Miami Dade Family Life August 2019

MIAMI-DADE

COMPLIMENTARY

AUGUST 2019

smart

choices EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS TO START THE YEAR RIGHT

backto

SCHOOL SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR

difficult

DISCUSSIONS HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT A SENSITIVE SUBJECT

contents

AUGUST 2019

departments 8 MIAMI & MORE News about the people, places and events in our community.

22 HOME TECH Put these helpful study downloads on your child’s back-to-school list.

24 FAMILY MAN Some teachers are wonderful, but not all of them are apple-worthy.

26 FAMILY DYNAMICS The racism predicament: What do you do when a relative says things you don’t want your child to hear?

28 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Entertaining and noteworthy things to see and do in every corner of Miami-Dade County.

30 WORDS OF WISDOM 5 sanity-saving things to stop doing right now.

features

12

SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR From getting out the door in the morning to getting that homework done after school, here’s help for elementary to secondary students… and their parents.

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SMART CHOICES Our special section on education and enrichment programs highlights local options that deserve the highest grades.

FAMILY-CENTERED MATERNITY CARE. SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY.

LOVE HAS COMPANY They say love grows when it’s shared, and at Jackson Health System, that feeling of being nurtured expands with each small act of compassion. With highlyspecialized, maternity experts to ensure your safety, a supportive lactation team, and a family-centered approach to care, Jackson is there for you and your family — through every bonding moment.

LOVE IS LIFE.

We are proud to be designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital for giving mothers the skills and support needed to feed and bond with their child.

Jackson Memorial Hospital Jackson North Medical Center Jackson South Medical Center Designated 2017 – 2022

Call 305-585-4MOM or visit JacksonMaternity.org.

MIAMI-DADE

Our mission is to enrich family life in Miami-Dade County by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community.

PUBLISHER Lisa Goodlin

SPLASHTACULAR BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Make new friends when you party with Lolita the Orca, TV superstar Flipper, Salty the Sea Lion and all your marine animal friends. It’s the no-hassle way to give your birthday child the party of a lifetime! For reservations, call 305-365-2507 today.

Party package includes a party area with decorations, kid-friendly lunch, personalized cake, costumed character visit (weather permitting), admission to all shows and exhibits and much more.

NEW Touch Pools!

miamiseaquarium.com LOCATED ON RICKENBACKER CAUSEWAY, JUST MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN MIAMI.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stacey Jacques EXECUTIVE EDITOR Michelle Liem ASSISTANT EDITOR Greg Carannante ASSOCIATE EDITOR Shannon Pease-Severance SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Suzy Miguelez • Sheila Ranson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Aileen Gardner 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@browardfamilylife.com

For information on where to find Miami-Dade Family Life, or to become a distributor, call 954-424-7405 or e-mail info@miamidadefamilylife.com Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Miami-Dade Family Life is published twelve times per year by Family Life Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade 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 2019 by Family Life Media Group.

All rights reserved.

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Resources, Education & Fun for the Whole Family!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 7

Sign language interpreters . will be provided

10 A.M.-5 P.M. Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center

!

E E R F SION ADMIS

Follow us!

& PARK

ING

Call 211 or visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org for more info.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

 � � ��

August 2019 | M I A M I - D A D E F A M I LY L I F E

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&more

MIAMI

On your toes, Miami!

YOUNG DANCERS MAKE THE FIRST MOVES AT MIAMI’S INTERNATIONAL BALLET FESTIVAL

Photo by Simon Soong

I

f you’re a lover of ballet, you’ll be delighted to know the International Ballet Festival of Miami 2019 makes its grand jeté onto area stages through Aug. 18, and it begins with a showcase of young dancers.

The first of six programs, the Youth Gala features performances by local, national and international ballet competition medalists on Aug. 3 at 7pm. Designed to educate and promote arts among the community, the Youth Gala is held at Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW First St., Miami.

Produced by Miami Hispanic Ballet Company, the 24th annual festival presents the works of over 100 artists from more than 20 ballet companies from Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. The only one of its kind in the state, the festival also incorporates a dance film series, art exhibits, book presentations, workshops and master classes.

The other five programs are: International Ballet Festival on the Streets: an eclectic mix of dance styles and music in free, contemporary street performances at two locations on the same night, featuring modern and contemporary dance companies from Brazil, Italy, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Aug. 9, 8pm, Lincoln Road Mall/Euclid Circle, Miami Beach; and Wynwood Walls, Miami.

Contemporary Performances III and IV: cutting-edge programs of modern and contemporary dance companies.

Aug. 10, 8pm, Miami Arts Charter School, 95 NW 23 St.; and Aug. 11, 5pm, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Classical Gala: Stars from around the world perform the most famous classical and neo-classical ballet repertoire. Aug. 17, 8pm, The Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave.

Gala of the Stars: A different program of performances by all guest principal dancers. Aug. 18, 5pm, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St., Miami.

For more information, visit www.internationalballetfestival.org

START THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH A HOLIDAY For many parents (and you know who you are), back-to-school time is a holiday. Of course, we’re speaking of the state’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, five days at the start of August when parents have the chance to save more than a few bucks on school supplies.

From Friday, Aug. 2, through Tuesday, Aug. 6, shoppers will not be charged tax on lots of qualifying items, including certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item; clothing, footwear and certain accessories (such as diaper

bags and backpacks) selling for $60 or less; and computers and certain accessories purchased for non-commercial or personal use and selling for $1,000 or less.

Because the tax-free periods are meant to benefit Floridians, not tourists, the exemptions don’t apply to sales made within an airport, entertainment complex or theme park. And retailers that sell few qualifying items may choose not to participate in the holiday.

For more information and to download the complete list of eligible products, visit http://floridarevenue.com/pages/default.aspx

FAMILY FESTIVAL FEVER On the 50th anniversary weekend of the legendary Woodstock music festival, Miami has a pretty big festival weekend of its own. In two of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods, festival-goers will be treated to plenty of cultural festivities, fine food and family-style fun — and even some of that Woodstock-era rock music, as well.

The weekend kicks off with a Latin beat at Viernes Culturales Art and Cultural Festival in Little Havana on Aug. 16, and it continues at the Coconut Grove Food & Wine Festival on the following day.

Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), which is held every third Friday of the month, features a Children’s Village, art galleries, local arts and crafts, live music, dancing under the stars, domino games and more. The free festival draws a multicultural audience that represents South Florida’s ethnic diversity, as well as internationally known artists.

Since 2000, Viernes Culturales has been a beacon of art and culture for the region and a catalyst for the economic and cultural growth of Little Havana. It has been responsible for the neighborhood being recognized as a National Treasure by the National Trust of Historic Preservation.

Viernes Culturales is from 7-11pm at Domino Plaza, Southwest Eighth Street and Fifth Avenue.

For more information, call 305-643-5500 or visit www.viernesculturales.org A short ride south from Little Havana, the Coconut Grove Food & Wine Festival on Aug. 17 is a progressive walking tour with food, wine, music, entertainment and family-friendly activities. There will be a Kids Zone, arts and crafts exhibits, culinary demonstrations and such spectacles as a pet contest and a waiters race. Plus the VIVA Rock & Roll band will play hits by the Beatles, the Beach Boys and more.

