A National Leader for the Moments that Count
We are honored to be named a Best Children’s Hospital 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report for Orthopedics, Neonatology and Pediatric & Adolescent Behavioral Health. We are proud to be a Best Children’s Hospital for Orthopedics, ranked 18th in the U.S. and highest-ranked in Florida this year.
This recognition reflects our pediatric teams’ expertise, dedication and compassionate care. Where you go matters. When it’s your child, trust our experts in the moments that count.
A LONG WAY FROM LONG ISLAND.
Amelia was a photographer on Long Island. “I love doing portraits of babies and families,” she says. But concerns about a better place to raise their own children got Amelia and her husband Bill looking at southwest Florida. “We started looking around Naples,” says Bill, “then she found Ave Maria.” Now the kids are thriving, Bill owns a paint contracting company, and Amelia is photographing babies again—at a studio in her home.
Their story’s proof that a town can be small and offer big opportunities. That’s Ave Maria, A Big Kind of Small Town.
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SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT
Stay connected with the people, places, and events that make our community thrive.
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FAMILY MATTERS
Expert tips on finding high-quality childcare that suits your family’s needs.
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TEEN SCENE
Discover the benefits of mentoring for teens –and where to get started.
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FAMILY FEAST
An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for the perfect pre-Thanksgiving dinner gathering.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Explore a variety of local happenings, from vibrant festivals and farmers’ markets to live performances and more.
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WORDS OF WISDOM
Stir up family memories and connections through Thanksgiving traditions in the kitchen.
NOVEMBER 2024 features
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Help your child build self-esteem and reduce anxiety with these uplifting strategies. departments
THANKSGIVING FACTOIDS
Fun trivia to share and spark conversation around the holiday table.
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PRACTICE POSITIVITY
Welcome to Feel-BetterFaster Urgent Care.
When feeling wonderful doesn’t last, our dedicated Urgent Care team is nearby waiting to deliver compassionate care that’s also surprisingly convenient.
With fast, easy check-in on PineApp, comprehensive imaging capabilities like X-rays, CT scans and even on-site labs, plus the meds you need right here, you can start to feel better, faster.
Scan to find a location.
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PUBLISHER
Richard Rosser
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Stacey Jacques
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Susan Rosser
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shannon Pease-Severance
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Carrie B. Weeks
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Ken Mitchell
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Pavel Mohajan
CONTACT US: 2436 N Federal Highway, #311 Lighthouse Point, FL 33064 Phone 954-299-5592 info@southfloridafamilylife.com
Life is published twelve times per year by Point! Publishing. It is distributed free of charge throughout
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. Re-production in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.
Copyright 2024 by Point! Publishing. All rights reserved.
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Season of Gratitude
Editing a family magazine feels like a journey back in time for me. My children are now 23 and 24, and while I love who they’ve grown up to be, there are moments when I find myself longing for the past – when life was a bit more chaotic yet filled with those little everyday rituals. I never thought I’d say this, but sometimes I even miss the frantic search for matching soccer socks!
Each issue is a walk down memory lane, reminding me of all those stages of parenting. In this month’s issue, we dive into the ever-important search for daycare – a challenge many parents face. I was fortunate in that department. When I was expecting my first child, a coworker introduced me to her friend, a wonderful woman in my neighborhood who was looking for a new family to care for. It was the ultimate stroke of luck. She cared for my son as if he were her own, and her mother would step in when she needed a day off. My sister, who plowed through her share of nannies, was amazed at my good fortune.
For parents with older children, we have a piece on mentoring – highlighting the benefits. This ties into our feature on raising children with self-esteem, which, as research shows, is crucial for helping kids navigate today’s fast-paced world, avoiding anxiety and other challenges.
This month’s Family Feast section takes a bit of a detour from the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Instead, we offer a solution for the night before, perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you have houseguests or are simply looking to avoid cooking on the busy Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Wishing you and your family a warm and joyful holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
SUSAN ROSSER Executive Editor
Santa Sightings
Kids can snack on sweets, sip hot chocolate or snap some photos with the Big Guy himself at these Santa-centric events in November and early December.
SANTA’S WONDERLAND
Begins November 3
Bass Pro Shops offers a magical experience with a free photo with Santa, seasonal decorations, family activities, treats and locations including Dania Beach and SANTA’S EXPRESS
Pembroke Pines residents can register to have Santa visit your home on a fire truck during scheduled stops December 9-12.
once 250 registrants is reached. For more information, visit www.ppines.com/ 261/santas-express.
