South Florida Family Life - January 2023

Moments that Count

Nikki was born deaf. Within months, our team of experts worked with her family on a plan of action.

In a pivotal moment for this bright-eyed little girl, Samuel Ostrower, MD, Chief, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, gave her bilateral cochlear implants. Six years later, Nikki’s speech and language skills have developed normally.

“The moment that she heard us for the first time, it was just amazing,” recalls dad Ricardo.

As Dr. Ostrower says — in the moments that count, it is an honor to have the trust of our families and to have a profound impact on patients like Nikki.

Nikki, who has cochlear implants, and Samuel Ostrower, MD

departments

SOUTH FLORIDA SPOTLIGHT

Staying in touch with the people, places and events in our community. 26

GROWING PAINS

The truth about raising honest kids from toddlers to teens. 28

SPECIAL NEEDS

7 fabulous, fun and free apps for children with diverse needs. 32

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Entertaining and noteworthy things to see and do throughout South Florida. 34

WORDS OF WISDOM

JANUARY 2023 features

GET UP AND GO! Make the most of your day with this 24-hour energy plan.

South Florida Family Life is published twelve times per year by Family Life Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout South Florida. South Florida Family Life is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to South Florida Family Life will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.

Copyright 2023 by Family Life Media Group. All rights reserved.

BONDING

FURRY BEST FRIEND A Dog’s Day Out

WITH YOUR

One way to make your little tail-wagger happy is to have him hop in the car and take him on a trip that doesn’t involve the vet or dog groomer. Wondering where to go or what to do? First, think about your dog’s personality, tendencies and temperament to help find the best fit, and then make a plan. There are plenty of pet-friendly places in South Florida that welcome pups, and their humans. Here are some suggestions.

Sun and Surf — There’s a wide variety of beaches that dedicate space to our four-legged friends to splash and play, including Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach in Broward; Bark Beach Oceanside Park and Haulover Beach in Miami-Dade; and Bark Beach at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton. Performance Pups dog park at Tigertail Lake Recreational Center in Dania Beach offers a freshwater lake alternative for those looking to skip the salt and the sea life. The location also has private rentals available for solo swimming or to host a party for Fido and his pack.

A Day at the Park — There are countless off-leash dog parks locally where your dog can run free. Many have separate fenced-in areas for small dogs and larger dogs, obstacle courses, walking paths, sprinkler stations, open spaces and shady resting spots. Many parks also host special events like Woofstock, taking place this year from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 11 at Pawgrass dog park at Welleby Park in Sunrise. The annual celebration of dogs and dog lovers features entertainment, rescue groups, specialized vendors and more. The first 500 canines to arrive get a “doggie bag” of treats.

Dog Dates — Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami gives us many opportunities to spend time with our fur babies too, with activities like Doga (dog yoga), a dog bazaar, pet portraits, glow night and other events. Check out their calendar at www.fairchildgarden.org.

quite ready for structured play, keep it simple by taking a walk, playing catch, or making a pet-friendly puzzle for them to solve. Your doggo will thank you for it. After all, every dog must have his day.

It’s All Fun and Games

If you were to visit the South Florida Fair for each of the 17 fun-filled consecutive days that it’s in town, you’d see something different and exciting every, single time.

From January 13-29, the South Florida Fair provides non-stop action and entertainment with music, shows, daily parades, comedy, a cowboy circus, magic and more. This year’s theme is “Dino-Myte” and features a Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit, a Jurassic Kingdom dinosaur show, a Prehistoric Dinosaur Adventures mobile van and other prehistoric-themed fun. The event also includes a Dinotopia on Ice Show on select days. Of course there will also be traditional fan-favorites including fair food, carnival games and a midway with rides for all ages.

The South Florida Fair is at 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. Admission is $15 Monday through Friday (for 11 years and older), and $20 on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for children 10 and younger. Ride wristbands are $30 Monday through Friday and $45 Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www.southfloridafair.com.

Near Naples, at Ave Maria, more is an invitation and a promise.

More full days of getting out and about, without ever getting into a car.

More shopping, golf rounds, fishing trips, and bike rides in nature.

More of the impromptu, spontaneous fun that turns up the joy in life.

And with four renowned builders and an array of home designs from the $200s, you’ve got a lengthy list of reasons to come see us.

Go! UP Get

YOUR

Fantasy: You downsize your to-do list, ignore your computer and phone, and delegate your responsibilities as a mom, daughter, wife, sister, coworker or boss.

Reality: You’ve got more to do than ever, with hundreds of e-mails flooding your inbox, homework to help with, loads of laundry piling up, and a new baby and puppy to boot. Sound familiar? Then maximize your energy level by tweaking your daily habits. This hour-by-hour guide can help you power up your day so you can multitask more efficiently and feel peppier while you’re at it. Use it to help you peak your performance as a parent.

LET IN THE LIGHT

24-Hour ENERGY PLAN

By Sandra Gordon

role model. “If you’re not eating breakfast yourself, it’s going to be hard to get your child to value it,” says Elizabeth Ward, M.S., R.D., author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Feeding Your Baby and Toddler.

