Emerald Coast Parent Magazine January+February 2016 by Rob Williams

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January+February 2016

contents

6 9 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FAMILY BUILDERS

Babysitter Anxiety:

Many parents experience anxiety when they have to leave their child in someone else’s care

9 Time-Out for Mom: Adolescent 10 Supporting Romantic Relationships:

New Year appreciate-you challenge

A list of do’s and don’ts to help parents support healthy relationship skills development

17 “I Think I Can”:

Eight ways to encourage optimism in your child

42 Teen Talk:

Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another

Spark up some lively conversation with your kids. Take the FamilyChatter Challenge.

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Family Chatter..................................................................... 26 That’s Good to Know!....................................................... 28 Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care........ 29-30 Teach Your Kids Something New..................................32 Snacks—Recipes for tasty get-togethers................. 37 Crafts—Get creative with your kids.............................40

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy, fit and safe. Oh, That Aching Ear............................................................21 Why Sleep Is Important for You and Your Child..... 22

Family FUN GUIDE

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special! Seasonal Events..................................................................44 The Arts...................................................................................44 Sounds Fun............................................................................45 Runs, Walks & More.......................................................... 46 Recurring Local................................................................... 46 Volunteer................................................................................ 46

26 FamilyChatter 12/30/15 3:15 PM

parent Emerald Coast It’s Your MagazineTM

Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work. As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars. If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue! Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about, enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together! Thanks, The EC Parent Team

To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams © 2015 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved. Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned. It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

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BABYSITTER ANXIETY By Myrna Beth Haskell

I remember this experience like it was yesterday: The babysitter was about to arrive and I was still at the kitchen counter making the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I began to convince myself that maybe I should stay home. The anxiety set in. Was I really up to leaving my two preschoolers for the first time with a teenage babysitter? I had given in two weeks before by making a dinner reservation to celebrate my husband’s birthday. This would not be our first time away from our children. However, they had only been left with family members and close friends—mature adults who had raised children of their own. I was a stay-at-home mom and

hadn’t had the experience of leaving my children in a day-care situation either, so I was definitely venturing into uncharted waters. I had been calm all day because I had done all the right things in choosing this intelligent, relatively experienced, seventeen-year-old girl who seemed to adore my children. However, now that the time had almost come I was having second thoughts. What if my daughter wouldn’t go to sleep for her? What if she started to cry inconsolably as soon as I left? What if my son had a nightmare? When the doorbell rang I found myself staring into the dressing room mirror still clad in slip and stockings.

6 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Why bother putting yourself through all of this? Experts agree that it is good for the sake of your marital relationship as well as your baby. Leaving your child occasionally in the care of others is healthy for your state of mind. Having some time away helps to minimize stress and allows you to miss your child. It is good for your child as well because he will get used to being cared for by others. There will be times when leaving your child with someone else is not a choice. If you allow various family members and friends to occasionally change or feed your baby from the start, it won’t be such a shock for your child to have someone else care for him once in a while. Many parents experience anxiety when they have to leave their child in someone else’s care, but there are many things you can do to prepare yourself and your precious little one for these brief and necessary separations.

you plan to go out. Prepare a list of questions so that you won’t forget to ask something important. Some questions might include: • What are the ages of the children you’ve cared for? • Do you have CPR and emergency training? (These classes are given by the Red Cross and at pediatricians’ offices.) • What will you do if my child misbehaves? (Will she use her ingenuity and not her hand for dealing with inappropriate behavior?) • What will you do if my child has a temper tantrum? • What activities do you like to do with the children you watch? • Do you have references I can call?

Once you have someone in mind, ask for a “Get to Know You Interview.”

Choosing an Occasional Babysitter

Preparing for the Babysitter’s Arrival

It is best to ask trusted friends and neighbors who have children close in age to your own for referrals. Learning about someone else’s experience with a sitter is extremely important. This is why I chose this route as opposed to using an agency. It is also beneficial to view your potential candidate from afar where you can watch how she relates to other children and decide whether or not to ask her for a future interview. I was able to observe one of our sitters because she had volunteered to help with some local swim lessons. I learned firsthand that she had a natural rapport with children. Once you have someone in mind to interview, you can start to prepare for the process. Ask your potential sitter to come to your home to spend time with your child while you are there. I like to call it the “Get to Know You Interview.” You may want to suggest paying her for her time if you plan to have the sitter for more than a half hour. I have asked potential sitters to spend up to two hours with my children before hiring them. With this much time you can casually observe how the sitter relates to your child. Your child will get to know the sitter personally instead of being surprised by a stranger the night

Ask your sitter to arrive at least thirty minutes before you plan to leave. This way your child can get reacquainted with her. Let her know where all necessary emergency numbers are posted as well as the number where you can be contacted (such as your cell phone number). It is also a good idea to leave a neighbor’s or a friend’s number—someone close to your home who is aware that you will be out. You may want to plan a special activity or snack. Your child will look forward to the experience and associate it with the sitter coming. Prepare meals ahead of time. This gives the sitter less to fuss with and more time to focus on the children. You can also be assured that the food is cut to a desirable size if you have a toddler who is still at risk of choking. Write down a detailed description of the bedtime ritual, for this is often the most difficult task for the sitter. I used to give the sitter a copy of our ritual so that she could familiarize herself with it before the scheduled date. This included my son picking out the books he wanted read to him that night, and my daughter participating in a “You Are My Sunshine” duet. The actual separation may be difficult Continued on page 8

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When you get home, ask the babysitter about the activities she explored with your child. Evaluate her demeanor. Is she relaxed, or tense and eager to leave? Body language is often a good indicator of Continued from page 8 how things went.

Continued from page 7

the first time your child is left with a sitter. Every child is different. You should always say goodbye because he may mistrust you in the future or panic as soon as he sees the sitter. However, don’t make a major production of your exit either. Simply kiss your child promptly and tell him to have a good time. Your attitude should be upbeat. If he starts to scream, reassure him that he will have lots of fun and exit promptly. The more you hang around, the more he will realize that his screaming is keeping you there. Once you are out of sight, he will probably make the best of the situation. An experienced sitter will know how to divert him to placate the situation.

Assessment of the Babysitter When you return home, question the babysitter about the activities she explored with your child. Most important, try to evaluate her demeanor. Is she relaxed, or tense and eager to leave? Body language is often a good indicator of how things went. Always question your child as well. Ask him details about the evening and if he would like to have the sitter back. Dr. Lawrence Balter suggests, in Dr. Balter’s Child Sense (Pocket Books), “If the child doesn’t like a baby-sitter, regardless of whether there’s a good reason or not, don’t insist that

the child stay with him or her.” If your child is not talking yet, study his body language. Does he seem happy the next day? Is he unusually cranky, or does he cling more than usual? These behaviors could mean a number of things, but you should trust your own instincts. Your child should enjoy being with the sitter. If he doesn’t, find a new one, regardless of what you think of her. We finally made it out to dinner that evening, and once I settled in at the restaurant and realized that I had some precious uninterrupted time with my husband, I began to relax. When we got home, both of my children were sleeping like angels, and we learned that our sitter had lots of fun building castles with their Lego set and singing them to sleep. I remember breathing a huge sigh of relief that night. The next day, I made reservations for dinner at a quaint French bistro I had always wanted to try. v

Myrna Beth Haskell is an award-winning author, columnist and speaker. For more about her book LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert advice and support for the conscientious parent just like you (Unlimited Publishing LLC, 2012) and other works, please visit www.myrnahaskell.com.