WITH SANTA Saturday, December 7 Enjoy a sweet treat and a five-minute family photo session inside the Historic
of four, and $5 for each additional person. By appointment only. 9am-4pm, Historic Stranahan House, 335 SE Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, www.stranahanhouse.org/ cookies-with-santa
DONUTS WITH SANTA Friday, December 13
Have a sweet time while enjoying freshly baked donuts and mingling with Saint Nick. Tickets go on sale Nov. 4. $10/person. 9-11am, Emma Lou Olson Center, 1801 NE Sixth St., Pompano Beach, www.pompanobeachfl.gov
COOKIES AND COCOA WITH SANTA
Friday, December 13
Spend some sweet time with Santa while enjoying cookies, cocoa and crafts. 6:30-8:30pm, Community Center, 9000 SW 50 Place, 954-434-4300 www.coopercityfl.org
STORY TIME & PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 14
Stop by for a photo with the big guy, holiday arts and crafts and a story time with Santa’s elves. Included with paid admission of $18/adult, $10/child. Additional fee for photos. 10am-1pm, Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave., 305-235-1668
www.deeringestate.org
An Old-fashioned Holiday
ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS SELL THEIR WARES
Whether you are browsing, or buying, the annual Southern Handcraft Society’s Delray Beach Chapter has got you covered at this popular arts and crafts show taking place Thursday through Saturday, November 21-23.
Here you can find one-of-a-kind gifts to give, or maybe something special for yourself. In addition to holiday-themed items, there will be handmade jewelry, cards, shell art, nature pieces, accessories, hand-knit items, ornaments, local honey and more.
The 31st annual show takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. November 21; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. November 22; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 23 at The Vintage Gym of Old School Square at 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.downtowndelraybeach.com.
Dia de los Muertos
CELEBRATING ANCESTORS
Day of the Dead – also known as Dia de los Muertos – is a Mexican holiday that invites the spirits of the dearly departed to a joyous reunion of food, drink and celebration in their honor. Local celebrations take place at CityPlace Doral and downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, November 2 this year.
Celebrating with sugar skulls and marigolds, free festivities recognizing this vibrant tradition will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on November 2 at CityPlace Doral. Family activities will include a processional of folkloric dancers, face painting, stilt walkers, mariachis, entertainment and costumed characters. There will also be a “El Mercado” night market for people and pups, and a pet meet up at the Bark Park. Guests and pets are encouraged to dress in theme.
In Fort Lauderdale, the day-long Day of the Dead celebration starts at 3 p.m. on November 2 and includes entertainment, family activities, a playful processional of costumed revelers and giant puppets travelling through the city near Esplanade Park, and an evening-long street party at Backyard FTL, 100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale. The celebration, for all ages, includes music, face painting, food trucks and craft vendors. Admission is free. For more information and a schedule of times and activities, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov.
Attitude of Gratitude
TO OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
From Thanksgiving collection efforts and nursing home visits to beach cleanups and caring for shelter animals, there are plenty of ways your family can pay it forward during the season of giving and beyond.
Harvest Drive Florida has been a mainstay in the South Florida community for more than three decades. The organization encourages and inspires Broward County Public School students to support struggling families by collecting and donating necessities including non-perishable food, toiletries and gently used clothing and household items. To see a list of the most needed items, and other ways you can help the cause, see www.harvestdriveflorida.com.
Citizen Science EcoAction Day at Crandon Park needs volunteers ages 9 and up to help clean up the beach, sort marine debris and gather and record data. Participants serve as amateur scientists while working with professionals. Volunteers younger than 13 must participate with a parent. The activity takes place at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne every second Saturday. Register at www.miamidadeparks.com.
Palm Beach Animal Care and Control offers school and college service hours for those who
collect supplies for or foster pets from PBC ACC. Students are encouraged to design a supply drive document and collect goods from a pre-approved provided list to participate. In addition to the reward of helping animals in need, service and bonus bundle hours will be provided to those who qualify. Visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/ animalcare/Pages/CommuniTEEN-Service.aspx. Looking for other ways your kids can help serve the community? HandsOn South Florida is a good starting point. The organization compiles a variety of youth-friendly volunteer opportunities and projects including the Kids Ecology Corps Beach Sweep for all ages; a Kids Care Club for ages 5 and up; Urban Farming and Gardening for ages 8 and up; Community Gardening for ages 10 and up; Electronics and Recycling for ages 14 and up; and Feeding Families for ages 16 and up. To view all of the opportunities for kids and adults visit www.handsonbroward.org or www.handsonmiami.org.