GET YOUR FIRST CAFFEINE FIX

9:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

When you wake up in the morning, your circadian rhythm, an alertness cycle, peaks. Cells in your brain that influence vigilance fire rapidly. “They tell your brain: ‘Get going! Get things done!’” says Alejandro Chediak, M.D., medical director of the Miami Sleep Disorders Center. Still, it generally takes an average of about 25 minutes to go from groggy to fully awake. To speed the process so you can get the kids up and at ‘em, open the shades and turn on the lights. When sunlight or bright artificial light enters through your eyes and travels to the suprachiasmatic nucleus – your brain’s internal clock — it triggers alertness at any time of day. Morning light exposure is especially important, though, because it sets your 24-hour circadian cycle, so you’ll be sleepy at bedtime. The Energizer Bunny runs on batteries. You function best on a good night’s sleep. More on that later.

EAT PROTEIN FOR BREAKFAST

Caffeine is as potent as breakfast to get you going. According to a recent study in the International Journal of Neuroscience, those who consumed a 440-calorie breakfast or 200 milligrams of caffeine (roughly two cups of coffee) had more mental energy and performed better on two separate computerized cognitive tests than those who didn’t have either. But don’t gulp down your daily dose in one sitting. A study involving U.S. Navy Seals found that an average of 300 mg of caffeine (equivalent to three cups of coffee) consumed throughout the day is optimal for mental and physical performance. So save your ammunition and have one cup now, and more later, if necessary. Besides boosting brain power and memory, caffeine makes you feel more vigorous and improves your mood, says Harris R. Lieberman, Ph.D., a research psychologist with the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine.

TACKLE A-LIST TO-DO TASKS

10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

Breakfast raises blood sugar (glucose), which fuels your brain and body. But a low-fiber carb-fest of say donuts or a plain bagel can cause glucose to spike. A subsequent surge in the hormone, insulin, will then pull too much glucose from your system. “Glucose peaks and valleys can make you feel tired,” says Douglas J. Paddon-Jones, M.D., a nutrition researcher. To stabilize that energy-zapping hormonal roller coaster, pack a protein punch at breakfast. Dr. Paddon-Jones recommends 25 to 30 grams at every meal, in addition to high-fiber carbs like oatmeal and healthy (unsaturated) fats. Easy grab-andgo protein picks include low-fat cottage cheese (11 g/4 oz), a tall Starbucks nonfat latte or a cup of skim milk (10 g), a Luna bar (8g/bar), low-fat yogurt (7 g/6 oz), or an egg (6 g). And keep in mind that kids who eat breakfast can concentrate better and have healthier diets. So emphasize how important breakfast is and be a

All morning, your circadian cycle is on the rise, so take advantage of your natural alertness and tackle your most mentally-challenging projects before lunch, whether it’s organizing your child’s toy room or doing the first draft of a report at work. Need a motivation lift? Get another 100-mg hit of caffeine or head to a window or a bright light. Studies show that even just 50 seconds of light exposure throughout the day can jolt your brain and make you feel more attentive.

EAT PROTEIN, AND HIGH-FIBER CARBS FOR LUNCH

Your goal is to keep your blood sugar constant. So it’s time to eat again, especially if it has been at least three hours since your last meal. For lunch, think lots of vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruit, and a small amount of healthy fat. Need ideas? How about sliced turkey on whole-grain bread with a smear of mayo and a pear with a glass of skim milk? Other ideas: Whole-grain crackers, baby carrots, one-half cup hummus, and an orange; a whole-grain roll, 1 cup lentil soup, grape tomatoes and a peach. Don’t skip lunch no matter how busy you are taking care of everybody else.

12:00 p.m. (or so)

continued from page 11

NAB A SHORT NAP…

GET IN A MAJOR WORKOUT

From 1 to 3 p.m., your Circadian rhythm will take a dip whether you eat or not, so you’ll feel a natural drop in alertness. “The need for a short nap is actually part of our hardwiring,” says Dr. Chediak. So nab at least 20 minutes of shut-eye now, if you can. When your kids go down for their nap, take their cues and recharge, too.

1:00 p.m.3:00 p.m.

If napping isn’t an option, a 100-mg caffeinated beverage like a cup of coffee or a diet cola can help you power through the slump, which will be stronger if you’re sleep-deprived. Caffeine generally takes 8 to 12 hours to get out of your system, so cut yourself off after this so it doesn’t disrupt your sleep later. If you still feel caffeinated at bedtime, push up your last caffeine hit to noon. Blood levels of caffeine peak about 30 to 45 minutes after you’ve consumed it. Another option: Light exposure (again) or physical activity. At any time of the day, exercise will pep you up because it increases your body temperature and the release of epinephrine, the adrenaline level in your brain. Even a walk around the block with your kids or a few on-the-spot push-ups can help.

TAKE A WATER BREAK

By now, your circadian cycle is rising again so now’s the time to dive back into mentallydemanding projects, if you haven’t already. Need a motivation boost? Try drinking some water. Being mildly dehydrated — losing 1 to 2 percent of your body weight, which can happen if you go for long periods without drinking, can sour your mood and contribute to fatigue and confusion, according to a recent study in Perceptual and Motor Skills. “Even if you’re just sitting at your desk and feeling a little droopy, drinking a glass of water couldn’t hurt,” says Kristen D’Anci, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher. In general, women need 2.7 liters (roughly 11 cups) of fluid daily, which you can get by consuming anything watery, including coffee, soup, oranges and watermelon. You’re drinking enough to optimize your energy level if your urine is pale or clear.

3:00 p.m.

