Oregon Family Magazine

How are environmental advocates using TikTok to raise awareness and gather support for their causes?

— B.K., SEATTLE, WA

SOCIAL MEDIA HAS BECOME a powerful tool for environmental activists to raise awareness and advocate for change, and no social media network is hotter these days than TikTok. This fast-growing platform where users create and share short videos has quickly become one of the most popular apps in the world—as of 2023, the app has more than 1.5 billion active users. As such, it has also become a powerful tool for activists to reach a large audience and raise awareness for environmental issues. Indeed, environmentalists have taken to TikTok to share their messages in creative and engaging ways, using humor, music, and personal anecdotes to connect with viewers.

One of the advantages of using TikTok for activism is the platform’s reach to younger audiences that may not be as engaged in traditional forms of environmental and climate activism. More than two-thirds of TikTok’s user base in the U.S. is under age 40, while 10–19-year-olds make up the single largest group by age on the platform. By using TikTok, these younger demographics can be reached and inspired to

take action on environmental issues, organize petitions and fundraisers, and get involved in other ways.

One of the most popular environmental advocates on TikTok is Carissa Cabrera, a marine biologist and activist

from Hawaii who has been creating TikToks for more than five years and has a large following on the platform—her @Carissaandclimate account has more 250,000 followers of her educational content.

“Generation Z wants to get information and tools at their fingertips, and it’s all packaged

in an entertaining way,” says Cabrera. The fact that most TikToks last less than 30 seconds makes it a challenge to grab the user’s attention, so Cabrera usually gets to the point in the first three seconds and then employs comedic stories and/ or dances to round out the post. Her goal is to create catchy content that’s quick and easy to memorize and that makes users want to watch it over and over and share with others so as to get more and more people to act on behalf of the planet.

Cabrera also contributes TikToks via EcoTok, which

features innovative videos from a core group of activists and educators with the common goal of showing followers ways to live more sustainably.

“EcoTok started with a group of people looking for an outlet to share their frustrations,” Cabrera reports. “Climate change is a daunting subject that can be hard to face alone.” She adds that their early arrival into TikTok helped build a committed, strong community, with more than 100,000 followers and millions of “likes.”

Of course, only time will tell if recent discussions in Congress about banning TikTok in the U.S. over fears of data mining by the Chinese government—the company behind the app is based in China—could mean the end for a valuable channel where environmentalists have been able to reach younger potential sympathizers here and inspire them to join the climate movement. ✦

CONTACTS: Carissa and Climate, tiktok. com/@carissaandclimate; EcoTok, tiktok. com/@eco_tok

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine. com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org

Carissa Cabrera, a marine biologist and activist and educator from Hawaii, has more 250,000 followers on TikTok.

Our Contributors

Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly, year-round via direct mail in the greater Lane County area, and at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations. For information regarding Every Door Direct Mail, please visit www.dmachoice.org or www.optoutprescreen.com.

PUBLISHER

Pacific Parents Publishing

EDITOR

Sandy Kauten

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT

Springer Design & Illustration

1. BONNIE HARRIS

Bonnie is Oregon Family Magazine’s resident Movie Review Master Extraordinaire. She enjoys watching movies of all kinds, and has been doing movie reviews for over 9 years and counting. She lives in Eugene with her family, enjoys gardening and cooking.

2. KELLI MATTHEWS

Kelli Matthews is our gift guide reviewer extraordinaire. Sampling lotions, testing toys and sipping bubbly is hard work, but someone has to do it. When not compiling the best of the best to share with readers, she teaches public relations at the University of Oregon. Kelli lives and works in Eugene with her two boys and her high school sweetheart.

3. TAJ BARNHART MORGAN

Taj Barnhart Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.

4. BECKY RAINES

Becky Raines works as the Marketing and Business Assistant at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. She loves being in the sunshine, pet-sitting, and talking to her houseplants. At the museum, you can find her watching the squirrels play in the Native Plant Courtyard.

5. AYUSHI SINGH

Ayushi Singh is a health freelance writer based in India with an M.A. in English. She is passionate about writing about health and wellness, and enjoys exploring topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, trying new healthy recipes, and spending time with her family.