The Holidays LIGHT UP
LIGHT UP LAUDERDALE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | 6-8:30 PM
Esplanade Park | 400 SW 2nd Street and along the downtown Riverwalk
LIGHT UP THE BEACH
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 5:30-8:30 PM
Las Olas Oceanside Park
3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard
LIGHT UP THE GALT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 | 5:30-9 PM
North Beach Restaurants and Shoppes
A1A and Oakland Park Boulevard
NE 32nd Street & NE 33rd Street from A1A west to NE 33rd Avenue
LIGHT UP SISTRUNK
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 | 5-8 PM
Sistrunk Boulevard from NW 9th to NW 11th Avenues
LIGHT UP CARTER PARK
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 | 5-8 PM Carter Park | 1450 W. Sunrise Boulevard
MENORAH LIGHTING CELEBRATION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 | 6 PM
Las Olas Oceanside Park
3000 E. Las Olas Boulevard KWANZAA UJAMAA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 | 2-6 PM
Bass Park | 2750 NW 19th Street
For more details, visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov/lightup @playlauderdale
USELESS THANKSGIVING
77 % Share of people celebrating Thanksgiving who avoid political conversations at the dinner table
THE AMOUNT OF TIME HOSTS SPEND PREPARING FOR THANKSGIVING to rattle off around the DINNER TABLE when Uncle Harold wants to talk POLITICS
9.6 HOURS
56 % OF AMERICANS SAY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SERVE VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AT THANKSGIVING
97 PERCENT of Americans Celebrate Thanksgiving
$949 MILLION
Estimated amount Americans spend on Thanksgiving turkeys each year
26% of Americans plan to host Thanksgiving
13% of Americans plan to go out or get takeout for their Thanksgiving meal
3,150 – 4,500
Average number of calories consumed on Thanksgiving 7.2 BILLION
The number of calories consumed by Americans from turkey on Thanksgiving
Choose Childcare Wisely
HOW TO FIND A SAFE, QUALITY DAYCARE
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
Finding safe, suitable daycare is one of the more stressful undertakings parents of young children face. Not only do you have to contend with the logistics, such as the convenience of location and hours of operation, but of utmost concern is the safety and development of your child.
National statistics on abuse and neglect by daycare providers aren’t readily available, but some experts estimate approximately 5% of child abuse and neglect cases occur in daycare homes and facilities. The following steps will help ensure your child’s safety and give you peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions.
FIND THE RIGHT DAYCARE
There are several things you should do and ask before sending your child to a new daycare.
Is the daycare licensed? Licensing is required in most states when a caregiver isn’t a relative, and the care isn’t provided in your home. Check the website of your state licensing and regulatory affairs department to look up daycare homes and facilities to ensure their license is current.
Is the daycare in compliance?
On your state’s website, also look up the requirements for daycare homes and centers. Keep this information handy when you tour a home or facility, so you know whether the daycare complies.
The daycare tour. A tour of the daycare home or facility is vital to ensure your child’s safety, so don’t be shy, and ask for a full tour. As you look around, think of it as an inspection, and pay attention to the following:
• Are all areas used by – or accessible to – children thoroughly childproofed?
• Are there safety plugs in all electrical outlets?
• Are stairways securely blocked off?
• Do kitchen and bathroom cabinets have child locks?
• Do exterior doors have safety locks up high?
• Is there a pool or hot tub in the area? If so, is it entirely fenced off with a childproof gate?
• Is there a fenced outdoor play area?
• Is the home or facility tidy aside from a reasonable amount of toys?
• Are the bathroom and kitchen sanitary?
• Is the heating or cooling set at a comfortable temperature?
• Are there adequate toys and equipment for the number and ages of children?
• Do cribs, playpens, and other baby equipment meet safety standards?
• Is the number of children present within the daycare’s license capacity? Does the daycare also meet the appropriate ratio of caregivers to children?
• Does it smell clean? Or do you smell neglected diapers or cigarette smoke?
• Are the children happy and content?
• Is there ample play space?
• How does the staff interact with the children?
The daycare interview. Take this list of questions with you and add yours as well. Childcare providers expect parents to have many questions, and a good provider will happily answer them.
• What is the maximum number of children in your care at any time?
• What are the age ranges of children in your care?
• What types of activities do you do with them?
• Are meals and snacks provided? If so, what do they consist of? Also, what time do the kids eat?
• Can I drop in unannounced?
• How do you handle discipline?
• Do you ever take children in the car? If so, are there enough child seats and seat belts for each child?
• Are there other members living in your home or outside staff who will care for the children? If so, who are they and what are their ages?
• How are naps handled?
• What is the experience or education of the daycare provider and staff?
• What is your policy when a child is sick?