SNIFF ROSEMARY

To help yourself power through the rest of the afternoon, keep a bottle of rosemary essential oil handy and give it a sniff. In a recent study in the International Journal of Neuroscience, subjects who sniffed a cotton ball doused with the essential oil reported feeling more alert with corresponding brain activity to back it up. “What you smell goes directly to the brain, so you get an immediate effect,” says Miguel A. Diego, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils may be equally effective. The purest essential oils have the most potent effect so buy the most concentrated you can find, he advises. They’re available at health food stores and the mind/body section of organic/natural supermarkets.

4:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.

A vigorous workout will initially make you tired because it depletes glycogen, the stored form of carbohydrate in your muscles and the liver, and muscles require energy for repair. “But in the long run, as you build up more muscle and stamina, exercise gives you more energy,” says Susan Roberts, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at the USDA Nutrition Center at Tufts University in Boston and author of The “I” Diet. Ideally, it’s best to get a major fitness fix in this time window — four to six hours before going to bed. “Falling asleep is easier when your body is internally going from warm to cold. That happens about four to six hours after exercise,” Dr. Chediak says. To fit in a workout, trade off with your husband: On the nights you head to the gym, he makes dinner and vice versa.

DINNER TIME

Eating dinner now is important because you’ve just exercised. “Eating within 30 minutes of working out helps your muscles refuel and repair so you won’t feel depleted the next day,” says Carlson. It also ensures that you won’t go to bed on a full stomach, which can interfere with a good night’s sleep — the ultimate fatigue fighter.

6:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.

WIND DOWN WITH A HOT BATH OR POWER UP WITH A COLD SHOWER

Now, after the kids are in bed, is the perfect time for a hot shower or bath. Like exercise, hot water raises your body temperature. As it falls, you’ll feel sleepier so you’ll be primed to hit the sack in an hour or so. On the other hand, if you need to burn the midnight oil, take a cold shower. “It gets you going because cold water causes your brain to release epinephrine, which increases vigilance,” says Kingman P. Strohl, M.D., director of the Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the Louis Stoke Cleveland DVA Medical Center. A study of 149 resident physicians found that showering was one of the main strategies they used to cope with on-the-job fatigue.

7:30 p.m.9:00 p.m.

GET YOUR ZZZS

By around 9:30 p.m., your circadian drive plummets and the pressure to sleep, which builds up the longer you’re awake, is strong. Go with it and hit the sack. “Even just a single night of disrupted sleep or a few hours of chronic sleep loss each night can influence how vigorous and how alert you feel the next day,” Dr. Lieberman says. Aim for seven to nine hours of solid shut-eye each night. Seems impossible when you’ve got little kids?

9:30 p.m.7:00 a.m.

Try moving your bedtime. A recent study in the journal Sleep suggests that you can get in the extra energizing sleep your brain craves by simply turning off the television 40 to 78 minutes earlier. It worked for Maureen Brady, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, ages 4 and 7. “I used to go to bed around 10:30 p.m., but because both my kids still wake me up occasionally because of nightmares or whatever, and they’re both early risers, I now go to bed at 9:30 p.m. or earlier. I decided that getting enough sleep was more important than staying up to watch my favorite shows, but I’m thankful for my DVR.”

Broward Children’s Center

Broward Children’s Academy is accepting students for the second semester of the 2022-23 school year. BCC Academy offers an array of educational, behavioral, and therapeutic services for students with special needs from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Through these services, we are able to meet the unique developmental and educational needs of children. Individual goals for students are set based on assessments and parental input is strongly encouraged to optimize each student’s educational experience.

Our multi-disciplinary team of Occupational, Physical, Speech, and Behavioral Therapists collaborate to fully integrate therapy services into the classroom. Tuition plans are individualized for each student and we work with families to help meet these costs. We also accept the Step Up For Students scholarships to assist with the cost of tuition.

Additional services include transportation, before/after school care, Family Strengthening Program, in and out of home respite care, and an advocacy program.

For more information, call 954-416-2444.

YMCA of South Florida

So much more than a gym

The YMCA of South Florida has been dedicated to building healthy, confident and secure children, families and communities. Whether you’re looking to get healthy, meet new people, or spend more time with your family, we’re here for you. Our impact is felt every day when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good. When you join the Y, you’re joining more than a gym, you’re joining a community committed to transforming lives —spirit, mind, and body.

Visit your local YMCA center and take a tour or “Try the Y” for a day. The Y offers youth sports, swim lessons, childcare, camps, health & wellness programs for all levels of activity, and so much more!

For more information, please call 954-334-9622 or visit https://ymcasouthflorida.org

Posnack Jewish Day School

Posnack Jewish Day School in Davie and Hochberg Lower School in Hallandale are South Florida’s true educational gems. Excellence in general and Jewish studies is matched by superior athletics, performing and visual arts, and extra-curricular programming. This reputation for excellence has resulted in unprecedented growth in enrollment, with few spots for many grades for the 2023-2024 school year.

Posnack School families consistently praise the school’s warm and nurturing environment. Hochberg Middle and Fischer High School students can choose from a wide variety of electives and clubs, with programs in pre-med, pre-law, pre-engineering, and robotics. Graduates consistently rank in the top 5% of college applicants nationwide and are admitted into elite colleges in the United States and around the world.

Posnack School’s extensive capital investment over the past decade has made it a technology powerhouse and provided unparalleled learning and safety resources schoolwide. The 2023-2024 school year already has a waiting list for our youngest Rams in our Junior Kindergarten, bringing the “Posnack Way” to younger children who are emotionally and intellectually ready for an enriched educational experience.