6. BETH STEIN

Beth Stein is the Executive Director of Nearby Nature, a non-profit nature education group in Eugene, Oregon. At Nearby Nature’s home base in Alton Baker Park she might be found teaching classes, training volunteers, telling stories, writing newsletters, managing finances, or even occasionally hopping around in a Frannie Frog costume! Beth has a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Environmental Studies from Williams College. She lives in Eugene with her husband and cat Batman.

7. RODDY SCHEER

Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine.

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Zachery Brillon Major Undecided

Jacoby Crawford Business

Brandon Kauten Chemistry

Joey Rubino Business/Sports Management

Logan Crowley Marine Biology

Josh Kubu Civil Engineering Zach Stapleton Sports Marketing

Luc Dale Computer Science

Luca Offet Business/ Marketing

Dori Vaughan International Diplomacy, Global Studies

Jonah Donde Chemistry

Lily Overton Major Undecided

Ellie Elizabeth Walls Diagnostic Imaging

Alli Erickson French

Michael Raz Clinical Psychology

Kendall Cross Nursing

Allyson Wells Nursing

Oregon Family Magazine would like to recognize a few local graduates who shared their college plans with us. Congrats and Good Luck !

Dad’s Day Gift Guide

BY KELLI MATTHEWS

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to show our dads some love! But finding the perfect gift for dad can be a tough job.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of fun and unique gift ideas that will bring a smile to his face. We’ve got something for every dad, whether he’s an adventurous outdoorsman, a foodie, a jet setter, or a skincare enthusiast. We’ve got everything from rugged travel bags to yummy treats, luxurious skincare products to high-tech gadgets.

So, let’s dive into this Father’s Day gift guide…

ACTIVEGEAR

for the Weekend Warrior

CELESTRON SCOPE

If Dad is a hunter or birder, the Celestron Landscout spot scope is a great gift idea. The scope has a magnification from 20-60x, a 45-degree viewing angle and a smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote for still and video image capture. And Dad will have no issues with shaky photos and video at high magnification with the tabletop tripod. Zoom in at: https://www.celestron.com/

KELTY LOVESEAT

The age-old problem of not enough camping seats is (partially) solved with the Kelty Low Loveseat. It’s got a lower base and a relaxed, slightly reclined design. It’s super durable, and has an insulated beverage holder and a roll-tote carry bag. Great for the campsite, the music festival or, the favorite use in our house - the baseball game. Cozy up at: https://www.kelty. com/low-loveseat/

UTTY GEAR HANGER

The amount of apparel, sports and activity accessories and camping gear Dad has to manage on a trip is less overwhelming thanks to Utty Gear Hanger. Organize and dry your equipment utilizing a hotel closet, nearby tree branch, ski rack or any hanging location to keep your gear off the ground, out of the way, dry and easy to access. Our adjustable & ultradurable two-pronged hooks make small spaces a sitch. Utty is a brilliantly simple design that solves real problems. Get organized at: https:// theutty.com/

ROTHY SNEAKER

Imagine Dad’s favorite casual sneaker— upgraded for game-changing comfort. The Rothy RS01 Sneaker is not just stylish but is sustainable. The shoes are made with Rothy’s signature thread, spun from single-use plastic

bottles. All Rothy’s shoes are fully machine washable, so they’re like new again and again. Walk the walk at: https://rothys.com/

GLIDE SUP

Glide’s standup paddleboards (SUPs) bring innovative design to those passionate about watersports. The O2 Angler

Inflatable Fishing SUP is built for fishing enthusiasts with a stable platform, spacious deck and lots of handy attachments for your gear. It also has a 500lb weight capacity for your fishing gear and that prized catch Dad’s sure to haul in. Paddle up to: https://www.glidesup.com/

TRAVELGEAR

RIVETER DUFFLE

If you need something with a bit more room, the R. Riveter + Jeep Collaboration black nylon and leather duffle is a great choice. It’s roomy and very durable. Dad will appreciate that the brand was started by two military wives to ensure military spouses would always have a way to support their families no matter where they are stationed. Every item in the line is handcrafted by a military “Riveter” in the U.S. Keep calm and carry on at: https:// www.rriveter.com/

EAGLE CREEK PACK-IT ESSENTIALS

For any traveler, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Essentials will help keep your gear organized.

