Make Food Safety a Holiday Tradition No matter what’s on your menu, food is always a central part of holiday festivities. Whether you’re an experienced cook, a first time meal planner, or simply taking a dish to a family gathering, make sure your plans include food safety.
Learn more at EscambiaHealth.com or 1 2020-12-gpp-food-safety.indd 1
@HealthyEscambia
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Volume 5 Number 10
Columns 2
Publisher’s Note Lynn Knighton
Improving Parent/ Teen Communication Research study advice for you!
Common Sense Media Making sure your kids’ online interactions are safe.
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Therapeutic Parenting Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
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Everything in Between Common Sense Media
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Dave Says Dave Ramsey
10 Commandments for Holiday Cheer
Simple ways to find Christmas joy.
Our guide shares what’s going on around town and nearby to fill the holidays with joy and memories!
Departments 5
On The Cover Balenci Isabella (14 months), daughter of Jewayne Floyd and
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School Bits
Sherwrika Knight and little sister to Alani-Amore Floyd. Balenci loves to dance and play with her pups! A special thank you to Celebrations for the beautiful Christmas setting!
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FromThePublisher
Greater Pensacola Greater Pensacola’s Foremost Parenting Source
Everyone seems a little extra excited about the holidays this year, and it has been so fun to see! I know people who were adamant about no Christmas décor before Thanksgiving who had their trees up and decorated by the first weekend in November. It’s not that they wanted to rush past Thanksgiving, it was more about having some cheery décor and to haveThanksgiving as the kickoff to the holiday season. So instead of being down in the dumps about things being off this year, try and find some ways you can bring a little cheer. Maybe that means letting the kids go all out decorating their bedrooms or coming up with a silly family photo for your Christmas cards. The possibilities are endless! If you are looking for activities outside the home, or maybe some virtual activities, check out the Holiday Happenings Guide on page 23. We have compiled a list of holiday festivities for local families. Please remember to check with each venue before heading to the event... just to make sure there have not been any changes and to check COVID policies and procedures. As we were pulling out our Christmas décor, I was reminded of way too many hilarious stories of holiday fails. Maybe not fails, but definitely times when things did not go as planned. One that quickly comes to mind was the time I rode around with our Christmas tree on the top of my car for probably about a week. We had just moved down here and Brad and I argued about putting the tree up when we still had not unpacked. I can’t remember which side we were each on, but that battle ended up with me driving through car line each morning with a Christmas tree STILL on my car. Yes, people would comment and, yes, it was embarrassing, not to mention probably killing the tree. Well, the day finally came when I was ready to wash my van. My friend had told me about a great new car wash so I decided to drive on through then call and tell her thank you for the recommendation. Well, by now you are probably thinking the same thing she was: “Oh, good! So you finally got the tree off of your car!” OH MY GOODNESS!!!! THE TREE!!!! I had been riding around with it on my car for so long that I completely forgot about it. I immediately pulled over to assess the damage and call my husband. When I got out, there was no sign of a tree. No branches, no straps... nothing. When Brad answered he egged it on a little, then laughed and said, “Babe, I took the tree off the car this morning.” Whew... huge sigh of relief. I had been so busy with three kids and a new city I didn’t even notice. When I got home, there was my tree in a stand with water, ready for décor. Yes, we have had trees too big to get in the house and a year where we lost all the ornaments and hand made them. And, yes, we have had a critter in a tree (FYI, go to a tree farm where they check for that), but despite the unexpected, we find a way to laugh it off and kick up the holiday cheer. I am sharing these stories because 2020 has had us expecting the unexpected, and we are all learning to be more flexible and a lot more resilient. So as you are planning your holiday, don’t sweat the small stuff and make sure to take care of yourself. Flip over to page 20 where Christa Melnyk Hines shares advice in her article, 10 Commandments for More Holiday Cheer. Wishing you all a healthy, joyful holiday season! May your house be filled with peace and laughter. Merry Christmas!
Publisher Lynn Knighton lynn@greaterpensacolaparents.com Editor DeAnne Watson editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com Associate Editor Alison Rouse Contributing Writers Kirsten Hawkes Christa Melnyk Hines Cheryl Maguire Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP Dave Ramsey Cover Photography Naomi McIntosh Photography Facebook.com/NaomiMcIntoshPhotography @naomimcintoshphotography
President Jason Watson Advertising Sales Lynn Knighton ads@greaterpensacolaparents.com (850) 426-6222 Ad Design Tim Welch
Visit us at www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Greater Pensacola Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
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Greater Pensacola Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing, LLC. Mailing address: PO Box 6241 Pensacola, FL 32503. The phone number for voice and fax is (850) 426-6222. Greater Pensacola Parents is copyrighted 2020 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in Greater Pensacola Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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TherapeuticParenting by Sonia Martin, LICSW, PIP
Improving Your Child’s Sleep Sleep during parenthood is a bit of an oxymoron. It is about as precious as that first sip of coffee, yet as unattainable as the ability to drive to work in the morning without spilling that coffee on your newly ironed shirt. As parents, we tend to put an enormous amount of focus on sleep. We want it, we seek it, we are willing to mortgage the house to get it. It is the hidden gem of parenthood that will make us feel human again. And when our kids pass through that precious newborn stage, where the sleep deprivation is expected, but then enter early toddlerhood and preschool and we still see no sign of quality, sustained sleep on the horizon – we tend to want to curl up on the floor of the closet and call it a day… at 10am. I wish I had THE answer for you, but I don’t. Before you stop reading, though, I will say there are certainly things you can be aware of that might help encourage those little “fighting sleep” soldiers to not only lay down and sleep, but stay asleep… at least until the sun crosses the horizon. Here are a few things to consider:
1: Be aware of the temperature. Our body temperature naturally lowers at night. This is intentional and for our good, and we don’t want to work against that effect. Keeping a cool, but not cold, room will help the body maintain sleep cycles a bit longer. 2: If your child is above the age of three you can speak with your physician about introducing a weighted blanket that is titrated to no more than 10% of your child’s body weight, plus one pound. This gentle pressure mimics the effect of being held and increases rates of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that aids in sleep regulation and has an overall calming effect. 3: Consider adding a white noise maker. These machines tend to mimic a womblike environment, which can help silence your baby’s built in alarm clock that wakes them frequently as they progress between sleep cycles. Note there is a difference however between “light” white noise (raindrops, crashing waves, heartbeat sound) and “heavy” white noise (a whirring fan, an
A/C fan). Heavy white noises are what you are after, as they will work to keep them in those deeper sleep cycles longer. 4: If your child has a bigger problem falling asleep, rather than staying asleep, consider gifting them some fun new accessories for their bedroom this year that may help. Consider items like a bed tent, a projector that casts stars and planets around the room, and a speaker wherein you can play a calming bedtime story from your phone (available on the app store), complete with calming sound effects. You can also go old school for your preschooler and get a Walkman and headphones with some tapes or CD’s of bedtime stories. Let’s be honest – any gift you buy them to help them sleep is really a gift to you. Hang in there! Another 15 years and you will be begging them to get out of bed before noon. Funny how that works. Sonia is a licensed social worker and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work. Her clinical focus is on helping parents and professionals understand the role of the brain in behavior and how to adopt therapeutic parenting techniques to mitigate negative behaviors. She is the Director of Central Alabama for Lifeline Children’s Services and is a mother to 7 sons, 3 of which were internationally adopted and she is a foster parent.