With all this to offer, it is easy to see why South Florida parents choose Posnack Jewish Day School and Hochberg Lower School for their children.

DiverseAbilities

DiverseAbiities (formerly Broward Academy) is a private school and therapy center for individuals of all ages with autism and related disabilities. We provide intensive and individualized instruction and therapy enabling these special individuals by teaching them the way they learn in a safe environment. This reduces inappropriate behavior and teaches them replacement skills, enabling them to experience success in learning the skills they will need for a life of happiness.

DiverseAbilities is now in its 16th year of teaching and enabling these special needs individuals in language acquisition, academics, social skills, pre-vocational and vocational skills, and life and leisure skills.

Huntington Learning Center

Huntington’s Unique Equation for Success

When it comes to learning, our solution is simple. Since 1977, we’ve combined proven methods with individualized instruction to give students the academic and emotional support they need to build confidence and exceed their potential. We are a learning family, striving to build and maintain relationships that last a lifetime.

Our proven 4-step approach:

1. Evaluation: Each student takes a comprehensive academic evaluation that pinpoints strengths and weaknesses.

2. Personalized Plan: Based on the results of the evaluation, we develop a personalized learning plan targeted to meet each student’s needs.

3. Customized Learning: Individualized tutoring is given to help students learn at their pace, and on their level, to build skills, confidence and motivation.

4. Communicate Progress: With permission, we keep parents and teachers in the loop with regular conferences to discuss the student’s progress.

Call Huntington today at 1-800-CAN-LEARN to learn more.

Glades Christian Academy

Looking for a new school? GCA is where you belong. Glades Christian Academy is a kindergarten through 8th grade school. Our main core values are kindness and respect. We teach students to look to God’s Word for guidance.

Choosing a school is never easy. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to see if your child is receiving the best education and attention for their success:

Is my child a number or a name? Here at GCA, we learn everyone’s name and, in turn, are able to assist students and families better because we know them personally.

Is the current school keeping the parent informed? GCA uses a variety of tools to keep our parents informed. Parents have daily access to grades and interim reports, homework is clearly posted, parent meetings as requested, and a twenty-four-hour response to all phone calls and emails is provided.

Is your child’s school safe? GCA securely locks all doors so that there is only one entrance into the building. All teachers have been trained in the event of an intruder. Monthly drills help the students to practice fire drills or lockdown situations. GCA is a part of the Coral Springs Police Department private school notification system. In the event of an incident in the area, we are immediately notified to lockdown the school.

If you qualify for Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) or the Step Up for Students/ Florida Tax Credit (enrollment@sufs.org) you may qualify for free tuition. Call today for a tour of the school and further information.

The Greater Miami Youth Symphony

The Greater Miami Youth Symphony’s mission is to instill life-long values of discipline, teamwork, responsibility, respect, and cultural appreciation in young musicians while enriching the cultural foundation of our community by reaching out to and recruiting young musicians from different cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. We serve students ages 5-18 starting with little-to-no experience to advanced students with years of experience. Our 2023-2024 season will be exploring the Music Within All of Us and celebrating the musical cultures that compose our world. Join us for an exciting new year!

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Sing. Dance. Act. Learn... at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Learn something new, try something different and explore your creative side! Our popular classes for students of all ages, levels and abilities are designed to encourage artistic expression and teach new skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Classes begin January 28, 2023, and audition opportunities are available now. Early registration is encouraged and parking is included in the cost of registration.

Join us for an Open House on Saturday, January 21 from 10 AM-1 PM where you can observe or sample a class, enjoy light refreshments, tour the Education Center, meet the teaching artists, win prizes and register to win a free class!

For full details visit our website at BrowardCenter.org/classes. For questions about classes, audition opportunities, or to RSVP for the Open House, email registrar@browardcenter.org or call 954-468-2689.

Bright & SmartEngineering Skills for Kids

Bright & Smart invites you to visit our beautiful STEM Center in East Broward and take a journey with us as we navigate through the captivating passageways of robotics, coding, and engineering with some of the most enthusiastic, experienced, and caring educators in the industry.

Bright & Smart has created a curriculum that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which makes learning fun and fulfilling. Our curriculum enables children as young as three to be hands-on creators as they explore, learn and discover more about their precious capabilities.

We offer private and semi-private classes, birthday parties, and special events for kids and adults at our location or yours.

Our evaluation/placement one-time classes, day camps, and group classes are limited to six students to create opportunities for students to unleash their inner talents and maximize their true potential.

#STEAM is our Approach.

#LEARNING is our Goal.

#We are BRIGHT & SMART.

For more information, call 954-816-3346 or visit www.BrightAndSmart.com.

Florida Children’s Theatre

Florida Children’s Theatre (FLCT) is Florida’s oldest and most respected youth theatre, offering year-round theatre classes, camps, and shows for ages 4-18. Classes in Creative Drama, Acting, Musical Theatre, and Circus Arts are offered at FLCT’s facility at Broward College Central Campus in Davie, with select classes also held at the Galleria Mall. FLCT also produces a full season of high-quality shows each year.

Coming Soon: The Daring Adventures of Gretel and Hansel Circus Spectacular March 10-12, and The Spongebob Musical Youth Edition April 28-30. (Auditions are still open!) Summer Camp begins June 12. For information on enrollment, tickets, auditions, and more visit www.flct.org.

Miami Children’s Museum

Miami Children’s Museum is the perfect place to bring your classroom to explore our 17 galleries for a day of learning through play. This hands-on educational experience emphasizes the Museum’s core areas of art, culture, community, communication and promotes creativity as well as positive child development, while meeting national and state learning objectives.

