HOW MUCH PRIVACY DO TEENS NEED?
U.S. News & World Report has ranked us as Florida’s Best Children’s Hospital for Orthopedics, 3 years in a row. Trust our team of fellowshiptrained pediatric orthopedic specialists to treat your infants, children and adolescents with injuries and conditions involving the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder and brachial plexus.
As pediatric experts in hand surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive and high-quality medical care, surgical treatment and physical therapy for congenital and neurologic conditions as well as traumatic and sports injuries involving upper extremities.
To learn more visit JDCH.com/Orthopedics or to schedule a consult, call 954-265-6300.
Michael Jofe, MD
Randolph Cohen, MD
Neal McNerney, MD
Stephen Storer, MD
Jeremy Frank, MD
Eric Eisner, MD
Matthew Fazekas, MD
Michael Dressing, MD
Andrew Gupta, MD
Michael Aversano, MD
Matthew, who had shoulder surgery
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Summer may be over, but there is still plenty of adventure out there. Encourage your kids to explore with the new Dora & Diego exhibit, opening Sept. 17 at the Museum of Discovery and Science in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Opening weekend festivities at the museum include character appearances, compassmaking, a scavenger hunt and lessons from real-life explorers. Families can learn to use a map and a guide book to identify the animals that live at the museum, and they can visit the fossil lab to excavate real shark teeth, which explorers are welcome to take home. Guests can also learn about the adventures offered in South Florida parks and nature centers.
The museum invites guests to schedule meet & greet times to ensure they get a photo with Dora & Diego on opening weekend. The meet & greet is free with admission to the museum, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those who want exclusive time with Dora and Diego are invited to a special character breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18. Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet, hands-on activities, an IMAX documentary,
and special early access to the “Dora & Diego Let’s Explore!” exhibit.
They will also be treated to meet & greet photo opportunities with Dora and Diego, music and sing-alongs.
For more information, and to register for opening weekend events, visit www.mods.org.
The Florida Supercon, an annual celebration of pop culture and comics, is taking place the weekend after Labor Day, on Sept. 10-12, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The 3-day event features comic books, animation, cartoons, anime, video games, cosplay, fantasy and sci-fi for fans of all ages.
Afua Richardson from “Black Panther: World of Wakanda,” plus “My Hero Academia” talents Clifford Chapin, David Matranaga and Ricco Fajardo will be appearing at the event. The cast of “RWBY,” the voices behind the Spanish version of “My Hero Academia” and many more stars from top shows will also attend.
Supercon guests can schedule photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with the stars, plus attend live panels, shop a variety of vendors, dress up and compete in cosplay, or watch a comedy show, live gaming and wrestling during the event. After Dark events and parties are also planned.
Families and fans can buy single-day or weekend passes for kids and adults, and several premium packages are sold that include first access to the show floor, exclusive Supercon merchandise and access to a private lounge.
For more information, visit www.floridasupercon.com.
The feelings stemming from the loss of a loved one can’t be described in words. For a child, the trauma on their mind and body is immeasurable. That’s where Tomorrow’s Rainbow steps in, providing a special place for children, teens and families who have experienced the death of a loved one and/or trauma.
Here, children ages 3 through high school can interact with miniature horses and other animals in a mini ranch setting while receiving grief support with their families. Horse interactions are incorporated with therapeutic play, peer support groups and individual therapy. The mission was expanded last year to include individual therapy through an on-site clinical services program. Most services are provided at no cost.
To mark its 16th anniversary, Tomorrow’s Rainbow is hosting an open house event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on October 5. The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about the organization’s mission and will include tours, a DJ, light refreshments, a sweet sixteen dessert bar and a chance to meet the herd. Pre-registration is not required.
Tomorrow’s Rainbow, the first and only stand-alone children’s grief support center supporting the tri-county area, also offers Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support groups sponsored by Broward Healthy Start Coalition.
Each year, Tomorrow’s Rainbow provides direct grief support to about 500 children, teens and their families and supports thousands more through workshops, community advocacy and mission focused events. The organization is funded solely through the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporate donations.
For more information, visit www.tomorrowsrainbow.org.
“I’m bored,” my 11-year-old daughter grumbled as she collapsed onto the couch. It was a rare unscheduled moment in her life. I cringed as I recalled what can occur when she has a spontaneous second. At the age of 3, I assumed she was quietly playing with her toys only to discover the entire wall was covered with a new crayon-drawn mural. We are both happier now that she is enrolled in art classes.
