South Florida Family Life, January 2022

Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties

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CHOICES

Weight-Loss Surgery for Teens from a Team of Experts

Serious health concerns and social issues related to weight can make the teen years especially difficult. Our wish for extremely overweight teens is simple — be healthy, be happy. Like any family, we’ll do everything we can to help them get there.

That’s why we offer a weight-loss surgery program especially for teens ages 15-17 (with parental consent). Bariatric surgery is not for everyone, but when it’s the right option for overweight teens, our team of experts can help them achieve healthier and more active lives.

Trust our team of experts to take care of your family.

Ryan, whose weight-loss from bariatric surgery as a teen eliminated his Type II diabetes

The

Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program

Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, or VPK, is a ffree ree educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond. Children must live in Florida and be 4 on or before September 1 of the beyond. Children must live in Florida and be 4 on or before September 1 of the school year they enroll. Parents whose children are born between Feb. 2 and school year they enroll. Parents whose children are born between Feb. 2 and Sept. 1 of the calendar year may postpone enrolling their 4-year-old until the Sept. 1 of the calendar year may postpone enrolling their 4-year-old until the following year when their child is 5. following year when their child is 5.

Why Choose VPK? Why Choose VPK?

There are no income requirements

You choose the program best suited for your child

High-quality early learning centers have availability

Thank you to our partners!

time to enroll your child into VPK is now! The time to enroll your child into VPK is now!

FITNESS

SMART CHOICES

Discover schools and activities that are just right for your child.

Our mission is to enrich family life in South Florida by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.

PUBLISHER

Lisa Goodlin

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Stacey Jacques

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Michelle Liem

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shannon Pease-Severance

DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR

Jennifer Jhon

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carrie B. Weeks

PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

Toni Kirkland • Linda Seavey

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tom Gonzales

CONTACT US: 4611 S. University Drive, #224 Davie, FL 33328

Phone (954) 424-7405

info@familylifemediagroup.com

For information on where to find South Florida Family Life, or to become a distributor, call 954-424-7405 or e-mail info@familylifemediagroup.com

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

South Florida Family Life is published twelve times per year by Family Life Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout South Florida. South Florida Family Life is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to South Florida Family Life will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.

Copyright 2022 by Family Life Media Group. All rights reserved.

P.A.S.S. 2nd-6thgrades

PREMIER AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS PROGRAM

Monday-Friday 2:00-6:00 pm

This program is for the prospective young athlete wanting to improve athletic skills in a variety of sports. Boys and girls will receive a higher level of instruction and training in various sports:

TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM SELECT SCHOOLS.

Basketball • Baseball

Soccer • Football (flag)

Golf • Volleyball • Lacrosse*

Pickleball • Swimming*

Plyometric training

*Seasonal sport

Emphasis will be on fundamentals, teamwork and overall skill building.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT WILL CROUD, 954-434-0499, EXT 112 or wcroud@dpjcc.org

TO REGISTER: DPJCC.ORG/PASS

TO REGISTER: DPJCC.ORG/PASS

On the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus 5850 S. Pine Island Rd, Davie

Open to the community

A day fit for a King

PARADE HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MLK JR.

Following an 8-mile Miami route that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once traveled himself, a procession of marching bands and community members will proceed together on MLK Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17, to remember the civic leader.

The 45th annual event, part of the national registry of MLK Holiday celebrations honoring King’s dream for unity, freedom, social and economic equality, justice and sustainability, is the oldest and largest MLK celebration in the country.

This year’s 2.5-hour parade, themed “Driving the Dream Forward,” begins at 11 a.m. along NW 54th Street from NW 10th Avenue to NW 32nd Avenue.

The route covers ground that Dr. King traveled as a frequent visitor to Miami in the 1950s and 1960s. Before giving his famous

Sparking Creativity

What do you get when art meets literature? ArtLit, an interactive and collaborative celebration of books, multimedia art and creative minds.

Now in its fifth year, ArtLit 2022: Drawing Together, will feature continuous activities, demonstrations and entertainment for all ages, including art, crafts, chalk artistry, mural creation, a storytime tent, stencil painting, computer drawing activities and painting classes. There will also be a Martin Luther King Jr. Day remembrance with an origami dove craft.

The free, outdoor festival, presented by the Broward County Library and the city of Pompano Beach, takes place on Saturday, Jan, 15 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center.

The afternoon includes a puppet show, music and dance performances, poetry and other live entertainment for all ages. The artistic backdrop lends itself to photo opportunities galore, and there will be a photo booth where pictures are taken for free.

ArtLit is the official opening celebration of Broward County Library’s NEA Big Read 2022, which features the graphic novel The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by award-winning author Thi Bui.

The Pompano Beach Library and Cultural Center is located at 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach. For more information, visit www.broward.org/library.

“I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered a version of it locally at the Hampton House hotel in 1960.

In addition to the parade in his honor, an afternoon of scheduled festivities includes live music, dance, theatrical performances, children’s activities and vendors at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 6000 NW 32nd Court until 5 p.m.

A Children’s Village, geared toward kids ages 5-14, touts interactive games, sports and physical challenges, exploration of MLK history, and a creative arts project that spotlights the message of MLK. There will also be a Food Corner where local restaurants, food trucks and grocers fill the void with a range of dishes, including barbecue, jerk ribs and chicken, conch fritters, griot, tamales and more.

For more information, visit www.mlkparadeandfestivities.org.

North Broward Natural Areas kick off 2022 with naturalist-led hikes. Programs are free or have a nominal charge of up to $5. Preregistration is required at least a day in advance by calling 954-357-8109.

Seasonal Spotlight Wed., Jan. 26, 9-10 a.m.

Broward County’s Natural Areas – Yours to Discover!

LIT BY LASERS

After a 2-year hiatus, Laser Evenings are bringing the beat back to the 67-foot dome of the Frost Planetarium in Miami in January.

Starting Friday, Jan. 14, guests can rock out once a month to a laser light spectacle and a rotating lineup of music, including U2 and Aerosmith, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Daft Punk, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Queen, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Bob Marley and more.

Each Laser Evening features five different shows, starting at 7 p.m. with additional shows every hour through 11 p.m. Guests can enjoy flat-rate parking in the Frost Science museum garage, get free laser glasses with show admission, and purchase refreshments in the atrium to complete the evening.