About Our Field Trips:

- $200 per group of up to 25 students

- Available Tuesday through Friday

- Tours available from 10am - 12pm

- PreK through 5th grade

- Groups larger than 25 students will be divided accordingly

- Each led by a museum educator

- One adult chaperone for every 5 children is required and admitted free. Additional adults will be charged the group rate of $8 each.

Atlantis Academy

Atlantis Academy provides students with various learning needs with the academic, behavioral, social and emotional support they need to reach their full potential. The school provides a comprehensive education program for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade (up to age 22) tailored to meet the unique learning needs of each student.

All students follow a personalized program that aligns with state standards. Upon enrollment, students complete a comprehensive assessment and monitoring plan to identify the appropriate levels of instruction and intervention required for their unique needs. Atlantis Academies have robust social activities tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Schedule a tour or time to visit today!

Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC)

The CSC is the main funder of programs that serve children and families in Broward. We fund over 100 programs that help improve the lives of thousands of children, including maternal and child health, family strengthening, out of school-time, kinship care, youth leadership, advocacy, employment, special needs, and support for youth aging out of foster care. We are leaders in training child-serving professionals and are the backbone of the Broward Children’s Strategic Plan, a mechanism that ensures that funders, policymakers, and stakeholders are aware of and address needs and service gaps.

Visit CSCBroward.org or call 954-377-1000 to learn more about us.

Infants in Preschool

By: Monica Crowley, Assistant Director at Dino-Might Kids Preschool in Boca Raton, Florida

Here’s 3 tips of what to look for when selecting the right program for your baby!

1) Ratios

While many preschool teachers are superheroes, it is still best to look for a program that offers below state ratios and has 1 teacher for every 2 or 3 infants instead of 1:4. This will ensure your child gets the best care and individual attention possible.

2) Flexibility

Infant classrooms typically range from ages 2 months to 1 year. Look for a program that will cater to your child’s age appropriate schedule in terms of feedings and naps.

3) Credentials & Curriculum

Check out the health inspection reports on the school and ask what training the teachers have. You want to know what their daily activities are as it’s important to have physical and mental stimulation to help them reach their developmental milestones!

Nothing But the Truth

RAISING HONEST KIDS, FROM TODDLERS TO TEENS

BY MALIA JACOBSON

Today’s parents want to raise trustworthy kids, even more than they want to raise kids who are hardworking, compassionate, or financially savvy. In a recent poll by Pew Research Center, honesty tops the list of values parents want their kids to embody as adults, outranking traits like compassion, ambition and financial responsibility. But raising honest children isn’t as straightforward as it seems. In fact, teaching children about telling the truth can get morally murky, since parents often lie to their children — even parents who instruct their children to always be honest, according to a study published in the Journal of Moral Education. Ready to set the record straight? Here’s the truth about raising honest kids, age by age.

EARLY YEARS 1-5

No shame: While children may slip into an occasional untruth as soon as they can string together a sentence, these (usually unintentional) utterances aren’t really lies. Around age 3, children can begin to tell actual lies or intentional falsehoods, says Kate Paquin, a parenting educator and family coach.

These early lies are usually innocent and experimental, she notes — a child may take three cookies but say they only took two or claim that they didn’t steal a sibling’s favorite toy despite their sister’s shrieks.

“Parents can become very alarmed by these lies, but it seems like a child never lied before, and suddenly they’re lying quite a bit,” says Paquin. But caregivers should remember that toddlers tell small lies to test boundaries. To discourage dishonesty and reinforce positive habits, Paquin recommends acknowledging the lie simply and without shame: “I know you took three cookies and it’s OK if you want three instead of two. Next time please tell me the truth.”

ELEMENTARY YEARS

6-12

Red handed: Catching a toddler with her hand in the cookie jar is one thing, but shouldn’t older kids “know better?” How should caregivers react when they catch a school-age child in a lie? First, it’s helpful if parents share their own values and expectations around honesty so kids have no questions about

where parents stand: “In our family, we tell the truth.” When parents learn that a child has lied, either to them, at school, or in another context, they should respond firmly, but without a lot of emotion or energy (that means no yelling), says child psychologist Kristen C. Wynns, Ph.D., author of The No Wimpy Parenting Handbook

“If caregivers give attention to the lying behavior by having a strong reaction, they may inadvertently reinforce that behavior,” she notes. Does that mean letting kids off the hook, every time? Not necessarily. “Depending on the lie, parents may want to show grace, for example, ‘OK, next time we expect you to tell us the truth,’ or give a consequence,” Wynns says. If parents take the consequence route, enhance the teachable moment by matching the consequence to the “crime” in question: If a child lied about feeding the pets, have him do an extra pet-related chore for a few days, advises Wynns.

TEEN YEARS 13-18

Sweet little lies: Of course, we want our teenagers to be honest. But teaching honesty to teens can get tricky — especially when savvy teens catch parents telling fibs and “white lies.” What should a parent do when a teenager calls them out for a small untruth, like telling a relative that they’re not available for dinner when they really want to stay home? When a child confronts you about an untruth, start by ‘fessing up, says Wynns. “Own the lie. ‘Yes, I lied to Aunt Martha and I shouldn’t have done that. Next time I’ll be honest with her.’”