Dirty laundry, wet socks, toiletries you don’t want to leak? They’re all handled with these multi-size sets that are anti-microbial and, in addition to the easy separation of clean from dirty or dry from damp, they have light compression so Dad can pack more in. Pack it up, pack it in at: https://www.eaglecreek.com/

for Dad’s business orpleasuretrips

main compartment, multiple pockets, and adjustable shoulder straps. This backpack is durable, fashionable, and ideal for everyday use or outdoor adventures. Explore at:

WILL LEATHER GOODS BACKPACK

For a dad on the go, we found two great options. The Will Leather Goods Explorer Backpack - is a stylish and practical leather bag by Will Leather Goods. Made from high-quality materials, it features a spacious

FOOD& ACCESSORIES for

Dads with taste!

BASEBALLBBQ

For the MLB fan in your life, BaseballBBQ a range of team-licensed grill tools and cutting boards for fans to showcase their team spirit while cooking up their favorite meals. The collection includes grill tools like spatulas, tongs, and grill brushes, all featuring the iconic MLB logos. The cutting boards are also engraved with the logo of Dad’s favorite team. We have die-hard Chicago Cubs fans, and this set is a home run. Score yours at: https:// baseballbbq.com/

BIG FORK SAUCES

with that summer BBQ? Big Fork Brands Chicago-

hot dog in one sauce. It’s sort of like a mustard, but

for adding flavor to not just hot

https://big-fork-brands.myshopify.com/

CHILAU FOODS SAUCES

Traditional southern foods with multi-layered sauces take a lot of work. Chilau Foods brings all the flavors with vegan, gluten-free and concentrated flavors. Jambalaya, seafood boils,

and Creole and Caribbean dishes may be out of the ordinary for Oregon, but if your Dad has Southern roots or just loves Southern food, these sauces are outstanding. Find your flavor at: https://chilaufoods.com/

SKIN&BODY Self-careiskeyto

THE BLENDER CAP

For the dad focusing on his health through diet, he may be trying smoothies and shakes. The Blender Cap ultra high-powered portable blender blows any other option away. The dad reviewer for this year’s guide was impressed with Blender Cap for the power it provides on the go, but also the quality of the vacuuminsulated bottle. Mix it up at: https://www.cruzlife.com/

HEART & SOIL SUPPLEMENTS

That Dad-bod needs care! Heart & Soil offers a range of supplements for customers to build the best regimen for Dad’s needs. All supplements are made from high-quality, whole-food ingredients designed to support optimal health and well-being. Warrior provides foundational support for strength, recovery, and exercise performance, Firestarter has support for fat burning, appetite control, and nutrient absorption, and Whole Package supports exercise performance, hormone production, and sexual health. Feel good, look good at: https://heartandsoil.co/

BLACK WOLF SHOWER SET

Skin health is just as important, and dads can be notorious for neglecting their skin. Black Wolf has a shower set including shower gel, facial moisturizer and scrub (among many other great options for the face and body). The line has a masculine but not overbearing scent. But the real treat in this set is the sonic scrubber. Dad can ditch the loofah with a silicon scrubber with a pulsating/vibrating head

2023 SUMMER CAMPS

541-343-5100 www.emfc.org

Summer Camp 1: June 27-29, 2023

Summer Camp 2: July 18-20, 2023

Summer Camp 3: August 15-17, 2023

Little Metro Summer Academy 1 June 6 to June 29, 2023

Little Metro Summer Academy 2 July 11 to August 3, 2023

Camp Wilani Summer Camp

July 19th - September 1st, 2023

Camp

Easy Online Registration: wilanicouncil.org

lodging, all yoga offerings and activities included! Licensed massage therapists available for an additional fee.

Summer Camps

Multi-Sport experiences, where learned abilities, desires, competencies, competitiveness, and confidence help children to develop a robust FUNdamental foundation for an active life. Active healthy kids become active healthy adults.

K – 5th grade half-day camp: 9am – 12noon

1st – 5th grade full-day camp: 9am – 4pm

6th – 8th grade half-day camp: 1pm – 4pm

Week-long Themed Camps

Starting June 26th, and running through the week of July 31st

Please visit https://kidsports.org/event-type/camps-clinics/

Camp Wilani

Lessons from Eugene’s Elder Lesbians

PARENTING IS HARD, FIND FRIENDS TO MAKE IT EASIER

BY BECKY RAINES, MUSEUM OF NATURAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY

RAINBOW RASCALS. LESBIAN MOMS ‘N’ OTHER PEOPLE. Cute names for something essential: parenting support. In the early days of Covid-19, many of us experienced profound isolation.