The Jan. 14 event features a family show, Symphony of the Stars, at 7 p.m., followed by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and Queen. February’s event features an ’80s Laser Show, Michael Jackson, U2, Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. The music of Lady Gaga, The Beatles, Aerosmith, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd will set the stage for March.

The Frost Science Museum, at 1101 Biscayne Blvd., opens its parking lot at 6 p.m. for Laser Evening guests. Visit www.frostscience.org/exhibition/planetarium/ laser-evenings/ for more information and additional event dates.

Earth Matters

The newest exhibit at the museum formerly known as the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is designed to get the next generation thinking about what’s ahead for the environment.

Cox Science Center, located near the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, has installed an interactive exhibit that shows the importance of creating a sustainable future. Guests are invited to investigate the relationships between humans and different habitats and put their minds to the challenge of protecting Earth’s biodiversity.

The five zones of the Earth Matters exhibit help visitors understand at-risk ecosystems and ways to renew declining habitats, such as coral reefs. It also helps guests experience how their actions can have a big impact on the modern world.

Earth Matters is on display through May 8 at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium at 4801 Dreher Trail North. Learn more at www.coxsciencecenter.org/earth-matters.

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t work we feel bad we’re not with our kids. While working out, we have a nagging feeling we should be home for bedtime. Out with friends, we feel guilty for having a good time while our partners and kids fend for themselves.

For most women, motherhood comes with a healthy serving of guilt.

“When I’m working, I feel guilty that I’m not with the kids, and when I’m with the kids, I feel guilty that I’m not working, and in both cases, I am often called upon to deal with issues related to the other. So I may be working and have to deal with a kid-related issue and vice-versa. It makes me feel like I’m not giving 100 percent to anyone or anything,” says Michelle Kalinksi, a stay-at-home mom of two who runs a business part-time.

The pressure to lean in, both at work and at home, isn’t just in our heads. Emma Bennett, a therapist specializing in maternal mental health, says, “There is a societal expectation for us as mothers to do it all. When we don’t, feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy can arise.”

GUILT BY THE NUMBERS. Dad guilt, on the other hand, is an emerging phenomenon we are only beginning to recognize. According to a recent survey by www.today.com and www.fatherly.com, nearly a fifth of men surveyed reported feeling guilty about not being present enough with their kids, while 17 percent reported they felt bad about how much they worked. A whopping 63 percent of working fathers said they were envious of stay-at-home dads.

That dads increasingly grapple with the guilt that has long besieged moms is not surprising, given the changing face of the workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 70 percent of mothers with children under the age of 18 were in the workforce in 2015, compared to 47 percent in 1975. That upward trend has been even steeper for mothers of young children. Between 1975 and 2015, the rate of labor force participation by mothers with children under age 3 increased by 27 percent. Not only are mothers increasingly present in the workforce, but their families are increasingly dependent on their financial contributions. In 2015, mothers were the primary or sole wage earners for 40 percent of households with children under 18, compared with 11 percent in 1960.

Jacob Brier’s family is one example of this trend. His wife went back to work as an attorney shortly after their son was born.

Jacob stayed home for the first year, gradually transitioning back to full-time work as a small business and marketing consultant around his son’s second birthday. Brier says guilt is a frequent part of his experience as a dad. “I had guilt when I went back to work, and still have guilt when I stay late,” he says.

Though the fact that his son now spends much of his day in kindergarten has assuaged some of his guilt, he says he would feel guilty if he weren’t providing for his family financially. “[I have] guilt that I’m not stricter about what he eats. Guilt that I’m too strict about nearly every single other thing. Guilt that I don’t plan enough playdates … Guilt that I haven’t been to a PTO meeting. Guilt that I forgot to trim his nails.”

Michelle Gale, a parenting coach and author of “Mindful Parenting In A Messy World,” says the guilt Brier describes is to be expected: “It makes sense that a father who has participated fully in the raising of a baby would feel more guilt as a parent.”

GUILT FEED. In addition to changing gender roles, some see social media as a source of guilt for both moms and dads. “When your feed shows your friends’ perfect homes, their Pinterest-worthy birthday parties, and the healthy meals they serve their smiling kids, even though you know it’s just a snapshot of their lives, it’s hard not to compare yourself and feel guilty for not doing enough,” says Elizabeth Willey, a mom who works part-time. Willey deleted her Facebook account and says she doesn’t miss it.

While social media can be a source of stress for moms, according to Dr. Jenni Skyler — a sex and relationship therapist and mom of two — it may be a driver for men’s increasingly active approach to parenting. “Our dads’ generation would never have dreamed of feeling guilty for not spending time with their kids,” says Skyler. Now though, she feels social media exposes men to new ideas and perspectives that lead them to be more engaged, albeit more guilt-ridden, as dads.

MOM GUILT FOR THE WIN. While guilt is increasingly seeping into the experience of fatherhood, research shows that mothers still have the upper hand, especially when it comes to work. A 2017 study published in the journal Sex Roles looked at heterosexual couples with kids and found that mothers had significantly higher levels of guilt than fathers when it came to concerns about work interfering with family. Drawing on qualitative research for this study, the authors cited the bind working moms are caught in when their kid gets sick on the

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same day as an important work presentation. A mother tends to experience guilt whether she stays home with her sick child, thereby shirking work responsibilities, or goes to work and lets another caregiver watch her child, pushing off her parental duties. The study authors argue that if put in the same position, a man typically has less guilt relative to a woman if he chooses work, as this “is a central part of his parental, gender-prescribed role as primary breadwinner.”

Not only are women more susceptible to feeling guilty due to conflicts between work and family, but some experts argue that for many women, experiencing guilt is an inevitable part of being having two X chromosomes. “Women are more naturally relational, which means they are tracking others’ emotions and tend to feel much more interconnected,” says Gale. “The more interconnected we feel, the more others’ emotions can make us feel one way or the other.”

Gale also says women’s tendency to function as “project managers” plays a role. Where families with a mom and a dad are concerned, “[Women] know intimately when something doesn’t go as planned or someone is not getting what they need. It’s much easier to feel guilty when you know all the painstaking details of the day.”