But don’t stop there — seize the opportunity to discuss the nuances of honesty and model the value of apologizing and asking for forgiveness, says Wynns. “If the lie was meant to spare someone’s feelings or navigate an awkward social situation, parents can explain that being honest sometimes conflicts with the ‘bigger picture’ of maintaining a relationship and how they weighed out the advantages and disadvantages of telling the (whole) truth.” Acknowledging the challenges of navigating the world with integrity — including your own slip-ups — fosters moral maturity as teens grow into trustworthy, honest adults.

Malia Jacobson is a health and family journalist, truthfully.

The Annual Fr. Dorta- Duque, SJ Memorial Tombola at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is one of the greatest events of the year. For three days, the campus comes alive with the presence of students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. Prospective students and their families grace our grounds enjoying the extraordinary atmosphere generated by a tradition that goes back over 100 years.

Net proceeds from Tombola help fund the Belen Financial Assistance Program, which helps to make a Catholic-Jesuit education possible for families who need support.

Supportive Software

HELPFUL APPS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

BY TANNI HAAS, PH.D.

Kids with special needs are diverse like any other kids, and there are many educational apps that can help them with their special needs. Here are seven of the best ones, and they’re all free. So if you’re a parent or caregiver of kids with special needs, have them check them out, and then download the ones that are the most useful and fun.

ChatterPix Kids (Available at Apple Appstore; Google Play)

This app is great for kids who need help practicing their oral communication skills. They can either upload or take a picture of themselves, draw a mouth and then record anything they want to say. It’s particularly useful if you’re having a difficult conversation at home and your

kids find it easier to express their views through an avatar rather than directly to you. It can also be useful in school if your kids require extra time composing an answer to a teacher’s question. They can record and re-record their response until they get it just the way they want it.

Coach.me (Available at Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Drawing on the latest psychological and behavioral research, this is a great app that assumes that a key to achieving one’s goals is to develop good, consistent habits. Users decide which habits they’d like to develop, track those habits over time, receive reminders, and then get positive feedback (high-fives) when they reach their goals. Depending on their age and

maturity, your kids can either use this app on their own or with a little help from you.

Emotionary (Available at Apple Appstore; Google Play)

If you want to help your kids better understand other people’s emotions, the best thing you can do is help them better understand their own. This app has more than 100 short, dictionarystyle definitions of common emotions, each accompanied by an emoticon. This helps kids develop a rich vocabulary for expressing their emotions, and it teaches them coping skills so that they don’t become overwhelmed by their emotions. They can create their own emoticons for emotions they think aren’t included in the app but are important to them.

iOT Session (Available at Apple Appstore)

Created by a well-known occupational therapist, Dr. Frederick Covington, this app features lots of kid-friendly, game-like exercises aimed at improving their visual perception, tracking and coordination. It also improves fine motor skills, especially kids’ ability to create proper letters. The app is commonly used by occupational therapists, but your kids can use it too, either on their own or with your help, to track their progress over time.

MindShift CBT (Available at Apple Appstore; Google Play)

Based on cognitive behavioral therapy, which is widely used, this app teaches kids how to deal with different anxietyprovoking situations like conflicts, social situations and tests. It features tools that help users relax, practice mindfulness and re-orient their thoughts. It has audio recordings with guided meditations, a journal for users to record thoughts that make them the most anxious and general tips for managing anxiety.

Model Me Going Places 2 (Available at Apple Appstore)

This social skills app teaches kids how to interact with different kinds of people that they encounter in their daily lives, such as grocery store clerks, hairdressers, doctors and restaurant waiters. It has 12 photo slideshows that model kids engaging in appropriate behaviors with people in different settings.

My Little Suitcase (Available at Apple Appstore)

This game-like app, which can be played by up to four people, enhances kids’ ability to memorize and match items. Similar to the popular card game Memory, each player has a suitcase with six different items represented on a small card that is faced down. Players take turns flipping the cards over. If the card is theirs, they put it in their suitcase. If not, it’s the next player’s turn. Aside from improving their working memory and retention skills, they learn how to focus, categorize and engage in proper turn-taking. It’s a great game for the whole family.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

JanuaryEvents

HOW

Please e-mail listing information to calendar@southfloridafamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.

demonstrations, live entertainment, a Kid’s Zone and other family fun. Free. Noon, LAS OLAS OCEANSIDE PARK, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.vlfoodwine.com

Movies in the Park

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

Enjoy the cooler winter air while you watch a screening of Black Widow (PG-13) outside the community center. Gates open at 5:30pm. PLANTATION COMMUNITY CENTER, 5555 Palm Tree Rd., Plantation, www.plantation.org

Jazz Fest

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 20-21

Experience a two-day world class jazz festival with a robust lineup of performers. Takes place at POMPANO BEACH GREAT LAWN and OLD TOWN. www.pompanobeachfl.gov

Moonlight Movies in the Park

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

BROWARD COUNTY

Sunny Days and Starry Nights

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Participate in free museum exploration the first Thursday of every month. 11am-7pm, NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, www.nsuartmuseum.org

Game Night at the Den

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

Enjoy a cool night of interactive games, DJ music, food, ice skating and more. 6-8pm, PANTHERS ICE DEN, 3299 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs, www.coralsprings.org

Drive-In Movie

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Pull up and enjoy a screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru, from the comfort of your car. Gates open at 5:30pm, movie starts at 6:30pm. MARKHAM PARK, 16001 W. State Road 84, Sunrise, www.sunrisefl.gov