From 2-10pm, the festivities start at the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, 2985 S. Bayshore Dr., and continue on to other Grove top spots. There are four ticket options, $25-$75 plus a $125 couple’s VIP ticket. Children 12 and under are free, and well-behaved pets on a leash are welcome.

All proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, Shake-A-Leg Miami and the Woman’s Club. For more information, call 786-355-4800 or visit www.coconutgrovefoodandwine.com

KIDS FREE

WITH A PAID ADULT OFFER AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY.

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MIAMI

From the farm to you The latest catchword for all good things edible is “locally sourced.” And many of the trend’s exponents can be found at farmers markets throughout Miami-Dade. Here is a selection of markets that regularly bring local, fresh produce and artisan products into communities from Aventura to South Dade, from the beaches to the Everglades.

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER MARKET MONDAYS. Experience a different kind of culture at the Arsht Center, where the Farmers Marketplace offerings vary each week. The market features Florida-grown produce from Urban Oasis Project and Laura’s Produce and prepared foods from local Miami favorites.

There are also periodic workshops, cooking demonstrations, live music and children’s story times. 4-8:30pm, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722.

AVENTURA MALL FARMERS MARKET. The Aventura Market - Farmers & Artisans features a weekend array of fresh products from more than 25 local vendors, including artisan bread, exotic fruits and juices, nuts of all varieties, teas, handcrafted jewelry, perfumed oils, homemade baked treats and much more. Saturdays, 10am-9:30pm, and Sundays, noon-8pm, in Center Court, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-935-1110.

BAYSIDE FARMERS MARKET. A fun, fresh market at Bayside Marketplace offers fresh produce and food provided by local merchants. Sundays, 11am-6pm, at the main entrance by the Bayside flags, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-577-3344.

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE FARMERS MARKET. Green Market Co-op offers conventional and organically grown produce as well as cheeses, breads and prepared foods.

Saturdays 10am-3pm, 98 SE Seventh St., Miami, 786-367-8274.

CARIBBEAN MARKET DAY. Little Haiti’s Caribbean Marketplace features flavorful foods and a Caribbean cultural experience.

Saturdays, 10am-4pm, Little Haiti Cultural Complex, 212-260 NE 59 Terrace, Miami, 305-960-2903.

CORAL GABLES FARMERS MARKET AT MERRICK PARK. Among the offerings are fresh Florida produce, prepared foods, baked goods, children’s activities, flowers and plants, free Tai Chi classes, gardening workshops and cooking demos. Saturdays, 8am-2pm, at the corner of Miracle Mile and LeJeune Road, 305-460-5620.

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COCONUT GROVE ORGANIC SATURDAY MARKET. Operated by Glaser Organic Farms, this market is the place for vegans and veggie lovers in general, offering local organic produce, seeds, grains, raw foods, a salad bar, a raw food station, and dairy-free desserts. Saturdays, 10am-7pm, 3300 Grand Ave., 305-238-7747.

LINCOLN ROAD FARMERS MARKET. The original South Beach farmers market, and one of South Florida’s oldest, offers a cornucopia of goodies, including local veggies and fruits, double-yolk eggs, baked goods, local organic honey, and local delicacies, as well as flowers and skin-care products. The market is presented

by The Market Company, which hosts farmers markets at several other locations throughout the county. Sundays, 9am-6pm, between Washington and Meridian avenues on pedestrian Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, 305-531-0038.

REDLAND COMMUNITY FARM AND MARKET. This nonprofit organization offers a farmers market with fresh produce from its local 22-acre organic farm, while also providing training and jobs to veterans and the underserved in the Redland community.

Also available are BBQ, baked goods, honey, jams, plants, art, crafts, olive oil, kombucha and furniture.

Daily, 10am-6pm, 12690 SW 280 St., Homestead, 305-257-2005.

DISCOVER NATURE IN DORAL Outdoor enthusiasts in the northwest part of the county now have their own park. Almost three years in the making, Doral Glades Park — with the only nature center in the area — gets a grand opening this month.

The celebration for the city’s first environmentally focused park is Aug. 2 from 6-8:30pm. Among the activities will be giveaways, a special screening of a nature-themed short film, tours and more.

Breaking ground in October, 2016, Doral’s highly anticipated ninth park features educational and wetland boardwalks and a viewing platform in addition to the nature center. Also within its 25 acres are such recreational facilities as tennis courts, multi-use fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, a lake with a kayak launch and a fishing pier, trails for walking, exercise and biking and picnic shelters.

Doral Glades Park is located on Northwest 74 Street between Northwest 97 and 107 avenues.

For more information, visit www.cityofdoral.com

®

kic k o f f AUGUST 3 | 10am - 6pm

Sponsored by

980 macarthur causeway, miami, fl 33132 · 305.373.KIDS(5437) · miamichildrensmuseum.org Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

August 2019 | M I A M I - D A D E F A M I LY L I F E

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Secrets

to a

SUCCESSFUL

School Year THE CONNECTION THAT COUNTS

M

y 5-year-old daughter and I tend to get into major power struggles in the morning. I make her the “wrong” breakfast.

She wails like I’m torturing her as I attempt to brush her

tangled curls. She’s on the floor, crying and flailing her arms. We are running late (again) but I take a minute to lock the bathroom door, turn the vent on, and cry. Why is this is so hard? What am I doing wrong?

According to experts, my error is obvious. I’ve forgotten to start the day with a connection.

THE PATH TO HEADING OFF MORNING POWER STRUGGLES LIES IN YOUR CHILD’S BRAIN

Instead of “making a deposit” in my child’s bank — in the form of cuddles, reading to her, or even asking how she slept, I’ve attempted to make a number of “withdrawals.” I’ve forgotten that my daughter’s brain is just not wired to accommodate that.

As Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson explain in their groundbreaking book The Whole-Brain Child, not only are the structures of a child’s brain still forming, so are the pathways connecting them. The connections between the various parts of the brain are what allow adults to function like

BY PAM MOORE

adults (most of the time, anyway). You can credit those connections every time you use logic to push through fear, or hold your tongue in a meeting with your boss when you’d rather throw the nearest object at his head.

On the other hand, when you’re wondering why your kid loses his mind when you cut his carrots into slices instead of matchsticks, much of it has to do with the fact that his brain is still immature.

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6 KEYS TO A STRESS-FREE MORNING

BY TANNI HAAS School day mornings can be really stressful, with everyone running around like chickens with their heads off rushing to get ready and out the door. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Trial-and-error and conversations with other parents have yielded these six ways to a stress-free morning.

1. HAVE A MORNING CHORE CHART. The best way to

start the morning stress-free is to plan as much as possible the night before, such as with a Morning Chore Chart that specifies all the things that need to be done each morning and who’s responsible for doing them. The chart spells out everything from making the bed (something teenagers really hate to do) to who’s making what at breakfast.

Rotate tasks every week to be fair. The chart lists daily chores, and unique tasks for specific events. At the bottom, list the things that need to be done on a specific day, like leaving money for an overnight school trip or leaving work early for a doctor’s appointment.