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The holidays are glowing brighter than ever in Downtown OWA. From snowflakes to fireworks, it’s a season full of family events: • Breakfast and brunch with Santa • Reindeer and snowman character photo opp • Elf reading • Carolers • Island movie nights Visit us online for dates, times and other details! FOLEY, AL | 7 MILES FROM THE BEACH | VISITOWA.COM | 251.923.2111 5
THRILL, THEN CHILL. www.facebook.com/greaterpensacolaparents
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Performs Christmas on the Coast
Pensacola Children’s Chorus audiences will be treated to Christmas on the Coast December 11-13 at Pensacola Saenger Theatre. This dazzling holiday spectacular will transform sunny weather into a winter wonderland and is packed full of the best sounds of the season. For more info, visit www.pensacolasings.org/ or call (850) 434-7760.
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Pensacola MESS Hall Offers Winter Break Camps
Camps are back and winter break is the perfect time for cool science exploration! This year, Science Sampler Camp offers new experiments, discovery and opportunities to create each day for scientists in 1st through 6th grades. Dive into topics like game design, mineralogy, rocket engineering and more. Available dates are December 21-23 and 28-31. Times are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. except for December 23 and 31, which are available half days only (9 a.m.-noon). Cost for camp is $40/$52 per day, member/nonmember. December 23 and 31 camps will only be $20/$26, since they meet half days only. Become an annual member during registration for instant savings! Pre-registration is required. Visit www.pensacolamesshall. org/2020/winter-break-camps/ or call (877) 937-6377.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Christmas ZOObilee at the Gulf Breeze Zoo December 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas ZOObilee includes winter-themed bounce stations, live music and entertainment, and a Candy Cane Market full of gifts and delicious holiday treats. Sundays with Santa are the perfect opportunity to hand-deliver last-minute Christmas letters while snapping a treasured photo with Saint Nick in his sleigh. For more info, call (850) 932-2229 or visit https://www.gbzoo.com/.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Flicks on the Field Drive-In Movie Features Elf
December 31at midnight Keep your eyes focused on the Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve for a free firework display along the Boardwalk. At midnight a dazzling light display, provided by the beach chamber, will take place overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk.
Join us at the Pensacola Greyhound Track Saturday, December 5, for a special holiday edition of Flicks on the Field’s FREE family-friendly drive-in movie and craft fair! Starting at noon, local vendors will offer a variety of unique items to help you check off the names on your holiday shopping list. Our featured drive-in movie, the holiday classic Elf, will start at dusk (around 5 p.m.) on the Wind Creek Casino outdoor movie screen. Enjoy the movie from the comfort of your vehicle, or bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch while safely socially distancing. Concessions will be available at the location.
Brian Regan Performs at the Saenger
January 10 @ 7:30 p.m. Vanity Fair calls Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly says he is, “your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s tour fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year. Call (850) 595-3880 or visit www. pensacolasaenger.com/ for tickets.
Winter Art Market
Saturday, December 12 * 10 a.m.-3 p.m. First City Art Center, 1060 N. Guillemard St., Pensacola First City Art Center’s Winter Art Market will be an outdoor event featuring local art vendors, glass holiday ornaments from FCAC artists, glassblowing and pottery demonstrations, raffles and more! **Masks are required.** Visit www.firstcityart.org/product/winter-art-market/. Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
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Pensacola Little Theatre Presents Christmas Show
Pensacola Little Theatre will perform Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells December 11-20.This is a hilarious and endearing tale written by Allison Gregory and directed by Mindy Iverson, based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. It is a fun, silly show for children and adults with an underlying message of kindness and charity. For tickets or more info, visit https://www.pensacolalittletheatre.com/ or call (850) 432-2042.
First City Lights Festival
Experience the holidays this year under the magical glow of half a million twinkling white lights along the historic streets of downtown Pensacola. During the First City Lights Festival, Nov. 27 through Jan. 16, you’ll find a diverse, season-long lineup of festive activities including live music, shopping, fine dining, art and nightlife, along with a completely reimagined Winterfest holiday program each weekend through December and outdoor holiday shopping at Palafox Market each Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade
December 5 * 6:30-7:30 p.m. The Annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will set sail from Sabine Marina at 6:30 p.m. and make its way around the Santa Rosa Sound to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk (Quietwater/Soundside area) where it will dock by about 7:30 p.m. This year, due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions and Hurricane Sally damage to the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk pier, the parade will be modified from years’ past. After the parade, a dazzling firework display will take place along the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk/Soundside at 8 p.m. For more info, visit www.pensacolabeachchamber.com or call (850) 932-1500.
Winterfest
Celebrate the holiday season November 28-December 24 with fun activities for the whole family. Take pictures with Santa and the Grinch. Experience the Polar Express with must-see singing and tap-dancing performances and warm cups of hot cocoa. Board a trolley to the Historic Pensacola Village and hear Papa Noel tell the story of The Cajun Night Before Christmas. Purchase tickets and learn more at https://pensacolawinterfest.org/.
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Autauga County Schools
Brentwood Celebrates with Students
What a fantastic Red Ribbon Week at Brentwood Elementary! Fun days with great lessons!
C.A. Weis Announces Parent of the Month
East Hill Cross Country Teams Achieve Honors
Coach Roper and the East Hill Christian School boys’ varsity cross country team won the Panhandle Christian Conference Championship for the 2020 season. This is a back- toback title! The EHCS ladies’ team received runners-up honors in their division.
Ms. McShane was nominated C.A. Weis Elementary Parent of the Month by TWO different individuals! She is described as passionate, an advocate, and a cheerleader for her child and for learning! She is always involved in learning and education. We appreciate how she is a team player for our school.
Please email schoolnews@ greaterpensacola parents.com by the 10th of each month!
MSP Toddlers Climb
Montessori School of Pensacola’s Toddler and Entry playground offers children the chance to climb. The Toddler and Entry classes at MSP serve children 18 months to 3 years old. Class enrollments have been made smaller to provide for safe classroom operation following Covid precautions. Children get to spend a lot of the day outside participating in activities in a covered outdoor classroom area and on an age-appropriate playground. Part of the play area includes a popular climbing wall feature. Students practice balance and strength as they take turns climbing.