• Can I talk to the parents of other children in your care?
• Is video streaming available so I can check in on my child on my computer or phone?
Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family writer and online bookshop owner.
Kids Helping Kids
WHY IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO BE A MENTOR – AND WHERE TO DO IT
BY TANNI HAAS, PH. D.
November 13 is World Kindness Day, a great occasion to encourage your kids to mentor other kids. Most people know that having a mentor is helpful for the person being mentored – the mentee or protégé. But mentoring is also good for the person who’s doing the mentoring – the mentor. Research shows that kids who help other kids improve their own leadership, organizational, and time management skills, become more self-confident and patient with others, and feel a strong sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
If being a mentor is such a great thing, where can your kids go to do it?
NATIONAL MENTORING ORGANIZATIONS
One possibility is to volunteer with the local chapter of well-known national mentoring organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or the National Mentoring Partnership. These organizations have formal programs that provide extensive training to anyone who wishes to be a mentor. However, their preference is for young adults aged 18 or older to serve as mentors.
LOCAL
SCHOOLS
If your kids are younger than 18 or there’s no local chapter of a national mentoring organization near you, they can join a peer mentoring program at their local school. Most middle and high schools have mentoring programs that pair up kids from different grades (typically seniors with freshmen) during the school day or at their after-school programs. While national mentoring organizations tend to focus on developing the mentees’ general life skills, like how to focus on the positives in their lives and make productive choices, school-based programs typically focus on
enhancing their academic skills, such as how to take better notes in class, how to organize their homework and how to prepare for exams. If your kids are strong academically, mentoring in a schoolbased mentoring program may be just right for them.
LOCAL COMMUNITY INSTITUTIONS
Another option is to find a mentoring program at your local community center or library that offers mentoring programs aimed at helping kids learn to read, write and do basic math. If no formal programs exist, some places allow kids to start up their own informal programs. If your kids aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and create a mentoring program with one or more of their friends, this could be a great leadership experience for them.
PRIVATE MENTORING
Finally, if your kids are very mature and independent-minded, nothing should stop them from creating and offering their own private mentoring program. If you know of neighborhood kids who could benefit from having positive role models in their lives, encourage your kids to meet up with them on a regular basis to serve as their mentors.
Mentoring isn’t only the right thing to do if you have what it takes; it can also help your kids in both the short and long term. Many middle and high schools have a community service component that requires them to volunteer for a certain amount of hours to graduate. Participating in an authorized mentoring program often satisfies that requirement. Your kids can also use any letters of recommendation that they receive about their mentoring activities as part of their college application. Virtually all colleges and universities across the country consider giving back to the community –especially helping other kids achieve their academic potential – a worthwhile goal and service through mentoring could be an asset during the admissions process.
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.
The Calm Before The Feast
Stuffed Shells For The Crew
In my extended family, where food is a bit of an obsession, we love sharing a great meal the night before Thanksgiving. Since the Thanksgiving feast demands all our “cooking energy,” we turn to a crowd-pleasing, freezable meal to take care of the Wednesday night – stuffed shells to the rescue. Prepare a tray in advance, freeze it, and pop it in the oven for an easy, budget-friendly, home-cooked dinner.
Serve with a big salad and garlic bread. You can even double the recipe for two trays of deliciousness.
Recipe and Photo by Susan Rosser
Stuffed Shells
Ingredients:
(serves 6-8 adult servings)
FOR THE SAUCE
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Kosher salt
4-6 garlic cloves, chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
FOR THE FILLING AND ASSEMBLY
Kosher salt and black pepper
15 ounces ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
10 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated (about 2½ cups)
6 ounces Parmesan, finely grated (about 2 cups)
2 eggs
1 garlic clove, grated
1 10-oz package frozen spinach, defrosted and drained well (optional)
1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
12 ounces jumbo shells
Preparation:
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and tomato paste, stirring until the paste darkens slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes. Fill the empty can one-quarter full of water, swirl it around, and pour it into the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then partially cover the pot. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta with 1½ cups mozzarella, 1 cup Parmesan, spinach, parsley, garlic and the eggs. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Cook the shells: Add the shells to the boiling water. Cook about 2 minutes shy of the minimum time listed on the package. The shells should be somewhat firm – even more so than al dente. They will keep cooking in the oven. Drain the shells.
5. Assemble: Spread half the sauce in an even layer on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of the filling and add the shells to the baking dish as you go. Top with remaining sauce, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the tin foil and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles. If you like the top browned, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Let the shells sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Note: You can prepare the dish through step 5, then freeze it tightly covered. When ready to use, proceed with step 6.