Rock the Park

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Move and groove to the sounds of Start Me Up, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Food trucks begin serving at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm. CENTRAL PARK, 600 Central Park Dr., Plantation, 954-452-2510 www.plantation.org

Stone Crab & Seafood Festival

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Enjoy food and fun with music, hermit crab races and seafood dishes starting at $5. 11am-4pm, ESPLANADE PARK, 400 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale, www.goriverwalk.com

Las Olas Art Festival

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 7-8

More than 200 artists will showcase work across all mediums at this outdoor event. Free. 10am-5pm, ALONG LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, Fort Lauderdale, www.artfestival.com

Family Hayride and Campfire

FRIDAYS, JANUARY 13, 20 & 27

Enjoy a hayride around the park, followed by a campfire where you can roast marshmallows to make s’mores. Ages 3 and up. $4/person. Pre-registration required. Jan. 13, QUIET WATERS PARK, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach; Jan. 20, EASTERLIN PARK, 1000 NW 38 St., Oakland Park; Jan. 27, T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood; www.broward.org/parks

ArtVentures Family Funday

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Kids can make a masterpiece at the museum every second Saturday of the month. Themes vary. All ages. $8/person. 2-3pm, CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., Coral Springs, www.coralspringsmuseum.org

Martin Luther King Scavenger Hunt

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14

Unlock clues at the library while discovering achievements and the history of Martin Luther King, Jr. 10am-6pm, CENTURY PLAZA/LEO SLATIN BRANCH LIBRARY, 1856 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach, www.broward.org/library

Picnic in the Park

SUNDAY, JANUARY 15

Presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, this event includes kid-friendly cooking

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to an outdoor screening of Spiderman: No Way Home (PG-13) on a giant, inflatable screen. 7:30pm, WESTON REGIONAL PARK, 20200 Saddle Club Rd., Weston, 954-389-4321 www.westonfl.org

Chinese New Year Celebration

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Celebrate Chinese New Year with crafts and activities featuring the Lee Koon Hung Lion & Dragon Dance Team. 2-4pm, NORTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 3151 N. University Dr., Coral Springs, www.broward.org/library

Savor the Sounds

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for live music and food trucks. 4-7pm, CHARLES F. DODGE CITY CENTER, 601 City Center Way, Pembroke Pines, 954-392-2116 www.ppines.com

Mutts Gone Nuts

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

Canines and comedy collide in this actionpacked show featuring talented, four-legged performers. $15 and up. 8pm, MINIACI

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie, www.browardcenter.org

Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

Best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved books to the stage — Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume. $16 and up. 11am & 1pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 Southwest Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 www.browardcenter.org

Disney’s Aladdin

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Disney’s Aladdin

TUESDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 3-8

Discover a whole new world during this Broadway musical performance. $39-$139. ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 786-468-2000 www.arshtcenter.org

Food Truck Wednesdays

WEDNESDAYS, JANUARY 4, 11, 18 & 25

Bring the family, and your appetite, to this food truck event featuring a variety of dishes to choose from. 5-10pm, PELICAN HARBOR MARINA, 1275 NE 79 St., Miami, www.miamifoodtrucksevents.com

Moon Viewing

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

Pack a picnic and bring a telescope or binoculars to view the full moon in the Miami sky. $10. 6-9pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, www.deeringestate.org

Family Day on Aragon

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Enjoy a day of family fun activities, arts and crafts, live performances and more every second Saturday of the month. 1-4pm, CORAL GABLES MUSEUM, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, www.coralgablesmuseum.org

The Puppets Magical Garden Show

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Be transported to a world of wonder through music and puppet animation. $15/adult, $10/child. 3pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, www.pinecrestgardens.org

Three Little Pigs

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Orchestra Miami presents an operatic version of the classic fairy tale in this fully-staged production. $15/adult, $8/child. 3pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, www.pinecrestgardens.org

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Free Concert at Old School Square

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

K-Luv and the United Funk Foundation perform a free concert for all to enjoy. 7:30pm, OLD SCHOOL SQUARE, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachfl.gov

Sensory Saturdays

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

Families and children affected by autism spectrum disorder can explore the museum for an hour before the center opens to the public. Lighting and sound adaptions are made during this time. 9-10am, COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.coxsciencecenter.org

King Mango Strut

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

Kick off the new year at this festive parade, a community tradition in Coconut Grove. The strut route begins at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. 2-4pm, COCONUT GROVE BUSINESS DISTRICT, www.kingmangostrut.org

Night Hike & Campfire

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Take a guided hike as the woods and wildlife come to life at night. 7-9:30pm, DEERING ESTATE, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami, www.deeringestate.org

Magic Butterflies Craft

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

Make a colorful craft to decorate, wind up and release. Ages 8-12. 4-5pm, MIAMI LAKES BRANCH LIBRARY, 6699 Windmill Gate Rd., Miami Lakes, www.mdpls.org

Winter Family Storytime

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Celebrate winter with stories, songs, crafts and more. 4-5pm, TAMIAMI BRANCH LIBRARY, 12700 SW Eighth St., Miami, www.mdpls.org

Laser Evening

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Get ready to rock under Frost Planetarium’s 67-foot dome. 7-11pm, PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, www.frostscience.org

MLK Jr. Day Parade

MONDAY, JANUARY 16

Parade pays respect to civic activist Martin Luther King Jr. with a procession of community members and marching bands. The parade route runs from NW 54TH STREET AND 10TH AVENUE TO 32ND AVENUE and follows 8 miles that Dr. King once traveled. 11am. www.mlkparadeandfestivities.org

Jurassic World Live

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 19-22

A live, action-packed show that takes a terrifying

Laser Concert

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

Rock out to a variety of music set to laser lights under the science center’s full-dome planetarium. $13. 6pm & 7pm, COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, 561-832-1988 www.coxsciencecenter.org

Friday Night at the Museum

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

After-hours fun for kids age 7-12 includes exhibit exploration, pizza, a movie and fun experiment. 6-9:30pm, CHILDREN’S SCIENCE EXPLORIUM, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, www.sugarsandpark.org

Mother Nature & Me

THURSDAYS

Little ones learn all about nature through crafts, garden exploration and story time.