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St. Paul 2nd-Graders Building Towers
Second-graders at St. Paul Catholic School built towers out of everyday objects like paper cups, popsicle sticks and straws while exploring solids in science. Even our virtual students participated using things they found at home. www.greaterpensacolaparents.com
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CLA Kindergarten Class Adopts Sea Turtle
Mrs. Ball’s kindergarten class at Creative Learning Academy has adopted a sea turtle. While studying the ocean life science unit, students create literaturebased art projects, enjoy virtual field trips to aquariums, and have the opportunity to dissect a fish and male and female blue crabs. The students have a great time learning many facts about ocean creatures and going home to share all they learned with their families. This year was extra special when one student’s family gave the class the opportunity to adopt a sea turtle. “It was such a special and unique gift, especially since we weren’t able to make our usual trip to the Gulfarium this year,” said Ball.
Pensacola Catholic Student Wins Prestigious Tennis Title
Pensacola Catholic High School sophomore Justin Lyons won the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior 16s Singles Sectional October 17-19 on the USTA National Campus in Orlando. This is one of the most prestigious junior tennis events in Florida. The last player in Pensacola to win this event was Larry Caton in the 1960s. While tennis is a spring sport at CHS, Lyons competes year-round as an individual in the State of Florida.
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Autauga County Schools
St. Paul Flag Raisers
St. Paul Catholic School fifth-graders are dedicated to raising the flag each and every school day. They are proud to have such an important responsibility!
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East Hill Offers New Beginner Band Class
This year East Hill Christian School began offering beginning band class for the 4th- and 5th-graders. These classes are designed to teach basic performance techniques and develop fundamental playing skills that enable students to continue with more advanced bands in later years and, hopefully, inspire a life-long appreciation of and participation in music.
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Pensacola Catholic High Holds Freshman Student Council Elections
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Spooktacular CLA Dragon Dash
Students had a blast at Creative Learning Academy’s Spooktacular Dragon Dash! Dressed in Halloween costumes, students from every grade followed the marked dragon footprint path throughout the campus, while collecting candy from several tables set up around campus. Substitute teachers and administrators decorated their tables and handed out loads of candy to many happy students who may or may not have missed out on trick-or-treating this year. Classes also participated in door decorating and pumpkin decorating contests. Mrs. Moore’s first-grade class took the prize for favorite door with a mad scientist themed door. Prizes for most creative, grossest, scariest and funniest pumpkins were also awarded.
The Class of 2024 at Catholic High School in Pensacola recently elected the leaders that will represent them on the Student Council. The freshman leaders elected are Virginia Lee, president; Isabella Llanera, vice president; Ava Adams, secretary; Gabby Goyins, treasurer; and Natalie Biggs, Mary Grace Manning and Bryre Thomson, general representatives. These students will join the rest of the CHS Student Council that was elected last spring to represent the student body to the administration at the school. English teacher Julie Remke is the moderator of this campus organization.
Redeemer Students Learn Fire Safety Skills
Redeemer Lutheran students had the honor of learning about fire safety from a real fireman. Mr. Melton visited our school to share his wealth of knowledge and experience. Students were even able to practice their fire extinguishing skills.
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Autauga County Schools
Creative Learning Paleontologists
Third-grade students from Creative Learning Acaemy studied “Animals Through Time” in science recently. They learned how scientists decipher what a dinosaur looked like based on the evidence gathered from fossil examination. Students were given the opportunity to create their own animal by taking information from “evidence cards” handed out to them. The cards included traits such as skull holes, shape of teeth, legs, wings or fins, whether the animal lived on land or water, and if it laid eggs or had live birth. “It was so fun. We felt like we were real live paleontologists,” said an excited third-grader. Teacher Mrs. Mitchell was impressed with their engagement and innovative skills they used to create their animals. “The students were so proud of their results and so was I,” she said.
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Montessori Celebrates Pumpkins and Pajamas
Montessori School of Pensacola classes celebrated their yearly tradition of wearing pajamas to school to celebrate Halloween. This is an optional Fun Day observed at the school, where students and teachers get the chance to wear pajamas for the day. Students in the MSP Primary classes also worked on carving their classroom pumpkins. Students helped scoop out and clean the pumpkin and then decided as a class on what design their teacher should carve. To mark the seasonal change to fall, new Montessori hands-on pieces of work are put out in the classroom for the students to choose from, such as spreading shaving cream on sponge pumpkins and decorating pumpkins with dry erase markers. Even while observing Covid precautions, students enjoyed their fall celebrations.
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Navy Federal Credit Union Makes Substantial Donation for Hurricane Sally Relief Efforts
Pensacola’s largest private sector employer, Navy Federal Credit Union, surprised teachers and staff at Holm Elementary School recently with a $11,000 donation to the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation to support Hurricane Sally relief efforts. The donation, gathered by Navy Federal’s Contact Center employees and School Partnership Program, will help purchase supplies for 26 teachers whose classrooms were devastated and suffered major damage from the storm. “Our community has navigated through many storms including an ongoing pandemic, a quite literal storm we called Hurricane Sally, and lots of uncertainty,” said Keith Hoskins, senior vice president for Navy Federal Credit Union. “We’re humbled to be able to provide some hope and help to our teachers who have remained dedicated to our community’s children in what are already hard times.”
East Hill Students Learn Flag Etiquette
Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.
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The fifth-grade students at East Hill Christian School are responsible for raising the American flag each day. In order for the students to understand flag etiquette, the school invited Tim Gleason, commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve, to show them the proper way to handle and to show respect to the flag. They were taught the steps of folding the flag correctly, how to hang the flag and how to take it back down. We are proud of our students who showed great respect and honor to our flag and Cmdr. Gleason.
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Autauga County Schools
C.A. Weis Puts a Cap on Drugs and Bullies!
It’s “Put a Cap” on Drugs Day and Anti-Bullying Month. Mandi’s Makings sent hats to a couple of classrooms of students who pledged to be bully-free! Thank you for supporting the C.A. Weis school and community!
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MSP Student Gardeners Make Pumpkin Planters
Gardening is an integral part of Montessori education. Montessori School of Pensacola students have weekly gardening classes and at different points in the year, harvest enough to sell produce to families and also donate to Manna Food Pantries. As part of the fall season gardening program, students make and sell pumpkin planters. These are normally sold at the school’s annual Fall Festival, but unfortunately this year it had to be cancelled due to Covid safety guidelines. The sale of the planters helps raise funds for the MSP gardening program.
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St. Paul’s Creative Halloween Costumes
St. Paul Catholic School loves Halloween! Each year, Spartans come up with fun and creative costumes and compete with their classmates for the title of Best Costume. Friends often join together for group costumes. This year was no different. Students and staff all joined in with amazing costumes!
Send School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@greaterpensacolaparents.com.
Brentwood Elementary Welcomes Dr. Tim Smith
Incoming Superintendent Dr. Tim Smith visited Brentwood Elementary School today and even participated in their annual Turkey Trot with some Kindergarten runners! Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
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St. Paul Sets Up Annual Pumpkin Patch
Every year, K3-2nd Grade St. Paul Catholic School Spartans enjoy a morning of Halloween fun. Wonderful room parents set up a Pumpkin Patch with fun activities, snacks and crafts. This year everyone’s favorite part was storytime with a witch — our very own Principal Hodge!