PRACTICE P OSIT IV IT Y
BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM CAN HELP REDUCE CHILDREN’S ANXIETY
BY SANDI SCHWARTZ
Do you know how your children feel about themselves? Unfortunately, it sometimes takes a shocking moment to realize that a child is struggling and that they are unhappy with themselves and their life. The way we feel about ourselves falls under the umbrella of self-esteem. We hear about self-esteem so much during the teenage years, but building healthy self-esteem begins much earlier in a child’s life.
Children with healthy self-esteem feel valued, accepted, confident and proud. They think positively about themselves and are prepared to face everyday stresses and challenges. On the other hand, children suffering from low self-esteem tend to criticize themselves, are hard on themselves, feel insecure and not as good as others, focus on their failures instead of their successes, lack confidence and doubt their abilities. They worry about people judging them and not accepting them for who they are. Unfortunately, this negative outlook can lead to them being treated poorly by others and prevent them from taking on new challenges. They give up easily and struggle to bounce back from their failures and mistakes.
continued on page 26
According to Dr. Marilyn Sorenson of the Self Esteem Institute, low self-esteem is “a thinking disorder in which people view themselves as inadequate, unacceptable, unworthy, unlovable or incompetent.” Sadly, this type of thinking can impact every aspect of daily life. It is the result of having a distorted view that affects their assumptions and beliefs about both themselves and others. This outlook can ultimately result in them being overly critical of themselves and others, having difficulty making decisions, and developing fears such as who to trust and how to cope with new situations.
HOW SELF-ESTEEM AND ANXIETY ARE LINKED
The worries that accompany prolonged low selfesteem can lead to anxiety. Children with low selfesteem will question whether they are worthy, adequate and able to be loved. The psychology behind why this happens is because there is a discrepancy between what they wish they were like and how they view themselves. They are very self-critical, never giving themselves credit for any accomplishments. Also, they are always striving to be different or better, and are disappointed when they don’t meet their own self-imposed expectations. This perspective, especially as it builds over time, can cause them to be fearful, on guard and always expecting the worst to happen.
Generally, people with low self-esteem have the following fears:
• Will they do something that shows they are not good enough?
• Will others notice what they have done and recognize their inadequacy?
• Will they fail, lose what they have or be abandoned?
• Will they experience humiliation, depression, devastation or despair?
The relationship between self-esteem and anxiety ends up being an endless cycle: low self-esteem triggers anxiety, and being anxious causes one’s confidence to diminish as fear takes over. According to Julia Friederike Sowislo of the Department of Psychology at the University of Basel in Switzerland who analyzed
18 studies regarding anxiety found that low self-esteem makes people vulnerable to obsessing over negative thoughts, which can result in anxiety and depression.
Essentially, people with anxiety disorder do not have enough confidence in themselves to confront their problems. They feel and act helpless, only causing more anxiety for the next time they face a similar situation. Of course, this is all just a distorted view driven by their low self-esteem. A typical example of how this works was pointed out by Dr. Marilyn Sorenson of the Self Esteem Institute. People with low self-confidence tend to worry about looking like a fool in front of others. This may cause them to become so nervous in social situations that they develop social anxiety or panic attacks. They may then avoid certain activities and shy away from relationships, which can impact the quality of their lives.
HOW TO RAISE CHILDREN WITH HEALTHY SELF-ESTEEM
Although self-esteem begins forming at a very early age, we can take action to build confidence at any time. A healthy level of confidence will help our children immensely, from minimizing the effects of anxiety to other important benefits that will help them be successful.
The first aspect of self-esteem that we need to realize as parents is that our children do not become confident because we praise them constantly and reward them for every little move they make. Instead, children need to lose and fail to build resiliency so they can keep on learning and growing.
According to experts, self-esteem results from experiences in which children feel accepted, capable and effective. Here are some ways that you can help your child build their self-esteem based on these three criteria:
Accepted
1. Love your children unconditionally. Let your children know that you love them no matter how much they fail or how many bad decisions they make. Let them know that perfection is not the goal. Learning, growing, trying new things and experiencing all that life has to offer is more important than whether they win or lose, pass or fail.
2. Show them you understand them. When kids feel understood by a parent, they are likely to accept themselves, too. Keep the line of communication open and be a supportive listener.
3. Make them feel special. Help your children discover their interests, talents and strengths and teach them that it is ok to feel proud of their own accomplishments (as long as they don’t think they are better than everyone else, of course.)
4. Avoid harsh criticism. Be careful how you speak to your children – the words and tone you use can impact their self-worth.