She prefers being busy, which is why she participated in six different extracurricular activities this past spring. Her interests ranged from sign language class to swim team. Besides avoiding boredom (and messes) there are many benefits to having scheduled activities for your child. Research by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that students who participated in after-school activities had better attendance, higher levels of achievement, and aspirations to higher levels of education.
Even though my daughter was in six different clubs or sports, she received all A’s in her academic classes. By participating in extracurricular activities, a child can learn new skills, which can be applied to the school setting. For example, my daughter was in the garden club and she used the information she learned about plants in her science class. Sports such as basketball, baseball and football use statistics, addition/subtraction, probability, and geometry, which can be applied to math class.
Research studies found students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better in school. A study done by the College Board found high school extracurricular participation is correlated with higher SAT scores, SAT math by 45 points and SAT verbal scores by 53 points.
If a child is participating in more than one activity, they will also experience more than one coach or teacher who will have different rules and expectations. They will have the opportunity to meet kids with a range of personalities and
interests. These interactions will teach a child how to be adaptable to multiple people and situations.
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Children will gain social skills both from the person in charge of the activity or sport and by interacting with their peers. They also have the opportunity to learn about teamwork by either playing a sport together or doing a group class, such as a musical for drama.
During my daughter’s book club, at the end of their discussion of the book, they have social time. One meeting, she didn’t read the book, but she still wanted to go to the club since she loved the social interaction with her peers.
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Common Sense Media research states on average, teens spend over nine hours per day playing video games or watching TV. If children are participating in after-school activities, they will have less opportunity to either watch TV or play video games, and they will hopefully learn new skills.
According to the CDC, obesity has affected about 12.7 million children and adolescents during the past decade. If a child participates in a sport, they will be more active, which leads to better health benefits from being physically fit. Even if a child did a club or an after-school activity, they will be more active than if they watched TV or played video games. How to Balance Your Child’s Schedule. Sometimes, even for my daughter, you can have too many activities. I’m always aware of her energy level. If she needs to skip an activity once in a while, I let her. Or when I noticed she wasn’t enthusiastic about going to gymnastics anymore, we both decided it would be best not to sign up for the next session. Most importantly, you want to make sure your child is happy and not bored.
Whether your child is looking to fine-tune a skill or seeking something entirely new, there are plenty of ways for them to learn and grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Here’s a sampling:
AREA STAGE COMPANY
5701 Sunset Dr., Miami 305-666-2078
www.areastage.org
BARB KOSTER’S RIDING ACADEMY 14401 W. Palomino Dr., Southwest Ranches 754-234-5981
www.barbkostersridingacademy.com
BRIGHT & SMART
101 E. Commercial Blvd., Oakland Park 954-816-3346
www.brightandsmart.com
BROADWAY KIDS STUDIO
9042 W. State Rd. 84, Davie 954-693-7500
www.broadwaykidsstudio.com
CORAL REEF GYMNASTICS & CHEER
15851 SW 41 St., Davie 954-430-1530
www.coralreefgymnastics.com
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 19801 Sheridan St., Southwest Ranches 954-609-5943
www.eiahorses.org
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER 5200 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale 954-488-2222
www.huntingtonhelps.com
SUMMIT-QUESTA MONTESSORI SCHOOL
5451 Davie Rd., Davie 954-584-3466
www.summitquesta.com
THE VANGUARD SCHOOL 22000 Highway 27, Lake Wales 863-676-6091
www.vanguardschool.org
TOWN OF DAVIE WINTER SOCCER LEAGUE 1801 S. Pine Island Rd., Davie 954-327-3941
www.davie-fl.gov
YMCA OF SOUTH FLORIDA Association Office 900 SE Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-334-9622
www.ymcasouthflorida.org
Broadway Kids Studio is an awardwinning, full-service performing arts studio. Awards include Best After School Program, Best Kids Theater Program, Best Performing Arts Studio, and Best Dance Studio. We thank our loyal clients and local community members for voting and recognizing the value of our programs.
Our After-School program includes daily performing arts classes divided by age group at a deeply discounted rate over our standard fees. Transportation is available from many local schools for After-School program students at no additional cost based on availability. After-School program participants have access to a dedicated quiet space to complete homework, read, or eat a snack. A wide variety of group classes are available including jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, musical theater, choir and more.