8 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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By Christina Katz

Time-Out for Mom:

New Year Appreciate-You Challenge The New Year often brings a frenzy of moms not feeling good enough. Mom, are you sure you are not too fat? Don’t you have a bit too much debt? Couldn’t you feed your family homemade food every night as a five-course sit-down dinner accommodating everyone’s dietary needs? Are your children doing their best in every aspect of existence or should we just go ahead and blame you now?

1. Put the Freeze on Criticism. Put a dusting of snow or ice color on your nails. Then pull out your best ice princess look whenever anyone suggests it might be time to get busy on those resolutions. If only you could zap them with your fingertips like Elsa in Frozen. (Until that kicks in, use your icy stare with imaginary freezing action.)

2. This Calls for Chocolate. Most things call for afternoon chocolate, so don’t save this strategy for a cold and dreary day. See how many variations of hot chocolate you can try this winter (peppermint, caramel, or marshmallow?), then share the best with the Seriously, the New Year is often not a whole lot of fun for moms. That’s rest of the family when the next snow day rolls around. why I’m turning the table on resolutions this year, ladies. I’d like you 3. Tuppence a Bag. Worried about money? A family viewing of to celebrate all the ways you are good enough already for a change. the classic film Mary Poppins will put everything in perspective. Then To that end, I’ve gathered up ten ways you can treat your imperfect rally the family to install the largest bird feeder you can afford and self to a daily toast in your own honor. keep it overflowing with bulk birdseed from your local big box store. The year is new, but don’t change a thing. Just relish being the You’ll feel absolutely abundant every time you fill it. And birds will spectacular person you already are and I bet you’ll have your very follow you around the yard as though you were a Disney character! best year yet.

Continued on page 16

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By Heidi Smith Luedtke

SUPPORTING ADOLESCENT ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS Your daughter’s latest crush has a shock of thick black hair and a brown belt in Aikido. Enamored of his vegetarian lifestyle and Eastern interests, she’s talking tofu and downloading anime movies by the gigabyte. You? Not so impressed.

Learning from Love “Although many parents would like pre-teens to participate in supervised group activities, school dances, and trips to the mall or the movies, kids are starting to date earlier than most parents would like,” says relationship education advocate Lindsay Kriger, creator of the young women’s romance advice blog If Only I Knew.

Tweens are often preoccupied with romance. They may be infatuated with classmates or obsessed with partnerships. Spending time with peer groups exposes kids to potential love interests and offers opportunities for flirtation. By ages 16 to 18, 75% of teens report they’ve had a relationship, dated or “hooked up” with someone. Dating is an opportunity for adolescents to test out different identities, says Stephanie Madsen, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. One month your teen may be sporting an athletic persona; the next, he may be asking to turn your garage into a recording studio. His clothing choices and personal style may shift to please the latest would-be girlfriend. For parents, watching kids try on identities may be like watching bad comedy. Although the characters are awkward and unbelievable, you just can’t look away. Continued on page 12

10 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Continued from page 10

Relationships are like a mirror: kids see themselves as others see them and find out how their words and actions draw others closer or push them away. Tweens and teens also learn about their values and goals, explore their feelings, and practice communication and commitment in dating relationships, says Los Angeles-based teen life coach Melissa Kahn. “In some ways, teenage love is the purest, sweetest love of all—the kind that is about attraction and fun,” says Kahn. But that doesn’t mean young love is easy. “Romance is a double-edged sword,” says Madsen. Being admired and desired is exhilarating; getting disregarded or dumped can be crushing. First relationships also create a template teens use to understand future relationships. “Failed relationships can make teens feel inadequate, and those feelings of unworthiness may be carried around for a long time,” says Kriger. Parents can help kids learn what is appropriate in a healthy, loving partnership by taking a consulting role in early romance.

Parenting Pointers Meeting your daughter’s date at the door with a loaded shotgun or a list of killer questions would likely do more harm than good. Support healthy relationship skills development by following these do’s and don’ts. DO listen and share. “Romance can be a fun topic for parents and kids to bond over,” says Kahn. “Parents can take a listening role to hear what is on their child’s mind. They can also share their personal experiences with love, which a lot of kids are curious about.” Ask your child what qualities she looks for in a potential boyfriend and what she likes to do on a date. “A teen who has talked through what she wants in a relationship is better prepared when important 12 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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choices—like when to end a relationship—present themselves,” says Kahn. Initiate an ongoing conversation. DON’T overemphasize sex. “Fewer than half of teens in high school have had intercourse,” says Kahn, “yet many parents—fearing the worst—assume their teen is engaged in sexually risky behavior and discourage dating altogether.” Be careful to distinguish between romance and sex; they aren’t the same thing. “Many young girls are more interested in infatuation and the logistics of being asked out on a date than in sex,” says Kahn. If you immediately bring up sex when your tween or teen mentions a boyfriend, you’ll shut down the dialog. DO supervise appropriately. Madsen’s research shows that 64% of parents have rules about kids’ romantic relationships. The best rules give parents a chance to step in if their child needs support, says Madsen, but they don’t restrict kids’ behavior. For instance, you might make a rule that you must meet a date before your child goes out and that you need to know where they’re going and when they’ll return. “Restrictive rules that tell kids who they can (and can’t) date, and what they can (and can’t) do on a date are perceived as overbearing,” says Madsen, and they can backfire. Kids may look for loopholes or keep relationships secret to avoid punishment. DON’T intrude. Dating is one way kids separate from parents and that may evoke some anxiety, says Madsen. Holding on isn’t healthy. “Teens crave privacy and independence,” says Kahn, and they’ll pull away from you if you’re overinvolved. Forego any spy missions you might be contemplating. Just be available to act as a sounding

O NEE F

DO set clear expectations. Adolescents are learning what behavior is normal during dating. Explain what is and is not acceptable. Studies show that many tweens and teens experience verbal harassment in dating relationships and nearly one-third say they worry they might be physically hurt by a romantic partner. Kids need to know they don’t have to tolerate disrespect or abuse. Establish a code your child can use to escape a bad situation. If she calls or texts you the code, come to the rescue. Tell her you need her to return home immediately due to a “family emergency” and pick her up if necessary. DON’T project. Thinking back on your own teenage years may help you better connect with your child, but remember, your child is not you. “Parents may fear teens are repeating the very same mistakes we made, which—in retrospect—seem horrifying,” says Kahn. Be careful not to assume that kids are making the same choices you made or that the same results are inevitable. You can’t prevent your child from making mistakes—or talk her out of her latest crush. You can be there to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. v

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com.

ERS

F ANS R T E

ANC

AL ON B

board when your child wants to talk. When he chooses to share his dating troubles and triumphs, keep them in strictest confidence. It’s not cool to post your kid’s romance-related news to Facebook.

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See how much you rock? Make sure others catch you being awesome. Continued from page 9

4. Color All Over the Lines. Did you get one of those adult coloring books for a holiday gift? Great. Now try coloring all over the lines. Seriously, go ahead and break the coloring-book rules. See how many ways your bursts of color can spill beyond all those very serious lines. It feels liberating, doesn’t it? 5. Twist and Shout. Hula hooping is a fun activity for a dreary afternoon when you don’t feel like dragging yourself to the gym. Crank up some music and hula away the blues as you burn calories and whittle your waist. No hoop? Try twisting and shouting until the hoop you order arrives in the mail. You’ll stretch your back and loosen up your shoulders.

