september 2020
MISS THE SUMMER GARDEN CRAZE? Fall gardens are a thing!
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Creative celebrations for a special occasion
EDUCATIONAL PODS Could one work for your kids?
Calm Down
Mindfulness for your family
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
You chose your finalists! See the full list on pages 16-17
montereybayparent.com
1
2
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
That time she zigged instead of zagged. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. every day including holidays Walk in or make a reservation online
MoGoUrgentCare.org
Visit-related X-rays, lab work, and medications onsite and included in your co-pay or flat fee.
Smarter, faster, safer urgent care. Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯
y
MONTEREY 2020 Del Monte Avenue, Suite B
y
MARINA 2930 2nd Avenue, Suite 120
OPENING LATE 2020 CARMEL 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite B-1
Monterey Bay
PARENT
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
3
Contents september 2020
Monterey Bay
PARENT
P.O. Box 806 Pacific Grove, CA 93950 MontereyBayParent.com 831-582-1373
Publisher Andrea Breznay abreznay@ montereybayparent.com 831-582-1373 Account ExecutiveSalinas and Santa Cruz deborah garcia dgarcia@ montereybayparent.com 831-594-7212
14
Talking About the Pandemic With Your Kids. Six months into the pandemic, many parents are wondering if they’re having the right conversations with their children. by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
16
Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Family Favorites. You nominated your favorites and we now know the finalists in each category. It’s time to vote for the winners!
18
Get Outside: Special Occasion Fun! We have five creative ideas for special occasion fun that meet pandemic restrictions.
20
Starting a Fall Garden. A conversation with Vania Fusco, manager of the “Green Basket” Facebook group. by Katie Raquel
Account ExecutiveMonterey Peninsula Cherilyn Miller cmiller@ montereybayparent.com 831-582-1770
22
Is an educational Pod Right for Your Family? To pod or not to pod, that is the question Monterey Bay parents are asking. We have so input! by Michelle Mason
Cover Photographers Michelle Findlay Tatiana Scher
24
Calm Down: Mindfulness for Your Family. With mental health challenges on the rise and no end to the pandemic in sight, mindfulness can be a powerful way to reclaim our sense of calm within the storm. by Katie Raquel
26
Five Factors for Strong Families. What makes a family strong? Lissa Carlson explores the five critical factors. by Lissa Carlson
Contributing Writers lissa Carlson Tanni Haas Michelle Mason Katie Raquel tricia vlasak rob weisskirch
Editorial Submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Monterey Bay Parent do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Monterey Bay Parent does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Monterey Bay Parent is available free of charge at over 250 distribution points throughout Monterey and Santa Cruz counties as well as digitally at www. MontereyBayParent.com. Monterey Bay Parent is ©2020 by Monterey Bay Parent, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.
4
montereybayparent.com
in each issue: 08 Father’s Day Local dad, Rob Weisskirch covers parenting topics from a dad’s point of view. 10 Grandma Says An experienced grandmother of two offers insight and advice. 12 Products We Love for September
on the cover
The Three McDonald sisters: Courtney (16) is a junior at Notre Dame High School. She enjoys musical theatre, tennis and playing & teaching violin. Norah (14) is a freshman at Notre Dame High School. Norah spends her time playing a variety of sports. Paige (10) is in 5th grade at San Carlos School and spends her free time dancing at The Dance Center in Carmel. Photo by Michelle Findlay 831-262-9192 • michellefindlay.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
2020 Outside of School Program
Financial assistance available
CENTRAL COAST YMCA Salinas YMCA 831 758 3811
Watsonville YMCA 831 728 9622
San Benito YMCA 831 637 8600
South County YMCA 831 678 1239
Monterey YMCA 831 373 4167
www.centralcoastymca.org MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
montereybayparent.com
5
Sea inteligente ante el Coronavirus
COMO PROTEGER A SU FAMILIA
1
H A B L E C O N S US N I Ñ O S Sus hijos pueden sentirse confundidos y ansiosos. • Responda preguntas y aliéntelos a compartir sus sentimientos.
2
• Asegúreles que están bien y que usted está allí para ayudarlos.
R E C O R DATO RIOS FA M I L I A R E S Coloque notas como estas para ayudar a su familia a mantenerse segura.
L ÁV ES E L AS M A NO S FRECUENTEMENTE Y USE U N C U BR E BO C A Es la mejor manera de detener la propagación. • Lávese bien las manos, toma al menos 20 segundos. • Hágalo cuando venga de afuera, antes de comer y después de estornudar o toser.
3
• Siempre use un cubreboca y asegúrese de que la nariz y la boca estén cubiertas.
QUÉDESE EN CASA El distanciamiento social y físico retrasa la propagación. • Esto puede ser especialmente difícil para los niños. Quedarse en casa protege a su familia y a otras personas. • Mantenga las actividades virtuales.
4
• Si necesita salir de la casa, manténgase a un mínimo de 6 pies de distancia de otras personas.
RECUERDE LIMPIAR L AS S U PERFICIES DE ALTO CONTACTO FRECUENTE ME NTE Piensa en limpiar donde toque.
PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN POR FAVOR VISITE:
6
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
BE CORONAVIRUS SMART
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
1
TAL K TO Y O U R KI DS Your Children May Be Feeling Confused and Anxious. • Answer questions and encourage them to share their feelings.
2
FA M I LY REMINDERS Place Notes Like These to Help Your Family Stay Safe.
• Reassure them that they are ok and you are there for them.
WAS H H ANDS F R E Q U E NT LY & W E A R A FAC E C OVER IN G It’s the Best Way to Stop the Spread. • Thorough handwashing takes at least 20 seconds. • Do it when you come in from outside, before eating and after you sneeze or cough.
3
• Always wear a face covering, making sure nose and mouth are covered.
STAY AT H O M E Social and Physical Distancing Slows the Spread. • This can be especially hard for kids. Staying home protects your family and other people. • Keep playdates virtual.
4
• If you need to leave the house, stay a minimum of 6 feet from other people.
FR E Q U E NT LY C L E AN HIGH TO UC H SU R FAC E S Think clean up where you touch.
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
7
STUDIO OWNERS:
REGISTRATION OPEN
Tia Brown Laura Jeselnick
FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 3RD
from the publisher… We’re just about six months into the Coronavirus pandemic. In April, I doubt any of us thought we’d be going into the fall months with our kids in virtual school, wearing masks everywhere we go, and many businesses still closed. But here we are.
ACROBATICS HIP HOP BALLET /POINTE JAZZ + TAP
CONTEMPORARY
MUSICAL THEATER POM + CHEER COMPETITION TEAMS LEVELS 2 YRS. ADVANCED MONTEREY BAY PARENT FAMILY FAVORITE 2019 - 2020! 2019 + 2020 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY:
IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL OPTIONS
BEST DANCE STUDIO
FOUR-TIME MONTEREY HERALD READER’S CHOICE WINNER
- HOMESCHOOL / CHARTER-APPROVED VENDOR - PRIVATE ARTS CLASSES AVAILABLE
THREE-TIME CARMEL CHAMBER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE WINNER
www.dancecarmel.com 831.625.DANCE
26135 Carmel Rancho Shopping Center Suite B-6 Carmel, CA 93923
Are you suffering? Back Pain?
