S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
FEBRUARY 2019
Healthy Children Healthy Families Let Our Family Take Care of Your Family
Well child checkups Appointments available 7 days a week Same day “sick” appointments Vaccinations Teen wellness Reach Out and Read participant
www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522
Color the PPC Pals, then bring them into your doctor’s office where we will display them, or use to decorate in your own home.
Physician-Owned. Patient-Centered
www.ppcswfl.com | 239.275.5522 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 3
239.643.7275
Honoring the Female Spirit at the Grande Dames Tea Tuesday, March 26 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Doris Colgate
Linda Brown
Mary Fischer
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration as our community’s most revered women share their lifelong experiences with the Pace girls of Lee County. For tickets or sponsorship information, please visit www.pacecenter.org/locations/lee or call Margo Brewster at (239)435-2366. Tickets available online February 1.
24 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
LEE
contents »
swfl
parent&child
27 35
In Every Issue 11 all the moms
Features 31 your college guide Amanda Sterk has helped local students get millions of dollars in scholarships and navigate the road to higher education
42 safety corner
Easy ways to coordinate party snacks with your child’s birthday theme
A big trend in Southwest Florida, kids are asking for donations instead of gifts
Heart health is important — even for kids
23 dining out
49 travel
Rodizio Grill at Coconut Point in Estero
On the cover
FEBRUARY
Families explore history in Arcadia
25 youth sports
Amayah Casiano, 5, of Cape Coral, models for our birthday party issue.
PHOTO BY AMANDA INSCORE
Is that your teen’s flash drive or an e-cigarette? What you need to know about Juul.
20 in the kitchen
35 birthday giving
.COM
29 teens
How to deal with mean kids
How to avoid burnout when your office is in your home
ENTCHILD
Archery program in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres to expand into Bonita Springs
19 ask the expert
33 don’t get frazzled
S W F L PA R
27 kid stuff
How to keep kids safe online, ‘Baby Shark’ hits the Billboards and Kate Hudson talks breastfeeding
57 voices
Does your child playing sports make you a better person?
Local author talks about how grandparents can take an active role in raising kids
2019
Other Departments 7 8 9 13 15
editor’s note our contributors online me time 5 things
16 43 52 53 58
fyi family album around town calendar last look
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 5
FREE PRESCHOOL Early Learning Coalition of SWFL can help your family with Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten If you live in Florida & your child turns 4 YEARS OLD by September 1, your child is eligible for the VPK program. Some 5 year olds are also eligible. For more information & to register your child: FamilyServicesFloridaEarlyLearning.com
www.elcofswfl.org Serving Collier, Glades, Hendry & Lee Counties | (239) 935-6100
6 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Help Your Child Learn AN EYE ON THE FUTURE Make an appointment today. Your future suddenly became a whole lot clearer. A child’s learning disabilities can be caused by vision related problems, even if the child has 20/20 vision. Visit EyeDocks.com to watch a video about Vision Therapy.
Eye Care Services
• Comprehensive Eye Examinations • Contact Lens Fitting • Glaucoma Evaluations • Cataract Evaluation & Post-Op Care • Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration • Visual Fields • Opto-Maps
Insurance Accepted The knowledgeable staff at Fort Myers Eye Associates PA is experienced in working with vision insurance providers. We will work directly with you and your vision insurer. We accept sever types of vision insurance.