8. Pep Talk. Everyone else is crushing their New Year’s resolutions, but will they stick? While you are waiting to find out, why not write a letter to your inner little girl. You can pick a specifically challenging age or just address all your flubs and fears. Tell her what you know now that you wish you had known then. You’ll become her favorite heroine of all time. 9. Did Someone Say Comfort Food? Oh yeah. You definitely did not try enough soup, casserole, and bread recipes over the holidays. You were too busy juggling the hustle and the bustle. So now’s your chance. But hurry! Spring is coming and bringing bunny food back into style with it.

6. Take Stock. You have a whole bunch of strengths. You also have an assortment of skills. Most important, you have a plethora of passions. Make three columns on a single page and list them all (strengths, skills, passions). See how much you rock? Make sure others catch you being awesome.

10. You Did Great Today. And as a reward, you deserve a generous slathering of thick, scented lotion on your hands, feet and elbows before bed. Make this your new nightly ritual and go to sleep floating on a cloud of your own essential worthiness. Ahhhh. v

7. Tough Crowd. You got a flat tire, the kids have the flu, and all the people you’ve been trying to avoid are calling you? Girlfriend, you need to call on your superpower. Go take a long winter’s nap. Practice until you are good at it.

Christina Katz Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz likes herself despite a couple of mistakes she may have made once or most days. She has learned, over the years, to hide the chocolate in her home office and give the icy freeze-stare to anyone who dares to try and take it.

16 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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By Heidi Smith Luedtke

“I Think I Can”:

Eight Ways to Encourage Optimism in Your Child Are you frustrated to hear your child mutter, “Why bother? I won’t make the team” or “It doesn’t matter. I can’t get an A”? Children today face enormous academic and social pressure, but an attitude of passive resignation isn’t healthy. Dr. Martin Seligman, lead researcher for the Pennsylvania Resiliency Project and author of Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life, describes three benefits of optimism you’ll want for your child: (1) better health, (2) greater academic and extracurricular performance, and (3) the motivation to keep trying when times are tough. Optimists experience less physical distress in challenging situations than pessimists and have stronger immune systems, according to 25 years of research conducted by Dr. Michael Scheier and his colleagues at Carnegie Mellon University. Optimists live longer and happier lives. In addition, optimists are achievers. Studies show that

optimistic youth get higher grades and perform better in athletic competition than pessimists, even when they are led to believe their earlier performance was not so good. These benefits are fueled by the optimists’ tendency to give extra effort in challenging situations—optimists believe hard work pays off. Continued on page 18

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Continued from page 18

“I Think I Can”

While genetics play some role in determining kids’ attitudes, there is good evidence that we can help kids look on the bright side more often. Seligman calls this “psychological immunization” against depression. Here are some strategies to help your child think and act optimistically in today’s pessimistic culture. Practice thought watching. Learn to spot your child’s negative self-talk. Kids often express negative thoughts aloud: “My hair looks ugly,” or “I don’t have any friends.” Help your child reject unfavorable thoughts. Stop and discuss his internal dialogue. Encourage your child to police his thoughts for “bad beliefs” by acting as his very own thought cop.

Model optimistic self-talk. Talk with your child (over

breakfast, or on the way to school) about what might happen today. Perhaps you have an important meeting or are attending a playgroup together. Share your excitement with your child. Say, “I’ll have a chance to present my ideas,” or “I might make a new friend.” Don’t be afraid to mention coming events that concern you, but focus on potential joys, rather than fears of the unknown. Make a mantra. Remember The Little Engine That Could? He puffed faster and harder saying “I-think-I-can, I-think-I-can” until he succeeded. What phrase motivates your family in challenging times? Inject some humor and say your slogan together when times are tough (you’re climbing a big hill, walking a long way, or stuck in slow traffic). You’ll end up laughing about how silly you all look and show your child you’re in this together. Social support boosts optimism.

Take action. Try new things—even scary ones. Go someplace

new. Cook and eat a new food for dinner. When you meet someone new, be the first to introduce yourself. Discuss with your child the benefits of openness to new experiences. If the new food tastes icky or the new park is less fun than the old one, focus on what you learned. Perhaps say, “Now we know how much we like the slide at our park,” or “Wow, that tasted yucky! But it will make us strong and healthy.” Change your child’s explanations for adversity. Even for optimists, things don’t always turn out great. What matters is how kids make sense of undesirable outcomes. Move from global,

personal evaluations to more specific, situational ones. For instance, “I failed the test because I’m dumb and I’ll never be good at math” is pessimistic, but “I failed because I didn’t understand the problems and need more practice” allows active coping. To help your child make the switch, ask guiding questions, such as “What other explanations can you think of?” and “What can you do differently next time?”

Focus on improvement. Optimists know that getting

better is a process. Encourage your child to adopt this approach by commenting on his improvement, not just the outcome. Say, “You really improved your sprint from the starting line” or “Your spelling has really improved since the rough draft” rather than focusing on his place in the contest or his grade on the report. Follow progress visually using a simple chart. Then, when challenges arise, you can point out how far he’s come and encourage persistence. Be a skill-builder. Kids’ skills develop incrementally. Read a book or watch a video together that teaches a skill your child wants to develop. Encourage him to ask an expert for advice, if you know one. Practice the skill in a simple way then move up to bigger challenges. Reinforce the idea that your child can learn to do just about anything.

Recognize good when it happens. Some emotion

researchers believe we are genetically programmed to pay more attention to bad news than good—learning from bad news helps us survive dangerous situations. But focusing on what’s wrong diminishes all that is going right. Before bed, play the “three good things” game. Both you and your child list three good things that happened today and describe how you felt about them. You may be inspired to list three good things you anticipate tomorrow, too. An optimistic attitude encourages positive action. By encouraging an upbeat approach, you give your child the key to a healthier, happier, more productive life. Optimists’ dedicated, persistent action can change the world for the better, and I believe our kids will do just that. v Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. Learn more at www.HeidiLuedtke.com.

18 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Oh, That Aching Ear

Common-sense medicine for one of childhood’s most common ailments Earaches are a common occurrence for small children. According to the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP), ear infections are the most common bacterial illness for children in which antibacterial agents are prescribed in the United States; 90 percent of children have an ear infection, usually between ages six months and four years. Children are more prone to earaches and ear infections than adults are because their ear passages are smaller, narrower and angled differently than those of adults’—making it easier for germs to reach the middle ear and for fluid to accumulate. Once the infection has settled in, it’s more difficult for a child’s body to fight it than it is for an adult’s. A middle-ear infection in a child begins with a viral infection, such as the common cold. Sometimes fluid accumulates behind the eardrum; in other cases, the eustachian tubes – the narrow passageways between the middle ear and the back of the nose – become swollen, blocked or infected. While ear infections often follow a cold, the ear infection itself cannot be spread from person to person. Symptoms of an ear infection include: • • • • • • • • • •

Pulling or tugging at the ear Sleep interruptions Fever and/or headache Excess fluid Irritability and/or crying Cough and/or nasal discharge Skin rash Vomiting and/or diarrhea Fullness, buzzing or ringing in the ears Ear drainage

Ear infections generally do not require any intervention or medication, and usually clear up on their own within one to two weeks. Studies show that children who receive medical treatment and those who don’t recover at about the same rate. Treatment with prescription medicine is usually reserved for severe infections or ear infections in very young infants. In fact, taking antibiotics may have the opposite effect – not only by having minimal effect in speeding recovery, but also in helping to develop bacteria that are resistant to drugs. For this reason, when it comes to treating potential ear infections, less is more.