Sports Injuries? Headaches?
EXAM
s nclude Offer i tress test s nerve o x-rays. w t 0. and $167.0
at Valued nt coupon to rese p t s u count. M the dis receive tients only. a 0/20 New p
Neck Pain?
xpires
Offer e
Sciatica?
9/3
Dr. Brian P. Rector 2511 Garden Road, C100, Monterey, CA, 93940
831.899.5900
www.montereychiropracticgroup.com
Appointments available CALL NOW!
Chiropractic care for everyone Adults • Children Pregnant Women
The realization that we will probably be in some state of at least partial lockdown until spring at the earliest isn’t an easy one. As parents, the best we can do is find ways to cope, set an example for our kids of what resiliency looks like, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Employees are worried about keeping their jobs. For small business owners, it’s especially terrifying (me included) as we rethink what we offer and try to find ways to meet the community’s needs. So, yes, it’s tough. But there are tools we can count on, and one of the most available and most useful is mindfulness. You can keep it simple by taking time throughout the day to refocus on the present (try it right now, five slow breaths in and out). Or, you can go allin with sitting meditation, taking time daily to sit quietly, focusing on your breath for longer, regularly scheduled periods. Mindfulness works by snapping the spiral of thoughts and fears, and who doesn’t need that right now? Kids take to mindfulness quickly and easily because they are naturally present. Katie Raquel has pulled together some simple mindfulness exercises you can do with your family on pages 24-25. What a gift to give your family: a few minutes each day when you all sit together quietly to calm your minds and focus on the present. Another tool for healthy families is resiliency. Lissa Carlson offers five critical factors that contribute to resiliency in kids on page 26. What an opportune time to familiarize yourself with them and look for ways to help your children develop a skill that will serve them for their entire lives. We have lots of other great info in this issue: creative celebration ideas (page 18-19), tips on fall gardening (page 20-21), and some useful information on educational pods (page 22). Finally, you’ll find our Family Favorite Finalists on pages 16-17. You can vote for the winners through Sept. 7 at MontereyBayParent.com.
Andrea Breznay/Publisher
MILITARY DISCOUNT 8
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
PHYSICIAN AVAILABLE 24/7
Chuyen Le Trieu, M. D
Breann Kinsey, PA
Quenlyn Larson, D.N.P
• Sat. morning clinic, extended hours until 6 PM Mon-Thur • Urgent advice and referral available by phone
LABORATORY SERVICES
Cristina Mercado, M. D
Nitikul Solomon, M.D.
• Available on site while you wait (complete blood count, urinalysis, anemia testing, rapid strep, urine pregnancy tests, and more.
SEPARATE OFFICES
www.SalinasPediatrics.com (831) 422-9066
• Well care at 601 E. Romie Lane, Salinas • Sick and urgent care at 505 E. Romie Lane, Salinas • Providers rotate at both offices
y mily am F Fa
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
PEBBLE BEACH GRADES 9–12 DAY & B OA R D I N G
A SELECTIVE SCHOOL FOR COLLEGE-BOUND B O A R D I N G A N D D AY S T U D E N T S
CARMEL G R A D E S P R E -K – 8
W W W. S T E V E N S O N S C H O O L . O R G
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
9
Father’s day by Rob Weisskirch
Adulting 101 Get your finances in order!
Adulting, according to the dictionary is to “behave in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially by accomplishing mundane but necessary tasks.” It’s a word made popular by Millenials and means handling daily tasks like cooking your meals, maintaining the car, and managing your own money. Most people take on these tasks as a normal course of moving from adolescence to adulthood, and yes, parenthood accelerates having to address these necessary tasks. Even though I’m well into adulthood, one task of adulting remained unaddressed for me: making a will. Some of you may think that making a will is somehow morbid – thinking about what will happen when you die or an advanced directive of what wishes you have if you become medically incapacitated. It isn’t. Making these plans is not only an adult thing to do, but it is also an aspect of caring for your children that can avoid a lot of turmoil when stress is high. As a dad, I currently am the primary earner and have our benefits through my work, which means my death would have a significant impact on how my wife and daughter could afford to stay in the area. My wife and I didn’t jump on our planning right away upon having a child (we should have). At a Mommy & Me class my wife attended, they had an estate lawyer talk to the parents about estate planning, wills, advanced directives, etc., targeted towards young children’s parents. My wife came home a bit freaked about the necessity of these plans and documents. We both dragged our feet, and nearly six years later, got motivated to finish the initial estate plan just before COVID-19. I say initial because you are supposed to re-visit the plan every five years or so and if there are any significant life changes. The process we underwent was thorough. We went through every account, credit card, retirement benefit, and social security statement. We made sure that each one had the other listed as a beneficiary and our daughter, as a secondary beneficiary, if allowed. This process allowed us the peace of mind that if something happens to the other, the remaining person could access the money and benefits as needed. We also had conversations with the relatives who would care for our daughter if something happened to both of us. We even had a good discussion of what happens with our stuff if something happens to all three of us (and made
10
montereybayparent.com
arrangements for the dog). We also had a conversation with our daughter to let her know who would care for her in the remote, far away possibility of something happening to both of us. Given the current pandemic, my wife and I talked about how our estate planning was a relief. We had seen friends on social media have loved one get ill or lose a spouse or parent. Neither of us is in high-risk groups and are nonessential workers, so we don’t have immediate concerns about falling ill (but always wear our masks and social distance in public). Nonetheless, the randomness of the coronavirus worries me. According to a 2020 Caring.com/ YouGov study of 2,500 35 to 54-year-olds, only 27.2% have a will. Also, for those earning $40,000 to $80,000 and lower, there is an even smaller chance of having estate planning documents. Some people may think that because they don’t have a house or earn a lot of money that they don’t need these documents in place. However, with dramatic changes in income or health, these documents can be vital in keeping the household running and reducing the impact on the children. With more people staying home due to the coronavirus, it is the perfect time to audit bank accounts, retirement accounts, titles on cars, and any other assets to ensure the beneficiaries are correctly noted. You can even find an Advanced Directive form online that can help document your wishes, at a minimum. I’m pretty confident that estate lawyers are willing to meet remotely. As a dad, I want to ensure I’ve taken care of my family. To properly take care of them, it means that if something happens, I want to provide the means to support their lives going on without me. So, if you’re going to continue “adulting,” now is the time to have the conversations, make the decisions, and do those tasks to ensure providing for your family, just in case. Robert (Rob) S. Weisskirch, MSW, Ph.D., CFLE is a Professor of Human Development at California State University, Monterey Bay and is a Certified Family Life Educator. He and his wife are parents to a chatty, elementary school aged daughter and reside in Marina. MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Family
Favorites
2020-21
Milda Milda Iliscupidez Iliscupidez
MKD-8652C-A
MKD-8652C-A