Many parents were suddenly without childcare and away from the support their families and friends provided. We didn’t know how to gather safely or how to weigh the risks and rewards of playdates or meeting with our parenting groups.

The elder lesbian parenting community of Eugene were familiar with this uncertainty. Many of them were new mothers in the 1980s and 90s, part of a national “gayby” boom as openly gay parents began to raise kids. Even in progressive Eugene, openly queer adults

LOOKING FOR BOOK SUGGESTIONS?

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History store has books for readers ranging from early childhood read-aloud to nonfiction for their grownups.

CHILDREN’S

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

• Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack

• Maiden & Princess by Daniel Haack and Isabel Galupo

• Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman

• We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by various authors

MIDDLE-GRADE

• This is Our Rainbow by various authors

YOUNG ADULT

• Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

• You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

• Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

ADULT

• Outlaw Marriages by Rodger Streitmatter

• The Gay Revolution by Lillian Faderman

faced interactions that ranged from ignorant to threatening. In the best of times, raising kids is expensive and lonely, and the queer parenting community felt these emotions magnified by the homophobia of adoption agencies, fertility clinics, schools, and existing parenting groups.

Parenting wasn’t the only area in which lesbians faced challenges. It was hard for women to exist independently of men at

that time; banks required a male cosigner for credit cards, for example. It was even harder for gay women; employers, including the University of Oregon, could fire employees for being out. Eugene lesbians carved out their own spaces to find support. They created companies like Starflower Natural Foods and Botanicals, which ran by consensus and paid parents an additional monthly stipend. They lived in cooperative housing and shared parenting duties. They made friends at Mother Kali’s Bookstore, where lesbians gathered to hang out after work. They found what most people are looking for: community. From these connections grew Rainbow Rascals and Lesbian Moms ‘n’ Other People, parenting groups made mostly of lesbian moms. In these groups, queer parents felt safe and welcome. The members took annual camping trips, did service work together, planned playdates – and advocated for each other and their children at Parent-Teacher Association meetings, school board debates, and when behavioral issues arose at school. Their kids were around other families like their own.

The lesbian moms of the Eugene area in the 80s and 90s were surrounded by obstacles, but they found people who shared their values and would advocate for each other. They built their community and fought for their friends and their kids. It wasn’t easy. But being a parent never is.

Interested in learning more? Outliers and Outlaws: Stories from the Eugene Lesbian History Project features the Eugene lesbian community between the 1960s and 1990s and runs through the end of 2023 at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Part of the exhibit is a kid-friendly reading nook, with bean bag chairs, photo-albums and children’s books.

EVER WISH YOUR YARD OR school outdoor space was just a little more fun for your kids? When you send them out to play, do they run out of things to do more quickly than you would like? Want to make changes, but not into spending tons of money? If all this rings true for you, then it’s time to naturalize your landscape!

Here at Nearby Nature, we call our outdoor space in Alton Baker Park the Learnscape. One of only two certified “Nature Explore” classrooms in Oregon (see certified.natureexplore.org), our home base is SO much more than a manicured lawn. Once a lumpy and hard-to-mow grass-scape, today our “yard” is a magical medley of named gardens, natural playscapes, picnic spots, and learning spaces.

When kids visit Nearby Nature for a program, they love making stick forts in the

YOUR LANDSCAPE Naturalize

BY BETH STEIN

Nature’s Builders area and crawling through leafy twig tunnels in the Nest. On warm days, they balance on tree rounds next to River Run or make mud pies at the Dig Inn Dirt Box. During the growing season, kids crunch on carrots they pull from the Edible Schoolyard or pluck plums for a picnic in the Food Forest. No matter where a child wanders in our space, they are enchanted.

So how can you introduce some of this magic into your space? Try a few of these simple projects.

Add tree rounds to your yard. When a friend cuts down a tree and has some slices left over, grab them! Dig holes and sink your stumps into the soil so they are stable. Jumping from round to round helps kids learn to balance and allows them to take fun risks with their bodies, but not actually endanger themselves. Tree rounds also make great tea party tables!