8801 College Pkwy, Fort Myers (239) 437-2004 EyeDocks.com
editor's note »
parent &child
swfl
S W F L PA R E N T C H I L D. C O M
Part of the USA TODAY Network
Volume 20, Issue 2
2442 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 swflparentchild.com President & Publisher William R. Barker General Manager Kathryn Robinson Kinsey kathryn@swflparentchild.com Editor Pamela Smith Hayford (239) 335-0448 pamela@swflparentchild.com Art Director Lindi Daywalt-Feazel
Editorial Contributors Cathy Chestnut, Kyle Doty, Randy Kambic, Robert Martin, Ann M. O’Phelan, Janis B. Meredith, Jackielou Mozes, Shelby Reynolds, Andrea Stetson Photographer Amanda Inscore Vice President/Advertising Sales Nancy M. Solliday Specialty Publications Team Coordinator Dennis Wright dennis@swflparentchild.com Advertising Account Executive Nicole Holey (239) 281-6455 nholey@fortmyer.gannett.com
Distribution (239) 335-0211 Southwest Florida Parent & Child is a FREE publication distributed at more than 500 locations throughout Southwest Florida by The News-Press Media Group. All rights reserved. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily opinions of the magazine or publisher.
Go on, give in Sometimes peer pressure can be a good thing — when that thing you’re being pressured to do is good. Maybe it’s eating healthy because all your friends are going vegetarian or getting organized because everyone you know is obsessed with Marie Kondo’s “Tidying Up” show on Netflix. It seems this very thing is happening among kids in Southwest Florida. Many children here are asking their birthday party guests to donate to a charitable cause instead of bringing a gift for the birthday child. These kids are raising hundreds of dollars for local organizations and inspiring their classmates to do the same. Read about some of these young do-gooders in our cover story, starting on page 35. And just because your child might choose to collect donations rather than gifts, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun celebrating. One way is to coordinate your party food with your child’s birthday party theme. Food writer Shelby Reynolds has lots of great ideas, some as simple as sticking a pretzel stick into a cube of cheese to create Thor’s hammer. Get the details (and a recipe for Underminer’s Dirt Cake) starting on page 20. In this month’s issue of SW FL Parent & Child, we also delve into tips to avoid workat-home burnout, a spotlight on the guru of getting into college, advice for dealing with mean kids, family-friendly events and more. We even gave in to peer pressure and collected a few items to help you implement the KonMari Method (page 13). It’s our Valentine’s gift to you (speaking of which, check out the Valentine’s printable on page 15). PHOTO BY BRIAN TIETZ
Dedicated to serving the families of Lee and Collier counties
Member of
Pamela Smith Hayford, Editor Contact us: We enjoy hearing from you. Send your photos, letters or comments to: pamela@swflparentchild.com. Or visit us online:
swflparentchild.com
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 7
» our contributors Meet the contributors to this month’s issue of Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine.
Kyle Doty
Feature: How to avoid work-at-home burnout Kyle Doty has two collections of poetry published by Loyola University’s Apprentice House Press. He lives in Southwest Florida with his wife and their five children.
Randy Kambic
Travel: Antiquing with the kids Contributing writer Randy Kambic covers a variety of topics, including travel. He was a writer and a public relations executive in the New York area for about 25 years before moving here in 2007. He has written for Gulfshore Life, Gulfshore Business, Times of the Islands magazines, Natural Awakenings magazine and The News-Press. He enjoys tennis, the outdoors and the people of Southwest Florida.
Robert Martin Voices guest columnist
Children’s advocate and author Robert Martin writes books with his granddaughter Keira Ely, including the bestsellers “The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels,” and “SuperClara — a Young Girl’s Story of Cancer, Bravery and Courage.” “SuperClara” was inspired by his other granddaughter (and Keira’s younger sister) Clara, who lost her courageous battle with brain cancer October 8, 2017. Robert founded the nonprofit Bridge to a Cure Foundation to tear down the deadly barriers impeding the timely development of pediatric cancer treatments and cures. To learn more, visit robertmartinauthor.com.
Shelby Reynolds In the Kitchen
Shelby writes chef profiles and features on the latest trends in food and beverage for the Naples Daily News. She’s a Kansas native, happy to be in a coastal town rich with seafood and so many talented chefs.