2. A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING – EVERYTHING IN ITS

PLACE. The second key to a stress-free morning is to know where to find the things that you need in the morning.

Agree on where exactly to put your morning essentials: school bags, jackets, footwear, etc. When no one is running around looking for things, it makes mornings so much smoother. You can just grab and go.

It’s also helpful to do as many morning tasks as you can the night before: what clothes to wear, packing school bags and lunches, and finishing all homework. No more last-minute homework in the car!

3. GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. It may sound like a Though it takes at least 20 years for the brain to fully develop, there are steps parents can take to make life more bearable in the meantime. According to Siegel’s concept of interpersonal neurobiology, secure attachments in childhood facilitate the brain’s ability to function as an integrated system.

In other words, starting off focusing on the relationship with your child, rather than all of the tasks she must complete, will not only make your mornings easier, but it will also promote your child’s optimal brain development in the long run.

One of the key takeaways from The Whole Brain Child is that it’s crucial to connect with your the child on an emotional level before trying to reason with him. The best way to help a kid through a tantrum is to first hug him or offer some other non-verbal sign of affection, like a loving, concerned look, a gentle pat on the arm, or a squeeze of his hand, and talk to him after. Only after the child has calmed down enough to engage in conversation or to quietly listen can he actually absorb anything you’re saying, whether you’re offering a pep talk, empathizing, or offering alternative solutions to the problem.

According to Siegel and Payne Bryson, pausing to establish a connection serves a dual purpose. First, it strengthens the bond between you and your child, connecting you to each other. Second, this connection facilitates the building of connections between the distinct areas of the child’s brain.

Parents who struggle with mornings that devolve into a frantic race against the clock in an attempt to drop a cranky kid off at school on time with two continued on page 16

cliche but getting a good night’s sleep really is extremely important to reducing morning stress. If one person is sleep-deprived, that person often makes everyone else grumpy, too. To get a good night’s sleep you’d be wise to turn off all electronics a half an hour before bedtime to have time to unwind and shut down. If you want to make absolutely sure this happens, have your kids charge their devices anywhere else but in their own bedrooms.

4. WAKE UP — THEN WAKE UP EVERYONE ELSE. Try

waking up 20-30 minutes earlier than everyone else. That’ll give you time to get ready yourself before the morning rush starts. The bathroom is a source of competition and in constant use until everyone is out the door.

5. STAY CALM AND POSITIVE. When you’re finally ready to wake up the rest of the family, try to be calm and positive. If you’re unhappy about something the kids did or didn’t do, mornings aren’t the best time to bring it up. Conflicts are rarely resolved satisfactorily early in the morning when there’s so much to do. Put on some happy upbeat music instead. That’ll help put everyone in the right frame of mind.

6. HAVE A BREAKFAST WITH LOTS OF PROTEIN. When you finally sit down for breakfast, make sure that the whole family gets lots of protein. You’ll all need it for the long day ahead.

TAKING THE HASSLE OUT OF HOMEWORK

M

ost parents have grappled

Therefore, schools must rely on homework

others need to get it out of the way before

with a scenario like this: Your

to reinforce what may have only been an

fatigue makes them ineffective.

child is eager to put the school

introduction in class.

Make sure that the studying environment

day behind him and promises he’ll do his

If there is any silver lining, it’s that

homework “later,” since it will only take a

homework gives parents an opportunity

necessary supplies. Many students respond

few minutes.

to see what their children are learning.

well to a timer set for an agreeable amount

It also allows one-on-one help in a

of time. For longer assignments, 30 minutes

the homework has suddenly sprouted tricky

non-hurried environment, a scenario

is a good start before taking a short break.

components that now require adult help.

not always available at school.

Once you find a schedule that works, stick

Unfortunately, as bedtime approaches,

is free of distractions and has all the

Everyone is ready for bed, but the homework

How to Help. Although resistance to

has become a group effort. Understandably,

homework is understandable, educators

incentives, rewards or praise for a

it can be excruciating for parents to sit on

say it is an important way to reinforce

job well done.

their hands and watch their child struggle

your child’s education. Since a parent’s

alone. Most experts say that you don’t have

approach to homework can greatly influence

U.S. Department of Education

to watch from the sidelines, but should draw

a child’s attitude toward it, try to see it

agree that it’s important to give

the line between supporting and doing.

as an opportunity. Smart parents use

children plenty of encouragement and

Below are some ways to avoid this type of

homework to develop intellectual curiosity

even restrained help with assignments.

frustration.

and establish learning routines that will

Sometimes, your presence alone will be

serve kids beyond their school years, says

enough to motivate your child. Other times,

study published by The American Journal of

Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman, author

your child may need your direct help. This

Family Therapy, elementary school students

of The Learning Habit: A Groundbreaking

might mean answering her questions,

spend an average of around 30 minutes

Approach to Homework and Parenting

practicing spelling words or listening to

on homework each night. Middle and high

That Helps Our Children Succeed in

her read aloud.

school students log in anywhere from one to

School and Life.

Why So Much Homework? According to a

three-and-a-half hours nightly.

Although the U.S. Department Of Education stresses that children who spend

with it so that it becomes a routine. Offer

Both the national PTA and the

Unless the teacher indicates differently,

“The ability to learn is what will help them succeed in life,” she explains.

Help your child by arranging the family

it’s usually acceptable to show her an example and then answer any questions about how you completed the task. However,

more time on homework perform better than

schedule to allow plenty of time for both

experts urge parents to remember that

children who don’t, teachers often assign

homework and the enjoyable activities that

homework is the responsibility of the child.

homework out of necessity. Class size and

balance it out. When to tackle homework

Stick to the role of the advisor and be very

academic standards may limit the time

depends on the child. Some children need

careful not to contradict the methods

available to cover the required curriculum.

time to decompress after school, while

taught in school.

INTERNET RESOURCES TO MAKE HOMEWORK MORE MANAGEABLE Khan Academy is a nonprofit that helps both kids and parents brush up on a huge variety of subjects. Content is presented through engaging educational videos, online courses, lessons and practice. Users get personalized help with a self-paced interface that saves their progress.

The site and apps are free. You only need to provide an email address to create an account. www.khanacademy.org (Apps available at the Apple App Store and Google Play) Parent Toolkit is a free resource to help parents understand “benchmark” expectations. For each grade, the app offers a glimpse into what your child will be learning and recommendations on how to support her. Experts provide helpful advice on homework, parent-teacher conferences and facilitating learning at home. You can also use the app to set (and hopefully meet) academic goals.

www.parenttoolkit.com (App available at the Apple App Store and Google Play) Ask Dr. Math is a nonprofit website that offers math tutorials for all ages. Popular topics include dividing by zero, learning to factor and rounding. Students can browse topics by age group (elementary, middle or high school) or search by keyword. The site also allows students to submit specific questions. http://mathforum.org/dr.math/ Scholastic.com offers a fun, free quiz to help determine your child’s learning style. When you tally your child’s results, you’ll receive tips on how to best present information to each type of learner. www.scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/ quiz-whats-your-childs-learning-style.html

BY SHANNON DEAN

Talk About Tricky Assignments. You can save time and frustration by going over tricky assignments with your child to make sure he clearly understands what’s asked of him. continued on page 16

LESSONS FOR SECONDARYSCHOOL SUCCESS

BY TANNI HAAS

s a professional educator for more than 20 years and the parent of a 15-year-old, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes for kids to succeed in middle and high school and what parents can do to support them.