Performance opportunities are available to showcase the skills students learn in the After-School program. These include a holiday show, spring festival, musical theater show, and annual showcase. BKS also offers private vocal, piano, guitar, drum, acting, and dance lessons. But that is not all!
Broadway Kids Studio has incredible opportunities for students looking to take the “next step” in their performing arts journey. This includes auditions for our Star Performers vocalists’ group, Rock Band, Dance Competition team and casting calls for musicals that we produce throughout the year. BKS holds limited day camps on select days, summer performing arts camps and summer dance camps.
Broadway Kids Studio offers everything you could possibly want from a performing arts institution. BKS provides these services in a safe and inclusive environment run by a dedicated, experienced, and professional staff. All families are required to sign a positive environment clause to ensure everyone upholds our core values. Come join the Broadway Kids Studio family today! Located at 9042 West State Road 84 in the Pine Island Ridge Plaza. Call 954-693-7500 or visit www.BroadwayKidsStudio.com for more information.
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, and 2 pools.
Our Montessori program also includes art, music, PE, animal care, science, advanced math, BC/AC. Specialty after-school programs include 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 Teacher Training Institute, a MACTE accredited Montessori teacher training center.
YMCA of South Florida has been voted the winner of “Favorite Afterschool Program” in both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties!
At the Y, we believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our Afterschool programs provide a fun, safe place for kids to learn, grow and thrive.
With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enrichment, Y Afterschool Programs take place in a caring and encouraging environment at our YMCA Family Centers and various community locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. We empower youth by providing programming that, in addition to giving them something to do, builds academic and creative abilities. And, our inclusion programs allow children with special needs to participate in activities alongside their peers and create a mutual sense of belonging.
For more information, please call 954-334-9622 or visit: https://ymcasouthflorida.org/ afterschoolcare-program/
The Vanguard School is a community of learners. Our safe and diverse boarding and day school offers students and educators an environment designed to build confidence, share cultures, create connections, and build a path that is individualized for each student. Our caring and supportive educators build supportive layers to help students climb into their goals, with positive encouragement and strategies. We offer a variety of arts, athletics, community service, dual enrollment, internships, and more for students to gain the necessary skills that will serve them lifelong. Our core value-based open mindset helps students gain leadership and contribute to the community while shaping their journey forward.
The Vanguard School serves students in 6th through 12th grades in a co-educational setting 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.
The mission of The Vanguard School is to support students who learn differently from traditional learners. These students may be of higher than average intelligence, outstanding academic performers, or students who learn best through applied knowledge and thrive with closer 1:1 learning. Our campus provides a family-style community to engage and launch learners to higher educational opportunities and independent life.
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 continuously evaluates how we can better prepare students for an ever-changing world with an open eye to connecting with others on a deeper level with confidence.
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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
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.
The Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development & Safety (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.), Broward County Florida’s oldest and largest horse rescue and only sanctuary, has been rescuing horses for more than 30 years. The organization is unique, being the only safe haven for horses that are asymptomatic carriers of Equine Infectious Anemia in the United States. F.R.I.E.N.D.S. accepts all EIA horses in the State of Florida and any horse in immediate need of assistance in our surrounding counties. Abused horses are never refused.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S provides the community with a variety of interactive programs with rescue horses. Programs include a Sponsor a Horse Program, the Magical Mini Program for kids 6-10 years old, and a Volunteer Membership Program. Volunteers are provided with an Orientation and Safety Class. Prior experience with horses is not necessary. The goal is to educate the community about proper care and to promote a better future for horses and farm animals.
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a no-kill rescue and sanctuary. For more information, visit www.eiahorses.org.
Area Stage Company is South Florida’s premier performing arts training facility offering conservatory-style classes and Broadway-quality productions year-round. Learn acting, voice, dance, musical theatre and more while performing a full musical in front of an audience of friends and family. ASC was named Best Theatre Company in Miami in 2019 and 2020 by the Miami New Times and Coral Gables Magazine, and many alumni have graced the stages of Broadway. Enroll in our fall session now! Group classes and private lessons in acting, voice, dance, improv, and technical theatre are available as well as full conservatory musical productions. All levels welcome! Groups are separated by age to ensure small class sizes and individual attention for all students.
Live your dreams with us onstage!
Join the show!
BY CHRISTA MELNYK HINES
Teens by nature crave independence and privacy. As parents, how far should we go to respect their privacy while still ensuring that they’re making sound decisions?