Capable
1. Praise strategically. Praising our kids too much can backfire. Try praising their effort or attitude instead of qualities they can’t change like their athletic ability. Also, avoid focusing on results (such as getting an A) and more on the hard work they put into something.
2. Let them do things themselves. Step back and allow your children to try new activities without holding their hands. Give them the space to take risks and make mistakes so they can learn how to solve problems on their own. They will feel so proud when they accomplish tasks by themselves.
3. Support them from a distance. When teaching them how to do new things, let them know that you are available to help them if they need it. Then let them do what they can, even if they make mistakes. Keep challenging them to reach new levels.
4. Expand their horizons. Give them plenty of opportunities to try new activities, see new places and meet different people. The more their comfort zone is expanded, the better they will handle worrisome situations in the future. However, if they are scared, encourage them but don’t push too hard.
Effective
1. Set realistic, attainable goals. By setting goals, we help encourage our children to take on new challenges. Then when they reach them, they are so happy and proud of their accomplishments. Be sure to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. Being flexible is also important throughout this process.
2. Let them make their own choices. Give your kids the chance to make some age-appropriate choices, such as picking out their own clothes, what snack to eat or which toy to take on vacation. Allowing our kids to make their own decisions will help them feel powerful and confident. They will also learn how to consider the consequences of their decisions and to take responsibility for their actions. A really good trick is to give them three options to choose from, which still gives them a sense of empowerment.
3. Give them responsibilities. In building self-esteem, kids need opportunities to demonstrate their competence and value. Give them some simple chores to do around the house – no reward necessary because their reward will be how proud they feel.
November Events
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.
BROWARD COUNTY
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 3
Displays of yachts and marine accessories, plus fishing clinics for kids spanning across a variety of show locations in Fort Lauderdale. www.flibs.com
Family Hayride and Campfire
FRIDAYS, NOVEMBER 1, 8 & 15
Have some old-fashioned fun with a hayride, a campfire and a bag of s’mores supplies. Ages 3 and up. $4/person. Pre-registration required. 6:30-9pm. Nov. 1, REVEREND SAMUEL DELEVOE MEMORIAL PARK, 2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale; Nov. 8, QUIET WATERS PARK 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; Nov. 15, T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood www.broward.org/parks
Florida Day of the Dead
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
A processional of costumed revelers and giant puppets will travel through the city. 3-11pm, DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE, www.fortlauderdale.gov
Art & Music Fest
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2-3
Event includes a variety of art, live music, vendors, entertainment, activities for the family and more. Saturday 11am-6pm; Sunday noon5pm, CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, www.ppines.com
Children’s Festival of the Arts
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Enjoy displays of art created by kids and teens,
music, performances, vendors and more. Noon-5pm, YOUNG AT ART, 8000 W. Broward Blvd., Suite 1208, Plantation, 954-424-0085 www.youngatartmuseum.org
Drone Show Extravaganza
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
See a spectacular show with more than 400 drones in honor of Veteran’s Day. Live entertainment begins at 5:30pm followed by the show at 7pm. Free. FISHING FAMILY PIER, 222 N. Pompano Beach Blvd., www.pompanobeachfl.gov
Camelot Days
NOVEMBER 9-10, 16-17 & 23-24
Revisit time gone by at this medieval event featuring jousting, princesses, knights, fairies, crafters, food, games, entertainment and more. 10am-5:30pm, TY PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 786-332-0047 www.camelotdays.com
Teen Art Club
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Teenagers can get together to explore their creative side while making stamps out of compostable items. Seating is limited. Advanced registration required. $5. 4:30-6:30pm, THE FRANK C. ORTIS ART GALLERY, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, www.ppines.com
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals and other friends for the biggest playdate ever. $35 and up. Noon & 4pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org
WestonNights Outdoor Concert
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and immerse yourself in a powerful performance of classic rock hits performed live by Renegade. 7-9:30pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, www.westonfl.org
Storybook Festival
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
An event for children of all ages with storytellers, activities, arts and crafts, entertainers, performances, costume characters, fantasy forest and more. 10am-3:30pm, SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines, www.broward.org/library
Light Up Dania Beach
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Celebrate the season with lights, entertainment and family activities. 6-9pm, CITY HALL PLAZA, 100 W. Dania Beach Blvd., Dania Beach, www.daniabeachfl.gov
Holiday Fantasy of Lights
NOVEMBER 23-JANUARY 4