Create a space for messing with mud. A plastic tub or an unused raised bed is perfect place for making mud pies in old pots and getting hands dirty. Digging in the soil and carrying around those heavy concoctions are also physically demanding activities that help little ones who want to move all the time focus their energy in a constructive way.

Let kids tunnel and build. Make part of your space okay for building forts and creating hidey holes. Let kids tunnel under the bushes or give them a pile of branches for building. Kids love secret spaces where they can disappear into imaginary worlds of their own creation.

Grow something yummy. Whether in a garden or simply in pots on the porch, give kids a way to connect with their food. Easy to grow edible flowers, snap peas, or cherry tomatoes will all give kids something tasty to smile about as they snack.

Have some fun with this and before you know it, you will have transformed your space from dull to dynamic. And your kids will never want to come inside again! (For more ideas, check out Nearby Nature’s Learnscape – nearbynature.org/about-us/ learnscape.) ✦

Nearby Nature hosts summer daycamps, after school care, preschool activities, no school day programs, special events, and restoration projects. For more information, call 541-687-9699 or see nearbynature.org.

ExperienceLANE COUNTY

OAKRIDGE Magic

BY TAJ BARNHART MORGAN

Y

OU MAY HAVE PILED into the car last winter to sled at Salt Creek Sno-Park or enjoy the ski slopes at Willamette Pass, but now that summer is finally here, driving Highway 58 to Oakridge is a whole new experience. This winding scenic road is robust with adventures and fun landmark stops, ideal for a delightful and leisurely family road trip.

Along the way, you will see roadside waterfalls, brim-full reservoirs and the pale green of unfurling ferns and leaf buds. Pause for a moment at Elijah Bristow State Park, just past Pleasant Hill, on the banks of the Willamette River. This is a popular equestrian destination, so show children how to move to the side of the path quietly while horses pass.

Stop in Lowell to admire several historic covered bridges and the Rolling Rock railroad park. Kiddie train enthusiasts will enjoy climbing on the park’s historic railroad cars and equipment. For movie buffs, the BBQ joint featured as Dexter Lake Club in “Animal House” dishes up Texas-style barbecue.

Just before Oakridge, turn off the highway onto Westfir Road, then take a sharp left onto Westfir-Oakridge Road. Visit the Westfir Covered Bridge Park for some of the region’s best hiking trails along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. The red Office Covered Bridge is the longest in Oregon and features a separate pedestrian walkway.

PHOTOS: MELANIE RYAN GRIFFIN / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

The historic Westfir Lodge on the west side of the river is a favorite with hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers. Shop their mountain market and enjoy a light lunch on their patio. If you need overnight accommodations, this is a friendly and comfortable spot. Book a guided adventure through their Cascades Outdoor Center and go river rafting, kayaking or mountain biking as a family.

Next up — Oakridge! Rather than zipping through town, turn left at Ray’s Food Place onto Crest View Street and then right onto E 1st Street. Here in Uptown Oakridge, park and explore.

Here are a few uptown highlights not to miss:

• Visit Art Works Oakridge on E 1st Street for the latest exhibits by local artists.

• Pose at the “Oregon is Magic” mural by Gage Hamilton, a fanciful nod to the area’s mountain biking culture on the corner of E 1st & Ash Street.

• Stop in for a coffee at Mane Street Coffee or some great pub food at 3 Legged Crane

• Check out the Oakridge Pioneer Museum on E. 1st — their exhibits include a covered wagon from the Applegate Trail and a 1938 logging truck.

On your way out of town, a favorite family stop is the Willamette Fish Hatchery with its educational exhibits and tanks packed with the next generation of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead. Or pull into Greenwaters Park with restrooms and lots of room to romp.

Your final miles for this summer road trip culminate at the Salt Creek Falls Day Use Area for an easy scenic stop — after all, you’ve made it this far and you might as well reap the reward! Here, Oregon’s second highest single drop waterfall plunges into a basin over 200 feet below. Truly breathtaking!