“The goal is for teens to gradually assume more responsibility for their own judgment about things,” says Dr. Rochelle Harris, a clinical psychologist. “This isn’t clear cut – like when they turn 16, you get off of their TikTok or Instagram. It’s really more of making sure those foundations of communication are there.”
Determining how much oversight a tween or teen requires often depends on their level of maturity, their friends and their personality. Maturity can vary greatly especially in the middle school years.
Where one tween might not have completely put away her dolls, another might be more keyed in to social issues and sexual experimentation in middle school — which means you’ll need to have a stronger handle on what’s happening in their social circle.
“Who our kids hang out with will determine who they become,” says Tom Kersting, psychotherapist and author of Disconnected: How to Reconnect Our Digitally Distracted Kids
As our kids get older, we may be less likely to know their friends’ parents and how much wiggle room they give their kids. While your teen will try to make you feel as if you’re the lone drill sergeant compared to their friends’ parents, stand firm about what you
feel is appropriate for your child.
“Our job as parents is to make sure our kids are safe and doing the right things,” Kersting says.
NO MYSTERIES. As soon as your child has access to any digital device, create a “digital citizenship contract” (check online for examples) to make your expectations for online behavior and your house rules crystal clear.
Establish sensible consequences to help your kids learn from their mistakes. For example, rather than taking away their phone for two months, set tighter limits like less daily phone time and increased oversight from you until they prove they’re responsible enough to handle it.
“A month later, if something similar happens, you do the same thing,”
Dr. Harris says.
Strike a healthy balance by setting a curfew for when all electronics are turned off each evening.
“Nothing good happens at 12:30 on a school night if your teen has their phone in their room,” Dr. Harris says.
Besides sleep deprivation, research suggests that the more time a teen spends online, the more likely she’ll experience cyberbullying. A study presented to the American Public Health Association, also found that “hyper-networkers,” or teens who spend three or more hours a day on social networking sites, were 84 percent more likely to have used illicit drugs and three and half times more likely to have had sex.
talking to people from all over the country,” Kersting says.
Some areas of a kid’s life should be off-limits like bedrooms and private journals, say most experts.
“The only exception to this is if you are concerned for their safety. In that case, well-being trumps privacy,” says family therapist Lisa Ruff.
Before snooping through his room, talk to your teen to see if you can figure out why he seems troubled. Consult with your child’s physician if you notice changes in behavior, school avoidance, changes in diet or sleep, or withdrawing from favorite activities, family and friends.
INQUIRING
WANT TO KNOW. Teens are likely to shut you out if you get too nosy. Instead, ask “naive” questions to get them thinking critically about issues that can happen online and in their social circles. For example:
“I’m hearing a lot about cyberbullying. What does that look like?”
“If someone says something nasty and you push ‘like’ on it, does that mean you’re part of that bullying, or are you saying you like that person? What does that mean?”
“Use that as an opportunity to talk about the fundamentals of communication,” Dr. Harris says.
SET ASIDE TIME TOGETHER. To help get your child out of her bedroom and into the family room with you, Kersting suggests carving out a device-free 15 to 20 minutes each evening for “mandatory family talk time.” This might be at dinner time or before bed.
91% post photos of themselves
“This is such a hugely important way of developing a connection with our kids — for our kids to trust us and be able to communicate with us freely and tell us the things that are bothering them,” he says.
71% post their school name and city or town where they live
20% post their cell phone number
94% talk to their teens about appropriate online behavior
39% use parental controls
56% follow their teens on social media
55% limit the time their teens can spend online
Source: Pew Research Center
“Don’t text a friend when you’re upset. Don’t spread gossip – it may make you feel like you’re connected with someone, but it isn’t really the way to connect and it can be very hurtful.”
And ask if they’d be comfortable with someone they love and respect, like Grandma, seeing what they’ve posted on their Snapchat account.
WHEN TO PRY. Tell your kids that you’ll be checking their social media content and text messages.
“If a kid knows that their parent is going to be looking through their stuff, they’re less likely to get themselves in a pickle somewhere with inappropriate content or private sites where they’re
At least once a month, spend time one-on-one with your teen without the distractions of phones or other electronic devices to ensure that you’re both present with one another.
“Let them pick what to do,” Ruff advises. “Without siblings being present, homework to be done or an activity to rush to, conversation flows easier.”