Global Learning Academy Holds Family Night
Global Learning Academy Curbside Family Night was a hit! Q2 remote learning materials were distributed. Families met their teacher(s) and received an at-home math activity. Kindergartners received an at-home reading activity and a sight word game. Student artwork was projected onto the side of the building for viewing as families waited to pick up pizza. Families were encouraged to go home and visit the GLA web page’s “Parent Night” tab for videos from faculty and staff. Thank you to everyone who helped make this night a huge success, including: GLA students, parents, faculty and staff; Pensacola SubWest Rotary; Escambia County Title 1; Escambia Schools Public Relations; and N.B. Cook Elementary School of the Arts.
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“Mom please stop interrogating me.” My daughter says this to me more often than I care to admit. I ask a lot of questions because she does not give me much information. So I’m left wondering, how could I change? Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
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As a mother of twin 15-year-olds, I often struggle to find ways to effectively communicate with them. A recent research study done at CHOP explored ways for parents to improve communication with their teens. Dr. Victoria Miller, psychologist, and author of the study explained some of the prompts used in the study that helped parents and their teens promote reciprocal communication instead of one way. She also discussed common mistakes parents of teens make when trying to talk to them.
Letting emotions get out of control. Dr. Miller says that when your teen comes to talk to you about a problem, it can be difficult to hide your emotions. She suggests trying not to get angry or upset, but instead, focus on the fact that they were willing to talk with you. This will help to keep those lines of communication open by listening and offering guidance when asked. Turn off “the parent alarm”. Parents may react emotionally when their teen tells them something upsetting. “When your teen comes to you saying something like, ‘Tom asked me out,’ a parent’s first reaction might be, ‘My daughter’s too young to date’ but instead, try to use this opportunity to navigate conversations about how to have a healthy relationship,” says Dr. Miller.
Common Parenting Communication Mistakes Focusing only on problems. “One of the biggest mistakes parents make is that they tend to focus only on problems like when our teens make a mistake or don’t live up to our expectations rather than also communicating with them about their teens’ strengths and what is going well. We can sometimes forget to do that in the busyness of daily life,” says Dr. Miller.
Don’t over-empathize. Dr. Miller says it may seem counter-intuitive to not over-empathize with your teen. But it can backfire. She offers the example that if your child comes to you and says they got in a fight with their best friend, you might want to jump to the rescue and say, “Good riddance! I didn’t like them anyway, you’re better off without them.” But if they make up the next day, your child may be too embarrassed to come to you and say they resolved their differences.
Asking too many questions or offering unsolicited advice. Dr. Miller explains that another mistake parents
make is giving advice and lecturing which can backfire and cause teens to shut down especially when they didn’t ask for advice. It can teach them that they can’t handle problems on their own, which can get in the way of their confidence. It is better to wait until they ask for advice. Teens can feel that parents are too controlling when they ask too many questions. They can also feel as if they are being interrogated instead of having a conversation causing them to shut down.
Ways to Improve Communication According to Dr. Miller, one reason parents make these mistakes is because there is a lot of negative portrayals of teens in the media and in our culture. “You get the eye roll ‘oh well she’s a teenager.’ Which can cause parents to really worry about the teenage years and focus
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who they are and to become more independent. This can make parents feel like they don’t matter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” she says.
on the problems because they worry about their teens and they want them to do well and succeed,” says Dr. Miller. It is important to remember that it is normal for parents to have some challenges communicating with their teen.
Use conversation prompts. In Dr. Miller’s research study she used conversation prompts to help the parent and teen facilitate conversations that focused on strengths. The parent/ teen pair were instructed to take 10 minutes together and look at examples of strengths and then come back together and talk about it. Dr. Miller explains that prompts included things like:
Focus on how teens years are an exciting time.
Most teens are well-adjusted, and they have good relationships with their families, peers, and they contribute to their communities. “I think shifting the focus on how well adjusted most teens are and remembering that adolescents is a positive time in development and very exciting is a good thing that will help to improve communication with your teen,” says Dr. Miller.
• Why did you choose these strengths for you and the other person? • Give examples of ways the other person demonstrates these strengths you choose. • Did the other person choose strengths that you didn’t expect?
Focus on strengths. “It is important to notice and talk with your teen about his or her strengths” says Dr. Miller. She explains that strengths don’t mean what they are good at or what they have achieved, but rather the qualities about your teen that will contribute to becoming a healthy productive adult. For example, if your daughter is a star soccer player think about what it is that makes her good at it like her work ethic or being a good team player. “It feels good to notice what is going well for our kids instead of worrying about that test that didn’t go well or that she is upset with something with a friend,” says Dr. Miller.
“They both gave strengths for each other which was the reciprocal aspect of the intervention that was really interesting and unique” says Dr. Miller. She explains that by shifting to the positive it can help parents and kids feel better. It doesn’t mean your teen doesn’t have weaknesses, but the key is to support your teen and use their strengths to address those limitations. She also stresses that it is important to shift your thinking of strength from achievement and what you are good at to who you are as a person.
Allow for independence. Dr. Miller explains that during ado-
lescents teens are trying to separate themselves from their parents, so they might do those things like walk away when you are trying to have a conversation or keep 10 feet behind you at the mall or focus on their phone when you are trying to have a conversation. “This is really because teens need to see themselves as different and separate from their parents in order to figure out
Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Grown and Flown, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.
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How to Tell Who Your Kid Is Talking to Online
What a spot check reveals. You should be able to see all of your kids’ contacts from their account profile page. On Instagram and TikTok, you can read chats by tapping on a contact name and viewing the history. You can also follow your kids on those platforms to see what they post publicly. But Snapchat automatically deletes chats and public posts (stories) after they’re viewed.
The fact that kids can stay in touch with friends and family by texting, video-chatting, and gaming has been a lifesaver for many families in 2020. There’s just a little problem: Who the heck are they talking to? And how do you make sure they stay safe? Below, we’ll break down exactly whom kids can talk to on different platforms, what you can determine from a routine spot check of their devices, and settings you can use to limit their circle.
What to watch out for. Cyberbullying, drama, and time spent are all hazards of social media chatting. Unwanted contact, such as predatory behavior or inappropriate requests, is a risk—and it can come from strangers or kids they know. Useful settings. Most platforms offer privacy settings that allow kids to keep their accounts private, prevent contact from strangers, and limit comments. Some apps go further: Instagram offers an array of settings for kids to manage their circle of friends, and TikTok offers a small suite of parental controls, including the ability to disable direct messaging.
Basic phone texting
Who kids are talking to. Texting is mostly limited to people kids know in real life, but anyone with your kid’s number can call, text, and even video-chat with them. What a spot check reveals. A lot (unless kids delete their call logs). Phones log every call and text and may add the sender to your kid’s contact list automatically.
Games
Who kids are talking to. Kids play with friends they know in real life, but competing against new people is a huge part of the fun. So most gamers have lots of casual online pals they’ve made just from playing certain games or playing on a certain platform, such as Steam or Roblox.