Andrea Stetson
Kid Stuff, Teens and Birthday giving Andrea Stetson writes for SW FL Parent & Child, Grandeur Magazine, The News-Press, Naples Daily News and The Banner. She has also been a news producer and writer at television stations in Fort Myers, Miami and Scranton. Andrea lives in North Naples with her husband, daughter, dog and eight bunnies. Her son is a student at Georgia Tech. She enjoys traveling, swimming, boating, pickleball and being with family.
8 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
online »
swflparentchild.com Get the latest event information and family news every day at swflparentchild.com.
Birthday party ideas
Southwest Florida Parent & Child magazine aims to provide quality, region-specific information and resources for everyone raising children of all ages, from infants to teens, in Lee and Collier counties.
Whether your child wants a big bash or a small affair, you’ll find numerous birthday party ideas on our website. Just point your browser to swflparentchild.com/topics/birthday-parties to see the great ideas we’ve shared.
Miss an issue? SWFL Parent & Child magazine is available in its entirety online along with back issues, too. Did you miss our list of Where Kids Eat Free in the November issue? It’s online. Looking for fun things to do? Check out our summer bucket list in the June issue. Just visit swflparentchild.com and scroll to the bottom of the page.
More family events Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Visit swflparentchild.com for the latest events for all ages, from tots to teens, and maybe even some date nights.
Get SWFL Parent & Child anywhere at any time LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/swflparentchild FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @swflparentchild
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @swflparentchild FIND US ON PINTEREST pinterest.com/swflparentchild
READ US ON ISSUU issuu.com/swflparentchild
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 9
A TRADITION OF
100%
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
ACCEPTANCES TO COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
IN YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY! Please visit our website or call 239.415.8945 www.canterburyfortmyers.org
Class of 2018
636
SAT Total:
1275
Math: Reading: & Writing
636 639
531
493
475
TEST SCORES
515
Math 28
ACT
TEST SCORES English:
28
Canterbury School
Math:
26
Lee County
Reading:
27
Florida
Science:
27
National
Composite: 27
1275
639
20
English
990
531
Reading & Writing
27
26
19 19
522
19 19
Math
21
Reading
1068
Total
27 21 21 21
1014
27
19 19
Science
21
20 20
21
Composite
Independent PK3-12 College Prep School • Member of The National Association of Independent Schools • Accredited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools
all the moms »
All the
Moms SW FL Parent & Child is part of the USA Today Network, home to All the Moms, a place on the web where you’ll find parenting advice, celebrity parent news and more. Here’s what you missed in January:
‘Baby Shark’ hit No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 The infectious little ditty did it. “Baby Shark” swam onto the Billboard Hot 100. It’s treading water at 32 — three notches above “Uproar” by Lil Wayne and three notches below “Shallow” by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. If you haven’t heard this infectious ditty, have a listen to the score by South Korean children’s brand Pinkfong. Billboard ranked the addictive little tune its “Highest Ranking Debut” on the list, and the song is among YouTube’s mostviewed videos ever with more than 2.1 billion views.
Kate Hudson opens up about breastfeeding Kate Hudson is just like many nursing moms returning to her daily routine after giving birth — she’s trying to figure out the perfect balance between breastfeeding and work. Hudson gave birth to her third child, Rani Rose, in early October. In an interview with Today, the mom of three opened up about being named the new global ambassador for WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers), her health and breastfeeding. “I’m trying to figure out how to balance the breastfeeding and the work,” said Hudson. Read more about it at allthemoms.com.
How parents can keep kids safe online without spying Jaci Russo, founder of Social Nation U, has been traveling the country for 10 years educating parents and kids about safe technology use. Her website offers multiple resources for parents, including specific information about how to monitor kids’ use of social media and how to raise children who are responsible digital citizens. Some of her suggestions include:
1. Monitor kids’ presence online and on social media
using it and confirm that it’s appropriate for their child’s use.