Many doctors recommend a wait-and-see period of 48 to 72 hours as the first step to treating ear infections. If it’s determined that your child has an ear infection, your pediatrician or family physician can provide medication to relieve symptoms, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or ear drops. Parents can also use a warm washcloth or a heating pad on the ear to relieve discomfort. Appropriate doses of ibuprofen or acetaminophen help with pain relief. Avoid aspirin, which is dangerous for young children. During the waiting period, make sure that your child is eating regularly and drinking plenty of liquids, and check your child’s temperature often. If your child’s pain increases with no improvement within 48 to 72 hours, his or her fever rises above 102 degrees, or your child experiences swelling around the ear, pain or stiffness in the neck area or becomes lethargic, your child should be seen by a doctor and may need antibiotics. Just as important as knowing the right things to do is knowing what not to do in treating a child’s ear pain or fluid in the ear. The AAP does not recommend treatment for young children with decongestants, antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays or prolonged, frequent or low-dose courses of antibiotics. In some cases – generally after multiple ear infections – your physician may recommend that small tubes be surgically inserted in your child’s ear(s), to drain fluid and relieve symptoms. The tube is usually a last resort and a method not generally employed unless the child is suffering from recurrent hearing problems and pain due to repetitive ear infections. Many doctors today are using tube placement less and less due to the risk of damage to the eardrum and the effectiveness of non-invasive treatment techniques. While many ear infections are unavoidable, there are things that parents can do to create a healthy environment for your children: avoid smoking, which contributes to childhood illness, and exercise good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing. v

PROVIDED BY

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YOUR FAMILY’S By Gayla Grace

Why Sleep Is Important for You and Your Child More exercise. A better diet. We hear it all the time, right? Lack of exercise and obesity come up in every conversation we hear regarding our health. But what if we’re missing an ingredient to better health? What if we’re ignoring a likely component that contributes to weight gain, lethargy, depression, and even ADHD. Research confirms the undeniable value of this missing ingredient: adequate sleep. Yet, we often choose to ignore the implications of sleep deprivation. How often do we allow our kids to push back their bedtime hour? It happens in our home. When days get hectic, sleep is the first thing to go. I hear people brag about how little sleep they get. I recently read an article titled, “The Sleepless Elite.” Margaret Thatcher, known to sleep four hours a night, once said that sleep is “for wimps.” It’s not surprising that we think it’s okay to function on as little sleep as possible. If we’re considering healthy habits, however, sleep needs to be at the top of the list—for us and our children. It plays a critical role in determining if we’re functioning at our peak. And lack of sleep often goes unrecognized in behavior issues. Sleep deprivation can mirror the symptoms of ADHD, particularly in children. Inattentiveness, impulsive behavior, trouble completing tasks, difficulty with organization, and hyperactivity are all linked to

ADHD but could also be a result of poor or inadequate sleep habits. A study in the Journal of Sleep Research concluded that treating sleep problems in some children might be enough to reduce or possibly eliminate attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity issues. Adults treated for ADHD could also be suffering from sleep issues that are contributing to their symptoms. If you or your child struggle with ADHD, consider how the sleep habits in your home might be contributing to it.

Sleep deprivation can mirror the symptoms of ADHD, particularly in children. Sleep deprivation also contributes to weight gain. Low tolerance for discomfort keeps one from making healthy eating choices. It’s easier to grab whatever requires the least amount of effort or a sugar-laden, caffeinated drink instead of a healthier option. Sugary drinks and food make us crave more sugary items, creating a cycle of unhealthy choices. And lack of energy from a sleep-deprived state also keeps us from a regular exercise routine. Nuclear pharmacist Donita Wittenberg, who works an all-night shift for a week every month, confirms the changes her body, and

22 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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specifically her appetite, go through when she is sleep-deprived. “The week I work the night shift I’m hungry all the time, like my body is craving something—sleep—but I eat instead.” Wittenberg admits to having a more difficult time controlling what she eats the week she’s on the night shift, and says, “I’m thankful it’s only one week a month.” In study after study, research confirms the benefits of adequate sleep when trying to lose weight. Dr. Plamen Penev, senior author of one such study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, says, “If your goal is to lose fat, skipping sleep is like poking sticks in your bicycle wheels. Cutting back on sleep, a behavior that is ubiquitous in modern society, appears to compromise efforts to lose fat through dieting. In our study it reduced fat loss by 55 percent.” That’s a considerable amount on anyone’s scale. Sleep deprivation leads to a host of other unhealthy problems. It can contribute to depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, slower cognition, forgetfulness, stroke, heart attack, and other debilitating issues. Our bodies need adequate sleep to function as they should. If you’re determined to set healthy goals for you and your child, focus on your sleep habits in addition to diet and exercise. It takes intentional effort to get the sleep you need as a busy mom with kids who often have busy schedules, but why not try it? Sleep more and, as a result, reap the benefits of a healthier household. v

HOW MUCH SLEEP DO YOU NEED?* Age

Sleep Needs

Newborns (0-2 months) Infants (3-11 months) Toddlers (1-3 years) Preschoolers (3-5 years) School-age children (5-10 yr) Teens (10-17 years) Adults

12-18 hours 14-15 hours 12-14 hours 11-13 hours 10-11 hours 8.5-9.25 hours 7-9 hours

*Source: National Sleep Foundation Gayla Grace is a wife and mom to five children in her blended family. Despite a busy schedule, she tries hard to get adequate sleep!

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FamilyChatter CHALLENGE YOUR FAMILY TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION!

What’s the hardest challenge in life that you have ever accomplished? Do you feel that you are a stronger person today because of it?

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What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory? What do you look forward to the most on Valentine’s Day? Explain why.

What would you do if you were President for a day? Why?

What would you change about your appearance if you could change one thing? Why?

Who are you most looking forward to receiving a valentine from this year? Why?

Have you ever had your heart broken?

Do you daydream? What do you daydream about and how often do you daydream?

What would you like to spend more time doing if you were able to?

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Do you say “I love you” at least once a day? If not, why? If so, to whom do you say it to the most?

What do you think is the most romantic vacation destination? What is the one thing you like about Valentine’s Day?

Do you feel like hand-held devices, such as your phone or tablet, and social media help or hurt your overall social life? Explain?

When was the last time you had a professional family photo taken? Is it time for a new one?

What are some ways your family can help the homeless or underprivileged during the winter season?

Chatter Challenge Tips: Here are a number of places you can use these questions to spur on great conversations with your family!

At the Kitchen Table In the Family Room During Commercials In the Back Yard On Road Trips in the Car Yell them out loud—out of the blue—just for fun!

What are some things your family can do that would help you spend more quality time together?

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That’s Good to Know!

InformationYou Can Use!

s to y a W n e z o AD ithout W e s i c r Exe ng a Dime Spendi o ln a r By Pam M

As the new year begins, people begin to reevaluate their exercise routine. Is it time to step it up? Should you join a gym? According to Statistic Brain, the average cost of a monthly gym membership is $58, yet 67% of people with gym memberships never use them. If you are looking to save a little money and still feel comfortable in your bathing suit this summer, check out these exercise options that won’t cost you a dime.