What to watch out for. Group texting is huge with kids who have their own devices. It also opens them up to being contactable by anyone on the chain—and some people may be strangers. Contacts can be hidden and texts can be deleted, so looking at your kid’s phone may not show you everyone they’re talking to. Also, watch out for spam bots—texts that look like they’re from real people but are actually ads; if kids don’t recognize the number, they shouldn’t respond.
What a spot check reveals. It depends. In most games, you can see a list of your kids’ contacts, and you might be able to read your kids’ chats and private message history. But some game chat is done by voice—so you might be able to only hear what your kid is saying when they’re gaming, which is possible if you keep their console or computer in a family room instead of a bedroom.
Useful settings. iPhones allow you to manage kids’ contacts (go to Settings/Screen Time/Communication Limits). Both iPhones and Android phones allow you to restrict third-party apps from automatically adding all of your contacts, which helps kids keep their circle smaller.
What to watch out for. Game chat—whether voice, video, or written—can run the gamut from edgy (with really graphic language) to cruel (including hate speech and homophobic slurs) to kind (since gamers can forge friendships through gaming). Game chat can be totally off topic, too. Be aware that not all game chat occurs on the platform kids play on. Some gamers prefer to use the chat app Discord to talk with their teammates, so you’ll want to find out whether your kid uses it (it has the same visibility as other social media).Useful settings. Games usually offer privacy settings that allow players to keep a tightly curated list of contacts. You’ll want to go through the game settings to enable the protections you’re comfortable with, from limiting all contact to just friends to moderated chat, which is available on some platforms.
Social Media
Who kids are talking to. Kids usually chat or send pics back and forth with only friends, as well as friends of friends, but they can pretty much chat with anyone they want. For example, on Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, unless kids enable privacy settings to prevent contact with strangers, they can direct-message (DM) anyone who follows them and anyone they follow. The platforms also make it super easy to extend your network by recommending new accounts to follow, allowing you to sync all your social media contacts, and offering QR codes that let you add people with your camera. 19
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Want to experience a more joyful holiday season this year that doesn’t leave you depleted, miserable and broke? Here are 10 ways to shift your perspective and take command of this “hap-happiest” time of the year!
everyone and keeping the focus on the origin of the holidays,” Flynn says, who specializes in helping women manage anxiety, depression and holiday overwhelm. “Graciously decline and send a nice card or note.”
10- Thou shall quit worshipping perfection. Nothing burns holes into the
8- Thou shall rediscover “the why.” Take time to reevaluate your priori-
fantasy holiday like real life. Maybe the tree is a lopsided, the dog ate your sevenyear-old’s gingerbread house, or you were so focused on creating the best holiday ever that you ended up too sick to enjoy it when the big day finally arrived. “Decide to do things differently this year. Strive for the good and be satisfied with the good. Too often the focus is on the result, and we tend to lose focus on the beautiful process of getting to the result,” says therapist Julia Flynn, LCPC, CRADC.
9- Thou shall not overcommit.
Decide ahead of time which activities won’t work this year. Instead of committing to five parties and multiple gift exchanges, choose a few that you’re enthusiastic about attending. “Be firm, decisive and assertive, always coming from a place of love for
7- Thou shall rest. Self-care is es-
sential all year long, but especially during the extra busy holidays when you’re stress level is more likely to sky-rocket. Pare down your list to what reasonably makes sense for your health, time and emotional wellbeing. And practice restorative techniques that relax and re-energize you. Simple ways to recharge include a warm bath, watching a favorite TV show, a walk outside, curling up with a juicy novel, a nap or a massage.
ties. How do you want the season to feel? What do you want your kids to remember most? “Sometimes we need to take a step back and ask ourselves why this time of year is important to us because I think ‘the why’ gets lost. It just becomes an expectation of self and family—or whoever— to have it look a certain way,” says Maki Moussavi, a transformational coach, speaker and author of The High Achievers Guide: Transform your Success Mindset and Begin the Quest to Fulfillment. “Take a step back to assess, from an intangible, emotional perspective, why the holidays are important.”
6- Thou shall honor thy family.
Attempts to please others by saying yes to everyone else’s holiday gatherings without taking into account you and your family’s desires can cause undue anxiety, frustration and resentment. “The holidays are about family time, appreciating one another and caring for each other. If the focus is switched to the less important gift exchanges and gatherings, all planned at the same time, you can’t enjoy the experience and the original meaning is lost,” Flynn says.
Hopeful Holidays with Ever’man
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erings. Since you know how the person is likely to behave, rehearse how you will respond when they pounce. “The only thing you can do is get better at making it clear what you will and won’t tolerate,” Moussavi says. “You have to shut it down. You standing up for yourself is normal, empowered adult behavior.” Arm yourself with responses like: “I’m here to enjoy myself. I don’t want to talk about that right now.” Or, “Let’s agree to disagree.” Also, physically exit from the situation by saying: “I’m going to go refresh my drink.” Or, “I have to make a call.”
3- Thou shall simplify. “The holiday
can be manageable and simple if we allow it to be,” Flynn says. “What makes the holiday so difficult is our own thinking about it. We make it difficult for ourselves.” Experiment with small changes that can relieve your stress. Hire a caterer for your party. Forgo Christmas cards this year. For the relative who has everything, send flowers or make a donation in their name to an organization that is important to them.
2- Thou shall not compete with thy neighbors. As Theodore Roosevelt
For those events that you’d like to attend, but can’t, firmly communicate to your extended family or friends that you value time spent with them and would like to discuss alternative ideas for getting together. And, don’t feel guilty about standing by your decisions. “You have every right in the world to establish what you want your holiday tradition to be. You are not obligated to participate in somebody else’s version of the season,” Moussavi says.
5- Thou shall invite thy partner’s participation. If you feel overwhelmed and stressed because you’re trying to
Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
manage the bulk of holiday prep on top of working and taking care of your family, ask your spouse for help. Discuss what you’d both like the season to look and feel like. “Sometimes it’s not that men don’t want to be involved. It’s that they are never invited to be, and they don’t ask,” Moussavi says. Maybe your husband can mail the packages for out of town family, purchase tickets to the holiday play your family wants to see, or take charge of a few of the gifts.
4- Thou shall not allow others to steal thy happiness. Plan ahead for
those individuals who love to bait you into an upsetting conversation at annual gath22
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once quipped: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Some people enjoy casting their home in a professionally-created holiday glow while others prefer to hang a festive wreath on their door and call it good. Do what brings you pleasure and makes sense for your budget.
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Rather than twisting yourself in knots seeking the perfect present for everyone on your list, take a more light-hearted approach to gift-giving. For example, give a t-shirt with a meaningful quote, a digital photo album commemorating a fun getaway, or an experience like tickets to the zoo or a concert. Volunteering your time is also a fulfilling way to give. “If you are intentional, you can make the holidays about the ideas of love, caring for one another, understanding, enjoying quality time together and treating each other as the precious beings each of us are,” Flynn says.