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

turn when an Indominus Rex escapes and causes chaos in the park. $25-$115. WATSCO CENTER, 1245 Dauer Dr., Miami, 305-284-8686 www.watscocenter.com

Chili Day in Cutler Bay

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Chili chefs face off at this 11th annual event featuring a chili cook-off, family entertainment and live music by hometown band Cutler Stew. 2-6pm, CUTLER RIDGE PARK, 10100 SW 200 St., Cutler Bay, www.cutlerbay-fl.gov

Art Festival

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 21-22

Bring the family to enjoy stunning art, music, food and activities in a lush setting.10am-5pm, PINECREST GARDENS, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest, www.pinecrestgardens.org

Game On!

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

Kids ages 5-12 can get together after school for board games and fun. 3-4pm, MAIN LIBRARY, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami, www.mdpls.org

Movie Matinee

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27

Kick off the weekend by watching a movie with the family. 3:30-5pm, NORTH DADE REGIONAL LIBRARY, 2455 NW 183 St., Miami Gardens, www.mdpls.org

Monster Jam

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 28-29

Witness heated rivalries and high-flying stunts as some of your favorite monster trucks battle it out. Saturday, 7pm, Sunday, 3pm. LOANDEPOT PARK, 501 Marlins Way, Miami, www.monsterjam.com

Ultimate Dinosaurs: Meet a New Breed of Beast

THROUGH APRIL 23

Step into the shoes of a paleontologist as you uncover recent discoveries from the last two decades. PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-434-9600 www.frostscience.org

Ages 5 and under with caregiver. $10/child. 10am-noon, DELRAY BEACH CHILDREN’S GARDEN, 137 SW Second Ave., Delray Beach, www.delraybeachchildrensgarden.org

Less is More, For Sure

THE JOY OF DECLUTTERING LIGHTENS THE LOAD

BY CHERYL MAGUIRE

“Does this spark joy?” I asked myself.

Cradling an apple spice candle in my hand, I sniffed the top of it.

The scent is gone probably from sitting in the attic for 15 years, I thought. It definitely isn’t sparking any joy. I tossed it in the overflowing trash pile.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo had been a best seller for 86 weeks when I first discovered it. That discovery preempted a month-long marathon decluttering of my house. I emptied every drawer, closet and bin which resulted in eleven bags for donation and ten for the garbage. I consider myself a ‘neat freak’ yet if I wrote a book about how I ‘clean up’ it would end up in the clearance bin.

When I first heard of this book, I couldn’t figure out how she sold so many copies of a book about the least exciting topic I can think of. But as I read her book, I hung on every word. It was more captivating than the psychological thrillers I usually read. The deeper I delved, the clearer the central theme of the book became — to have the reader analyze their relationship to material items.

In the book, Kondo states, “Putting things away creates the illusion that the clutter problem has been solved.” Even though everything I own is neatly stacked or stored in a bin, I rarely get rid of things.

“You will never use spare buttons,” Kondo states.

She’s right. I’ve never sewed a button on a shirt in my life, so why did I have a pile of buttons in my drawer? I could no longer ignore the clutter.

The book got me to think about how I acquired each object I owned and why I held on to it. I realized that there was a pattern to why I kept items. I worried I might need it in the future or felt guilty about never using it.

It was time for me to initiate step one in her book, “start by discarding, all at once, intensely and completely.”

The process of discarding according to Kondo should focus on, “what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.” She suggests you do this by holding each item you own and asking yourself, “Does this spark joy?”

At first, this question seemed ridiculous to me, but I tried it despite my misgivings.

“If you only keep the items which spark joy, then you surround yourself with things that make you happy,” Kondo says. This reorganization of your material things can lead to a transformation in your life and perception.

For me, the biggest transformation came through discarding my unused items and unworn clothing. Kondo refers to this as, “the magic effect of tidying.”

When I finished tidying, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Opening a drawer and finding a pen without any useless buttons, gave me pride in my ability to get rid of unnecessary things. I experienced a life transformation as well. In the fourth grade, I wrote my first book which my teacher typed using a typewriter and a cloth to create a cover. I found this book while cleaning. It was a reminder of my love for writing which I had dabbled in throughout the years.

Once I ‘cleaned house’ I decided to actively pursue freelance writing which has led to publishing my writing in publications such as The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Upworthy,

The Nicklaus Children’s Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute provides compassionate care centered around patients and their families. That’s one reason we are among the most successful programs in the nation for treating spinal disorders in children and teens. Our expert team of spine specialists has been influential in the development of some of the latest and most innovative techniques in spine and scoliosis surgery, supporting our mission to give every child a chance for a productive and happy life.

Rosario has congenital scoliosis and a fighting chance