Borrow workout DVDs— Whether you enjoy the calming stretches of yoga or the more intense workouts of P90, your local library carries of variety of exercise videos for all skill levels. Most rental periods are one week for videos, giving you the opportunity to try a lot of different exercise routines. Tune into YouTube— Discover thousands of cardio, fat-burn-

ing, dance, yoga, and general fitness videos. With YouTube available on so many devices, there is no excuse for not finding a time and place to exercise. Head to the park, close your office door, or work out in the privacy of your own home.

app and set your activity to walk. This free app will track your pace, time, distance and calorie burn. Walk with a friend, push a stroller, or simply wander the mall and people watch.

Do the stairs— Head to a nearby hotel or office building and

take the stairs. Set the timer on your phone or simply count the number of flights you take. Can’t get away from home? If you have stairs in your house, turn on some music and start climbing. Want to get outside? Try the bleachers at the local high school.

Jump rope— Every garage has an old jump rope or tie-down rope. Get out in the sun and start jumping. This is an easy activity to involve your older kids. Try making it a competition—the one who jumps the least times has to do the dishes.

Go old school— Remember middle school gym class? Put on a T-shirt and shorts and start with the basics. Try jumping jacks, pushups, sit-ups, squats and lunges. Structured workout suggestions can be found on Pinterest or by Googling “calisthenics routines.”

Window shop at the mall— That’s right! Lace up your shoes Dance— Invite your girlfriends to come over and crank up the tunes and head to the mall for some free indoor exercise. Walking at 3 mph can burn over 200 calories per hour. Download the Map My Run

for a kitchen dance party. If your kids have a game console, ask them to play Just Dance with you. Don’t have the game? Borrow it from a friend! Continued on page 31

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

R E H y u care Show interest in her friends and give her time to be with them. Give her your undivided attention when she wants to talk. Surprise her by doing some things around the house she’s wanted done. Put your arm around her in front of your friends. Limit the gross stuff—like burping and passing gas. Practice good manners. Get involved in things she enjoys by participating or discussing them. Surprise her by preparing a bath for her to relax in—but be mindful of her schedule. Flirt with her.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Let her sleep in and get the children breakfast and, if possible, off to school! Don’t work late. Come home early. Arrange to take her out to lunch during your lunch break.

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M I H y u care Grab a couple blankets and lie on the beach to stargaze tonight. Kiss him in a different way than normal—keep your romance alive. Don’t quarrel over words.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue. Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Show interest in what he feels is important in life. Tell him you still think he’s sexy. Get a babysitter and take him out to a movie and dessert. Thank him for all that he does for you and the children. Go on daily walks together and talk about your days, schedules . . . life. Help him to spend more time with his family and friends and enjoy life. Tell him you love him—often. Have a photo session together and frame the best picture, so he can take it to his office.

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Pull out the soccer ball, tennis rackets or basketball for a quick pick-up game .

Continued from page 28

Get outside and run— You see joggers everywhere: on trails,

city streets or in local parks. For motivation, sign up to do a local 5K with your friend or spouse.

For added exercise, bike or walk to the park. Use what you have— Make your own weights by filling empty water bottles and milk jugs with water or sand. Place on a scale and mark the weight on the bottle. Look online for exercise routines that use kitchen chairs, walls or stairs.

Do some spring cleaning— Now is the perfect time to clean out the attic, crawlspace or basement. Lifting boxes, moving furniture and heavy cleaning can burn up 400 calories per hour.

Play sports at the local park— Pull out the soccer ball, tennis rackets or basketball for a quick pick-up game with family or friends. For added exercise, bike or walk to the park.

Hike at the state park— State parks have free admission and are open year round. Stop in the information center for a trail map and enjoy the outdoors while hiking through nature. Many parks allow dogs on their leashes, so bring your four-legged friend for some exercise, too. v

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the average woman is 63.8 inches tall and weighs 166.2 lbs. With that in mind, the chart below shows how many calories the average woman can burn without having to pay for a monthly gym membership. Want to find the calorie burn for your own weight and height? Check out HealthStatus.com. Cleaning the House

Dusting (15 min.) – 45 Mopping (15 min.) – 85 Washing Dishes (15 min.) – 42

Calisthenics

Jumping Jacks (10 min.) – 56 Pushups (5 min.) – 32 Sit-ups (5 min.) – 28 Jumping Rope (10 min.) – 126

Going Places

Running 6 mph (30 min.) – 378 Walking 3 mph (30 min.) – 164 Hiking (30 min.) – 224 Stairs (30 min.) – 304

Playing Sports

Frisbee (20 min.) – 76 Tennis (singles, 30 min.) – 229 Soccer (casual, 30 min.) – 264 Jump on Trampoline (15 min.) – 70

Pam Molnar is one of the 67% who underutilizes her gym membership. With college on the horizon for her three children, she plans to try a more budget-friendly exercise routine in 2016.

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Teach Your Kids Something New!

Couch e h t t u O g Weedin to Do s g in h T 0 5 : Potatoes en Time e r c S f o d a e Inst o ln a r By Pam M

Across the nation, crops of couch potatoes sprout up every winter. They are fueled by the colder days and early sunsets, leaving them unable to do more than is absolutely necessary. If you are looking for alternative ways to entertain the kids and yourself this winter, try leaving the electronics in their chargers. Here are 50 suggestions to help combat cabin fever and get you through until the spring thaw:

Use your imagination: Make paper airplanes out of colored paper Cut out paper dolls and accessories from newspapers Create dollhouses and furniture out of felt pieces Build skyscrapers out of Legos or Tinker Toys Use large cardboard boxes to create kid-sized houses that they can decorate

Get outside: Take a walk around the neighborhood with the dogs or a friend Roller blade around cones in a parking lot on a sunny day Head to the park for a trip across the monkey bars Jump rope in the driveway Bundle up for an outdoor winter scavenger hunt

Make a game of it:

Pick card games like Uno, Hearts or Rummy Try a dice game like Tenzi or LCR Bring out the board games—classics like Monopoly or Sorry! Create a Battleship game out of two pizza boxes Tape a tic-tac-toe board on the floor and use colored bean bags for the Xs and Os

Expand your mind: Play Sudoku or complete a word search Browse the library for a good book Set up a home laboratory and create some science experiments Put together a model car Work a puzzle

Play road-trip games without leaving the house: Name That Tune—Turn on the radio and see how quickly you can identify the songs I Spy—Describe something in the house so the other players can guess what it is Alphabet Game—Name animals, foods, or athletes starting with the letter A, then B, and so on Mad Libs—Fill in the blanks to a short story with nouns, verbs and adjectives Bingo—You will find free printable bingo sheets online

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Spend time with family:

Look through photo albums or school memorabilia Use your talents to create a family variety show Cook dinner together or bake cookies Sing karaoke or have a dance party Listen to a book on CD together every night

Get crafty: Make homemade Play-Doh from Kool-Aid Build structures with marshmallows and toothpicks Create pasta people with glue and a variety of pasta shapes Use duct tape and cardboard to make swords and shields Design popsicle-stick snowflakes, paint white and hang in the windows

Combat cabin fever and get you through until the spring “thaw.” Get out and go: Go bowling Play indoor laser tag Head to the local indoor pool for a game of Marco Polo Get messy with a game of paintball Try rock climbing

Do something for the animals: Teach your dog a new trick String popcorn on a string or make homemade suet for the birds Collect towels and blankets for the animal shelter Create a maze for your hamster Make a no-sew pet bed for your cat

Think spring: Plant seedlings to start your garden early Have an indoor picnic Use watercolors to paint a summer sky Make a kite out of sticks and a kitchen garbage bag Order a caterpillar-to-butterfly kit and watch them grow v Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. This list was compiled over the last 17 years of hearing her children say, “I’m bored!” ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Jan+Feb 2016 • 33

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SNACKS &â&#x20AC;&#x2020;CRAFTS This year, durring the winter season, set aside a little time for some good, old-fashioned, family fun.