Financial Advisor Financial Advisor
edwardjones.com edwardjones.com
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
Member SIPC Member SIPC
2 Lower Ragsdale Dr Suite 230 2 Lower Ragsdale Dr Suite 230 Monterey, CA 93940 Monterey, CA 93940 831-242-8979 831-242-8979
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
11
grandma says by Tricia Vlasak
Confronting Racism
Setting an Example for Your Grandkids There is so much going on in the world, our country, and our cities. I don’t know about most of you, but I’m finding it exhausting. Sometimes it can be challenging to process it all. It can be even more difficult to know what to say to our children and grandchildren about the world. I hear a lot of wishing for the “good old days” from some people my age and older. Days when things were “simple” and we all knew our roles, when Democrats and Republicans could compromise and there weren’t protests and riots every week (do any of them remember the 60’s?). It’s easy to see those times as “better” than today. Here’s the truth: those days were not “the good old days” for most. Just because we weren’t aware of the hatred and discrimination or it didn’t directly affect us does not mean it didn’t happen. It just means we weren’t paying attention. I’m a middle-class, middle-aged white female. It took a lot of soulsearching, educating myself, and a lot of listening to people who aren’t like me to realize that, yes, I have lived under the umbrella of white privilege for my entire life. I began to realize that “white privilege” doesn’t mean a person has class privilege (although I had that, also). I realized that I did not have to seek out people who looked like me: I could easily find books and greeting cards with faces like mine. I did not need to shop in specialized stores or online to find greeting cards or dolls with skin color like mine. The dolls I grew up with were blond and blue-eyed like me. I did not have to make an effort to find “flesh-colored”
pantyhose, panties, or bandages that matched my skin. My skin color was the default. And that is privilege. This topic has taken on more urgency now that I have grandchildren. My daughter, who is half Mexican, married a young man who is half Black. So, my grandchildren are mixed race. It’s more important to me than ever to make sure that not only do I make sure I am not sending any racist messages, but that I contribute to making the world better for them. I want them to love themselves and their ethnically diverse family. Many of you, like me, probably never considered yourselves prejudiced. I would never mistreat someone because of the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or gender identity. I have started to see myself as an ally to marginalized groups. But I have also begun to see the subtle ways that I grew up perpetuating systemic racism. We can’t unravel prejudice and all of the attached issues in a short piece in a parenting magazine. What I want to discuss is this: as parents and grandparents; we have the power to plant a seed. We can set an example for our children and their children. We can begin to educate ourselves and listen to marginalized groups, rather than judging them. It’s important to remember that pretending not to see color is not the solution to defeating racism. Other cultures are beautiful and colorful and have so much to offer all of us. Why would anyone want to erase that? Acknowledging differences and encouraging exposure to diversity is
the best place to start with young kids. Start buying books with ethnically diverse characters and sharing them with your grandkids. Set up a monthly “date” to explore diversity. Go to museums that celebrate those who are different than we are. Try various restaurants that serve cultural food. Make it a game to find toys that are popular in other cultures. The point is to get a conversation started. And remember they are watching you: pay attention to your statements, attitudes, and actions. Be a part of the solution so that we can leave our grandchildren a much better world. tricia vlasAK is a mother, grandparent, and wife. She works in law enforcement when she isn’t writing about parenting, hiking with her dogs, or going on Jeep adventures.
Resources
Anti-Racist Resource Guide This online document by Victoria Alexander was created for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of anti-racism and get involved to combat racism. www.victorialynnalexander.com/ antiracistresourceguide Sesame Street Town Racism Hall CNN’s Van Jones and Erica Hill partnered with “Sesame Street” for Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, a town hall for kids and families. Watch the town hall in its entirety online at www.cnn.com. New York Times racism book list The New York Times created a comprehensive list of books that help open the discussion of racism with your children or grandchildren. www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/ parenting/kids-books-racismprotest.html
12
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
General & Cosmetic DentistryMonterey Bay Parent Magazine
Vista Robles Dental Group September 2020 1/2 page - Color
Offering:
• Family dentistry • Pediatric dentistry • Restorative dentistry • Cosmetic dentistry • Accepting new patients • Courtesy insurance billing for most dental insurances
Dentists Linda Martin DDS and Esmeralda Muñoz DDS, of Vista Robles Dental Group can give you a healthy beautiful smile that you can take pride in. Modern cosmetic dentistry techniques make it easier than ever for you to have a bright, even smile.
(831) 372-7548
www.montereybaydentist.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
13
The Highlights Book of Things to Do: Discover, Explore, Create, and Do Great Things The essential book of pure creativity and inspiration. You’ll find hundreds of ways to build, play, experiment, craft, cook, dream, think, and become outstanding citizens of the world. . $24.99, ages 7+.
Products We Love for September By Elena Epstein
Washaway Lunch Box Notes A fun collaborative activity with a beautiful reward. Like paint-bynumbers, but with stickers! Includes 3,996 colored 1/2” square stickers, 40” x 36” poster, color key instructions and tips $36, ages 5+, letsticktogether.com
Director of the National Parenting Product Awards For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com
A Smart Girl’s Guide: Crushes Help your child embrace and understand the new emotional feelings they’re starting to have for others during puberty. It includes tips and quizzes, plus age-appropriate and honest advice on navigating crushes and, most importantly, staying true to themselves. $12.99, ages 10+
BWICHED Sandwich Cutter and Sealer Happy the Birthday Bird Start a new birthday tradition this year with this keepsake plush and book set that teaches kids about overcoming challenges and following their dreams. Book includes interactive memory pages. $39.99
Don’t pay a fortune on storebought crustless sandwiches. Use your creativity and homemade ingredients to make creative lunches and snacks. Easy to use – prepare, cut and seal. $17.99, ages 3+.
Salinas SUN–THURS 12:00 PM–8:00 PM FRI–SAT 12:00 PM–8:00 PM Seaside SUN–THURS 12:00 PM–8:00 PM FRI–SAT 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
1091 S. Main Street, Salinas • 840 Broadway Ave., B5, Seaside www.myofrozenyogurt.com
14
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
TATIANA SCHER family photographer
(831) 566-7225 | tatiana@tscher.com | tscher.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
15
Tips For Parents:
TALKING ABOUT THE PANDEMIC with Your Kids
The pandemic has now been with us for almost six months, and no one knows when it’ll pass. How can parents talk to their kids about it in a way that’s realistic and helpful but doesn’t make them worry? Here’s what the experts say:
then ask ourselves: what makes the most sense for my child?” Dr. Adam Weiss, a pediatrician, agrees: “the goal is to provide enough detail so they understand the situation and how to stay safe, but not cause them fear, confusion, or anxiety.”