Though men are catching up, if biology and culture are any indicators, it doesn’t look like they’ll ever beat women on the parental guilt front. Not that the guys shouldn’t try; for both moms and dads, guilt can arise from increased family engagement — and that engagement is a good thing.

BY PAM MOORE

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AVOID THESE TIME-WASTERS FOR A BETTER WORKOUT

Exercise is better for you than ever. The latest physical activity guidelines underscore that regular physical activity helps lower the risk of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers to help you live better longer. It can also help you concentrate, sleep better and ward off weight gain, depression and dementia.

QUANTITY IS IMPORTANT. Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes each week of moderately intense aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, and strength training sessions two or more days each week. Studies show that for every hour of walking you do, your life expectancy may increase by two hours.

BUT QUALITY IS KEY, TOO. To get the most out of your workout, avoid these fitness time-wasters.

Wrong move: Reading. Watching TV or listening to a high-energy playlist while you’re using cardio equipment can be motivating and help pass the time, but don’t think you can read on your phone while you’re using the treadmill or a stationary bike and maintain a challenging pace. “There’s no way you can exert energy and try to keep your head focused on the content,” says Jaime Brenkus, creator of

8 Minute Abs. It’s too distracting; same with talking on your phone while trying to get in a workout.

Wrong move: Talking, not walking. Having the social support of an exercise partner, whether it’s your spouse, a friend or a family member, can make you more accountable, but having an exercise buddy can backfire if you’re using your exercise time to catch up more than anything else. If the buddy routine is backfiring, go it alone and wear earbuds to show you mean business.

Wrong move: Strength training with improper form. Using improper form when strength training is not only a waste of time, it’s a good way to hurt yourself. “The more reps you cumulatively do with improper form, the more you’re setting yourself up for a potential back injury,” says Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, an exercise physiologist.

One of the most common mistakes: Rounding your back and not tightening your core muscles when lifting. A quick fix? Keep the lower back engaged by maintaining a more erect lifting posture. Proper form can vary slightly, depending on height and weight.

To learn what proper form looks and feels like, Schoenfeld recommends lifting

BY SANDRA GORDON

weights while watching high quality strength training videos by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, taking a weight training class or finding a qualified personal trainer to work with.

Wrong move: Winging it with weight equipment. While you’re at it, optimize your exercise time by lifting weights that are heavy enough to overload your muscles. “If you can easily do 20 to 25 reps, the weight is too light,” Brenkus says. You’ll build muscular endurance, but not the strength you’re looking for. You’re on the right track if you can only do 8 to 12 reps, and feel fatigued by the last rep.

Wrong move: S-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g Before Your Workout. “Flexibility training is by far the most overlooked aspect of fitness,” says Jessica Matthews, author of Stretching to Stay Young and senior adviser for health and fitness education for the American Council on Exercise.

After age 30, you typically lose five pounds of muscle mass per decade, especially if you don’t regularly strength train at least two times per week. The loss of muscle goes hand in hand with the loss of flexibility. “As muscle fibers recede, collagen can start to encroach to make your muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and cartilage stiffer,” Matthews says.

The good news? Stretching can derail the process and help you maintain your range of motion. That way you can continue to reach for things on a high shelf or easily get up out of a chair. When you’re more flexible, your arteries might be, too, and this will help reduce your risk of heart disease.

A PLOS ONE study involving 1,150 adults ages 18 to 89 found that those with poor trunk flexibility — demonstrated when they couldn’t reach their toes very far while sitting — had stiffer arteries than those who were more limber.

BUT DON’T STRETCH BEFORE YOUR WORKOUT. To warm up cold muscles, do a lesser version of the activity you’ll be doing. If you’re strength training, for example, lift lighter weights at first and do some push-ups. Before any aerobic activity, such as running, do a light jog first. To stay limber and reduce muscle soreness, spend five minutes stretching after you’re done exercising.

Wrong move: Trying to spot reduce. Spending time exercising one specific muscle group, such as curling through hundreds of crunches to get rid of a pouchy midsection, is a major time-waster. “You can’t spot reduce,” Brenkus says. You can strengthen muscles in specific areas, but you can’t target fat burning. To whittle your

middle or any trouble spot, such as the back of your arms, pick a staple of strength-training and cardio exercises to get rid of trouble spots. Concentrate on burning fat all over by eating less.

Wrong move: Not keeping tabs on calories. Speaking of eating less, one of the best ways to save time at the gym is to avoid overindulging because you won’t have to exercise for as long to burn off the extra calories you shouldn’t have consumed in the first place. “On average, it takes an hour and a half on the treadmill to burn off an extra 500 calories per day,” Brenkus says, which is about half the calories in a classic, medium-size hot fudge sundae.

Who has that kind of extra time? Most of us don’t, Brenkus says. He contends that if you consume the extra calories, you’re not going to take the extra time to burn them off, and you’ll never see results — your jeans won’t feel any looser — so you’ll get discouraged. To avoid this downward spiral, eat sensibly and in moderation. “You want to get in 30 minutes of physical activity daily. But you don’t want to make it so you have to exercise for two hours,” Brenkus says.

Summit-Questa Montessori School uses an authentic Montessori curriculum from toddlergrade 8, led by nationally certified Montessori teachers. Established for 30 years and located on a beautiful 10-acre campus in Davie, it has native habitats, edible schoolyard vegetable gardens, butterfly gardens, a wetland preserve, gymnasium, sports field, and two pools.

Our Montessori program also includes art, music, PE, animal care, science, advanced math, BC/AC and specialty after-school programs such as reading/math labs, chess, STEM, gymnastics, drama, and sports. Summer Camp is available. The principal, Judy Dempsey, is a Montessori educator of 40+ years, the author of Turning Education Inside Out, and was the recipient of the 2016-2017 Distinguished Educator of the Year award by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida.

The school is fully accredited by AISF, NCPSA, Middle States Association, Accreditation International, and Advanced Ed/SACS, and is a full member of the American Montessori Society. The school is also the home of Summit Montessori TeacherTraining Institute, a MACTE accredited Montessori teacher training center.