This doesn’t mean you spy on your kids and read their every text and email. However, parents should be “friends” with their children on social media sites so they can be aware of what their children are posting. If kids have an app, parents should have it, too, so they can practice
2. Provide a central charging station for the family outside of the bedrooms Phones, tablets and computers should be off limits during sleep hours. Providing a central charging station where everyone parks their devices
overnight (including parents) can promote a family culture of positive mental, physical and technological health.
3. Control passwords and do research before allowing kids to download anything If you don’t have time to research, encourage your child to practice delayed gratification
until you do. Don’t give in to the pressure to automatically OK anything. “Parents need to parent,” Russo says. “That means they need to enforce the technology rules in spite of kids’ protests. You wouldn’t let your kid drive your car without instructions and lots of supervised practice, but you let them travel the world of the internet with no supervision?”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 11
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FAMILY YOGA WITH KATHRYN Saturday, February 16 10 a.m. in PLAYLAND
FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Every Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza Feb 1: Neon Summer Feb 8: The Silver Sneakers Feb 15: Karibbean Groove Feb 22: Electric Lipstick
BIG BAND CONCERT Sunday, February 17 3 to 5 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. & Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m.
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY February 18 at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn in front of Ford’s Garage
CAR CRUISE-IN Sunday, February 3 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PLAYLAND near
MOMS APPRECIATION DAY Wednesday, February 20 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PLAYLAND in
DOG DAZE AT MIROMAR Thursday, February 7 6 p.m. near the Restaurant Piazza
KIDS DAY Saturday, February 23 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. PLAYLAND in
SCIENCE SATURDAY Saturday, February 9 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. PLAYLAND in THE DIAMOND DIG Saturday, February 9 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store
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BABY BOOT CAMP Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday PLAYLAND 9 a.m. in
VALENTINE’S COOKIE DECORATING Saturday, February 9 12 to 2 p.m. in PLAYLAND PRESIDENTS’ DAY SIDEWALK SALE Friday, February 15 thru Monday, February 18
AMAZING THINGS 5-D MOTION THEATER Suite 323, (239) 262-9464 MiromarOutlets.com/play
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14 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
5 things »
Sweet on you
Valentines don’t need sugar. Print out these cute cards from our website and attach to one of these inexpensive finds for loads of fun.
Always sharp
Who doesn’t love a push pencil? When the point gets dull you pull it out and push it into the back. Voila, that’s sharp. We found these, $3 for a package of 16, at Target.
Lookin’ good These heart-shaped plastic glasses are $3 per six-pack at Target.
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w r ea . You kno It’s supe k at Dollar Tree matter. c a ’t n -p s e ix s o D ra s, $1 fo little gem
Have a ball These mini paddleball toys sell for $1 for a package of six at Dollar Tree.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 15
« fyi Say hello to my furry friend They’re wooly. They’re friendly. And their big brown eyes just might melt your heart. They’re alpacas, and they’re the newest, cutest critters at the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers. The three females — two adults and one baby — moved to the park from STARanch Alpacas in Alva. The adults are called Halo (the black one) and Tatiana (the blonde one). Then there's a 6-month-old alpaca named Irma. She was conceived shortly after last year’s Hurricane Irma and born in July. The nature park also started a Close Encounters attraction, a place where visitors can get up close and personal with alligators, sugar gliders, opossums and other park animals. Some animals can be touched. The meet-and-greet happens at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. daily, and it’s free with park admission, which is $13 for adults, $8 for ages 4-12.
Busch Gardens celebrates 60 years
Guests at Busch Gardens can celebrate the theme park’s big 60th anniversary all year. The park is planning special events for every week of 2019, two-parks-for-the-priceof-one Fun Cards (limited time), free admission for preschoolers and free beer samples for the over-21 crowd. Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends are February 2-10, May 4-19 and October 5-27. Get details at buschgardenstampa.com (that’s also where you register to get the Free Preschool Card for ages 5 and younger).
Aquatica is first water park to be a Certified Autism Center The staff at Aquatica Orlando recently completed autism sensitivity and awareness training to help the park become the first water park in the world to be a Certified Autism Center, which also required a review of the park property and guest experience. Aquatica is part of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.