FIND OUT WHAT THEY KNOW & WHAT THEY WANT TO KNOW Start the conversation by asking them, as child psychologists Drs. Felicity Sapp and Daniel Chorney put it, “what they know, what their worries are, and what they want to know.” This will help you: 1) clear up any misunderstandings (there are lots of false rumors circulating); 2) address the topics that concern them the most (some kids worry about what could happen to them, others are more anxious about their family and friends); and 3) assess how much information they can handle (some kids find comfort in knowing as much as possible while others prefer to know just what’s necessary. “Our challenge, as parents,” say child psychiatrists Drs. Karestan Koenen and Archana Basu, “is to consider all the information and
ENCOURAGE THEM TO ASK QUESTIONS No matter how well you explain the pandemic, your kids are likely to have a lot of questions. When kids ask questions, especially the same questions repeatedly, it’s rarely just because there’s something they don’t understand, but it’s because they’re worried. “Asking the same question over and over,” says Dr. Davis Fassler, a child psychiatrist, can be “a way for a child to ask for reassurance.” For example, if your kids keep asking why it’s so important that they wash their hands with soap every time they’ve been outside, it’s likely not because they don’t know the answer but because they’re concerned with whether they’re washing their hands well enough to protect them from the virus.
ACKNOWLEDGE UNCERTAINTY Answer your kids’ questions and address their worries, but also acknowledge when they bring something up and you don’t have a good answer. “Given how much uncertainty there is,” Ms. Rachel Ehmke of the Child Mind Institute says, “try to be comfortable saying ‘I don’t know.’” Ms. Ehmke adds that it may be tempting to want to reassure your kids that things will be better soon, even when you aren’t sure yourself: “But teaching children how to tolerate uncertainty is key to reducing anxiety and helping them build resilience.” OFFER REASSURANCE You can’t promise your kids that the pandemic will be over soon, but you can help empower them by talking about what they can do, in their own small way, to fight it. As Dr. Jamie Howard, a child psychologist, puts it, “kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.” This includes wearing a face mask at all times when they’re outside, following social distancing guidelines, and avoid touching their face and shaking hands with anyone. However, don’t put too much pressure on your kids. Reassure them that many smart adults (like public health experts and science researchers) are working hard to fight the pandemic and develop a vaccine. “When you reassure children that the adults are managing the situation,” says Dr. Jamie Aten, a child psychologist, “you give them permission to be kids.” 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.
Serendipity Pre-School LLC We open the eyes and hearts of children to the wonder and discovery of learning. y mily am F Fa
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
• A quality educational program for children ages 3 to 5 • Full and part-time preschool & Pre-K classes • Serving Peninsula families since 1981
1231 Seventh Street, Monterey, 93940 www.serendipitypreschoolllc.com 16
montereybayparent.com
831-375-9743 MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS!
A California non-profit corporation serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders since 1993
bia4autism.org Behavioral Intervention for Autism (BIA) has been supporting families & children affected by Autism for 25 years. Founded in 1993, BIA is steadfastly committed to providing quality, applied behavior analysis intervention services to children diagnosed with autism.
• Intensive 1:1 Intervention Services • Center, Home and Community Based Services • Social Skills groups (ages 6-18)
Monterey l Fresno l Bay Area (831) 375-1310 bia4autism.org
OUR MISSION BIA’s mission is to significantly improve the lives of children diagnosed with Autism by providing innovative and individualized treatment. BIA is a recognized leader within the community for intervention and support of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). BIA is one of the first Autism providers in Northern California and remains one of only a few providers functioning as a Non-Profit, 501 (c)(3). ADVERTISEMENT
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Monterey Bay Parent Magazine September
montereybayparent.com
17
Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
You’ve chosen Monterey Bay Parent Magazine’s Family Favorite Finalists!
Being a Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Family Favorite is a BIG deal! Winners get to proudly display the Family Favorite logo and have bragging rights for an entire year. Vote for your favorites on MontereyBayParent.com through September 7. We’ll announce the winners in our October issue.
PLUS, you can win a FAMILY MEMBERSHIP to the Monterey Zoo (valued at $300) if you vote in at least ten categories
18
montereybayparent.com
CAMPS, LESSONS & ACTIVITIES Afterschool Program ARIEL Theatrical Boys & Girls Club City of Monterey Parks & Rec. Art Classes Monterey Mini Makers Pacific Grove Art Center Progress Not Perfection Dance Studio The Dance Center Jeanne Robinson Dance Spector Dance Gymnastics Program Monterey Sports Center Rising Star Tumble by the Sea Martial Arts Body Worx Monterey Bay Takwondo Academy Salinas Taekwondo Music Teacher/Lessons Andrew Marine, All Saints Dennis Murphy School of Music Orchestra in the Schools Sports League Marina Youth Soccer Monterey Little League Seaside Dolphins Summer Camp Hidden Hills Monterey Recreation YMCA Theatre Classes ARIEL Pac Rep West Creative
EDUCATION Charter School Bay View Academy International School Monterey County Charter School Daycare Great Beginnings Hearts & Hands Ryan Ranch
Preschool All Saints Day School Mother’s Morning Out Salinas Adult School Serendipity Private SchoolLower Grades All Saints Day School Santa Catalina Stevenson Private SchoolUpper Grades Notre Dame Santa Catalina York School Tutoring Service Kumon Mathnasium Monterey Bay Education Center
FAMILY FUN Destination-San Francisco California Academy of Science Exploratorium San Francisco Zoo Destination-San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum Happy Hollow The Tech Initiative Destination-Santa Cruz Bookshop Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery Park Caledonia Dennis the Menace Tatum’s Garden Place to host a birthday party Gilroy Gardens MY Museum PG Museum of Natural History Playground Caledonia Dennis the Menace Tatum’s Garden Toy Store Thinker Toys Zearly
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
FOOD Bakery/Desserts Blue Aces Layers Paris Bakery Pavels Breakfast/Brunch Restaurant Crema First Awakenings Rosine’s Family-Friendly Dining Elli’s Great American Lalla Grill Rosine’s Ice Cream Lucy’s on Lighthouse MYO Revival
HEALTH & WELLNESS Children’s Dentist J. Mark Bayless Rajneesh Dail Little Bristles Family Dental Practice Lighthouse Family Dental Ross Dental Vista Robles Hospital Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula Natividad Salinas Valley Memorial Medical Miscellaneous Coastal Kids Monterey Chiropractic MoGo Orthodontist Auger Smiles Cassady Orthodontics John Eisinger Pediatrician Jill Airola James Bennett/Stanford Todd Dwelle/Stanford
Physician: Specialty Practice Gallery Plastic Surgery David S. Goldberg Robert Fernandez
SERVICES Children’s Clothing/Shoes Baby Branch Joypers Zearly Childrens’ Consignment Chatterbeaux Oh Baby Clothing Store for Mom Bliss Boutique Head Over Heels The Wardrobe Financial Services/ Insurance Milda Iliscupidez Monterey Private Wealth Charles Schwab Hair Salon Glamalogy Oya Salon Platinum Salon Nail Salon Angel Nails Tina Nails Toro Park Salon Photographer Michelle Findlay Marlena Marika Photo Tatiana Scher Realtor Alecia Hull Patty Ross Nicole Ushakoff Spa Aquablue The Refuge Spa at Pebble Beach Veterinarian Monterey Animal Hospital Romie Lane Pet Hospital Steinbeck Small Animal
Selected Consignment for All Women Family
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
167 Fountain Avenue, Pacific Grove • 831-655-3636
www.wardrobeconsign.com
Hours: MWF 10am-12:30pm; 2-4:30 pm • Sat 10am-2pm
Pediatric Medical Practice Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group Pacific Coast Pediatrics Stanford Pediatrics
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
19
Do you have a birthday you want to celebrate? Or, are you looking for a substitute for a canceled weekend trip? We rounded up five creative ideas – any of them would set the stage for a special afternoon.