Madelaine Halmos Academy

Two Year College Scholarships for Students

Enrolling in the Madelaine Halmos Academy

Every student attending the Madelaine Halmos Academy, a private elementary school, for at least two years will be awarded a two-year college pre-paid Florida scholarship. This scholarship may be used after high school graduation to any public or private Florida college or to any approved certification program. This amazing opportunity is being funded by a private donor who believes in paying it forward to students who otherwise would not have an opportunity for a college education.

Applications are now open for the 2022-2023 school year for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. At the heart of MHA programming is a desire to see students thrive. The school offers small class sizes, exceptional teachers and an innovative approach to education. The educational experience focuses on innovative approaches to learning, project-based curriculum, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and integration of technology into the programs.

DiverseAbilities

DiverseAbiities (formerly Broward Academy) is a private school and therapy center for individuals of all ages with autism and related disabilities. We provide intensive and individualized instruction and therapy enabling these special individuals by teaching them the way they learn in a safe environment, reducing inappropriate behavior and teaching them replacement skills, and enabling them to experience success in learning the skills they will need for a life of happiness. DiverseAbilities is now in its 16th year of teaching and enabling these special needs individuals in language acquisition, academics, social skills, pre-vocational and vocational skills, and life and leisure skills.

Posnack Jewish Day School

Posnack Jewish Day School in Davie and Hochberg Lower School in Hallandale are South Florida’s true educational gems. Excellence in general and Jewish studies is matched by superior athletics, performing and visual arts, and extra-curricular programming. This reputation for excellence has resulted in unprecedented growth in enrollment with few spots for many grades for the 2022-2023 school year.

Posnack School families consistently praise the school’s warm and nurturing environment. Hochberg Middle and Fischer High school students can choose from a wide variety of electives and clubs, with programs in pre-med, pre-law, preengineering, and robotics. Graduates consistently rank in the top 5% of college applicants nationwide and are admitted into elite colleges in the United States and around the world. The Posnack School Plus program provides students who require learning assistance the necessary skills to advance their education while integrating fully into the school community.

Posnack School’s extensive capital investment over the past decade has made it a technology powerhouse and provided unparalleled learning and safety resources schoolwide. The 2022-2023 school year also will welcome the school’s second class of Junior Kindergarten students, bringing the “Posnack Way” to younger children who are emotionally and intellectually ready for an enriched educational experience.

With all this to offer, it is easy to see why South Florida parents choose Posnack Jewish Day School and Hochberg Lower School for their children.

Glades Christian Academy

Looking for a new school? GCA is where you belong. Glades Christian Academy is a kindergarten through 8th grade school. Our main core values are kindness and respect. We teach students to look to God’s Word for guidance.

Choosing a school is never easy. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if your child is receiving the best education and attention for their success:

Is my child a number or a name? Here at GCA, we learn everyone’s name and, in turn, are able to assist students and families better because we know them personally.

Is the current school keeping the parent informed? GCA uses a variety of tools to keep our parents informed. We have daily access to grades and interim reports, homework is clearly posted, parent meetings as requested, and a twenty-fourhour response to all phone calls and emails is provided.

Is your child’s school safe? GCA securely locks all doors so that there is only one entrance into the building. All teachers have been trained in the event of an intruder. Monthly drills help the students to practice fire drills or lockdown situations. GCA is a part of the Coral Springs Police Department private school notification system. In the event of an incident in the area, we are immediately notified to lockdown the school.

If you qualify for Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) or the Step Up for Students/ Florida Tax Credit (enrollment@sufs. org) you may qualify for free tuition. Call today for a tour of the school and further information.

Girls

The Vanguard School

The Vanguard School serves co-educational diverse learners in 6th through 12th grades in beautiful sunny Florida USA. Our vast campus provides space for a variety of outdoor activities including athletics such as tennis, swimming, soccer, a running track, and leisure activities such as fishing, canoeing, camping, and others. Our goal is to work with students who excel in a small targeted education setting and can utilize the targeted support in academics, self-confidence and leadership, social skills, and independent life skills prior to attending university.

We instill the core values of community, leadership, integrity, empathy, and resilience throughout Vanguard, and challenge each member to set and meet individual goals. Our school can best prepare each student for an ever-changing world connecting with others on a deeper level with confidence.

We prepare diverse learners to thrive in a diverse world. Contact us today at admissions@vanguardschool.org or visit our website at www.vanguardschool.org.

Bright & Smart

Bright & Smart is excited to announce the reopening of our STEAM Center in East Broward for in-person classes.

We have always been a local company, but are thrilled to now have a virtual platform to reach students globally and hope to encourage the development of more STEM skills for students of all ages. We will continue offering Online STEAM Classes.

We have created a curriculum that incorporates science, technology, engineering, and math that makes learning fun and fulfilling. Our curriculum enables children as young as 4 years old to be hands-on creators as they explore, discover, and learn more about their hidden capabilities. We offer classes, camps, and special events for kids and adults.

Take a journey with us as we navigate through the secret passageways of robotics, coding, and engineering, together with some of the most enthusiastic, experienced and caring instructors in the industry.

Bright & Smart class sizes are limited to six students per group for more personalized instruction.

#STEAM is our Approach. #Learning is our Goal. For more information, call 954-816-3346 or visit www.BrightAndSmart.com

School of Rock

On learning music

A “well-rounded student” is a term thrown around these days, especially when filling out college applications. Understandably, a college would like to invest their efforts into a student who will do great things post-graduation and having a well-rounded student could promote that. It seems that having a wellrounded student should be more than just a key to the doorway for higher education.

When you have your child in extracurricular activities that are not purely academic based, the benefit is far greater than a single entry on a college form. It has been proven, both empirically and colloquially, that a student who pursues the arts has a more open thought process, can logically assess situations better, will have greater problem-solving skills, and forms more systematic and consistent work habits.

A music student at the School of Rock learns how to achieve small scale goals with traditional lessons, which could be defined as weekly self-practice with one weekly assessment. Long term goals would be working on a difficult song or passage, with a goal of performance after a few months, like learning the guitar solos in the Lynyrd Skynyrd song Freebird. They learn how to be a leader in a group setting by playing the drums to a Rush song and making everyone follow their timing. And, they learn how to be a generous contributor to a group by being a 16-yearold shredder guitarist who plays rhythm guitar so the 8-year-old taking her first guitar solo can be heard and supported. We need academically sound children, but we also want them to grow up to be fully formed, self-sufficient, responsible adults. Teaching them music or any arts will help them achieve that. Get your kids in music!

Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center

Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center Makes its Mark on the East Side Laughter and joy rule the day at the newly opened Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center on the Campus of Temple Bat Yam in Ft. Lauderdale. Children, ages two months to five years, learn, grow and play each day in the brand-new preschool building, a unique partnership between the Temple Bat Yam and the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie. The Baer Family Center opened this past January and is celebrating their 1st anniversary. Utilizing DPJCC’s highly acclaimed preschool curriculum, the east side of town now mirrors the west, taking pride in the fact that all are welcome, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

The initial idea for the Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center occurred during a trip to Israel when DPJCC CEO Scott Ehrlich and then Temple president and furniture magnate Jerry Baer had a meeting of the minds with regard to the need for expanded Jewish education in east Ft. Lauderdale. Both realized the inherent value in using a proven educational model to grow the Jewish community in that area. The new preschool, opened in the midst of a challenging year, offers a high-quality, well-rounded curriculum where children learn to master both fine and gross motor skills, adopt social and school readiness skills and take the first steps toward independence.

Students thrive in a warm, loving and secure environment. Today, preschoolers enjoy beautifully landscaped age-appropriate playgrounds and bright rooms with high-tech learning tools. The Baer Family Early Childhood Learning Center also offers an after-school program and summer camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, five days a week. For more information about preschool, afterschool or summer camp options, or to schedule a school tour, please visit dpjcc.org/baer or contact Beth Hickman at 954-351-5544 or bhickman@dpjcc.org.

Florida Children’s Theatre

Florida Children’s Theatre (FLCT) offers year-round theatre classes and camps for ages 4-18, including creative drama, acting, musical theatre, circus, private voice, and specialty workshops. FLCT is now located at its new facility at Broward College Central Campus in Davie, with select classes offered at the Galleria Mall. FLCT also produces a full season of shows each year. See website for complete schedule. Additionally, FLCT offers community outreach programming including free performances and workshops, as well as arts infusion education programs. Up-to-date information on classes, tickets, and auditions is available a www.flct.org.

Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC)

The CSC celebrates its 20th year of positively impacting children’s lives in Broward by supporting the work of the many agencies engaged in the 2021-22 Youth Summit Series. Organizations that integrate the Broward Children’s Strategic Plan are spearheading a series of events focused on different areas of impact: fathers, men, and boys and what they need to thrive; preventing human trafficking and supporting those who have been victimized by it; supporting children and youth with special needs; preventing child abuse and neglect, and more. Log on to www.cscbroward.org/youthsummit to find out more or call 954-377-1000.

The Children’s Services Council of Broward County: Our Focus is Our Children

Huntington Learning Center

Huntington’s Unique Equation for Success

When it comes to learning, our solution is simple. Since 1977, we’ve combined proven methods with individualized instruction to give students the academic and emotional support they need to build confidence and exceed their potential. We are a learning family, striving to build and maintain relationships that last a lifetime.

Our proven 4-step approach:

1. Evaluation: Each student takes a comprehensive academic evaluation that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses.

2. Personalized Plan: Based on the results of the evaluation, we develop a personalized learning plan targeted to meet each student’s needs.

3. Customized Learning: Individualized tutoring is given to help students learn at their pace, and on their level, to build skills, confidence and motivation.

4. Communicate Progress: With permission, we keep parents and teachers in the loop with regular conferences to discuss the student’s progress.

Call Huntington today at 1-800-CAN-LEARN to learn more.

If your child is having trouble keeping up in a subject or with schoolwork in general, here’s how Huntington can help: Academic evaluation identifies problem areas Programs tailored to address each student’s needs Highly trained tutors work individually with students Huntington helps improve skills, confidence, and grades

To find out more about Huntington Tutoring Programs, CALL NOW!

Happy and Healthy

APPS TO HELP KIDS STAY FOCUSED AND FIT

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

Looking for apps that go beyond simple screen time? Encourage your kids to download an educational and enriching app — or three. Here are some suggestions, and the best part is that they’re all free.

EAT-AND-MOVE-O-MATIC (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 9-18)

If you want your kids to understand the consequences of their food choices, Eat-And-Move-O-Matic is the right app for them. Created by the Learning Game Lab at New Mexico State University, the app teaches kids to be aware of what they eat or drink. It allows them to compare the calories in their food choices with the type and length of time you need to do activities like biking, running or walking to burn off those calories.

MONSTER HEART MEDIC (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 9-12)

Monster Heart Medic teaches kids about a topic few other apps cover, namely the cardiovascular system and how to stay hearthealthy. Created by the University of California, Berkeley, the app features a friendly monster named Ragnar who suffers from cardiovascular problems and needs help. Kids help Ragnar by

running various diagnostic tests to figure out what’s causing the problems. The app also has tips for leading a healthier life from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

NATURE MELODY (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-18)

If there’s one thing kids need to lead healthy lives, it’s a good night’s sleep, and the app Nature Melody can help. It functions as an alarm clock and has more than 30 soothing, nature-inspired sounds to wake your kids up slowly and gently in the morning. The app can be used in the afternoon and evening, too, using the nap and a sleep timer function, for a stress-free end to their day.

NFL PLAY 60 (Available at Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 5-18)

If your kids love sports, especially football, but it’s hard to get them to do any actual exercise, NFL Play 60 is just the right app for them. Created by the NFL, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, the app lets kids pretend that they’re professional football players. But instead of simply making their on-screen avatars run and jump, they have to get off the couch and actually

run, jump, catch and turn to make their avatars move. The app lets kids count the steps they’ve taken while playing the game.

SPACE CHEF (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-12)

If you want your kids to learn to eat well, encourage them to download Space Chef. Created by the maker of the Monster Heart Medic app, Space Chef teaches kids important facts about healthy foods. And it goes one important step further: it has more than 60 easy-to-make and kid-friendly recipes that encourage kids to eat healthily and to take responsibility for their own diets.