Here are some of the most important lessons: Teach Them to Plan Ahead — and Backwards. On the first day of middle school, kids often get an “agenda book” (or calendar) to write down all of their assignments with deadlines. This is a great way to teach them the importance of planning ahead so they don’t hand in their assignments late.

But an important thing kids have a hard time understanding is that the agenda book isn’t just for planning ahead but also for planning backwards, in the sense of creating a time line. Teach your kids to take each assignment deadline and work backwards, so they can see what they need to do each day to turn in their assignments on time. Once my son understood this idea of planning backwards, he became much better at managing his time and stopped spending all-nighters writing essays due the very next day.

Teach Them to Study for Mastery — Not Time. An agenda book is great for teaching kids what and when to study. It doesn’t help much in teaching them how to study. You can teach them that by making them understand that they need to focus on learning the material — not the amount of time they spend studying.

When my son was in his first year of middle school, he used to give himself a certain amount of time each evening for homework. That was fine but every so often he didn’t do as well on a test as he’d expected. As an experiment, I encouraged him to focus on the material instead of how long he studied it.

That changed everything.

Sometimes he now studies for several hours before he’s ready for a test.

Other times 30 minutes or less is sufficient. He has learned to focus on the material, not the clock.

Teach Them to Use the Internet — But Wisely. Warnings are everywhere about the dangers of letting your kids surf the Internet when they’re studying.

These warnings aren’t without merit. If your kids are constantly checking social media or playing games, they are distracted, and that’ll negatively affect how well they absorb the material.

However, there are ways of using the Internet that can actually boost their learning. For example, my son recently completed a fairly difficult high school course in physics. He’s a solid student who takes good notes and studies hard, but he got much better at solving physics problems when he started watching YouTube videos. He found many in which teachers from schools across the country demonstrated how to solve problems in different ways.

Teach Them Real-World Applications of Learning. An excellent way to support your kids’ learning is to teach them the real-world applications of what they’re studying in school. It can make the material stick so much better than any amount of homework. To help my son better understand math concepts, I often ask him to help me with practical things that require an understanding of math, like adapting dinner recipes for more people than originally planned or taking measurements for new window treatments in our home.

HOMEWORK

continued from page 15

If there’s any doubt, have him complete the first part of the assignment with you. A child who enthusiastically completes something he must later erase will not be so enthusiastic the next time. If the assignment contains several parts, consider breaking it down into manageable pieces. If the instructions are vague, contact the teacher, a classmate, or, if your school has them, the homework helpline or tutor.

#BackToSchool

DISORDERS WE TREAT

Help Your Child in the Way He Learns Best. Parents who know how their child learns have a distinct advantage. Teachers often don’t have the luxury of presenting a concept in more than one way, but parents can. For example, when reviewing fractions with a hands-on learner, you might cut an actual pie into halves, fourths and eighths. If your child learns visually, consider drawing a graph or picture. If your student prefers an auditory presentation, you could recite a story involving fractions.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Anaphylaxis Asthma Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Chronic Cough and Breathing Difficulties Contact Dermatitis Drug Allergy Food Allergy Insect Allergy Oral Allergy Syndrome Pet Allergy Pollen, Mold & Dust Mite Allergy Sinusitis Urticaria (Hives)

Imaginative children who are abstract thinkers may respond to personalized concepts. A child who loves Star Wars might be much more interested if asked what percentage of the Jedi Council is comprised of Jedi Masters. Don’t forget homework help websites. Many are free and specifically designed to be interesting, interactive and relevant to children.

Wrap It Up in a Positive Way. Once your child completes his homework, help him discover his own errors by asking him to explain his answers. If confusion persists, leave a note for the teacher so she knows where your child needs help. Even when your child’s homework is perfect, make an effort to reinforce the material. Ask open-ended questions, let your child explain his favorite part of the assignment, or ask him how he might use what he just learned.

Experts encourage parents to see homework as an opportunity to offer their child the extra attention and encouragement that will help him get the most out of school. Parents can also reinforce such important life skills as organization, time management and the setting of priorities. More importantly, the child will know that what he does all day is very important to you, that you’re proud of him and that you highly value his lifelong education.

CONNECTION

continued from page 13

matching shoes often find much of the stress can be circumvented by taking a moment to connect before the storm erupts.

Clinical psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Laura Markham recommends snuggling with your kiddo for five minutes as he wakes up as a way to “fill your child’s cup before the day starts, and reconnect after the separation of the night, which gives your child motivation to cooperate instead of fight with you.”

If five minutes of snuggling feels unreasonable, try two minutes, or even one. If snuggling in bed as your child rouses doesn’t fit with your routine, try something that does. It could be reading together, scratching her back, or simply holding her hand and making eye contact as you say good morning. (I’ve tried all of these).

One friend said that even if she’s already up and dressed, she gets back into bed with her son as soon as he’s up and spends a minute or two doing a simple gratitude ritual together, where they simply say a couple of things they’re thankful for.

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of your morning routine. According to parent educator Kelly Pfeiffer, routines and connection work best when they’re used together. She suggests parents begin the day with some form of connection (i.e., two minutes of snuggle time) and intersperse other forms of connections throughout the morning, such as creating a silly morning song together, giving high fives or sharing the joke of the day.

In my own quest to make mornings more bearable, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find how far even the briefest moments of connection take us, in terms of setting the tone for the day. Some mornings, there’s time for my daughter to climb into bed with me for a few minutes.

But when I’ve accidentally set my alarm for p.m., we’re running 20 minutes late and my daughter has time only to eat breakfast in the car, I’ve learned to stop myself when every fiber of my being wants to bust into her room and say: “Why are you playing!? You should be dressed by now!” Instead, I take the time to start her day by entering her room slowly, greeting her with a smile, resting my hand on her shoulder, and looking her in the eye while I say: “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

It turns out, I don’t have time not to.

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SMART

CHOICES Education & Enrichment Programs To Start the Year Right

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Hochberg Lower School - East Campus 20350 NE 26th Ave • NMB, FL 33180 • 305-933-6946, Ext. 7832 Main Campus: 5810 South Pine Island Rd • Davie, FL 33328 • 954-583-6100, Ext. 641 www.posnackschool.org

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Hochberg Lower School – Posnack East Hochberg Lower School at David Posnack Jewish Day School’s East Campus in North Miami Beach, is the premier dual curriculum, K-5 Jewish day school in Miami-Dade County. Excellence in general and Jewish studies is matched by superior athletics, performing and visual arts, and extracurricular programming.

This reputation for excellence has resulted in unprecedented growth in enrollment with waiting lists for the 2019-2020 school year. To meet the demand, the school has begun the construction of a new building and grounds to accommodate its growing population. The new state-of-the-art facility will serve nearly 300 students and is planned to open during the upcoming 2019-2020 school year.