1.
Hydrobiking in The Elkhorn Slough. A hydro bike is a water bike that lets you cruise at 5 miles per hour without a ton of effort. You can ride the bike in even the windiest and waviest conditions. They are almost impossible to tip over, so the ride is safe and fun. Hydrobikes are available for rent from Monterey Hydrobikes in Moss Landing. You can also book a guided tour if you prefer to have some guidance and an
instructional component to your outing. You’ll be peddling in the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve. The central channel winds through seven miles inland with 2,500 acres of rich marsh and tidal flats. Pelicans, herons, and egrets, as well as countless fish, sharks, crabs, sea lions, and otters, call the slough home. Most children ages ten and up can ride alone, as long as they can reach the pedals. Rentals start at $40 per hour. Guided Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. 2370 California 1, Moss Landing www.montereybayhydrobikes.com
2.
Winery picnic. If you’re a member of Folktale Winery’s wine club, you can enjoy the Rose Vineyard for a picnic with wine and a gourmet lunch. Included with each picnic are five items prepared by Folktale’s talented culinary team. Wines are available
for purchase. Picnic reservations are available Friday-Sunday from 12 pm-4:30 pm. Reservations are limited and required. All reservations are for a maximum of six guests and have a two hour limit per group. Guests must be 21+ and wear a mask upon entry. No pets or outside food/drink. Picnics are $45 per person. If you aren’t a wine club member, you can still make a reservation for a table on the beautiful sun-drenched patio. Enjoy appetizers or a full meal with a glass of Folktale wine while you socially distance and enjoy the blue Carmel Valley sky and a warm breeze. 8940 Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel, 93923 https://folktalewinery.com
3.
Vintage car excursion. Imagine driving down Highway 1 to Big Sur in a 1964 Thunderbird convertible or a
Get Outside! Special Occasion Fun (All suggestions allow you to safely social distance). 20
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
1957 Porsche 356 Speedster. Stop along the route to take in the beautiful scenery and fill your phone with awesome Instagram-worthy pictures. Park your beauty at Rocky Point while you enjoy lunch on the patio. Monterey Tour Vehicles offers a variety of iconic classic automobiles for partial or full-day rentals starting at $200 for a half-day rental. Each car comes with a filled tank, and you have 100 miles per day included in the rental. Renters must be 25 years or older and have a valid U.S. driver’s license and auto insurance. www.montereytouringvehicles.com
Our partner physicians
4.
Kayak in The Elkhorn Slough. The Elkhorn Slough is one of the top 10 wildlife viewing destinations in the nation. With over six miles of navigable waterway inland from the Monterey Bay, the Elkhorn slough is the largest tidal salt marsh in California outside of the San Francisco Bay. It is a hotspot for migratory birds, marine mammals, and fish, and a happy haven for the endangered California Southern Sea Otter. Hundreds of sea otters gather daily to rest, groom, hunt for clams and rear their pups in the Elkhorn Slough’s predator protected waters. The Elkhorn Slough is a kayaker’s paradise with calm waters, limited large vessel traffic, and wildlife encounters around every bend. The best weather arrives in the fall when the summer marine fog layer lifts, and we have calm, sunny, warm days through October. Kayak Connection offers closed-decked kayaks that are more maneuverable and keep customers warmer and dryer than a standard sit-on-top kayak. Kayaks: $40 for single, $70 for double, $80 for triple 2370 Highway 1, Moss Landing, 95039 kayakconnection.com
Reid Giedt, MD
Jerrie Lim, MD
Christine McCuistion, MD
and associates
Tonya Blakemore, MD
Robert Naimark, MD
5.
Whale watching in Moss Landing. A morning or afternoon spent watching and photographing whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, albatrosses, shearwaters, and auklets sounds like a dream birthday celebration to us. What makes a whale watching trip with Fast Rafts so unique is the vessel. The Ranger provides a low-to-the-water, open platform that is ideal for wildlife viewing and photography. With a maximum of six passengers, Fast Raft staff can meet Coronavirus precautions so that your trip is safe. You can even book all six tickets to ensure you get the entire boat for your group. Children 8 and up are welcome From September through November, tours leave from Moss Landing. Beginning in December, tours depart from Monterey. Excursions can be booked online and are $185 per person. Fast Raft Whale Watching, www.fastraft.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Jennae Lee, MD.
Pediatric outpatient care at the office and inpatient care at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital
WELCOME NEW PATIENTS
831-757-8124
260 San Jose Street, Salinas
PacificCoastPediatrics.com montereybayparent.com
21
Starting a
Garden
A conversation with Vania Fusco, manager of the “Green Basket” Facebook group Katie: Vania, I reached out to you because you manage the local Facebook group “Green Basket of Monterey,” and I know backyard gardening is something a lot of us are pursuing these days. Friends have mentioned wanting to get started but worry they’re jumping in too late; what would you tell them? Vania: Many people think that spring was “high season” for growing vegetables and that their ship has sailed, but the next big season is just starting. A fall and winter garden can be bountiful and easier to take care of than you think, as cooler weather helps retain moisture and keeps most of those pesky little pests at bay, two of the most significant issues for gardeners during the warmer months. Plus, with so many families keeping the kids at home during this school year, gardening provides an excellent platform for entertainment and relaxation. It of-
fers a unique opportunity to learn about nature firsthand.
tions that it may feel a little overwhelming, so to make things a little easier, I’ll share some quick tips to set you up for success.
Katie: How do you choose what to plant?
Katie: Is there a way to avoid planting seeds–and then having to wait for them to grow?
Vania: The Monterey Peninsula as a whole is blessed with Mediterranean weather, and your specific location on the peninsula will determine what grows best. You’ll want to run a quick search of your hardiness zone by zip code (Monterey County is in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, and 10a) the most suitable planting calendar for that specific area. Top cool-season edibles include beans, peas, chard, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, kale, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, cauliflower, squash, Brussel sprouts, and corn, among so many other enticing foods. There are so many tasty op-
Vania: One of the easiest ways to start your edible garden is by regrowing veggies. And a bonus — it’s free. You’re repurposing bits of food that you already purchased; why not put those to good use? Starting from seed takes longer, and different seeds have different needs. Regrowing is extremely simple. It’s halfway there already. Items you can easily regrow during the cool season include lettuce, radicchio, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, garlic, beets, carrots, celery, and more. For the most part, you need to keep an inch or more of the heads or sprouts in fresh water for a few days before you transplant them into the soil. I suggest potatoes for first-time gardeners, as they are quite low mainte-
Top coolseason edibles include beans, peas, chard, broccoli, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, kale, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, cauliflower, squash, Brussel sprouts, and corn.