Get in the holiday spirit while driving through this holiday display of lights. Fee applies. TRADEWINDS PARK, 3600 Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, www.holidaylightsdrivethru.com
Holiday Craft Show & Green Fair
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23-24
The town of Davie hosts a local event with handmade arts, crafts and plants. 9am-4pm, BERGERON RODEO GROUNDS, 4201 Rodeo Way, Davie, 954-797-1181 www.davie-fl.gov
Family Fun Day
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Celebrate the upcoming winter season with free activities and fun. 10am-3pm, ESPLANADE PARK, 400 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.winterfestparade.com
Tamarac Turkey Trot
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Put your running shoes on and get moving on Thanksgiving morning at the Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run. Runners receive a finisher medal. 7:30am, TAMARAC CITY HALL, 7525 NW 88 Ave., Tamarac, www.runsignup.com
Turkey Trot
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Shed some calories before the big meal at this 5K walk/run. 7:30am, LAS OLAS OCEANSIDE PARK, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.turkeytrotftl.com
Let’s
Sing Taylor: A Live Band Experience
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Swifties rejoice! Sport your Taylor-inspired attire and prepare to sing along during this ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. $27.50 and up. 8pm, THE PARKER, 707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale, www.parkerplayhouse.com
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Knitting for Kids
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Kids ages 8-12 can learn the basics of knitting while making their own creations. Materials provided. 4-5pm, WEST KENDALL REGIONAL LIBRARY, 10201 Hammocks Blvd., Miami, www.mdpls.org
Day of the Dead Celebration
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Enjoy a night market, face painting, stilt walkers, mariachi bands, festive decorations, live entertainment and more. 6-9pm, CITYPLACE DORAL, 8300 NW 36 St., Doral, www.cityplacedoral.com
A Family Concert
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Greater Miami Symphonic Band presents a concert for all ages. 4pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, 305-669-6990 www.pinecrestgardens.org
Kids’ Drawing Class
SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17 & 24
Aspiring artists ages 13 and under can learn techniques for bubble letters and characters from a local artist. Free with paid admission. 10-11am, MUSEUM OF GRAFFITI, 299 NW 25 St., Miami, www.museumofgraffiti.com
Food Truck Wednesdays
WEDNESDAYS, NOVEMBER 6, 13, 20 & 27
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
Family Day on Aragon
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month.
Eyes to the Skies
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Peer through professional-grade telescopes to set your sights on the night sky. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 7pm, CHILDREN’S SCIENCE EXPLORIUM AT SUGAR SAND PARK, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton
Laser Show
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Celebrate pop royalty with a choice of three different laser shows set to the music of Taylor Swift at 6pm, Beyonce at 7pm and Lady Gaga at 8pm. SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.coxsciencecenter.org
Delray Beach Turkey Trot
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Take a scenic 5K run along the Atlantic Ocean.
10am-5pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org
Color Your Cares Away
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Bring the family for a soothing activity of coloring a page or two. Materials provided. All ages. 9:30am-6pm, KENDALE LAKES
BRANCH LIBRARY, 15205 SW 88 St., Miami, www.mdpls.org
Roars, S’Mores and Snores Campout
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9-10
Pitch your tent for an interactive night where you’ll learn about the nocturnal life of the animals while participating in activities including mystery solving, trivia games and a campfire with s’mores. $90/person.
ZOO MIAMI, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, www.zoomiami.org
Night Hike & Campfire
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Explore the woods and wildlife at night on this guided hike. After, enjoy s’mores around the campfire. $25. 7-9:30pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Palmetto Bay, www.deeringestate.org
Santa’s Enchanted Forest
NOVEMBER 14 – JANUARY 5
Lights, rides, food, games, entertainment and more make this holiday wonderland glow. SANTA’S ENCHANTED FOREST, 7400 NW 87 Ave., Miami, www.santasenchantedforest.com
Fall Time Interactive Art Class
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Kids ages 6-14 can learn how to draw a zombie on canvas. 4:30-5:30pm, DORAL CULTURAL ARTS CENTER, 8363 NW 53 St., 305-593-6600 www.cityofdoral.com
Gables Bike Tour
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Bring your bicycle and take a guided ride while learning about the history of the area.
7:30am, ANCHOR PARK, 340 S. Ocean Blvd., Delray Beach, www.downtowndelraybeach.com
Holiday Tree Lighting
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, live music performances, snow flurries, crafts, costumed characters, food vendors and more. Activities begin at 6pm, tree lighting at 7:15pm and music performances begin at 7:30. MIZNER PARK AMPHITHEATER, 590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton
Zoo Lights
NOVEMBER 23-JANUARY 5
See countless lights and seasonal displays light up the night at this holiday extravaganza. 5:30-9pm, PALM BEACH ZOO, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, www.palmbeachzoo.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.
adventure.