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Freelance writer Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two sons and a menagerie of pets. Her intention this holiday is to slow down and focus more on the magic of the season and less on lopsided Christmas trees.
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Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.
December 6
December
ad on page 9
Christmas in Downtown OWA ad on page 7
@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd. Foley, AL 36535 Enjoy holiday activities on Saturdays and Sundays in December like Breakfast with Santa (12/12 - 12/20), Reindeer and Snowman character photo ops (12/5 - 12/20), Brunch with Santa (12/12 - 12/20), Elf Reading (12/5 - 12/20), Photos with Santa (12/5 - 12/20), Christmas Caroling Quartet (12/5 - 12/20), and Movie Night (12/5 - Night at the Museum) and (12/12 - Star Wars). www.visitowa.com
Now - January 3
Legends in Concert: A Merry Country Christmas ad on page 5
@ OWA 205 North OWA Boulevard Foley, AL 36535 Our holiday performances include tributes to Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, and Elvis Presley! Legends in Concert will debut this new show Thursday-Saturday at 7pm, and with weekend matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. (251) 369-6100 alvita.russell@legendsinconcert.com visitowa.com
November 29, December 6, 13, 20
Advent Worship Series ad on page 11
@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Love! Hope! Joy! Peace! Advent Worship Series at 10:30am 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org
December 21-23, 28-31
Christmas Dinner with The Nutcracker Theme
Play Pensacola Winter Break & Holiday Camp
LaBelle Performing Arts presents Pensacola Youth Ballet
ad on Inside Back Cover
@ Court Of De Luna 116 East Gonzalez Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Christmas dinner celebration themed around the Nutcracker, with catered food representing Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, Russian, and Flowers. The evening will be filled with dancing, magic, live music, and picture opportunities. For more information call 850-944-5650.
@ Fricker Resource Center 900 North F Street Pensacola, FL 32501
850-944-5650 frontdesk@labelleperformingarts. com www.labelleperformingarts.com
December 12, 14
Jingle Jangle Play Date with Kindermusik ad on page 17
4630 Woodbine Road Pace, FL 32571 10:30am-Come sing, dance, and jingle with your family in holiday style. Music download, instrument, and craft included (cost is $25 first child and $12.50 for siblings). To reserve your spot call 850-292-0519. kmbythebay@gmail.com www.bythebay.kindermusik.com
December 20
Cordova Lanes ChildAdult Holiday Doubles Tournament ad on page 13
@ Cordova Lanes 2111 Airport Boulevard Pensacola, FL 32504 This tournament is for one child (5-18) and one adult (19 and up). Entry fee is $16 per team. Shifts at 12pm and 3pm. Call or visit the website for registration information and additional details. Ask about our Saturday Youth League for ages 5 - 18. 850-477-2300 info@cordovalanes.com www.cordovalanes.com
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@ E.S. Cobb Resource Center 601 East Mallory Street Pensacola, FL 32503 850-436-5192
850-436-5195 mmims@cityofpensacola.com
@ Gull Point Resource Center 7000 Spanish Trail Pensacola, FL 32504
850-494-7360 aboydquina@cityofpensacola.com
@ Woodland Heights Resource Center 111 Berkley Drive Pensacola, FL 32503
850-435-1750 rsmith@cityofpensacola.com
Holiday themed activities, sports, arts & crafts and more. Camp runs Monday - Friday from 7am - 6pm for children ages 5-14 years. Registration required. One snack will be provided. Campers should bring a second snack and lunch. www.playpensacola.com
December 24
Service of Lessons & Carols ad on page 11
@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Join us for our Christmas Eve Service with lessons and carols at 6:00pm. 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org
December 31
OWA - New Year’s Eve ad on page 5
@ OWA 1501 South OWA Blvd. Foley, AL 36535 We’ll be celebrating New Year’s at OWA with a spectacular fireworks show at 8:50 p.m. Catch our fireworks show anywhere around the property... you can’t miss it! www.visitowa.com
December 3-5, 11, 14, 18, 19 Alyssa’s Holiday Market Events
@ Alyssa’s, The Refinery & Alyssa’s Etc. 4586 Chumuckla Highway Pace, FL 32571 Get a head start on your Christmas lists with our
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Holiday Markets. Check our Facebook page. 850-994-9114 shopalyssas@gmail.com www.shopalyssas.com
November 25-29 Wreaths of Joy
@ Virtual While we won’t be able to gather for the annual Wreaths of Joy Gala, we can still celebrate the season with an online wreath auction! Proceeds support The Arc Gateway for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 850-434-2638 rsvp@arc-gateway.org www.arc-gateway.org
November 27 - December 26 Sowell’s North Pole Christmas Light Display
7650 Sowell Road Milton, FL 32570 A drive through Christmas light show. Train rides, Elf Shack on the front lawn of the barn and Pictures with Santa.
November 27, 28, December 5, 11, 12, 18 - 24 Polar Express Tour
@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 This journey features performances by tapdancing hot chocolate servers, the famous conductor, and singing children! Watch this classic story come to life around you this season. 850-583-1365 www.pensacolawinterfest.org
November 27, 28, December 5, 11, 12, 18 - 24 Visit Santa Downtown!
@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Join in this holiday tradition, now modified for social distancing! Sit outside Santa’s sleigh surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Winterfest to make magical memories.
@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Lurking behind Santa’s sleigh is the Grinch! Tell him what you DON’T want for Christmas in this fun photo op! Be careful, he has a few Grinchy tricks up his sleeve. 850-583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org/visit-grinch
850-583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org
November 27-December 31 Magic Christmas in Lights
@ Bellingrath Gardens and Home 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd Theodore, AL 36582 Join us for our 25th season! The dazzling nighttime display features more than 1,100 set pieces, 3 million lights and 15 scenes, set out in a walking tour throughout the 65-acre Garden estate. Open daily-5:00pm - 9:00pm. 251-973-2217 bellingrath@bellingrath.org www.bellingrath.org
November 27-December Santa’s Arrival at Cordova Mall
850-583-1365 info@pensacolawinterfest.org www.pensacolawinterfest.org/photos-with-santa
@ Cordova Mall 5100 North 9th Avenue Pensacola, FL 32504 Santa arrives at the Mall and will continue through December.
November 27, 28, December 5, 11, 12, 18 - 24, 2020 Winterfest
November 28-December 23 Fish River Christmas Tree Farm
www.facebook.com/sowellsnorthpole
November 27, 28, December 5, 11, 12, 18 - 24 Intrude Upon the Grinch
story of The Cajun Night Before Christmas. And more!