22
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
nance, they produce generously, and they sprout in no time. Just place a few potatoes and an onion in a paper bag, leave it in a dark pantry space for a few days, and the potatoes will be full of sprouts that you can cut out and place straight in the soil. Katie: If I don’t have much outdoor space is there anything I can actually grow indoors? Vania: If you are willing to use a little of that indoor space, you’ll be amazed by the array of goodies you can grow yearround. I keep celery, basil, peppers, herbs, and tomatoes in our kitchen for a year-round bounty that uses just a few old yogurt containers in our window sill. You can also be an “herb ninja” and secretly hide small containers of herbs inside your larger planters around the house, or create some small “greenhouse” areas in your yard to allow you to grow items that do not particularly like the colder temps. We moved to Pacific Grove a few years back and almost gave up on gardening until we learned that some of our favorite crops would grow here — like tomatoes if you choose smaller or early harvest varieties. One of our neighbors gifted us some Paul Robeson tomato plants, which not only stand the PG fog but also happen to be amazingly juicy and flavorful. This is the same neighbor who loves to say that he grows peppers in Pacific Grove. Indoors, that is. Katie: Do I need to protect my garden when it gets colder? Vania: If your neighborhood gets unusually chilly in the fall and winter, you can cover many veggies on a shoestring budget. For smaller vegetables, use an empty bottle or milk jug, cut the base and use it to protect your plant; for larger veggies, we use a tomato cage with a plastic bag over it. We also covered our raised beds with large poster frames we got from Last Chance Mercantile at just $0.25 each. They keep the soil warm and cozy, and it allows us to trim a bowl full of salad greens a few times a week.
cultivate ENROLL NOW
Katie: What should a beginning gardener start with? Vania: Potatoes are perfect for beginners, along with gem lettuce, perpetual spinach, and green beans. My favorite vegetable to grow during the cool season is squash, especially kabocha squash. It is so amazingly flavorful, versatile and you can store it for a full year. As we say in our group, share the bounty, and harvest happiness.
to learn a symphonic instrument and be part of a Monterey County youth orchestra
Katie: Thank you, Vania! To look up your hardiness zone check: www.plantmaps.com For planting schedules: www.ufseeds.com/learning/planting-schedules For the Green Basket of Monterey: www.facebook.com/groups/352324522076936 Katie Raquel is the founder of Katie’s Coldpress, a Realtor with Over the Moon Realty and the author of SQUEEZED: The Raw Truth About Work-Life Balance. She lives with her family in Monterey County. MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Orchestra In The Schools.org High quality personal instruction on a child’s choice of orchestral instrument. Join us: enroll–donate–cultivate. instruments provided • tuition aid available
Orchestra in the Schools 831-402-2946
montereybayparent.com
23
Is an Educational Pod Right for Your Family? Distance learning for the new school year is already much better than it was in the spring. Schools are more prepared and have mandated that teachers do live online lessons. But, for a variety of reasons, some parents are choosing to form learning (pandemic) pods. Learning pods are created by families who want alternative educational experiences for their children. The children work with other children and a teacher in person. Even though the focus of learning pods is on academics, there should also be socializing and time for physical activity. Some parents, such as Kelly Soriano from Seaside, sees the most significant benefit of learning pods to be the social interaction her son gets. Another advantage of having a learning pod is that it allows parents to continue to work outside of the home or to have time available for younger children and chores. Most learning pods include three to five children. With each child you add to the learning pod, the odds of introducing COVID-19 increases. From an educational and a social perspective, four to five students seems to be the ideal number for teaching and learning in small groups. If you are thinking of joining a learning pod, there are two big questions you must answer first. What is the focus of the learning pod and who will be teaching? There are two options we are seeing for learning pods. The first method is that the learning pod teacher or facilitator helps and supports the children with schoolwork received from their public or private schools. Another approach is to hire a credentialed teacher to develop curricula for the children.
24
montereybayparent.com
The teacher would cover the same information that a classroom teacher is doing, but could personalize the instruction to your children’s needs. Once you have decided what the learning pod’s goal is, you will need to figure out who is going to lead the pod. There are three main options for who is going to facilitate the pod: a credentialed teacher, someone else that you pay, or the parents. The most expensive option is the credentialed teacher because they will expect a salary commensurate with their salary as a teacher. A less costly option is hiring someone who is not a teacher such as a college student or recent college graduate. A final, nocost option is to have a co-op with parents in which the parents take turns running the pods. After deciding who will teach, it’s time to choose your podmates. Think about your friends and neighbors who you would feel comfortable working with. If you have family or friends with children approximately the same age, you may choose to form your pod with them. If not, parents are pairing up through social media (check the Monterey Bay Parent group on Facebook). It’s vitally important to start the discussion with potential pod families by asking how much social interaction they have day-to-day. You all need to be on the same page about what is acceptable contact. You will be trusting your health to the other families and it’s imperative that you trust them. Another consideration is where the pod will meet. You’ll need a large space where the kids can be at least 6 feet apart with good ventilation, easy access to a bathroom, and
To Pod or not to Pod? That is the question being asked by parents throughout the Monterey Bay. surfaces that can be cleaned easily and frequently. You will also need to decide if you will require your teacher and students to wear masks. Finally, how will you handle health checks and what will you do if one member has symptoms or has an ill family member. An alternative to learning pods that offers a similar experience is to join a learning group. Three options are The Mindful Scholars Academy, Carmel, Rising Stars Gymnastics Center, Monterey, both opening September 1 and Monterey Bay Educational Center. All offer opportunities for supervised learning, socialization, and special activities. Obviously, interacting with people outside of your family increases your risk of Coronavirus exposure. For families who feel the benefits of social interaction or for those who work outside of the home, a pod can be an answer to a difficult problem. Ultimately, each family must weigh the risks against the benefits to decide if learning pods are right for their family. FOR MORE INFO: Mindful Scholars Academy www.mindfulscholars.com Monterey Bay Educational Center www.mbayedu.org Rising Star’s Virtual Learning Support Camp, risingstargym.net Michelle Mason, founder and director of Mason Educational Mentoring, has a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, an M.A. in Special Education. Dr. Mason has over a decade of experience working as a teacher, educational therapist, and a university professor.
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
25
Calm Down
Mindfulness for your Family A friend shared a thought recently — that perhaps we aren’t meant to rush through the darkness, but to learn how to see within it. As we fumble in the dark, I find that even taking it “one day at a time” can be too much. So I go smaller. I am narrowing my focus to what is immediately around me—observing my thoughts and feelings with compassion and claiming moments of peace and presence. With mental health challenges on the rise and no end to the pandemic in sight, mindfulness can be a powerful way to reclaim our sense of calm within the storm. It can decrease stress, help facilitate post-traumatic growth, support our overall health, and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness makes it easier to experience health and happiness, even in the darkest of times. Annuka Harris - an author who teaches mindfulness to children - writes that, “For children, mindfulness can offer relief from whatever difficulties they may be encountering in life. It also gives them the beauty of being in the present moment.” And like so many lessons, the best way for kids to learn mindfulness is by seeing it modeled by parents and caregivers.