STRETCH BREAK FOR KIDS (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-12)

Do your kids spend hours at a time hunched over their laptops or phones without getting up? If so, encourage them to download Stretch Break for Kids. The app has various stretching exercises designed to relax the neck and back muscles that are most affected by bad posture and repetitive strain. The exercises are demonstrated by other kids, who prompt viewers at intervals to keep moving through the exercises.

SUPER STRETCH YOGA (Available at Apple Appstore, Google Play; Age range: 9-18)

Besides meditation, a great way for kids to relax their minds and bodies for optimal health is to practice yoga. Super Stretch Yoga, created by a well-known yoga instructor, teaches kids yoga through video demonstrations by other kids, with a focus on breathing and movement. It’s narrated by a character named Super Stretch and features 12 different poses with different skill levels. Kids can use the built-in camera to take pictures of themselves doing the various poses.

THREE GOOD THINGS: A HAPPINESS

JOURNAL (Available at Apple Appstore; Age range: 5-18)

It’s a well-known fact that mental health is impacted by a sense of well-being. If your kids need a little boost and happen to enjoy writing, encourage them to download Three Good Things: A Happiness Journal. The app helps kids think more positively by writing daily about three good experiences they’ve had. The app has a feature that lets kids upload and share their writings on social media.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

Winning the Trifecta

ADDING A THIRD CHILD TO OUR FAMILY WAS A SURE BET

BY RICK EPSTEIN

Nancy and I spent hours one summer discussing the pros and cons of having a third child. Time was marching on, biological clocks were ticking, and it was time to make a decision.

I’d been one of three children, and my wife had been one of five. We both felt that a two-child family is a little skimpy — just a taste of how wonderful family life could be. Although she was working toward a degree in library science and aiming to work in that field, my wife saw motherhood as her main role in life. So she was feeling a little short-changed and unfulfilled.

Nancy and I revisited the question whenever we had a spare moment. More than once she suggested, “You know, you really ought to discuss this with your wife.” (Did I confuse you? Sorry. Nancy is a co-worker. My wife’s name is Betsy.)

“I can’t talk about it with Betsy,” I explained. “We discussed it last year. She said she wants a third child, but I gave her a few reasons why it would be reckless. Betsy said it would have to be unanimous; she wouldn’t be raising a child alone. So that settled it. If I reopen the discussion, it would be impossible to decide ‘no’ again.” So the third-child hearings took place without testimony

from the most important witness. There was only one reason for having another baby: We are madly in love with the children we have.

The arguments against were several: I told Nancy about the smallness of our house, my low income and dim prospects, my fear of childbirth, and my feeling that, after getting away with two healthy babies, we’d be greedy to gamble and God would punish us.

We finally agreed that having a third child would require more courage and confidence than I have. Betsy and I would have to be content with our modest herd.

Months later, after the children fell

asleep, I joined Betsy under the covers and she said, “Rick?”

Uh-oh! She only uses my name when she is about to say something grave. “Yes?”

She took a breath. “I’ve got some news you aren’t going to like.”

“Yes?” I asked woodenly, ready for her to tell me she wanted a divorce or that she was dying or that Netflix was raising its prices.

“We’re going to have another baby,” she said.

That’s not bad news, I thought, and then realized that Betsy had been left out of my agonizing. I said, “That’s the best news ever!” She shouldn’t have been surprised at my reaction. When it comes to women, I wouldn’t say I wrote the book, but I could say I’ve seen the movie. Lots of movies. And I know that only villains express dismay when pregnancy is announced. So I would’ve said something encouraging even if only out of politeness.

But I didn’t have to fake it. I’d wanted a third child but just didn’t have the fortitude to apply for one. So I celebrated the miracle of a brand-new soul.

That soul is now a junior in high school. Our Wendy is obsessed with her looks and Popularity is her religion. If she sends fewer than 1,000 text messages a month, the phone company wonders if she’s OK. But there is more to her than that.

I overheard Wendy telling this story over the phone: In the school corridor, she saw a few boys taunting a girl for her odd manner. Her books were on the floor and she was crying when Wendy lit into the boys. “You @*#%#s must feel really big torturing Amanda!” she snarled, kicking the nearest one. “Why don’t you go home and tell your mothers what heroes you are?!”

The boys called her a few nasty names and slithered off while she helped Amanda pick up the books and compose herself. Then she walked her to her next class.

My former confidant Nancy and I lost touch years ago, but when I heard about Wendy’s little rescue, I so wanted to tell her about it.

Rick Epstein is a freelance writer and author of Rookie Dad and The Right Number of Kids

Urgent Lessons

TEACHING KIDS FIRST AID

BY SARAH LYONS

Parents can take every precaution possible to keep their kids safe, but accidents happen. It is never too early to start teaching your kids basic first-aid skills and what to do in an emergency. If your child gets injured, remain calm and talk them through the steps you are taking while applying ice or bandages or cleaning a wound. The skills you teach them now will be used for a lifetime. Here are some basic first-aid tips you can start teaching kids now.

For bumps and bruises: For a typical bruise, explain that when you bump into something, it can cause bleeding under the skin. Apply an ice pack to the bruise to prevent swelling and reduce pain. Show your child where you keep the ice pack and how to wrap it in a towel so that the ice isn’t directly on the skin.

Call for help if your child has a head injury and is acting strangely or if they are experiencing nausea, vomiting, confusion or vision changes.

For cuts: If your child has a cut, teach them to use a clean cloth to put pressure on it to slow bleeding. When the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage.

Call for help if the cut is deep, will not stop bleeding, has something stuck in it, or if you can see ligaments or bone.

For sprains and broken bones: Any time there is a suspected broken bone, your kids should ask for help from an adult. Teach them not to touch the injured area and to apply ice while waiting for help.

Call for help if the bone is bent or sticking out or if you cannot move or put weight on the injured area.

For burns: If your child has a mild burn, run it under cool tap water for 15 minutes and repeat as needed. Do not apply ice directly to the wound. If the burn blisters, ask your child to leave it alone as much as possible, as this will help with the healing process.

Call for help if the injury is waxy looking or bigger than the palm of your hand.

For bug bites and stings: If your child has a bug bite, wash the area and apply ice for swelling and pain. You can also apply calamine lotion to help with itching.