Families consistently praise Hochberg Lower School’s warm and nurturing environment. After fifth grade, students transition to Hochberg Middle School on Posnack School Main Campus in Davie.

Middle and High School students on Main Campus choose from a wide variety of electives and clubs, with programs in pre-med, pre-law, pre-engineering, and robotics.

Known for its pioneering use of instructional techniques, Posnack School has recently adopted “growth mindset” into its rigorous curriculum. This evidence-based technique, developed by Stanford University psychologist, Dr. Carol Dweck, Ph.D., helps reduce student stress and promote lifelong learning success.

In keeping with Posnack School’s emphasis on developing well-rounded students, students are provided many opportunities to develop the leadership and life skills needed to navigate their educational careers. It is no wonder that more and more parents are choosing Hochberg Lower School education for their children.

Conchita Espinosa Academy Since 1933, Conchita Espinosa Academy (CEA) has educated children with a unique philosophy and methodology developed by Conchita Espinosa, who believed every child has the right to a complete education in the arts and sciences. CEA has since earned an outstanding reputation for giving its students an excellent academic foundation, multi-faceted arts education, and character development in an environment of respect and trust. The Espinosa Method, proven for 87 years, provides a structured, nurturing environment for children to become joyous and productive individuals with curious minds and strong values.

Maribel Z. Diaz, Espinosa’s daughter and CEA Director, enhanced her mother’s dream with her own. For 50 years, she has dedicated her life to expanding this vision, developing CEA’s innovative curricula, implementing the Mastery Program, which encourages students to develop a passion, and reinforcing the idea that the teaching-learning process is dynamic, interdependent and in constant change.

Today, CEA is a fully accredited private, coeducational K3-8 school located on a beautiful 10-acre campus with four distinct facilities: the main school building, Early Childhood Learning Center, Conservatory of the Arts, and state-of-the-art sports field and track. CEA’s facilities and educational programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of each developmental stage from K3 through 8th grade, creating thinkers and doers who are prepared to thrive in the twenty-first century. Through the integration of solid academic and arts curricula, students learn to think. They develop leadership skills, compassion, creativity, a sense of duty, self-awareness, and pride in themselves and their community.

Location, faculty, books and technology have changed, but 87 years later, CEA’s essence remains the same. CEA is more than a school.

It is a community of learners, where students are shaped into young men and women who actively explore interests, hone talents, and advocate ideas. CEA students become well-rounded individuals who shine in the best high schools, top universities and, most importantly, in life. Conchita’s beliefs in the power of the spirit, the wealth of the mind, the sacredness of childhood, and the strength of following one’s dreams, live on as part of her legacy.

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With a strong commitment to inclusion, ASC houses three programs: • Mainstage: ASC has always placed creative and performance excellence at the forefront of its priorities, producing challenging and entertaining drama.

• Conservatory: A professional development program that serves some 10,000 students annually via direct instruction in all aspects of theatre plus outreach in schools.

• Inclusion Theatre Project: A one-of-a-kind theatre training program for students with developmental disabilities. Non-typical actors are cast in professional productions alongside neurotypical actors.

This fall ASC presents Matilda the Musical, Sept. 13-29; Fiddler on the Roof JR, Oct. 11-27; Peter Pan, Nov. 1-17; and Peter Pan JR, Dec. 13-22. Tickets are $10 to $45. Visit AreaStageCompany.com or call 305-666-2078.

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HOME tech

Today’s Study Buddies PUT THESE HELPFUL APPS ON YOUR CHILD’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL LIST

BY TANNI HAAS

M

ost parents would rather their kids didn’t spend so much time on their phones. But when it comes to school work, those little electronic appendages can sometimes be a big help. From learning a language to keeping track of homework, from vocab to math, these six apps support your child’s studies whether in elementary, middle or high school.

As they’re heading back this month, encourage your kids to download as many of the apps as possible. They’re all available for free from Apple App Store or Google Play. Your kids are going to be on their phones anyway — they might as well use them to become better students.

DICTIONARY.COM. If there’s one thing all kids need for their schoolwork, it’s a dictionary. Gone are the days of the paperbound tome, so you’ll have a much easier time teaching them the joys of looking up and learning new words by having them download Dictionary.com. The largest dictionary app in English

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with more than 2 million definitions and synonyms, it has other useful features, such as voice search, for when they don’t know the correct spelling of a word, and audio pronunciations, which can teach how the words are pronounced.

DUOLINGO. Most schools across the country require students to learn a language other than English. Duolingo is a great supplement to the foreign language instruction your kids receive at school. The app, which offers lessons in more than 30 major languages, teaches them how to speak, read and write another language. The lessons can even turn languagelearning into a kind of game-playing. They are divided into modules that practice specific skills, and allow students to assess how much they’ve learned as they go along or when they’ve completed a module.

FLASHCARDS WITH CRAM. When your kids sit down to study, one of the best study tools is flashcards. Flashcards with Cram

lets them access more than 8 million flashcards on all the major school subjects. They can also create their own flashcards, using both text and images, and share those flashcards with study partners. They can go through entire sets of flashcards when they study for a test or exam, or hide flashcards they already know for more effective studying. They can also have the flashcard read out loud to them, which is useful if they’re auditory learners.

HOMEWORK APP. Homework — the thing kids dread the most after a long day at school. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The award-winning Homework App makes it easy for them to stay on top of all of their assignments. They can view them by day, month and year, color code different subjects, take photos of assignments and break them down into many sub-tasks — and set reminders so they don’t end up submitting their work late.

PHOTOMATH. Some students find math easy, others very difficult. They’d all find Photomath a great study tool.

All they need to do is take a picture of a

“All they need to do is take a picture of a math problem with their phones, and the app will automatically show step-by-step instructions on how to solve the problem.”

math problem with their phones, and the app will automatically show step-by-step instructions on how to solve the problem.

The app has a built-in calculator and can even understand hand-written math problems. Obviously, they should try to

solve the problems themselves first and then check their answers against the app.

MOMENT – SCREEN TIME TRACKER. One of kids’ biggest distractions, especially when they’re doing homework, is the constant buzzing of their phones. If you want them to withstand the temptation to constantly check them, have them download Moment – Screen Time Tracker. This app lets them track how much time they spend on their phones every day and, more importantly, lets them set daily limits on their screen time. They can also set reminders that alert them when they’re getting close to the daily limit, and see how many times they pick up their phones every day and which apps they use the most. The answers can be very revealing!

Tanni Haas, PhD, is a professor at Brooklyn College at the City University of New York. Whatever the topic, he’s an expert at letting us know when there’s an app for that.

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHTS! in Center Court

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Thursday, August 15 • 5:30pm - 8pm (movie starts at 6pm) COME AND ENJOY FREE FACE PAINTING AND FREE POPCORN. SEATING IS LIMITED SO BE SURE TO BRING YOUR BLANKETS OR BEAN BAGS. GOODY BAGS FOR THE FIRST 100 KIDS!