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Black Olive Penguins INGREDIENTS • Jumbo Pitted Black Olives • Medium Pitted Black Olives • Soft Cream Cheese • One Can of Sliced Carrots • Cheese knife • Toothpicks

These penguins are a tasty treat that will add a little fun to any party.

DIRECTIONS • Cut the jumbo olive lengthwise to create the slit that will become the tuxedo shirt. • Using a small cheese knife, fill the tummy of the penguin with cream cheese. This may work best if the cream cheese is at room temperature. • Wipe the excess cream cheese off the olive with a damp cloth or sponge. • Cut a wedge out of a carrot slice to create feet. We used canned carrots because they are not too hard. • Place the small carrot wedge in the opening of the medium olive to create a beak. • Assemble the penguin by pushing a toothpick through the head, body, and feet. Place your completed penguins on a serving tray.

Donut Snowmen INGREDIENTS • Mini Powdered Sugar Donuts • Bamboo Skewers • Regular and Mini Chocolate Chips • Mike and Ikes® • Red Yarn DIRECTIONS • Line up three donuts like a snowman body. • Push bamboo skewer through the donuts from the bottom. • Add regular chocolate chips to bottom two donuts for buttons. • Add mini chocolate chips to the top donut for eyes and mouth. • Add an orange Mike and Ike® for the nose. • Tie the red yarn under the top donut as a scarf.

These snowmen treats are easy to make, but require a light touch in order to keep the donuts from breaking.

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Sweatheart Cheesecakes INGREDIENTS • Heart Shaped Silicone Mold • Jello No-Bake Cheesecake Mix® • Food Coloring Gel • Fine Paintbrush DIRECTIONS • Prepare cheesecake according to the directions on the package. • Spray molds thoroughly with non-stick spray. • Place a small amount of graham cracker mixture into each mold and press down to create a ¼ inch crust. • Divide cheesecake mixture into three bowls. Add food coloring to create pink, orange and yellow. • Pour each colored mixture into two hearts, this will create 6 colored hearts. There will be some mixture left over. • Put the mold into the refrigerator for one hour. Then move it to the freezer for one more hour. This allows the cheesecake to harden enough to push out of the mold. • Remove the mold from the freezer. Apply pressure to the bottom of each heart until it pops out. • Squeeze some red food coloring gel onto a plate. Using the fine paintbrush, paint sayings such as KISS ME, BE MINE, and CUTIE PIE on the top of each heart. • Allow hearts to thaw before serving.

Cheesecake meets Valentine’s Day with these fun-sized, personal cheesecakes!

Valentine Marshmallow Treats INGREDIENTS • Large Marshmallows • Melting Chocolate • Sprinkles • Toothpicks • Waxed Paper • Various Scrapbooking Paper in Reds and Pinks • Heart Punch • Double-sided Sticky Tape DIRECTIONS • Melt chocolate according to the directions on the package. • Dip a marshmallow in the chocolate. Hold the marshmallow over a large bowl and drop sprinkles onto it. Reuse excess sprinkles that fall into the bowl. • Place the marshmallow on waxed paper to dry. • Punch hearts out of scrapbooking paper; you will need two hearts per marshmallow. • Add sticky tape to the back of one heart, place the toothpick between the hearts and squeeze the two sides together. • Push the toothpick into the top of the marshmallow.

38 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Blingy Valentines Candles M AT E R I A L S

• Paper • Scissors • Glitter

Compliments of northshoredays.com

• Pillar Candle • Elmer’s Glue • Foam brush DIRECTIONS

• Cut a heart shaped template out of a sheet of paper. • Wrap the paper around the pillar to use as a template. • Apply glue to the inside of the heart template with the foam brush. • Remove template. • Place glitter in a shallow tub. Roll the candle in the glitter until heart is completely covered. • Let dry.

These candles will make great winter decorations for any home and are easy to make with children of any age!

“I Love You” Paper Straw Wreath

easily this craft can be The materials for d less online.com. Spen ordered at Plaid ft supplies cra und looking for time driving aro fting! and more time cra

M AT E R I A L S

• Adhesive Letters with Adhesive Tops • Tissue Paper – White • Red & White Paper Straws • Scissors • Paintbrush • Hot Glue Gun

Compliments of plaidonline.com

• Apple Barrel® Colors White, 2 oz. • Mod Podge® Podgeable Glitters • Mod Podge® Sheer Color Pink, 4 oz. • Wood Heart Plaque DIRECTIONS

• Paint the heart plaque Apple Barrel white. Let dry. • Cut the tissue paper into small squares (approx 30-40). • Apply a base layer of pink Mod Podge to the plaque. Place tissue squares and then Mod Podge over each—overlapping squares until the entire plaque is covered with tissue. Let dry. • Apply a second layer of pink Mod Podge over the top and let dry. • Add the adhesive letters to the plaque and peel off the tops. • Shake a liberal amount of the Mod Podge silver glitter over the letters and brush away the excess with a dry paintbrush. • Hot glue the paper straws to the back of the heart plaque to complete the wreath.* • Let dry for 24 hours before hanging with command strips, a ribbon attached to the back of the plaque or another type of removable adhesive.

*Tip: Lay your straws out before gluing them down so that you can make sure they are evenly spaced.

40 • Jan+Feb 2016 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Button Bouquet M AT E R I A L S

Compliments of northshoredays.com

• Galvanized Wire • Various Red and Pink Buttons • Pliers

• Wire cutters • Vase • Floral Craft Moss

DIRECTIONS

• Choose 2 to 3 buttons of different sizes and stack them. • Cut a length of wire. • Starting from the bottom, thread the wire through one side of holes, loop and thread through the other side. • Twist the wires to hold the buttons in place. • Continue twisting the wire all the way to the bottom. • Repeat a dozen or so times, depending on the size of your vase. • Place the flowers into the vase and bend the wires to arrange as desired. • Fill the remainder of the space with floral craft moss.

This little button bouquet makes a great Valentine’s Day gift!

Rose Wreath M AT E R I A L S

• Red tissue paper • Cardboard • Scissors

• Ruler • Hot Glue • Newspaper

• Red acrylic paint • Foam brush • White ribbon

itallstartedwithpaint.com

DIRECTIONS

You’ve taken down all your Christmas decorations . . . now what? This beautiful rose weath will add a little color back to your house.