The time you spend with your teen will benefit them now and into the future, says Kersting.
“Kids that actually enjoy hanging out with their parents are the ones that all of the research shows are overall better human beings as they progress in terms of their happiness, well-being, self-esteem, achievements and so forth.”
Freelance journalist Christa Melnyk Hines and her husband are the parents of two digitally charmed kids.
As my friend was introducing me to a friend of hers, she mentioned to him that I wrote an advice column for parents and grandparents. A grandfather himself, he peppered me with questions. How long had I been writing my column? Nine years. How many columns have I written? Around 300.
“So,” he continued, “what’s the gist of your advice?” He seemed genuinely interested, so I took my time in thinking about my answer.
I explained that although the issues sent to me by parents and grandparents looking for my advice are unique to their particular situation, there are some common themes. The root issues typically fit into one of five main categories: involvement and boundaries; communication; assumptions and expectations; power and control; and values, beliefs and principles.
“OK,” he persisted, “so what’s your bottom-line advice for grandparents?”
“Well,” I said, “my general advice to grandparents distills to two words: Zip it! This means cease and desist. Stop talking. Bite your tongue.”
He seemed intrigued by this notion, so I elaborated. “Why should you zip it? Because, as a grandparent, you are not in the driver’s
seat anymore. You are a passenger ‘riding along’ at the pleasure of the parents. When you were raising your own children, you made the rules. Now your job is to enforce the rules set down by your grown children regarding your grandchildren, whether you agree with them or not. To use a common idiom, ‘There’s a new sheriff in town,’ and it isn’t you.”
I understand that zipping it can be hard to do, especially in light of the fact that the average age for becoming a grandparent is 47. This means many grandparents are still parents themselves raising their own children.
So it is understandable that many grandparents find it challenging to move back and forth between being the rule maker and being expected to enforce the rules of the very people for whom they used to be the rule maker. To complicate matters, many times the grandparents don’t agree with the rules they are expected to enforce. Nevertheless, zipping it needs to prevail.
He was nodding in agreement, so I continued. “Here are some phrases that are strong indicators that zipping it might be a wiser course of action than plowing ahead with unsolicited advice to the parents of your grandchildren: ‘I know you didn’t ask me, but…’ or ‘You really should…’ or ‘Here’s what I did when raising my children…’”
'ZIPPING IT' IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL
My advice is straightforward: If you want to be a welcomed and successful grandparent, practice zipping it. Yes, you have lots of experience, and yes, you have what many would consider wisdom, but until such time as you are invited to share your experience and wisdom, Zip it! (The only time to jump in uninvited is when a grandchild’s health, safety and well-being are at risk, a very rare occurrence.)
You will know when you’ve been invited to “unzip” it when you are specifically asked for your opinion: “What do you think about…?”
We talked further about the unalterable fact that parents determine who has access to their kids, including grandparents, and under what circumstances. Therefore, if grandparents want to be in good stead and have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful and ongoing relationships with their grandchildren, then zipping it is worth doing. It’s really that simple. And difficult!
He looked crestfallen and said he wasn’t really good at zipping it and often found himself in hot water. I pointed out that any relationship is a two-way street, so lest grandparents feel I am singling them out as the sole source of conflict in parentgrandparent relationships, I am not.
I also have two words of advice for parents: Lighten up! If the grandparents have loving intentions, parents should give them a break when they don’t exactly follow directives.
Kids are very resilient and can easily survive occasional deviations in their nap times or eating a forbidden dessert. If parents have enough trust to leave their children alone with the grandparents, then there will most likely be times when the advice to Lighten up! makes sense.
So, two words of advice: For grandparents, Zip it! For parents, Lighten up!
By following their respective two words of advice, parents and grandparents can enhance their relationships. This increases the opportunities for grandchildren to witness and experience interactions between their parents and grandparents that are based on mutual respect, consideration and kindness.
Karen Rancourt is the force behind the Ask Dr. Gramma Karen column, which publishes every two weeks. She is also an author and a master at zipping it!