@ Downtown Pensacola 223 South Palafox Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Join Winterfest in celebrating the holiday season with fun activities for the whole family. Take pictures with Santa. Experience the Polar Express come to life with must-see singing and tap dancing performances and warm cups of hot cocoa. Board a trolley to the Historic Pensacola Village and hear Papa Noel tell the
850-477-7562 Angela.Jacks@simon.com www.cordovamall.com
13982 Woodhaven Dairy Road East Summerdale, AL 36580 Choose & cut your own, pre-cut, flocked and container trees! Santa visits, live manger scene, camel rides, train and more! Open daily from 8am - 5pm. (251) 988-8114 fishrivertrees@gulftel.com www.fishrivertrees.com
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November-December Arcadia Kids Craft To-Go
@ Arcadia Mill 5709 Mill Pond Lane Milton, FL 32583 Every month, a new holiday-themed craft is included with each children’s admission ticket! Visitor’s Center and Museum and the Arcadia Homestead Site are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. 850-626-3084 arcadiamill@uwf.edu historicpensacola.org/arcadia
Education towards our ultimate destiny.
December Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm
1603 Penton Road Milton, FL 32570 We offer a variety of Christmas trees in different types and sizes at our farm. Find us on Facebook for updates and time changes. Friday - Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm. 850-304-1559 info@floridachristmastree.com www.floridachristmastree.com
December 4 Blackwater Pyrates Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
@ Willing Street River Front Milton, FL 32570 Blackwater Pyrates Lighted Christmas Boat Parade-6pm www.facebook.com/events/659528128062280/
December 4-6,10-13,17-20 Emerald Coast Theatre Company presents “A Christmas Carol”
@ Emerald Coast Theatre Company 560 Grand Boulevard (Suite 200) Miramar Beach, FL 32550 This thrilling adaptation uses only five actors to bring some of Dickens’ most beloved characters to life. Fridays and Saturdays-7:30pm, Sundays2:00pm 850-684-0323 info@emeraldcoasttheatre.org www.emeraldcoasttheater.org
Now Enrolling Grades Pre-K through 8th!
December 5 26th Annual Christmas in the Park
@ Navarre Park 8513 Navarre Park Navarre , FL 32566 Merry Market, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Food, Tree lighting at 4:30pm and more. 10am - 5pm 850-939-3267 www.navarrechamber.com/events/ details/26th-annual-christmas-in-the-park-and-navarre-community-christmas-parade-19060
Visit our website to schedule a tour! (850) 455-4851 | 6495 Lillian Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32506 Email: info@ptlittleflower.org
Donuts with Santa
@ Weber’s Skate World 6056 Stewart Street Milton, FL 32570 Donut breakfast, pictures and Skating with Santa. 8:00am-10:00am. $8 includes admission, regular skate rental, Santa Visit, and Donut breakfast. Limited Tickets. Tickets go on sale, November 1st. 850-626-4070 WebersSkateWorld@gmail.com www.weberskateworld.com
Holiday Craft Fair and Movie Elf
@ Pensacola Greyhound Park Pensacola, FL 32506 Perdido Area Community Craft & Vendor Fair and Holiday Flicks on the Field featuring the Holiday Classic film ELF to kick-off the holiday! 12pm-5pm and movie starts at dusk. perdidochamber.com
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December 12 “How the Grinch Stole 2020” Gulf Breeze Holiday Parade
Lighted Boat Parade
@ Sabine Marina to Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 Boat Parade at 6:30pm. See Santa on the lead boat! More information online. Fireworks around 8:00pm.
Gulf Breeze, FL 36561 Join us for a fun “How the Grinch Stole 2020” Holiday Parade at 10:00AM with a new parade route, ONLY for 2020. More details to come soon.
850-932-1500 info@ visitpensacolabeach. com www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
850-932-7888 www. gulfbreezechamber. com/holiday-parade/
Merry Grinchmas Breakfast
@ Crabs on the Beach 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 Candy cane hunt, fake snow, ornament decorating, hot cocoa bar, green grinch pancakes and more. 9am-12pm. 850-932-0700 info@crabsonthebeach.com www.crabswegotem.com
Milton Christmas Parade
Highway 87 (Stewart Street) Milton, FL 32570 Milton Christmas Parade-Milton Community Center to Elva Street. 6:00pm 850-623-2339 membership@srcchamber.com www.srcchamber.com
Navarre Community Christmas Parade @ Navarre Library Navarre , FL 32566 The Annual Navarre Community Christmas Parade Presented by: Prime Lending will start at 1pm at the Navarre Library and end in the back parking lot of Centennial Bank. 850-939-3267 www.navarrechamber.com/events/ details/26th-annual-christmas-in-the-park-and-navarre-community-christmas-parade-19060
Navarre Jingle Bell Run
@ Holley-Navarre Fire Station 8618 Esplanade Street Navarre, FL 32566 Navarre Chamber Foundation will help you start your holiday season with “Bells on” with this Family Fun Run through the local neighborhood. 8:00am
850-939-3267 info@navarrechamberfoundation.org runsignup.com/Race/FL/Navarre/NavarreJingleBellRun
Pensacola Opera presents “Jingle Jukebox Gala”
@ Skopelos at New World Landing 600 S Palafox St Pensacola, FL 32502 Please join us for a holiday gala like no other at the Jingle Jukebox. This is your chance to experience the power, excitement and beauty of over 30 beloved opera arias and a few holiday favorites. 6:00pm pensacolaopera.com/event/jukebox-gala/
White Tie Rock Ensemble Christmas Concert
@ Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium 351 W Cedar St Pensacola, FL 32502 White Tie Rock Ensemble will perform Christmas Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
Ho Ho Hustle 5k
Concert at Blue Wahoos Stadium mpv.tickets.com
December 5-6, 12-13 My Father’s Arrows presents “A Night at our Children’s Home”
@ My Father’s Arrows Theatre production, Live Nativity, Dinner, Carolling, Auction Items. Reservations required, please call for reservations. 850-675-4403 myfathersarrows.org
December 11 Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra “Holiday Pops”
@ Mattie Kelly Arts Center- Main Hall 100 College Boulevard East Niceville, FL 32578 Holiday Pops Concert -Familiar holiday works will fill you with the spirit of the season, along with some surprises! Ring in the holidays with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra! 7:30pm 850-729-6000 www.MattieKellyArtsCenter.org
December 11 - 13 Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents Christmas on the Coast @ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Watch as the Pensacola Children’s Chorus transforms warm weather into a winter wonderland with all the sights and sounds of the season. Friday & Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:30pm. Tickets available through TicketMaster online, by phone (800) 745-3000 or through the Saenger box office.
850-434-7760 admin@pensacolachildrenschorus.com www.pensacolasings.org
December 11-20 Junie B. In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
@ Pensacola Little Theatre 400 South Jefferson Street Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola Little Theatre presents “Junie B. In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” 850-432-2042 boxoffice@pensacolalittletheatre. com www.pensacolalittletheatre.com
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@ Running Wild Pensacola 3012 E Cervantes St Pensacola, FL 32503 This FUN Holiday 5k is for the entire family. Bring the kids and hustle along the scenic course, drink hot chocolate and experience holiday cheer. Kids participate FREE in the 1-mile Santa Sprint after the Ho Ho Hustle 5k. runpensacola.com/events/ho-ho-hustle-5k/
Winter Art Market
@ First City Art Center 1060 N Guillemard Street Pensacola, FL 32501 Winter Art Market will be an outdoor event featuring local art vendors, glass holiday ornaments from FCAC artists, glassblowing and pottery demonstrations, raffles and more! 10am-3pm www.firstcityart.org
December 12 - 13, 19 - 20 2020 Christmas ZOOBilee
@ Gulf Breeze Zoo 5701 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 Winter-themed bounce stations, live music and entertainment, a Candy Cane Market full of gifts, pictures with Santa and more! Visit our website for activity schedules. 9am-4pm 850-932-2229 info@gulfbreezezoo.org www.gbzoo.com
December 13 Christmas Forever, Amen!