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August 2019 | M I A M I - D A D E F A M I LY L I F E

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FAMILY man

Engaging Educators SOME TEACHERS ARE WONDERFUL, BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE NOT?

BY GREGORY KEER

T

en years ago, I became a full-time high school teacher. With visions of the film Stand and Deliver dancing in my head, I wanted to turn my real-world experience into lessons and inject my bad jokes into dull moments.

Plus I relished learning what made teenagers tick to prepare me for my road ahead as a father.

Over the past decade, I’ve held onto the joy of teaching, though it frequently makes my brain hurt and my ego crack. It ain’t easy to find the balance between the enthusiastic learners and the ones who would rather blog about toenail-clipping. Through trial and tribulation, I’ve developed methods to keep students’ attention, push them past their boundaries and encourage them to explore their interests.

I don’t pretend to be one of the world’s greatest teachers. I’ve had those in my life, as instructors of my own and as colleagues. In 10th grade, there was Dr. Kleinz, who was nerdy and overly educated, and who sweated profusely through his dress shirts. But he was funny, hip and a good listener. Even the students with the biggest attitudes and smallest self-expectations labored hard for Dr. Kleinz. As for me, I struggled for a decent grade in his Western Civ class — and loved every minute of it.

Among my three kids with their combined 13 years of public school, the vast majority of their teachers have been creative, effective and inspiring. Then, there are the two who somehow missed their calling as medieval prison guards.

A few years ago, Jacob’s instructor was intolerant of students who were not quiet drones. She gave the kids worksheets, without instruction on how to do them, for most of their day. She readily showed frustration for fidgety children and put absolutely no comments — not so much as a happy-face sticker — on the students’ papers. And this was in first grade!

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My son is energetic, to say the least, but he has always been eager to please. So when he asked for help, he was crushed by the teacher’s response to stop asking so many questions.

We tried emailing and conversing with her but got little response. So we met

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with the principal, who was open to our concerns. He went in to observe the way the teacher taught, helped her post her bare classroom walls with the work of students (to pump up their pride), and guided her on lesson plans and techniques to channel kid energy into productivity.

As a result, the academic environment improved, though the teacher’s warmth did not. When news spread that she would be moving to the second grade for the next year, every parent but one requested that his or her child not be with that teacher.

This past year, my eldest boy endured a sub-par seventh-grade English class in which he seldom had homework, read only two books, and rarely received feedback on his work. The teacher missed weeks for meetings and field trips she went on with other classes while subs did little more than babysit.

Not that Benjamin ever fretted. He got good grades for little effort and seemed well-liked by the instructor. At the slightest hint that we were unhappy with the rigor of his class, Benjamin feared backlash should the teacher think he was ratting her out.

Understanding this, we focused our efforts on gentle emails about assignments to the teacher and behind-the-scenes inquiries with the administration. We were stonewalled everywhere we turned despite the fact

“The teacher put absolutely no comments — not so much as a happy-face sticker — on the students’ papers.

And this was in first grade!”

that, as we gathered from speaking to past years’ parents, this teacher had a history of doing her job on autopilot.

This time, we backed off, partly because our son still read a fair amount on his own and partly because we wanted to teach him a different kind of lesson. No matter what

my wife and I privately complained about, we publicly told our son to work hard and figure out the best way to meet the teacher’s expectations. We never wanted Benjamin — or Jacob in the earlier case — to feel entitled to blame these or any teachers for their own shortcomings. In the future, it’s likely our kids will have other difficult instructors, so our boys need to know how to navigate those murky waters.

Thankfully, my children’s other teachers have been stellar. Our hope is that the new school term will also be led by involved, caring educators who like kids and enjoy what they teach. Most of the time, despite the continuing budget assault on education, we are blessed by instructors who go above and beyond.

So, here’s to all the teachers, even the ones who remind us of how hard it is to be good.

Gregory Keer is an award-winning columnist and guest expert in national media — and a teacher who still loves teaching despite the occasional dings to his brain and ego.

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FAMILY dynamics

The Racism Predicament WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A RELATIVE SAYS THINGS YOU DON’T WANT YOUR CHILD TO HEAR?

BY MALIA JACOBSON

Y

ou’re enjoying time with your child and a beloved relative when you hear it: The relative casually uses a hateful term, makes a racist joke, or expresses a privileged perspective that stops you in your tracks. Your cheeks flush as you grasp for the right response — do you say something? When? Now, in front of your child? Or later? Could saying something end up making things worse?

Just as quickly as it appeared, the moment fades, but your questions linger.

Like many parents, I’ve been in this situation more than once. And I haven’t always been happy with the way I’ve responded. In some cases, my swift and heartfelt response wound up alienating my relative, effectively shutting down

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communication. Other times, I was shocked into silence or simply unsure how to explain my stance with one child on my hip and another tugging on my arm.

Confronting racist beliefs, words or actions in friends and family is always hard, but maybe never more than when we begin hearing the comments in the presence of our own children. When the person spouting hateful speech is someone our child loves and admires, we don’t want to create or intensify family conflict.

And countering such comments from older relatives means stepping outside of family norms and rejecting our own internalized beliefs about not questioning or disrespecting our elders, says parenting coach and speaker Sarina Behar Natkin,

| miamidadefamilylife.com

also a licensed clinical social worker.

Even with very young children, talking about why a relative’s comment was hurtful is important, says Natkin. “Not understanding isn’t the same as not noticing. Younger kids do notice, and store these things away.”

We might wonder whether confronting a relative’s beliefs will make a difference.

And well-intentioned parents raised with the problematic “color-blind” mindset may squirm at the thought of bringing their child’s attention to racial oppression.

These concerns are real, but they’re no reason not to act, says Orchid Fowler, a teacher who spent her undergraduate years teaching anti-racism in Boston schools.

Raising children who champion equality

means countering racist beliefs within family systems, despite the difficulty.

“We know that racism is handed down to children over time, through family members who view the world through the lens of racism,” she says. Recognizing and fighting racism, and raising children who do the same, means resisting any urge we might feel to keep quiet.

“Letting the child witness you standing up for a person of color or people with a different background tells them that as an adult and parent, you don’t stand for oppression,” she says. “You’re shifting the ignorance that is passed down through our parents.”

But that doesn’t mean you should respond with hostility, or even necessarily respond immediately, she notes. Thinking about your response as two or more separate conversations can help.

“As educators we take the stance that children don’t perceive things in the same way adults do,” Fowler says. “Around third grade and younger, you might address it later with your child by saying the comment was hurtful and that words matter. Then, with the relative, you can explain how you’re having a conversation

Family Resources for Resisting Racism Teaching to Transgress

by Bell Hooks Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

by Beverly Tatum White Fragility

by Robin DiAngelo Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

by Peggy McIntosh ReThinking Schools educational publisher and magazine Me and White Supremacy Workbook

by Layla Saad Seeing White podcast So You Want to Talk About Race

by Ijeoma Oluo Pedagogy of the Oppressed

by Paolo Freire Between The World and Me

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

at home about racism and this is what you’re learning, then ask them for their perspective. Later, after fourth grade or so,

children can understand systemic racism and are ready for deeper conversation.”