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.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
The downtown area comes alive with art, music, murals, outdoor markets and more. 6-11pm, DOWNTOWN HOLLYWOOD, 954-924-2980 www.floridashollywood.org/artwalk
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
A fun-filled day with angling, fishing clinics, goodie bait buckets, arts and crafts and more. Ages 5-13. $5. 8am-1:30pm, INTERNATIONAL FISHING PIER, 200 NE 21 Ave., Deerfield Beach, www.deerfield-beach.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
All aboard! Take a ride on a steam train that’s one-eighth the size of a real train, but 11 times larger than a model train. 10am-4pm, TRADEWINDS PARK, 3600 Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, www.broward.org/parks
Brazilian Festival
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18-19
Celebrate the sights and sounds of Brazil on FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH. 11am-10pm, Fort Lauderdale Beach, www.brazilianfestival.org
Full Moon Drum Circle
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
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
SATURDAY-MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4-6
Catch the final days to see David Rogers’ Big Bugs exhibit featuring 10 larger-than-life insect sculptures, including a 10-foot-tall daddy long legs and a 17-foot-long praying mantis created from willow limbs, twigs and branches. FLAMINGO GARDENS, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie, 954-473-2955 www.flamingogardens.org
Market
SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 5, 12, 19 & 26
Enjoy the open air while you shop for fresh produce, tea, honey and other local products every Sunday. 9am-2pm, VETERAN’S MEMORIAL PARK, 7825 Southgate Blvd., Tamarac, www.tamarac.org
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6
Enter into the legendary realm of giant flying lizards at this traveling exhibit. Free with paid museum admission. MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE, 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.mods.org
Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9-12
Join your favorite Disney characters for a cool performance on ice. Showtimes vary. BB&T CENTER, One Panther Parkway, Sunrise, www.thebbtcenter.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
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
Paw Patrol Live
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 & 12
Join Ryder and his team of pirate pups as they race to rescue Captain Turbot from a mysterious cavern. $15 and up. Saturday 10am, 2pm & 6pm; Sunday 10am & 2pm. BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org
Bring a drum or percussion instrument to make music in this guided drum circle. Free. 7-9pm, ARTSPARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE, One Young Circle, Hollywood, www.hollywoodfl.org
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Spend some special time together participating in “Fear Factor” style games, activities and more. $30 mom/son pair; $12/each additional son. 6-9pm, COOPER CITY COMMUNITY CENTER, 9000 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, 954-434-4300 www.coopercityfl.org
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Climb aboard to explore trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery, construction vehicles and more. 10am-noon, CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, 954-392-2116 www.pines.com
WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS
Spend some creative quality time together with your little one with puppet-themed playtime on Wednesdays and Art Amazing on Fridays. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. $2, plus paid museum admission. 10:30am & 11:30am, YOUNG AT ART, inside Westfield Broward Mall, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-424-0085 www.youngatartmuseum.org
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10-12
SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 4 & 18
Get close to nature as you paddle across a 23-acre lake. $10/person. 9:30am & 11am, LAKES BY THE BAY PARK, 8551 SW 216 St., Cutler Bay, www.naturepostings.com
Love-In Music Festival
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Get moving and grooving while listening to live music paying tribute to the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. $15; free/10 and under. Gates open at 10am. GREYNOLDS PARK, 18501 NE 22 Ave., North Miami Beach, 305-945-3425 www.miamidade.gov
Vizcaya Village Farmers Market
SUNDAYS, SEPTEMBER 5, 12, 19 & 26
Visit the historic farm and village as vendors sell homemade food and hand-crafted goods. 9am-2pm, VIZCAYA VILLAGE, 3250 S. Miami Ave., Miami, www.vizcaya.org
Twilight Fridays at the Museum
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
An evening of free museum admission, live music and more. 6-8pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org
Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs
THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6
Catch the final days of this fascinating exhibit highlighting the world of the largest flying animals that ever existed. PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-424-9600 www.frostscience.org
WWE Monday Night Raw
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Pop culture celebration celebrating comic books, animation, cartoons, anime, video games, cosplay and more. Friday and Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach, www.floridasupercon.com
Family Day on Aragon
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month. 2-8pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org
Family Fun Day
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
See the museum’s newest exhibit, It’s A Miami Thing, take a guided tour, enjoy story time, make-and-take stations and more. Free. 10am-4pm, HISTORYMIAMI MUSEUM, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, www.historymiami.org
PAMM Free Second Saturdays
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Families can participate in free hands-on art activities, guided tours, entertainment and more on the second Saturday of every month. Admission is free all day, with art making from 1-4pm. PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-375-3000 www.pamm.org
Hispanic Heritage Outdoor Exhibit
SEPTEMBER 16-OCTOBER 14
Local artists showcase a variety of art celebrating Hispanic heritage for the public to enjoy.