Here are a few ways to support mindfulness at home as a family. OBSERVE Take a moment to point out your surroundings, sensations, and feelings with your kids. You may say something like, “The breeze feels so nice on my face,” or “what can we hear if we listen carefully?” or “my legs feel a little sore from playing — my muscles must be growing stronger.” These observations help to bring us into the moment and create a sense of appreciation for everyday beauty and sensations. Taking note of these details can also help to create more vivid memories.
ARTICULATE HOW YOU’RE FEELING Articulate your feelings, even the scary ones. Explain how you move through scary feelings. We cannot protect our kids from intense emotions and the fear that accompanies living in a chaotic world, but we can equip them with tools to work through their feelings. A good start is describing feelings as something that we experience in a moment, rather than viewing them as who we are. When one of my four-year-old sons starts to get upset at a sibling, I might say, “Wow, it looks like the feeling you have right now is ANGRY.” And he will say, “Yes, it is!!” And we can talk about how that feeling came to be and how he can manage it in a healthy way. After enough practice, he will resist hitting or screaming when he’s upset, and will instead tell us, “The feeling I have is ANGRY,” knowing that we will work together to help him feel better.
26
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
BACK TO THE PRESENT MOMENT Use everyday mindfulness to support your mental health. The benefits of mindfulness come into play anytime we are present and fully engaged in what we’re doing, whether making art, eating, or digging up weeds in the garden. If you find yourself up in your head and spinning out over the day’s latest calamity, take a deep breath and observe your surroundings. What can you see, smell, hear, feel? Are you, in this very moment, safe and well? Is it possible, in this moment, to experience peace and joy? Permit yourself to feel present and happy when you can. Those moments do not deny the existence of serious problems; they equip us with the strength and perspective to keep fighting.
CREATE CALM Create a calm carpet or calm corner. The idea is to fill a space with items and textures that naturally engage your child’s senses and allow them to work through big feelings in a supportive and safe environment. You can order flashcards and posters that provide emotional intelligence-building tools. Still, any quiet space with your child’s favorite comfort objects can be a “calm corner” if it facilitates conversations around feelings. VISUALIZE Guide your kids through a bedtime visualization. If your family is interested in exploring meditation, guided bedtime visualizations are a great way to start. Your kids are already lying down and in a semi-restful state of mind, and if they’re anything like my kids, they’ll be eager to do anything that prolongs their bedtime routine! Visualizations can be as simple or elaborate as you want, but my go-to is describing the view from a forest floor. I ask the kids to close their eyes and imagine looking up at a canopy of trees with a gentle breeze blowing the branches, the warm sun on their faces, and birds chirping. If they’re still wound up and having trouble relaxing, I’ll describe how verrrrrry heavy their arms and legs are, and how their bodies are feeling warm and snuggly on the forest floor. Beyond helping to calm their bodies and breath, I hope that visualizing something beautiful as they fall asleep encourages happy dreams.
Katie Raquel is the founder of Katie’s Coldpress, a Realtor with Over the Moon Realty and the author of SQUEEZED: The Raw Truth About WorkLife Balance. She lives with her family in Monterey County.
I would love to help your family find the perfect home.
ALECIA HULL
Alecia.Hull@sothebyshomes.com AleciaHull.com
831.238.8688
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
DRE: 02027849
montereybayparent.com
27
5
Factors for Strong Families
What makes a family strong? Research says it’s these 5 critical things. When hard times hit, what makes some families fare better than others? The good news is that the bad things that happen to a family don’t define them, and we can minimize the risks of adversity to children’s developing brains and bodies, which are more sensitive to stress, using “protective factors.” Research shows there are five protective factors that build family strengths and promote optimal child development, as determined by the Center for the Study of Social Policy and partner organizations. These factors are interconnected; often, if you engage one of them, it’s easier to cover more of the others.
What are these five factors?
1.
Parental Resilience. This is your ability to deal with stress as a parent, and it boils down to basic things, such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to be patient. Develop your inner strength and exercise flexibility when life doesn’t go as planned.
2.
Social Connections. All of the factors really relate back to social connections. It’s all about relationships: relationships with our children, relationships with other family members, relationships with friends and community. If you feel like you need to grow your network, get plugged in. Consider an online parenting group if you don’t have the connections in your current life circumstances. But start by connecting at home with your children. Here are three great tips that simplify parenting and foster stronger bonds: • Touch your kids eight times a day. This could be simply straightening a collar, or a full-body hug. • Have at least one eye-to-eye conversation with your kids each day.
28
montereybayparent.com
•
Invest three minutes in connecting with your kids when they wake up; when you are reunited after school or work; and before they go to bed at night. It adds up to nine minutes.
3.
Concrete Support in Times of Need. Help families meet basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and health care. Seek help when your own family is in need due to a crisis. If you don’t know where to start, contact a local hotline. No one should ever feel alone as a parent in our community, and there are plenty of resources available to help.
4.
Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development. Parenting education makes you stronger. Take a comprehensive parenting class and become an expert on your child in particular. Seeking to understand your children and their particular needs can make parenting much easier.
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” –Jane Howard
5.
Social & Emotional Competence of Children. A child’s ability to effectively and positively interact with others, express their feelings in healthy ways, and self-regulate their behaviors impacts their relationships, including that with parents. Help your child find the words to express how they feel. And remember those social connections? Give your child opportunities for direct practice in relationships to strengthen this protective factor. The best part about these protective factors is that they benefit ALL of us as families, regardless of income level, race, religion, marital status, etc. Lissa Carlson is a publisher of a parenting magazine in Wisconsin and thinks the protective factors are one of the most brilliant things she’s ever learned about parenthood. MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
y Familly
Favorites
2020-21
✯Finalist✯ Monterey Bay
PARENT
MBP Sept2020 right.indd 1 MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
8/21/20 10:31 AM montereybayparent.com 29
Farmers’ Markets SUNDAY 8:00 AM. Monterey Bay Certified Del Monte Farmers Market. Held at Del Monte Center in Monterey until 12pm in the lot behind Macy’s. Please remember to wear a face mask and to leave pets at home. 10:00 AM. Marina Certified Farmers Market. Fresh, organic, certified produce grown by local small-scale family farmers. Held at 215 Reservation Road, Marina. MONDAY 3:00 PM. Pacific Grove Certified Farmers Market. Offers a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts from small-scale family farmers, along with prepared food and artisan items from local vendors. Located on Central Avenue at Grand Avenue. Open until 7:00 pm. TUESDAY 9:00 AM. Carmel Farmers Market. With over 25 farmers and vendors, this market offers a selection of California grown, local fresh farm produce and specialty items including pasture raised grass-fed meat, seafood, organic eggs, cut flowers, organic honey, and potted flowering plants. held at Barnyard Shopping Center from 9 AM-1 PM. 11:00 AM. Alisal Certified Farmers’ Market. The Market is located in the parking lot of the WIC Center, 632 East Alisal, Salinas.