Call for help if your child has an allergic reaction to a sting or bite.

For choking: If someone is choking, remain calm and ask the person questions. If they can answer, they are still able to breathe. If they are coughing, wait to see if they can clear the airway on their own. Older children can be taught how to do the stomach thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver) to help dislodge the item. Older children can also be taught how to perform stomach thrust on others.

Call for help if someone is struggling to breathe and is not able to cough or speak.

First aid is an important life skill for anyone to have, and it is never too early to begin teaching the basics. You can model what to do in an emergency by remaining calm and talking your child through minor injuries. For other emergencies, such as fire safety, you can use role-playing to help kids understand what to do. Set a date on your calendar at least once a year to go over first aid, fire safety and what to do in an emergency. This will help your child remember what they learned and remain calm if they are faced with one of these situations.

Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to six first-aid-savvy children.

JanuaryEvents

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR LISTINGS

Please e-mail listing information to calendar@southfloridafamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.

Wednesday of the month. Free. 6-8pm, CORAL SPRINGS GYMNASIUM, 2501 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, www.coralsprings.org

Family Hayride and Campfire

FRIDAYS, JANUARY 14, 21, 28

Enjoy a hayride around the park, followed by a campfire where you can roast marshmallows to make s’mores. All ages. Pre-registration required. Jan. 14, QUIET WATERS PARK, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; Jan. 21 T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood; Jan. 28, TRADEWINDS PARK, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek; www.broward.org/parks

ArtLit

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

A celebration of art and literature with continuous afternoon events. Free. Noon-5pm, POMPANO BEACH LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTER, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd., Pompano Beach, 954-357-7595 www.broward.org/library

Family Day

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16

BROWARD COUNTY

Concert in the Gardens

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2

Explore Flamingo Gardens and listen to some live music by the local band Shadow Creek. Concert begins at 2pm. FLAMINGO GARDENS, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie, 954-473-2955 www.flamingogardens.org

Sunny Days

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6

Free admission Starry Nights have transformed into Sunny Days with free museum exploration the first Thursday of every month. 11am-5pm, NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.nsuartmuseum.org

Drive-In Movie

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

Pull up and enjoy a screening of Shrek 2 from the comfort of your car. Gates open at 5:30pm, movie starts at 6:30pm. MARKHAM PARK, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, www.sunrisefl.gov

Rock the Park

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

Move and groove to the sounds of the 1970s and 1980s as the band Yacht Rock performs live. Food trucks begin serving at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm. CENTRAL PARK, 9151 NW Second St., Plantation, 954-452-2510 www.plantation.org

ArtVentures Family Funday

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Kids can make a masterpiece at the museum every second Saturday of the month. Themes vary. All ages.

$8/person. 2-3pm, CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, www.coralspringsmuseum.org

Moonlight Movies in the Park

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to an outdoor screening of Twister (PG-13) on a giant, inflatable screen. 7:30pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, 954-389-4321 www.westonfl.org

Stone Crab & Seafood Festival

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Enjoy food and fun with music, hermit crab races and seafood dishes starting at $5. 11am-4pm, ESPLANADE PARK, 400 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.goriverwalk.com

Supercar Saturdays

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Swing by the Shops at Pembroke Gardens to see some super sleek cars the second Saturday of every month during this family-friendly event. 9am-noon, SHOPS AT PEMBROKE GARDENS, 527 SW 145 Terrace, Pembroke Pines, 954-450-1580 www.pembrokegardens.com

Las Olas Art Festival

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 8-9

More than 200 artists will showcase work across all mediums at this outdoor event. Free. 10am-5pm, ALONG LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, Fort Lauderdale, www.artfestival.com

Family Fun Night

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12

Enjoy activities such as board games, ping pong, arts and crafts and bingo with other families every second

Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, this event wraps up the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food and Wine Festival with cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, activities and arts and crafts for all ages. Noon-4pm, LAS OLAS OCEANSIDE PARK, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.gflfoodwine.com

Movies in the Park

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21

Enjoy the cooler winter air while you watch a screening of Raya and the Last Dragon outside the community center. Gates open at 5:30pm. PLANTATION COMMUNITY CENTER, 5555 Palm Tree Rd., Plantation, www.plantation.org

Jazz in the Pines

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for an outdoor, family-friendly jazz concert. 3-5pm, CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, 954-392-2116 www.ppines.com

Mutts Gone Nuts

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

Canines and comedy collide in this action-packed show featuring talented, four-legged performers. $25-$38. 8pm, MINIACI PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 3100 RAY FERRERO JR. BLVD., Davie, www.browardcenter.org

Scooby-Doo! and the Lost City of Gold

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

A live-stage spectacular that follows Scooby, Shaggy, Daphne, Fred and Velma on an awe-inspiring journey. $29.50-$75. 6pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Street Market Sundays

SUNDAYS, JANUARY 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Stroll the streets where more than 40 vendors sell food, produce, artisan products, baked goods, apparel and more. 10am-5pm, AT 164TH STREET AND 19TH AVENUE, North Miami Beach, www.citynmb.com

Painting with a Librarian

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6

Following along as you create a beautiful work of art. Supplies provided. Ages 8 and older. Pre-registration required. 5-6pm, PALM SPRINGS

NORTH BRANCH LIBRARY, 17601 NW 78 Ave., Hialeah, www.mdpls.org

Food Truck Wednesdays

WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 5, 12, 19, 26

Bring the family, and your appetite, to this food truck event featuring a variety of dishes to choose from. 5-10pm, PELICAN HARBOR MARINA, 1275 NE 79 St., Miami, www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com

Twilight Fridays at the Museum

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

An evening of free museum admission, live music and more. 6-10pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org

Downtown Doral Art Walk

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Put on some comfortable shoes and walk your way through the park where there will be a variety of local artists and performers. 2-6pm, DOWNTOWN DORAL PARK, 8395 NW 53 St., Doral, 305-593-6611 www.cityofdoral.com

Nature Tots

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Kids ages 18 months to 4 years old learn about nature through activities such as scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, stories and woodland games. This month’s theme: Sun. $13. 10-11am, ARCH CREEK PARK AND NATURE CENTER, 1855 NE 135 St., North Miami, 305-944-6111 www.miamidadeparks.com