What happens when you’ve respectfully requested that your relative stop making these comments in front of your children, and they don’t? Parents should keep in mind that they get to choose who their children spend time with, Natkin says.

“If I had parents or grandparents who continue to use language or act in ways that don’t align with our values, I’d tell them that I was concerned.” Parents can choose to set boundaries with relatives who can’t shift their behavior, she notes.

Confronting racist language means having difficult conversations with relatives, but those conversations can be opportunities for connection, learning and growth.

“I think we only have influence through connection,” says Natkin.

“Shocking or shaming our relative may seem to work in the short-term, but what about the long term?”

Malia Jacobson is an award-winning health and parenting journalist and mom of three.

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AugustEvents

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR LISTINGS

Please e-mail listing information to calendar@miamidadefamilylife.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.

MUSIC & MORE Musical Storytime THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

The library brings books to life with storytelling that includes singing, chanting and dancing.

All ages. 11-11:45am, COCONUT GROVE BRANCH LIBRARY, 2875 McFarlane Rd., Miami, 305-442-8695 www.mdpls.org

Record Label Club FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Teens can learn what it takes to write, produce and perform professional music while participating in the YOUmedia program.

Ages 14-19. 10am, NORTH DADE REGIONAL LIBRARY, 2455 NW 183 St., Miami Gardens, 305-625-6424 www.mdpls.org

Beach Bash

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

A family-friendly event featuring live music, games and a variety of food vendors. Admission is free.

5-8pm, SAMSON OCEANFRONT PARK, 17425 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, www.sibfl.net

Celestial Stories

Monster Jam

IT’S SHOWTIME! Monster Jam

Marci Poppins Goes to the Moon

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 10-11

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 & 2

This fun-filled show takes children on an imaginative journey through the universe.

All ages. Aug. 1, 11-11:45am, Kendall Branch Library, 9101 SW 97 Ave., Miami, 305-279-0520; Aug. 2, 4-4:45pm, LITTLE RIVER BRANCH LIBRARY, 160 NE 79 St., Miami, 305-751-8689

See monster truck mayhem, including breathtaking stunts and the awesome power of the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks.

Tickets start at $20. 1pm & 7pm Saturday, 1pm Sunday. BB&T CENTER, One Panther Pkwy., Sunrise, www.thebbtcenter.com

Closing Gala of the Stars SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

The Little Mermaid AUGUST 2-11

Be transported to a magical kingdom beneath the sea during this live performance presented by the Seminole Theatre Players. $15. Showtimes vary. SEMINOLE THEATRE, 18 N. Krome Ave., Homestead, 786-650-2073 www.seminoletheatre.org

A Universe of Magic

International Ballet Festival of Miami joins forces with talented national and international dancers to present this stage spectacular. $38-$65. 5pm, MIAMI DADE COUNTY AUDITORIUM, 2901 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-547-5414 www.miamidadecountyauditorium.org

Reza: Edge of Illusion SATURDAY, AUGUST 24

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Be amazed by this out-of-this-world magic show for all ages. 11am, TAMIAMI BRANCH LIBRARY, 13250-52 SW Eighth St., Miami, 305-223-4758 www.mdpls.org

This modern rock concert-style magic show delivers cutting-edge illusion and entertainment.

7:30pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722 www.arshtcenter.org

Adrienne Arsht Center Tours

Free Summer Family Film Screenings

SATURDAYS & MONDAYS

Bring the family for a free showing of Coco. The event – part of a summer series – is free, but reservations are required. 11am,

Go behind the scenes for an up-close look at the Adrienne Arsht Center, the largest performing arts center built in the United States in the last three decades. Noon-1pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT

AVENTURA ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER,

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS,

3385 NE 188 St., Aventura, 305-466-8002 www.aventuracenter.org

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722 www.arshtcenter.org

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Join the South Florida Chamber Ensemble to learn about notable female composers and then create your own work in their honor. Ages 5-12.

1:30-2:30pm, WEST FLAGLER BRANCH LIBRARY, 5050 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-442-8710 www.mdpls.org

Symphony of the Americas SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

The Symphony of the Americas 31st Anniversary season celebration continues with a Summerfest performance. 7:30-10pm, MIAMI LAKES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 14800 Ludlam Rd., Miami Lakes, www.miamilakes-fl.gov

Solo Concert with James Woolwine SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

Sit back and listen to a solo concert of instrumental compositions and songs on guitar and piano. 2-3pm, SOUTH MIAMI BRANCH LIBRARY, 6000 Sunset Dr., South Miami, 305-667-6121 www.mdpls.org

Sunny Serenade Concert WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and kick back for a concert under the stars. Free. 7:30-9pm, SAMSON OCEANFRONT PARK, 17425 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, www.sibfl.net

Music Play DAILY

Children can explore music through stories, instruments, dance and more every day at the museum. 1:30pm weekdays, 2:30pm weekends. MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, 305-373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

FAIRS, FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Doral Glades Park Grand Opening FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Celebrate the grand opening of the city’s ninth park with activities, giveaways, tours and a special screening of nature-themed short films. 6-8:30pm, DORAL GLADES PARK, on 74 Street between NW 97 Ave. and NW 107 Ave., 305-593-6611

village in the bay. $56/includes admission to Deering Estate. 1-4pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, 305-235-1668 www.deeringestate.org

National Night Out

Bring the family for a day filled with games, resources, storytelling, face painting, live entertainment, crafts and more. 11am-3pm, ARCOLA LAKES BRANCH LIBRARY, 8240 NW Seventh Ave., Miami, 305-694-2707 www.mdpls.org

Guided Historic Tour

WEAVE – A Twilight Parade

Climb aboard for a scenic three-hour boat excursion for the whole family through Biscayne National Park to the historic Stiltsville Houses for an up-close look at the

Processional Arts Workshop (PAW) presents a nighttime lantern parade that explores the patterns, motifs and textures of Vizcaya. $10. 8:30-10pm,

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Prepare for the first elementary year with tips, healthy snack demonstrations, giveaways, resources and hands-on activities. 10am-6pm, MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, 305-373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

Community Fair SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Miami Ave., Miami, 305-250-9133 www.vizcaya.org

Summer Movie Nights THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

This national celebration takes place at a number of locations. Here are a few: •Bring the kids for an informative and fun night including safety awareness and crime prevention techniques, vendors, giveaways and free backpacks while supplies last. 5-8pm, DORAL LEGACY PARK, 11400 NW 82 St., Doral, 305-593-6611 www.cityofdoral.com •A night of fun featuring vendors, performances, food and a chance to meet representatives from local city departments. 4-8pm, LEGION PARK, 6447 NE Seventh Ave., Miami, www.miamigov.com •Presented by the North Miami Beach Police Department, this event promotes safe neighborhoods and features a DJ, giveaways, free hotdogs and ice cream and more. 5-9pm, North MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT, 16901 NE 19 Ave., North Miami Beach, www.citynmb.com

Kindergarten Kickoff

VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS, 3251 South

Bring a beanbag chair or blanket to enjoy a free screening of How to Train Your Dragon on a 16-foot screen in the Center Court of Mall of the Americas.