The excursion begins at the museum and the cost includes museum admission. $10/person. 10am-noon, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-603-8067 www.coralgablesmuseum.org
Miami Book Fair
NOVEMBER 17-24
A hybrid event in downtown Miami and online with scheduled author presentations, workshops and activities. The weekend Street Fair takes place November 22-24. MIAMI DADE COLLEGE, 300 NE Second Ave., Miami, www.miamibookfair.com
Fall Harvest Tales Celebration
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Bring your little turkeys for stories, songs and family activities celebrating thankfulness. All ages. 1:30-4:30, CORAL REEF BRANCH LIBRARY, 9211 SW 152 St., Palmetto Bay, www.mdpls.org
Fall at the Farm
WEEKENDS THROUGH NOVEMBER 24
Celebrate Halloween with farm family activities, animal interactions and more. 10am-6pm, TINEZ FARMS, 16405 SW 177 Ave., www.tinezfarms.com
Turkey Trot Miami
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Get active before the big meal at this Thanksgiving Day race that includes a 5K, 10K and Kids Trot. 7am, TROPICAL PARK, 7900 SW 40 St., Miami, www.turkeytrotmiami.com
Historic Holidays
NOVEMBER 29-JANUARY 7
Step back in time and experience the magic of the season while exploring the nostalgic charm of the historic house decorated for the holidays. $10-$18. DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Palmetto Bay, www.deeringestate.org
Vizcaya Village Farmers Market
SUNDAYS
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
10am-noon, DELRAY BEACH CHILDREN’S GARDEN, 137 SW Second Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Some Like it Hot
COOKING UP MEMORIES
BY SUSAN ROSSER
Ihave a fond yet fuzzy memory of my family’s Sunday evening tradition: driving to my Aunt Perle and Uncle Kenneth’s house for a dinner of Chinese take-out. To be fair, I am not sure if these recollections are my own or if they have been constructed from stories retold countless times by my family, forming some semblance of a memory in the recesses of my temporal lobe.
Most families order take-out to avoid the laborious effort required to cook dinner. And surely, the task people dread the most is cleaning up. But my Uncle Kenneth requested his food be served hot; as such, my mother and Aunt Perle transferred each dish from its classic white carton into a pot to be reheated on the stovetop or oven. Obviously, this task necessitated additional clean-up.
Back at my own house, whenever my mother served super-hot food, without fail, she would say, “Uncle Kenneth would love this,” after her first bite. Consequently, decades later, I’ve become quite fixated on serving a hot meal. Thanksgiving for me is like the Olympics – with numerous side dishes and an enormous turkey – getting the timing right is a real achievement. It takes a lot of mental effort, so I’ve had to create my own Thanksgiving spreadsheet. I use rows for different time slots and each dish has its own column, with an additional row for the serving dish. (See chart above.)
whack, but perhaps balance is overrated.
We were talking about our hot food affliction recently, and I referred to us as being “scarred for life.” But at the end of the day, maybe our need to serve piping-hot meals isn’t an affliction. I’d like to think of it henceforth as a blessing.
This year, my sister and I will spend Thanksgiving together with our families. We rented a vacation home in South Carolina with a gorgeous kitchen.
As I write this, it’s only September, but our spreadsheet is well underway.
And as we chop, peel, sauté and stir, I am confident we will reference Uncle Kenneth and how our mom could not eat a bowl of superhot soup without mentioning him. And with each comment, we will remember past holiday dinners and, naturally, Chinese take-out Sundays.
Of course, this makes me wonder what silly thing my kids, nieces and nephews will remember about me someday. I hope they remember how I preferred odd numbers of olives in my martinis and not some of my more neurotic tendencies.
Honestly, if there were a Nobel prize for Thanksgiving planning, I would certainly be a contender. It’s funny how such a small and seemingly insignificant quirk of my Uncle’s has become such a force in my life. I cook a lot, so Uncle Kenneth’s penchant for hot food sneaks into my thoughts almost daily. And for the record, my sister has the same affliction. We often joke about how much brain power and energy we devote to serving hot meals. It’s certainly out of
This Thanksgiving, I imagine my parents, Aunt Perle, and Uncle Kenneth watching over us from heaven, amused by our efforts to perfectly time each dish. Maybe they’re laughing at our neurosis, knowing it’s all rooted in love and tradition. Mostly, though, I think they’d be happy we’re together, grateful for the bounty and each other.
We’re starting with an autumnal salad – no need to worry about the temperature on that one.
Susan Rosser is the editor of South Florida Family Life Though she loves her food piping hot, she’s not above scarfing down a slice of cold pizza straight from the fridge, with the door still open.
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