Family Day on Aragon

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Downtown Delray Beach Festival of Arts

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 15-16

A juried art festival with hand-crafted artwork including glass, photography, painting, jewelry and more. Free. 10am-5pm, ALONG EAST ATLANTIC AVENUE, Delray Beach, www.artfestival.com

Sandoway Discovery Series

THURSDAYS

Children ages 3-6 can participate in a hands-on

crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month. 3-6pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org

Doktor Kaboom!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

This science-based show takes kids on a fun-filled journey. Geared toward children in grades 3-8. Pre-registration required. Free. 1:30pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-468-2000 www.arshtcenter.org

Night Hike & Campfire

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12

Take a guided hike as the woods and wildlife come to life at night. 7-9:30pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, www.deeringestate.org

Magic in the Gardens

SUNDAY, JANUARY 16

Be amazed as Magic Jack performs an interactive and mind-bending show for all ages. $15/adult, $10/child. 3pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, www.pinecrestgardens.org

MLK Jr. Day Parade

MONDAY, JANUARY 17

Parade pays respect to civic activist Martin Luther King Jr. with a procession of community members and marching bands. The parade

activity with different topics ranging from bugs and pythons to plants and butterflies every Thursday. $8/class. 9:30am & 10:15am, SANDOWAY DISCOVERY CENTER, 142 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-274-7263 www.sandoway.org

Mother Nature & Me

THURSDAYS

Little ones learn all about nature through crafts, garden exploration and story time. Ages 5 and under with caregiver. $10/child. 10am-noon, DELRAY BEACH CHILDREN’S GARDEN, 137 SW Second Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org

route runs from NW 54TH STREET AND 10TH AVENUE TO 32ND AVENUE and follows 8 miles that Dr. King once traveled. 11am, www.mlkparadeandfestivities.org

Moon Viewing

MONDAY, JANUARY 17

Pack a picnic and bring a telescope or binoculars to view the full moon in the Miami sky. $10. 5:30-7:30pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, www.deeringestate.org

Movies at the Park

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to see a family-friendly movie on a giant inflatable screen. 7pm, DOWNTOWN DORAL PARK, 8395 NW 53 St., Doral, 305-593-6611 www.cityofdoral.com

TGIF: Movie Matinee

FRIDAY, JANUARY 28

Kick off the weekend by watching a movie with the family. 3:30-5pm, NORTH DADE REGIONAL LIBRARY, 2455 NW 183 St., Miami Gardens, www.mdpls.org

Chili Day in Cutler Bay

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Chili chefs face off at this 11th annual event featuring a chili cook-off, family entertainment and live music by hometown band Cutler Stew. 2-6pm, CUTLER RIDGE PARK, 10100 SW 200 St., Cutler Bay

effort has been made to provide accurate information. Changes and cancellations do occur. Please double check the details before setting out on your adventure.

Sometimes, less is more

THE SURPRISING PERKS OF PURGING TOYS

BY PAM MOORE

Until recently, I was convinced that my life would be better if only we had more space. Until we got a bigger house or remodeled, I thought a special organizing system for our burgeoning collection of toys and books would do the trick. I lived in constant fear of a painful Lego-meets-foot disaster. I felt suffocated by the sea of toys covering every surface of our house.

And then I purged.

Our lives changed for the better, overnight. It turned out, we didn’t need more space, more labels or more baskets. My kids certainly didn’t need more “friendly reminders” to pick up toys. What we actually needed was less.

Here’s why:

IT’S SIMPLE. Before The Great Purge, I had this awesome idea. I would rotate the toys every few months. I put a huge bin of toys on a shelf with extra diapers and good intentions. However, I never got around to rotating the toys. I just couldn’t muster the energy to get the bin down, empty it, and fill it back up with different toys. But collecting the books I was tired of reading and gathering the annoying, batteryoperated toys (you know the type) and dropping them in a garbage bag instead of the toy basket? That was easy.

IT’S ENERGIZING. Once I got the urge to purge, I couldn’t stop. I began to look at everything in my house with a fresh perspective. Instead of asking myself, “Where should I put this?” I asked myself “Do I really need it?” If the answer was no, into the bag it went. Along with the kids’ toys and books, I got rid of clothes, socks without mates, half a dozen books I’d been meaning to read, a stack of expired coupons, and jewelry I’d forgotten I owned. Without the burden of extra stuff in my house, I felt lighter.

IT’S A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY. My 3-year-old learned that it’s important to share. I learned she’s happy to share if I give her the chance. Initially, I worried about how she would feel about letting go of her things. I thought about restricting my adventures in purging to after bedtime, but her bedroom

is where most of her toys are, so that was not an option. I considered lying, but I feel it’s important to be honest with my kids (although I maintain it’s not hurting anyone if they think my chocolate is a spicy adult vitamin). So I told the truth. I explained to my daughter that she and her baby sister are lucky to have lots of books and toys, but some kids don’t have any, so we need to share. She embraced it and even helped me add toys to the give-away bag.

EVERYONE IS HAPPIER. With less stuff, there is less mess. Less mess means I am not perpetually an inch away from tripping over a rogue block or doll. While being asked to put her toys away used to elicit tears and cries from my daughter, now she generally cleans up with minimal pushback. On the nights when the tidying falls to me, I get it done in under five minutes. Meanwhile, my kids don’t seem to miss any of their old toys. If anything, they have more space to create forts out of blankets and end tables.

Having less means less to put away, less to think about and less chaos. Less time spent dealing with stuff leaves more time for the stuff that matters. I only wish I’d purged sooner.

Pam Moore is an author, occupational therapist, and certified personal trainer who helps women push through fear to become their best selves.

Pediatric Urgent Care Everywhere You Are

Walk-in Urgent Care

7 Days a Week 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Personalized and prompt care of minor injuries and illnesses for infants, children, adolescents and young adults under 21 years of age provided by experts in pediatric care, led by board-certified pediatric physicians.

10 locations throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

nicklauschildrens.org/UrgentCare

Walk-in care only. Urgent Care Center visits are not by appointment. Care is prioritized based on acuity.