The Education Ball will feature the talents of our local public school students, food, drinks, dancing, and a silent auction. All proceeds for this New York themed event will benefit the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation. The mission of the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation is to invest in the future of our public school students.

The Foundation achieves this mission by supporting teacher and staff recognition programs, teacher grants, senior scholarships and administering a state-wide mentoring and scholarship program called Take Stock in Children.

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center www.acpsf.org/educationball September 11

National Grandparents' Day

© 2011 iStockphoto LP. All rights reserved

September 16

National Playdough Day September 23

STOP! Children’s Cancer Charity Golf Classic The STOP!® CHILDREN’S CANCER, INC. Charity Golf Classic is a one-day golf tournament. As it enters its second decade, the tournament is considered by many golfers in North Florida to be the area’s premier event. Tournament day begins with a breakfast to honor the tournament sponsors. Throughout the

tions of blacksmithing, civilian life, ladies’ tea and other activities also are scheduled, along with exhibits of relic collections.

Demonstrations of authentic weapons and fighting tactics used in the Civil War will include cavalry and infantry drills and fullscale artillery firing. www.battleofolustee.org/expo.html September 24-25

Thornebrook Art Festival

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Art Festival at Thornebrook is a two-day festival of juried fine arts and crafts under the covered walkways and on the grassy areas and plaza of Thornebrook Village. There are 140 premium spaces available for the artists’ booths and additional space for entertainment and children’s activities, including face painting and live music. www.thornebrookart.org

Alachua County Heart Walk

7:30 a.m.

The Start! Heart Walk is a noncompetitive walk promoting physical activity and hearthealthy living in a family-friendly environment. The Start!

Heart Walk creates hope, inspires change, and celebrates success.

There will be a bounce house and other children's activities.

North Florida Regional Medical Center Duck Pond www.alachuaheartwalk.org

September 28

National Good Neighbor Day

August

September 24

Kids 4 Kids Triathlon

8:00 a.m.

Kids 4 Kids Charities present the 3rd Annual Triathlon benefiting the Child Advocacy Center, Cure Dales’ Duchenne and Shands Children’s Hospital. The goal of the corporation is to arrange fun, healthy events for children in order to help less fortunate children. www.kids4kidsflorida.org

September

September 24

Olustee Civil War Expo

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Experience a day of authentic military drills, storytelling, exhibits, period artisans and the war's traveling merchants. This event features reenactors portraying civilian life during the Civil War. Demonstra-

Over 1,000 listings for kids’

To view a full gallery of all of our cuties, visit www.gigglemag.com

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