• Lay tissue paper flat. • Measure 3” wide strips and cut the entire length of the tissue paper. You will need many strips. • Crinkle the tissue paper in your hands. • Fold Strip in half lengthwise and start rolling. Add dabs of hot glue at the beginning. • Continue rolling into rosettes adding a dab of hot glue here and there. Add a final dab of hot glue at the end of the rosette. • Repeat forty or so times. • Trace a large heart shape out of newspaper. Cut out and place on top of cardboard. Trace the heart shape onto the cardboard and cut out with scissors. • Paint heart with red acrylic paint and allow to dry. • Hot glue the rosettes onto the heart starting at the top. • Continue adding rosettes until heart is full. • Add a ribbon to the back to hang. ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • Jan+Feb 2016 • 41

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TEEN Helpful Advice from One Teen to Another!

The New Year brings immense possibility and hope. We oftentimes find ourselves searching for a resolution to a problem or for ways to improve our own well-being. This New Year might be off to an amazing start or to a more glum beginning—either way, in the next 365 days we have the opportunity to make better what is already great or to amend broken paths. It’s all in the way we decide to perceive it. So here is a toast to new beginnings, new friends, new lifestyles and to overall health.

TALK

too difficult for you to pass. Stop stressing out; you’ve got this. Just study hard, and get enough sleep the night before the test.

yourself fall apart. Just make sure that you piece yourself together again. Do not let your feelings consume you.

4. Not everyone is going to like you. Don’t let people’s opinions change how you think about yourself. You are your own person, and some people won’t understand you. There is nothing you can do about this, so hold your head high and stay true to yourself.

9. Tell the ones who have hurt you what they did—don’t keep quiet. They do not get to decide that they didn’t hurt you; you are allowed to be as angry and upset as you want. And unless what they did was next to unforgiveable, don’t be quick to burn your bridges. I know that your world is on fire; I know that it hurts. But one day you may look back and wish that you could talk to them again. Spare yourself the pain.

5. Your mental health is important. Sometimes it feels as if your world is falling apart and that you are alone, but keep in mind that you never really are. Many people care for you and are going to be there for you. It won’t be perfect, but it will get better.

10. Have your own opinions. Be a free spirit all the time. Do not conform to those 1. Its okay to cut people off who no around you, or you will drown the second longer make you happy, even people 6. Take it easy on your mom. She has that you are alone. Explore the world, explore who at one point meant the world to you. a job, and when she comes home exhausted, yourself. Its okay to change your opinion, but Surround yourself with those who bring light don’t take out all your frustrations on her. She make sure that it’s always your own. back into your life—people who make you loves you, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. The past will always be a part of you, but feel as if the sun is always shining even when 7. Don’t take your dad for granted. you can change your future in an instant. it is pouring outside. He tries to give you the world every single Remember to always stay true to yourself 2. Your parents are going to fight. day. Even when it seems as if all he wants to and to disregard the grudges you’ve been It’s messy, it’s painful, and it’s going to leave do is yell at you for your mistakes or embar- holding onto. Everyone makes mistakes— some scars, but it’s naive and unrealistic to rass you in front of your friends for fun, he’s we are only human beings—but we have the assume that a marriage will always be per- only trying to better you, because he loves ability to adjust at any moment. Take this fect. Time is lost between the two of them, you. Appreciate all the little things, and be New Year and make it your own. v but in the end everything will be alright. thankful for the big ones. Your dad is a huge part of your life, just as your mom is; never 3. You’re in high school— focus on your shut them out. education and on having the best time you can, even when it feels as if your grades are 8. Allow yourself to feel things. in freefall or as if that exam next week is Do what you need to do to fully grieve; let J U N I O R, AG E 16

Shailey

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Family

FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS Enjoy the Holidays Together! We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Enjoy!

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13th Annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade

Sun, Feb 7 – Baytowne Wharf (2:00 p.m.) Head to Baytowne for their 13th annual Mardi Gras Dog Parade! This year’s theme is “Bark n’ Roll takes on Mardi Gras”! For more information and to register, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

14th Annual Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Parade Tues, Feb 9 – Baytowne Wharf (5:00 p.m.)

Let the good times roll with the 14th annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash Parade rolling through Sandestin! Watch unique and colorful floats, golf carts and pick-up trucks roll down the streets, and catch your favorite beads, moon pies and trinkets! For more information please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

SunQuest Cruises Solaris Valentine’s Dinner Cruise

Sun, Feb 14 – Baytowne Marina (7:00 p.m.) What makes a more romantic Valentine’s Day than indulging in a chef-prepared meal while cruising into the moonlight on the sparkling waters on a 125-foot yacht? There will be food, dancing, live entertainment and more. For reservations please call 850-650-2519.

Dukes of Dixieland

Sat, Jan 23 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center A night of Mardi Gras jazz and brass will benefit the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra when the world famous Dukes of Dixieland from New Orleans appear at 7:30 p.m. on the main stage! For more information visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

MADCO DANCE

Thurs, Jan 28 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center The 2016 Artist Series at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center features some of the nation’s finest professional dancers with MADCO, the prestigious Modern American Dance Company, in an evening of eclectic and exuberant dance. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 850-729-6000.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Benefit for Niceville High School Tues, Feb 2 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra performs in concert to benefit the Niceville High School Band program at 7:30 p.m. in the main-stage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Tickets are now on sale; for more information please call 850-729-6000.

Branson Show Camp

Fri, Feb 5 – Fort Walton Beach Branson Show Camp brings high-class Branson entertainment to Fort Walton Beach at 2:00 p.m.! This year Branson Show Camp will offer back a percentage of proceeds to the Air Force Enlisted Village! For more information please call 850-243-3809.

Seasonal Events Baytowne on Ice

Snowbirds Concert – Soundsations Showchoir

Sun, Nov 1–Sun, Jan 31 – Baytowne Wharf Baytowne on Ice is back, and the ice-skating rink is the best way to get into the winter spirit! Also, for the month of January, receive a buy-one-get-one-free skating lesson every Wednesday! For more information please call 850-714-7614.

Sun, Feb 7 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Winter Guest Fest

Fri, Jan 15 – Okaloosa Island (8:00 a.m.) This is the area’s largest visitor tradeshow, catering to our winter visitors and snowbirds! It will be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center, as it is expected to attract more than 1,500 visitors. It will feature food, fun and freebies! For more information please call 850-244-8191.

Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island Sat, Jan 16 – Okaloosa Island (1:00 p.m.)

Come prepared to catch the beads and moon pies tossed from the brilliantly decorated floats! For more information call 850-244-8191.

8th Annual Mardi Gras Parade

Sat, Feb 6 – HarborWalk (2:00 p.m.) Grab your krewe and head to Destin’s biggest Mardi Gras parade! There will be amazing floats, colorful costumes, street performers, live entertainment and more! For more information please visit www.harborwalkdestin.com.

The Arts Live From Nashville

Wed, Jan 13 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center Start your New Year with phenomenal fiddling, fancy footwork and amazing vocals as Live From Nashville hits the main stage! This incredible production direct from Music City features an evening of America’s greatest country, folk and patriotic songs. For more information visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Seussical

Fri, Jan 22 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center This annual children’s series presents a national tour of live theatrical events based on bestselling children’s literature. The awardwinning story Seussical will be in town for two performances at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For information please call 850-729-6065.

Northwest Florida State College’s group of fine and performing arts scholarship students, the Soundsations Show Choir, will perform their spectacular variety show of song and dance in the main-stage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville at 2:00 p.m. For more information contact the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office at 850-729-6000.