After photos, turn the crew around to head home. If time permits, stop for a soak at McCredie Hot Springs just off Highway 58, and bundle your happy and worn-out kids into the car. They’ll sleep all the way home. ✦

TODD COOPER / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST

WAYNE FERNANDEZ

Let’s Not Grow Up

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

DISNEY’S NEW LIVEACTION FEATURE, Peter Pan & Wendy, is surprisingly fresh and entertaining for a remake that could have bogged down in the traditional elements of the boy who refused to grow up. Instead, we have a threefold story about Wendy, the girl who’s afraid to grow up, and Captain Hook,

PETER PAN & WENDY

Walt Disney Pictures

Rated: PG

Streaming on Disney Plus

who did grow up to become a nasty adult, and finally Peter, who’s not worried at all about growing up. Together with the Lost Boys and a captivating Tiger Lily, the adventures in Neverland are familiar and magical, yet boldly retold from different perspectives. Peter loses his shadow like always, Tinkerbell shares her pixie dust, and the three Darling children take flight to a place “without rules, or schools, or bedtimes.”

Tiger Lily, played by Alyssa Wapanatahk, becomes the wise older teen who gives Wendy the advice she needs to transition

from child to young adult. Captain Hook, who’s usually just a caricature, becomes a fullfledged persona in this version and we finally understand his anger because his best friend, Peter, betrayed him. When faced with the pain he caused, Peter Pan eventually admits that he needs help from his friends to save them all from walking the plank. The pirates and high jinks are funny, the soundtrack and lullabies are wonderful, and the special effects are amazing

FOR the PARENTS

Thievery & Cagey Skullduggery

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Paramount Pictures, Rated: PG-13

In theatres and streaming on Amazon

YOU DON’T HAVE to know anything about Dungeons & Dragons, the iconic role-playing game, to appreciate the fantastic, tongue-in-cheek, magical feature directed by Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley. Two directors means double the fun, double the mayhem, and double the pace of this rollicking tale that begins with two thieves talking their way out of prison. Like the game, the story builds layer upon layer of almost impossible tasks accomplished by hapless, yet loveable characters, who each have a stake in the outcome. Edgin, the planner, needs to rescue his daughter. Holga, the warrior, wants to prove herself. Simon, the wizard, needs a shot of self-confidence and Doric, the shape-changing Druid, wants to avenge her family. Together with Xenk, the holy knight, they cross swords with the evil Red Wizards, who want to create a zombie army. Toss in fire-breathing dragons,

even if the flying scenes are just a bit clunky. When the Lost Boys return to London on Hook’s ship steered by Wendy, they’ve found their forever home. Wendy looks to the future not with a sense of dread, but with an adventurous spirit she’s gained from knowing Peter. And in the end, Peter finds his way back to Neverland to continue his sword play with Captain Hook, who can’t seem to get that ticking “crock” out of his head. ✦

dead soldiers with secrets, hither-thither portals (it’s a magic thing!), and a vault of priceless treasures and you have an irresistible combination that’ll keep you guessing until the final toss of the dice. I’m looking forward to watching this one again, and I’m certain there’s a franchise in the works. Be sure to watch through the credits!

Wendy steers them home.

Sleep Challenges HELP FOR

BY AYUSHI SINGH

SLEEP IS AN ESSENTIAL part of a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Yet, for many parents, getting their child to sleep soundly can be a daily struggle. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, sleep problems can impact the whole family’s well-being. As a parent, it’s important to take action to address your child’s sleep issues to ensure they are getting the rest they need to grow and thrive.

ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT BEDTIME ROUTINE

“The most common causes of sleep problems in children are a result of an inadequate bedtime routine, improper bed and wake time leading to insufficient hours of total sleep, and finally, negative sleep associations,” says Dr. Nilong Vyas, MD, board-certified pediatrician, sleep coach, and founder of Sleepless in NOLA.

One of the most important things parents can do to help their child sleep better is to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This means creating a set of activities that your child associates with bedtime and repeating them every night. “When a child yawns, a parent can point out that a yawn signals sleepiness, and when the body feels sleepy, it’s time to lie down and try to sleep. A child that often falls asleep in the car or in the stroller outside of nap time indicates a potential sleep deprivation state pointing to a deficiency that needs further evaluation,” Dr. Nilong said.