DOWNTOWN DORAL PARK, 8395 NW 53 St., Doral, 305-593-6600 www.cityofdoral.com
Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16-19
family excursions. Coral Rocks at 9am, Kids Passport and Kids’ Bike Rodeo at 10am, Merrick’s Treasures at 11:30am and Cool Canopies at 12:30pm. Advance registration required. $10/person. CORAL GABLES YOUTH CENTER, 405 University Dr., Coral Gables www.playgables.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Kids can learn how to create light sculptures with art materials found at home during this free family day. Noon-5pm, THE BASS, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-7530 www.thebass.org
WEDNESDAYS
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
FRIDAYS
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
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
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Families and children affected by autism spectrum disorder can explore the museum for an hour before the center opens to the public. Lighting and sound adaptions are made during this time. 9-10am,
See special guests Bobby Lashley, Rhea Ripley, Drew McIntyre, The New Day, AJ Styles, Charlotte Flair and more during this live show. 7:30pm, FTX ARENA, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-777-1000 www.ftxarena.com Every
Join your favorite Disney characters for a cool performance on ice. Showtimes vary. FTX ARENA, 601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.ftxarena.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Bring your bicycle and choose from a variety of
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.sfsciencecenter.org
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11-12
Annual event features a variety of art to peruse or buy. 10am-4pm, DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH, 330 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, www.artfestival.com
THURSDAYS
Children ages 3-6 can participate in a handson 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
Drop your kids off for fun-filled adventures including arts, crafts and games, while you enjoy a night on the town. Pre-registration required. 6-9pm, CORAL GABLES YOUTH CENTER, 405 University Dr., Coral Gables, 305-460-5600 www.playgables.com
effort has been made to provide accurate information. Changes and cancellations do occur. Please double check the details before setting out on your adventure.
BY JANEEN LEWIS
When my daughter Gracie was small, her energy knew no bounds. Now she is 10, independent, and has outgrown Elmo and unrolling reams of toilet paper. Recently, I found an essay I wrote when she was a toddler, and I was beyond tired. I’m sharing it in the form of a letter to her. Whichever challenging stage of motherhood you’re in, hang in there! It will get better but beware, you may miss it when it does.
To Gracie at 20 months:
I’m the former queen of multitasking because today you dethroned me. I barely cleaned up one mess before you made another. After 10 hours of chasing you, I collapsed on the couch. I tell myself that one day you will grow up. Life will get easier.
One day when you’re older, I won’t stumble over pots and pans littering the kitchen floor. You won’t run through the house, throwing squeals of laughter at me, your feet shoved into my missing oven mitts.
One day, you won’t jump on the couch, causing me to leap across the living room before you fall. You won’t smother the cat with your entire body weight while I pry you away from the love of your life. One fine day, I’ll retire as the cat’s bodyguard.
You won’t tap out a tune on the answering machine buttons (a feat I didn’t know was possible until you walked) while I sort laundry or reach for the biggest knife when I open the dishwasher. While I put the dishes away, you won’t try to climb into the dishwasher.
One day, I’ll watch movies that star Chris Hemsworth, NOT Elmo and a gang of fuzzy monster puppets singing about “the potty.” I’ll have a bathtub without toys and a carpet without Play-Doh.
I want you to grow up for more reasons than my own. I want you to live a beautiful life that touches others. That’s one of the many reasons I had you. But what will happen when I get my wish, and you’re older?
One day what will it be like without the sound of your little feet clunking around the house in my shoes? How will I feel when your chubby fingers don’t twirl the ends
determined spirit motivates me to grow into the person I want to be. Each stage of childhood brings parenting challenges with it, and every day that I help you grow, I feel contentment I’ve never known. Each step, each word, each nuance – everything that becomes a part of your personality is a celebrated milestone for both of us. Being a mom has brought more fulfillment to my life than any other role.
Finally, I leave my comfy spot on the couch and tiptoe next to your crib. I don’t see the fireball that blows through the house during the day. I see a sleeping angel with a halo of golden-brown curls.
One day when I’m not so tired, when the house is still, and I have endless hours to myself, I won’t think about the messes or my exhaustion. I won’t wish away time.
I’ll remember it all and wish for one more day of chasing after my baby girl.
Janeen Lewis is a freelance journalist and mom of two who never thought one day would come so soon.
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