AIDA – National Tour of International Opera – Broadway Series Thurs, Feb 11 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

At 7:30 p.m. the Mattie Kelly Arts Center presents Aida by the famed European opera troupe Teatro Lirico D’Europa. Verdi’s epic opera about ancient Egypt is magnificent in this fully staged opera with a live orchestra. For tickets and more information, please call 850-729-6000.

Miss Nelson Is Missing

Fri, Feb 12 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center This annual children’s series presents a national touring series of live theatrical events based on bestselling children’s literature. The delightful Miss Nelson Is Missing appears for two performances at 9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For more information please call 850-729-6065.

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Annie – National Tour Broadway Musical Tues, Feb 16 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Enjoy the national tour of the mega-hit Broadway musical and one of the world’s bestloved musicals, Annie! Tickets are available for $45 each. For more information please call 850-729-6000.

MJ LIVE: A Tribute to Michael Jackson Sat, Feb 27 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Thrill to mega hits from the king of pop performed by tribute artists who recreate the feeling and experience of a genuine Michael Jackson concert. Tickets and more information are available by calling 850-729-6000.

reading and jam session at the Crestview Public Library. This event is free to the public. For more information please contact Esther at 850-682-4432 or Rick at 850-585-6399.

Wine Tasting at Twisted Grape

Sun, Jan 24 – Shalimar (2:00 p.m.) Join friends and art supporters by attending this annual event to benefit the Okaloosa Art Alliance. There will be food, wine, live entertainment and drawings for chances to win tickets to upcoming events. The Okaloosa Arts Alliance will also be presenting grants to local non-profits at this event. For more information please call 850-499-8335.

Super Chili Bowl Cookoff

Sat, Feb 6 – Pensacola (12:00 p.m.) Let the chopping begin at the Flora-Bama’s “Super” Bowl Chili Cook-Off! Teams will work their chili wizardry to win their version of the best chili ever and will receive an award at the end of the day! Come sample the wide variety of dishes! For more information please call 850-492-0611.

27th Annual Sandestin Seafood Gumbo Festival

Sat, Feb 13 – Baytowne Wharf (12:00 p.m.)

festival will be held on the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College in the Student Services Center. Food samples from a variety of area restaurants will be available, accompanied by over 50 different wines from around the world, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, a silent auction and live music! Tickets will benefit the NFSO and can be purchased by calling 850-729-6000.

Watercolor Workshop

Tues, Feb 23 – Bayou Arts Center (9:30 a.m.) The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County announces that Tom Lynch, one of the nation’s premier watercolorists, will lead a four-day watercolor workshop February 23–26 at the Bayou Arts Center. For more information please call 850-622-5970.

Emerald Coast Parrot Heads Chili Cook-Off Sat, Feb 27 – HarborWalk (11:00 a.m.)

We’re bringing the heat to the Destin Harbor, as over 20 restaurants cook up their secret chili recipes for the 11th Annual Chili Cook-Off! Expect hot, spicy chili and live entertainment on the Destin Harbor! For more information please visit www. harborwalkdestin.com.

This winter festival favorite is back for the 27th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival! Sample a variety of gumbo, and vote your favorite as the “People’s Choice Winner”! Celebrity judges will name the “Area’s Best” and award the most creative setup as “Best Display.” Gulf Coast restaurants will be featured along with live music and children’s activities. For more information please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Island Dance Party

Sat, Feb 13 – Okaloosa Island (6:00 p.m.) Head down to the Emerald Coast Conference Center and dance to all different types of music by the Emerald Gold Band, which will be playing favorites from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s! Proceeds will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. For more information please visit www. islanddanceparty.com.

Sounds Fun ADSO’s Liquid Acrylics, Loose and Lively Workshop

Mon, Jan 11 – Fort Walton Beach (9:30 a.m.) Linda Kernick, award-winning and eclectic artist, offers a new workshop with acrylics at the Arts and Design Society. Beginning to advanced students will learn new techniques as they create paintings depicting people. For information please call 850-244-1271.

Poetry and Music Jam—Crestview Library Every 2nd Tues – 6:00 p.m.–7:45 p.m.

Poets and musicians are encouraged to bring their best work to a free-form open-mic poetry

United Way’s 25th Annual Champion Chili Competition Sat, Feb 20 – Santa Rosa Mall

Get your teams and your chili recipes ready to brew at the 25th annual Champion Chili Competition to be held at the Santa Rosa Mall. Earn bragging rights for the “Best Chili” in town, win over the judges for the “Best Booth Showmanship” or win the “People’s Choice Award.” Each team is paired with a United Way partner agency with all proceeds benefiting the agencies. Get more information and register now by calling 850-243-0315.

Symphony of Taste Food & Wine Festival Sun, Feb 21 – Niceville (1:00 p.m.)

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

The Northwest Florida Symphony Guild’s popular annual food- and wine-tasting

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Recurring Local Pyramid Art Show

Through the month of January From January 5–22, ADSO will be hosting the Pyramid Art Show. The public is invited to a reception on January 8 at 6:00 p.m. Gallery hours will be from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Admissions are free and open to the public. For more information please call 850-862-7139.

GulfWind Paddle & Surf BOTE Board Demo Event

Wed, Jan 6 – Santa Rosa Beach (6:00 p.m.)

Runs, Walks & More Destin’s 6th Bayou, Bay & Beach 5K Run/ Walk, 10K and Half Marathon Sat, Jan 23 – Destin (7:30 a.m.)

The 10K and half-marathon courses are USA Track & Field certified, while all other courses are set alongside Destin waterways with breathtaking views of the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Harbor and the East Pass as they lead through Destin along a four-mile undeveloped stretch of Okaloosa Island and back. For more information please contact Bryce Trafford at 850-837-2711, extension 2.

Capes and Crowns Fun Run + 5K

Sat, Jan 30 – Baytowne Wharf (9:00 a.m.) Get ready to dress up as your favorite superhero or glittering princess—the Capes & Crowns Fun Run + 5K will be a magical experience for the entire family! The 5K begins at 9:00 a.m., and the half-mile Fun Run begins at 10:00 a.m. The event includes face painting, superhero and princess appearances from Enchanted Parties, post-race games and complimentary post-race craft beer from Grayton Beer Company. For more information please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Every Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., socialize with other paddleboard enthusiasts, and take the time to demo ride the entire fleet of BOTE Boards! For information please contact Steve with GulfWind Paddle & Surf at 850-200-8375.

Winter Guest Concert Series

Sun, Jan 10 – HarborWalk (2:00 p.m.) Shake off the chills of winter with free live music on HarborWalk Village’s main stage! All winter guests and locals are invited to enjoy live music on Sundays 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information please visit www. harborwalkdestin.com.

ArtWalk On The Harbor

Every month at HarborWalk Village Every third Sunday of the month from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. HarborWalk Village will transform into a mini art district. Dozens of artists will come out to showcase their work. You will find all kinds of art, from contemporary to traditional, from paintings to handcrafted jewelry and more. For more information please call 850-424-0600.

Volunteer Opportunity Place

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

Monthly Movie Night

Every month at the Destin Library The Friends Guild of the Destin Library will sponsor a monthly movie night on the third Tuesday of every month beginning at 4:00 p.m. For more information and scheduling, please visit the Destin Library at 150 Sibert Avenue in Destin.

Don’t See Your Event? Send calendar events to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com

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