16 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
New idea on the birthday party scene Memorable Mobile Parties has added STEM-based “The Glamatory” to the company’s roster of party themes. Guests learn the science behind perfume and make their own, experiment with dry ice and become a mad scientist creating green hair. There are lab coats, badges and more. Get information at memorable mobileparties.com or by calling 239-963-5595.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 17
ask the expert »
Eva Dwight is a parent coach, couples coach and personal coach for adults and teens through Creative Coaching Conversations. She spent 20 years as a junior high school counselor, holds numerous certifications and writes parenting articles for the USA Today Network.
E VA DWIGH T
How to deal with mean kids
Before you rescue your child from a mean kid, consider letting them be their own hero.
I
t’s a tough world out there. When a child has been the target of unkind words or behavior, it’s easy for parents to jump straight into protective mode. It’s easy to take it upon ourselves to be their knight in shining armor, charging in to rescue them from the horrible person who hurt their feelings. It’s easy to label other kids as bullies. This is actually the last thing we should be doing, for two important reasons: 1. When we rush in to fix the situation, the implicit message we send to our children is, “I don’t think you can handle this.” 2. As soon as we classify another child’s behavior as “bullying,” we automatically place our child in the role of “victim.” When kids see themselves as victims they’re likely to also see themselves as “powerless.” Children who believe they’re powerless open themselves up to more victimization, so the most important thing we can do is teach them how to rescue themselves. Here’s one way parents can do just that:
First, define what happened Was this actual bullying? Bullying is marked by aggressive behavior that’s targeted at a specific person for the purpose of causing physical or emotional harm. The behavior may be repeated, and there’s at least the perception of an imbalance of power between the bully and the target.
Or was this a mean moment? Bullying is always mean, but not all meanness is bullying. Sometimes, just like adults, kids have a bad day and lash out. Whatever happened hurt your child’s feelings, but if mean behavior from that particular child is not a regular occurrence, then it might have been just a mean moment. Determining whether the problem was bullying or a bad moment will impact the strategy your child uses to resolve the problem. Find out if this is a conflict in which your child played a role. Are you only getting half the story? This isn’t to say that your child is lying. They may have unknowingly offended the other person, so from their perspective, the mean behavior appears to be “for no reason.” A little investigating is warranted before deciding how to proceed.
Next, create an action plan Help your child brainstorm strategies on how to move forward. Make sure the plan puts them in the driver’s seat. Encourage them to include confident thoughts to go along with their courageous actions: • Next time I see this person, I’ll remind myself that their problem is their stuff, not mine. • If this person says something mean to me again, I can say, “I’m not sure why you would say that. Did I do something to make you mad?” I’ll take a deep breath and remind myself to stay calm. Role play the action plan a few
times. Practicing in a calm environment can help your child grow confidence in their ability to follow through in the more stressful, real-life situation. Report the incident, if necessary. If the problem warrants adult intervention, support your child in bringing it up to a teacher or appropriate authority. Keep your child in the driver’s seat. Help them prepare what to say and write down questions they have. Then, when the time comes, allow them to do most of the talking while you provide moral support.
Focus on skill development It would be nice if we could reassure our kids that, once they turn 21, mean behavior stops and adults are always kind and respectful to each other. But let’s face it: Human beings of all ages can be mean. Successfully navigating the challenges of social interaction requires using a whole boatload of skills, including emotional regulation, conflict resolution and respectful communication. When we don’t have those skills — or when we forget to use them — we resort to behaviors that drive a wedge between us and our fellow human beings: gossip, criticism, name calling and fighting. These hurtful behaviors are not relegated to the world of children, so the sooner kids start learning how to respond to them, the more likely they are to emerge from social storms with confidence and self-esteem.