CREATE A COMFORTABLE SLEEP ENVIRONMENT

In addition to establishing a consistent bedtime routine, it’s also essential to create a comfortable sleep environment for your child. This means ensuring that their bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider investing in blackout curtains or a white noise machine to help your child fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s also important to ensure that your child’s bed is comfortable and that they have the right pillow and blankets for their needs.

PUT SCREENS AND PHONES AWAY

One of the main culprits of disrupted sleep in children is exposure to screens and electronic devices before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, and makes it harder for children to fall asleep. In addition, electronic devices can be stimulating and distracting, making it difficult for children to wind down and relax before bedtime.

To help your child sleep better, it’s important to establish a “screenfree” period before bedtime. According to The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “For children 2-5, limit noneducational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days. For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.”

Encourage your child to engage in quiet, relaxing activities instead, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or listening to soothing music. Removing screens from the bedroom altogether can also be helpful in creating a peaceful sleep environment.

REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

The environment in which children sleep plays a significant role in their sleep quality. One major factor that can interfere with a child’s sleep is the presence of screens, toys, and games in their bedroom. These distractions can keep children up late into the night and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.

In addition to limiting screen time, organizing toys and games in the bedroom can also help prevent overstimulation before bedtime. It’s important to avoid having too many toys or games in the bedroom, as this can make it difficult for children to wind down and fall asleep. Parents can also encourage their children to pick out a few calming activities before bedtime, such as reading a book or doing a puzzle. By establishing a calming environment before bedtime, parents can help their children fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly throughout the night.

TEACH DEEP BREATHING

Deep breathing exercises can be a helpful tool for promoting relaxation and calming the mind before bedtime. Research has shown that deep breathing can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of sleep disturbances in children.

“Children can use deep breathing to help them throughout the day, whether they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, need to relax or go to sleep, to calm their body after exercising, or even just to pause and reset when they are high energy,” according to Children’s Health.

Parents can teach their children to take slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. This can help to slow down the heart rate and relax the body, making it easier for children to fall asleep.

MAINTAIN CONSISTENT SLEEP SCHEDULES

While it may be tempting to let your child stay up late or sleep in on weekends and vacations, this can disrupt their sleep patterns and make it harder for them to get back into a regular sleep routine during the week. To help maintain a consistent sleep schedule, it’s important to keep the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, even on weekends and during vacations.

Parents can also help their children to adjust to time changes when traveling by gradually shifting their sleep schedule a few days before the trip. For example, if you’re traveling to a different time zone, you can start adjusting your child’s bedtime and wake-up time by 15-30 minutes each day in the week leading up to the trip.

It’s also important to stick to a regular bedtime routine, even when away from home. This can help signal to your child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. You can bring along items from home, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, to help create a sense of familiarity and comfort in a new environment.

During the early years of a child’s life, parents must establish healthy sleeping habits that will benefit their child for years to come. This involves guiding them back to bed when they wake up at the wrong time and providing comfort after nightmares or anxiety.

If you’re unsure of how to help your child sleep, you can talk to your pediatrician or a sleep specialist for advice. Even if it’s not a major problem, getting an expert’s opinion can help determine why your child is not getting proper sleep. ✦

Rescue Spotlight

Meet beautiful FANNY BANANNY ! She is a mellow young lady who would make the most ideal walking buddy every morning! She enjoys running around with her toys and catching up on some z’s on a warm comfy couch. Everyone who meets her instantly falls in love with her charming, sweet demeanor and those adorable ears! A volunteer said, “She is so calm and polite, enjoys attention, gentle and a really nice dog.”

Fanny Bananny is a 4-year-old mixed breed who is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. She weights between 75-80 lbs. She has done okay meeting other similarly sized, calm dogs at the shelter and should meet any dog siblings prior to adoption. She may do ok living with a cat after a slow introduction period. This sweet gal is very loving and fun! We can’t wait to see her blossom with her new family!

Greenhill Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org

The Cat Rescue and Adoption Network presents debonair RUSTY is a big beautiful orange-and-white gentleman kitty about 8 yrs old, who would love a home to call his own. He takes things at his own speed, but with gentle encouragement, he warms up to new people. He needs to be the only cat in a calm home where he knows he’s safe and his humans will pet and brush him. He’ll be an excellent companion for a family who can appreciate an independent cat and loves the presence of a soft, furry friend. He’s been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and is negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet Rusty, please call 541-2254955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org