30
montereybayparent.com
4:00 PM. Old Monterey Farmer’s Market. Held on Alvarado Street in downtown Monterey. Closes at 7 PM. wednesday 1:00 PM. Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers Market. Held in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, one block off of Pacific Avenue. In addition to a substantial variety of farm products, this market offers a great selection of local artisan foodstuffs, and baked goods. FRIDAY 9:00 AM. Monterey Bay Certified Del Monte Farmers Market. Held at Del Monte Center in Monterey until 2 pm in the lot near the Tesla station. Remember to wear a face mask. 2:30 PM. Watsonville Farmers’ Market. Offers a wide selection of local produce and lots of food booths. Held in the Watsonville City Plaza. saturday 9:00 AM. Oldtown Salinas Farmers Market. Held on W. Gabilan St. between Main and Salinas St. in downtown Salinas. 9:00 AM. Westside Farmers Market. The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every week, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, situated on the northern edge of Santa Cruz’s greenbelt.
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SHAPE THEIR FUTURES WITH CONFIDENCE.
60
rg
Kirby is a 6th-12th grade independent, award-winning, academic and visual and performing arts school. We welcome learners from all backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. We offer over $1 million in tuition assistance to support families in a wide variety of economic circumstances. Educational continuity is a top priority. Contact our Admissions Office at (831) 423-0658 or email admissions@kirby.org to set up a tour, request an information packet, or to help you complete an application. Kirby School 425 Encinal Street Santa Cruz, CA 95060 kirby.org (831) 423-0658 MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
31
FIND WHAT YOU LOVE WITH A VOICE COMMAND
INTRODUCING
The best of live TV and On Demand, with access to streaming apps, together in one place. With ENTERTAINMENT through ULTIMATE Pkgs. Services auto-renew after 3 mos. at then prevailing rate (currently $54/mo.), unless you call to change or cancel. Req's you to select offer.
CHOICE PACKAGE™
54
$
99 MO.
For 12 mos. plus taxes & Regional Sports Fee
W/24-mo. agmt TV prices higher in 2nd year.* Regional Sports Fee up to $8.49/mo. is extra & applies.
All your favorite entertainment, together in one place: live TV, 45,000 titles On Demand, 500 hour s of Cloud DVR, and access to HBO Max, Netflix, Pandora, and more. 1 Available only in the U.S. (excl. Puerto Rico & U.S.V.I.). Req’s compatible device & data connection. Recordings expire after 90 days. Restr's apply. Req's separate subscription/login for HBO,® Netflix and Pandora.
AT&T TV: See att.com/tv for details. *$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE ($15/MO. FOR TV) FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. ENTERTAINMENT AT&T TV Pkg., 1 AT&T TV device New residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers. Restr’s apply.
CALL your AT&T Dealer Today! Iv Support Holdings LLC
1-833-930-0335 CHOICE 1-YR AT&T TV PACKAGE W/ OTHER ELIG. SVC: Ends 8/31/20. 1st & 2nd year Pricing: $54.99 for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies ($110/mo for CHOICE), unless cancelled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Pricing subject to change. $10/mo. bundle discount: Internet: Reqs new (min. $39.99/mo plus taxes and $10/mo. equip. fee) or existing svc. Excludes DSL. Wireless: Consumers only. Sold separately. Reqs new (min. $50/mo after discounts) or existing AT&T postpaid svc on elig. plan (excl. Lifeline) on a smartphone, phone or AT&T Wireless Internet device (excl. voice-only AT&T Wireless Internet). Both svcs: Eligible svc must be installed/activated w/in 30 days of TV activation and svc addresses must match to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles. First time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain both qualifying svcs to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for bundled services. Includes: CHOICE TV Pkg. Req’s 1 AT&T TV device, included for well qualified customers; otherwise $120. Add’l devices avail for $120 each or on installment; non-qualified customers must purchase additional devices up front. Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes other add’l fees & charges. Regional Sports Fee of up to $8.49/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and higher Pkgs.). Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit customers. AT&T TV: Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions. Avail. in the U.S. only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). AT&T TV service will continue monthly at the prevailing rate charged to your payment method on file, unless you cancel, subject to any early termination fees. If you cancel in the first 14 days of order, you must return the included AT&T TV device within 14 days of order to avoid $120 non-return fee. Additional devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. No refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. Compatible device req’d. Residential customers only. Pricing, channels, features, and terms subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Regional Sports & Local Channels: Not available in select areas. Channels vary by package & billing region. Device may need to be in billing region in order to view. GENERAL: Limit 3 concurrent streams per account. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Taxes may apply. See your Order Confirmation email and att.com/legal/att-tv.html for more details. HBO,® Cinemax and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. GENERAL WIRELESS: Subj. to Wireless Customer Agmt (att.com/wca). Credit approval req’d. Deposit/Down Payment: may apply. Charges/restrictions: Taxes, Reg. Cost. Recovery Charge (Up to $1.50), other fees and charges, usage, speed, coverage & other restr’s apply per line. See att.com/mobilityfees for details on fees & charges. International and domestic off-net data may be at 2G speeds. AT&T service is subject to AT&T network management policies, see att.com/broadbandinfo for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. HBO MAX is used under license. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Other conditions apply to all off ers. ©2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
32
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
Monterey Bay Parent Magazine and
present the 2020-2021
Cover Kids Contest We’re choosing cover models for the year!
Parents: enter a photo of your child or children before September 20.
The staff of Monterey Bay Parent Magazine will choose our 9 favorite entries and then readers will choose the final cover model as their READER FAVORITE. Each finalist will have a professional photo shoot and will appear on one of our covers during the coming year. uary
febr
2020
uch So m e! o l toCreativevuwrachysiltod re yo ca show uch you how m th, e Tee t Lit Slmiles! ild ig ch B your Help a positive have ence experi dentist at the
ink Rethr Drinke sugar Youy to get thild’s diet? Read your ch out of
Romantic restaurants for date night! .com parent
1
reybay
monte
0
BAY EREY
1/20/20
10:03
AM
202 ruary
T • Feb
PAREN
MONT
ary 2020
Febru
MBP.indd
1
Check MontereyBayParent.com for entry fees, contest rules, prizes, and deadlines.
Enter online at MontereyBayParent.com MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
montereybayparent.com
33
You think differently. So do we. Join us. Call or email for information about LIVE and ONLINE options. For students in grades 2 to 12 with dyslexia and other learning differences. Admission and financial aid information available
“Our child’s educational experience did a 180 once she started at Chartwell .” ~current parent
Visit chartwell.org For over 35 years Chartwell has been leading the way in research-based education for students with language-based learning differences.
Stop struggling. Start learning.
Chartwell School | 2511 Numa Watson Rd. | Seaside, CA 93955 admissions@chartwell.org | 831.394.3468 34
montereybayparent.com
MONTEREY BAY PARENT • september 2020