@ McIlwain Presbyterian Church 1220 East Blount Street Pensacola, FL 32503 Merry Christmas from our Hearts to yours! Join us for a beautiful Christmas Choral presentation at 6:00pm. 850-438-5449 (Ext. 226) info@mcilwain.org www.mcilwain.org
Sounds of Christmas
@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 Join us for the Musical production of Sounds of Christmas. This event starts at 6:00pm in the worship center. Free to the public. Child care for infants to 5 years old. 850-623-3954 www.ptbc.org
Spirit of Christmas Service
@ Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Pensacola and Beulah Campus Pensacola, FL 32505 Join us for the Spirit of Christmas on December
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13th at 10am. This event will feature Nik Wallenda from the Flying Wallenda’s. 850-479-8337 info@marcuspointebaptist.org www.PensacolaChurch.org
December 15 Christmas Cabaret on the Boulevard
@ Emerald Coast Theatre 560 Grand Blvd (Ste 200) Miramar Beach, FL 32550 Mix, mingle, and enjoy live musical selections performed by our talented actors. Enjoy classic holiday songs and join in some carols as well. Like a mug of hot cocoa, this one night only event will warm your heart and get you in the holiday spirit! 7:30pm 850-684-0323 info@emeraldcoasttheatre.org www.emeraldcoasttheater.org
December 18-20 Ballet Pensacola Presents: The Nutcracker
@ Saenger Theatre 118 South Palafox Place Pensacola, FL 32502 Experience the magic of the beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker! Tickets available online. 850-432-9546 www.balletpensacola.org
December 19 Winter Wonder Ride
@ Blue Wahoos Stadium 351 W Cedar St Pensacola, FL 32502 Join us for a bike ride and then see the Grinch on the big screen. Proceeds purchase new bikes and helmets for needy children. 12pm-3pm 850-485-1889 onbikespensacola@gmail.com www.onbikespensacola.org
December 20 For King and Country: A Drummer Boy
@ Five Flags Speedway 7451 Pine Forest Road Pensacola, FL 32526 855-223-1008
December 21 - 23 and December 28 - 31 Holiday Camp at Pensacola Mess Hall
116 N Tarragona Street, Pensacola, FL 32502 Register your scientists, (Grades 1st - 6th), for Science Sampler Camps! Game design, mineralogy, rocket engineering & more. Half-day camp: 9am - 12pm. Full-day 9am - 4:00pm. Pre-registration is required. 877-937-6377 info@pensacolamesshall.org www.pensacolamesshall.org
December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
@ Pine Terrace Baptist Church 6212 Pine Blossom Road Milton, FL 32570 Join us on Christmas Eve at 5 PM in the Worship Center for our beautiful candlelight service. We look forward to seeing you there! 850-623-3954 social@ptbc.org www.ptbc.org
December 31 Noon Year’s Eve and Beach Ball Drop at Crabs
@ Crabs on the Beach 6 Casino Beach Boardwalk Pcola Beach, FL 32561 This event will be nothing short of fun! Cotton
Candy, Live Entertainment, games, and a beach ball drop! 10:00am - 12:00pm. 850-932-0700 info@crabsonthebeach.com www.crabswegotem.com
January 1, 2021 New Year’s Eve Fireworks
@ Pensacola Beach Boardwalk Pensacola Beach, FL A free fireworks show provided by the beach chamber, will take place at 12:00AM overlooking the Santa Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
Polar Bear Dip
@ Flora Bama 17401 Perdido Key Drive Pensacola, FL 32507 Wear a crazy costume, bring the whole family and take a New Year plunge into the Gulf of Mexico! No registration is required. Event starts at 12:00pm . 850-492-0611 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com/events.html
Polar Bear Plunge
@ TBD Pensacola, FL Dress in costume and take the plunge! Registration at 12pm and Plunge at 2pm. $15/person. Check for updates at Pensacola Chamber’s Facebook page. Times subject to change. 850-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.facebook.com/pensacolabeachchamber GPP
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Get Dialed In
Q. My wife and I have two kids and one on the way. We’re debt-free except for our home, and we have our emergency fund in place. We’ve also been saving for retirement, with me putting 15% into a 401(k) and her putting 10 percent into her retirement account. On top of all this, we’re putting a little money toward college funds for the kids. We talked the other night, and after that we started thinking about pulling back from retirement saving and getting the house paid off. What do you think about that?
A. I teach people to start investing 15% of their household income for retirement after they’ve completed Baby Step 3, which is saving three to six months of expenses for an emergency fund. Baby Step 4 would be both of you putting 15% of your income into retirement, and you’re not quite doing that yet. Saving for college comes next in Baby Step 5. I don’t teach people to put less than 15% of their income into retirement in order to pay off the house a little earlier. It’s tempt-
Greater Pensacola Parents I December 2020
ing when you’ve got the debt-free bug, but it’s not the shortest distance between where you are right now and wealth. The average person who follows my plan—the Baby Steps—can pay off their home in about seven years. You’ve got offense and defense to think about. Defense is getting rid of debt, and the offense is building wealth. You don’t want to let your guard down on offense in order to just play defense and get the house paid off. What you’re talking about is a normal reaction for lots of folks in your position, but it’s not what I would recommend right now. I love your fire, but follow the Baby Steps as they’re laid out. My goal isn’t just helping people get out of debt. It’s to teach people how to become wealthy as a result of being out of debt and encouraging them be outrageously generous along the way!
How Can I Help My Mom-in-Law?
Q. My mother-in-law is 60. She works hard and has no debt, but she also has no savings or retirement accounts. However, she
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owns a couple of paid-for rental properties that are worth about $350,000 each, and her home is worth $700,000. What can I do to help her plan for the future?
A. The best plan would be to first see if she’s already got a plan. I understand you’re worried about her not having any savings or retirement. That makes you a good son-inlaw. But it sounds to me like she’s got the makings of a pretty good retirement situation lined up, even if she didn’t go the traditional route to get there. You just told me she’s sitting on nearly $1.5 million in paid-for real estate. Dude, she’s a millionaire! If the time comes where she decides she doesn’t like landlording anymore or just wants to retire, she can always sell the rental properties, invest that big pile of cash in mutual funds, and live off the income. If you’re concerned about things, just sit down with her and let her know. Ask her if she needs any help with her money situation and plans for retirement. If she doesn’t want to talk about it right now, that’s fine, but making the offer shows you care.
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