The first 100 kids receive a free goody bag.

Event begins at 5:30, movie starts at 6pm.

MALL OF THE AMERICAS, 7795 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-261-8772

Design Challenge SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Families can enjoy free museum admission throughout the day and a special design your own self-portrait project from 2-4pm.

THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART, 2100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, 305-673-7530 www.thebass.org

Market Mondays MONDAYS

Experience the Adrienne Arsht Center in a whole new way every Monday with a variety of locally grown produce, live music, workshops, storytelling, cooking demonstrations and more. Free. 4-8:30pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-468-2000

www.arshtcenter.org

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Art in the Park SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Children can release their inner Picasso by creating arts and crafts under the palms using a variety of mediums and materials. Pre-registration required. Free. 10am-1pm, MIAMI

Star Wars End of Summer Celebration SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

A fun family day celebrating the end of summer and start of the school year with face painting, games, cosplay, free haircuts, giveaways and more. 2-6pm,

BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN,

NORTH MIAMI BEACH LIBRARY,

2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach www.mbgarden.org

1601 NE 164 St., North Miami Beach, 305-948-2970 www.citynmb.com

Back to School: Free Family Fun Day

Open Hang Night

Explore the museum with the family while learning about local historical figures such as Julia Tuttle and Henry Flagler through interactive activities including a scavenger hunt. Free.

10am-5pm, HISTORYMIAMI MUSEUM, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, 305-375-1492 www.historymiami.org

Middle and High School students can socialize and participate in a night of fun, games, sports, activities and more.

Free. 6-8pm, MIAMI LAKES YOUTH CENTER, 6075 Miami Lakes Dr., Miami Lakes, www.miamilakes-fl.gov

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Sensory Friendly Saturday SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

Great sensory experiences abound at this special event designed for children with sensory processing disorder and general development delay and their families. Includes sensory-based activities, a sensory-friendly stage performance, calming movement groups, and dimmed lights and sounds. 9-11am, MIAMI CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, 305-373-5437 www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14 & FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

Women on the Verge of Greatness SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

Take a relaxing, family-friendly ride through Goral Gables while viewing the homes of some of the area’s most renowned women. 10am, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, 305-603-8067 www.coralgables.com/biketours

Food Truck Fridays FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Kick off the weekend by tasting delicious dishes from a variety of food trucks. Event also includes live

entertainment, music and family fun.

Event takes place the fourth Friday of the month through September.

5:30-9pm, ROLLING OAKS PARK, 18701 NW 17 Ave., Miami Gardens, www.miamigardens-fl.gov

Movie in the Park FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy a family movie along the Biscayne Bay. Free. Gates open at 8pm, movie begins at 8:30pm. THE BARNACLE HISTORIC STATE PARK, 3485 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, www.thebarnacle.org

Just For Me Morning SUNDAY, AUGUST 25

Families can enjoy a sensory-friendly morning of hands-on exploration designed for individuals and families with special needs. Pre-registration required. Free. 8-9:30am, PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami,

www.frostscience.org

Baby and Me Tour TUESDAY, AUGUST 27

Family Kayak Adventures SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

Learn the basic techniques of kayaking and paddling while taking a guided tour around Biscayne Bay. Ages 4 and up. $15. 9am-noon, THALATTA ESTATE PARK,

17301 Old Cutler Rd., Palmetto Bay, www.naturepostings.com

Food Truck Festival WEDNESDAYS

Skip the cooking, and bring your appetite to this food truck roundup that includes music, bounce houses and lots of fun. 5-10pm, PELICAN HARBOR MARINA, 1275 NE 79 St., Miami, www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com

WANT MORE FUN? For additional local events, check our online calendar at www.miamidadefamilylife.com

Bring baby for a morning of art exploration while engaging with other moms, dads, caregivers and their babies up to 18 months old. Event takes place the fourth Tuesday of every month. 10:30-11:30am, PÉREZ ART MUSEUM MIAMI, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-375-3000 www.pamm.org

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

August 2019 | M I A M I - D A D E F A M I LY L I F E

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WORDS of wisdom

Let it go, let it go…

5 SANITY-SAVING THINGS TO STOP DOING RIGHT NOW

BY SARAH BROUSSARD WEAVER

H

ere are five fantasies in life I have chosen to give up on. They are things I don’t believe matter enough to waste precious brainpower on anymore. Try letting them go.

PUTTING AWAY THE LAUNDRY. Maybe one day, when everyone does his or her own laundry, it will actually get put away. For now, we have Mount Clean Clothes on the laundry room floor. Every week, I scream, “EVERYONE SORT CLOTHES!” and my four kids pile in and toss the laundry into color-coded baskets. It’s like a treasure hunt for missing shirts, so it’s a fun activity, and educational as well!

MATCHING MY KIDS’ SOCKS. In the long run, does it even matter if one sock has pink stripes and the other blue dots?

No. It does not. If the socks don’t stink and they cover all the toes, they’re good.

My solution: Throw all the kid socks in my laundry room sink. The kids can each reach in there and semi-match things. It’s fine. I don’t need to use that sink to run actual water or anything.

They have to stand on Mount Clean Clothes to reach the Sink of Socks, but that’s good for their balance. They’re like little mountain goats now.

I never look at any unknown kids’ feet unless they’re covered in mud or bleeding. No one cares about your kids’ feet — except, perhaps, their grandmothers, and you can parlay this into getting help sorting the Sink of Socks.

(By help, I mean they will do it.)

THE IDEAL OF LIVING WITHOUT A KITCHEN JUNK DRAWER. Oh, junk drawer, I wish I could quit you. Your charms are great. Unexpected guests? Sweep everything in you. You accept anything. People think I am neat because of you. Well, probably they don’t think

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that, but I like to think they think that. And it doesn’t hurt anyone for me to think they think that, so... Close that junk drawer and enjoy the magic of an instant neat appearance. You’re welcome.

THE DREAM OF USING THE BATHROOM WITHOUT BEING BOTHERED. The impossible dream — maybe when the kids are in college. Because of the constant interruptions, I’ve gotten really good at solving kid fights through the bathroom door. I yell out, “What happened?” Then, “Tell me your side now.” Then, “OK, go watch TV until I’m done!”

By the time I get out, they’ve hopefully become mesmerized and I don’t have to hear about it anymore. This is one of my Parenting Techniques.

SHAVING MY LEGS PERFECTLY. I’ve shaved my legs for decades and still miss hairs every single time — even before kids were banging on the bathroom door.

The thing about those hairs is you can’t see them until you’re actually at the beach or pool or on your way to the place where you wanted to look decent. They need natural light to be seen, and even then, they hide until you’re not home anymore.

Just pretend you didn’t see them. Everyone else will, too. That’s how it’s worked out for me, at least. And anyway, when was the last time you got close enough to another mom’s legs to see an errant patch o’hair? You have children to chase. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Sarah Broussard Weaver is a freelance writer with four very loud children, three dogs, a cat, a hedgehog, some fish, a hubby and — don’t look — those stubborn little hairs on her leg.