ASK THE EXPERT We welcome questions from readers. Ask us anything. We’ll find the answer. Send your question to editor@swflparentchild.com with “Ask the Expert” in the subject line.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 19
H T I W
s k c a n s y t r Pa
Y
orate p r o c eme to in How ’s party th ut child witho — your d o . he fo into t lot of fuss a
our kid has picked a birthday party theme, and now you have to provide the snacks. Perhaps it’s circusthemed, unicorn-themed or modeled after their favorite movie. These days children’s birthday parties have become so much more involved than what used to be the simple cake-and-ice-cream gathering. There are swirly, brightly colored punches, goodie bags, games and extravagant decorations. As parents, the pressure can be rather intense. I’m here to help. For the crafty parent, birthday parties can be
20 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
a chance to let DIY skills shine. Or, for the less artistic among us, parties can be the stuff of a hilariously disastrous “Nailed It!” meme. When it comes to food, though, kids can be pretty easy to please; put a cupcake in front of them and they’re quite content to turn their tongues bright red with frosting. And the good news is there are ways to keep it simple. Sometimes it’s just as easy as giving a snack a clever title, like calling Twizzlers “Elastigirl’s Twisty Treats” at a party themed after “The Incredibles.” And if you need an activity to keep your little party guests busy, bring them to the kitchen for a fun, do-it-yourself cooking lesson. Plus, it gives you a few extra helping hands. I’ve rounded up a handful of the trendiest party themes and snack ideas to match to create the Pinterest-worthy party of your dreams.
in the kitchen »
SHELBY R E Y NOLDS
City of Fort Myers Recreation “Bringing Our Community Together”
Fort Myers Skatium
• Learn to Skate Classes • Public Skating • Youth / Adult Hockey Leagues • Youth / Adult Indoor Sports
Aquatic Center
• • • •
Private Swim Lessons Two Pools Open Year Round New lower prices Heated Pools
Athletics & Outdoor Sports
• Outdoor Sports • Co-Ed Youth / Adult Soccer • Women’s Soccer
Princess If your daughter feels inspired by a Disney princess movie, the possibilities are nearly endless. All you really need is some sprinkles and glitter, and she’ll be twirling around her fairytale party. For “Frozen,” just about anything covered in white chocolate will do, such as strawberries, pretzels or Chex Mix. Add blue food coloring to an icing drizzle to make the treats extra festive. Ask your party guests “Do you want to build a snowman?” and have them create their own miniature Olafs with a few marshmallows, pretzels and candy pieces. Finally,
• Coed 7v7 Soccer • Women’s 7v7 Soccer
blue-tinged Jell-O makes for convincing ice formations — see if you can find snowflake-shaped molds and this treat is just as decorative as it is tasty.
• 9+ Sand Volleyball Leagues • Softball Leagues • Field Rentals
Cinderella’s birthday party wouldn’t be complete without clementine pumpkins and doughnut carriage wheels. Make a pasta salad with spaghetti or linguini as Rapunzel’s hair, and use upside-down ice cream cones as her tower — an ice cream bar, perhaps?
For more information on all activities contact us at:
And for any princess-themed party, magic wands made from fruit kebabs or pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and decorated with sprinkles are always a hit.
• Fort Myers Skatium (239) 321-7509 • Aquatic Center (239) 321-7556 NP-0000965591
It seems princesses will never go out of style.
• Volleyball Rental League
• Athletics & Outdoor Sports 239-321-7514
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 21
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» in the kitchen (continued)
Mermaid Mermaids and their turquoiseglittered tails are all the rage right now, and in this coastal community, it’s hard to miss the nautical, mystical creatures.
And for an easy dessert, pipe blue frosting between two vanilla wafers with a decorative jellybean and suddenly you have an oyster with a pearl surprise.
At your child’s mermaidthemed birthday party, put out displays of Goldfish, gummy sharks and saltwater taffy for snacking. Green Sour Punch Straws become seaweed and Cheetos become coral reefs. Use star-shaped cookie cutters to stamp out some starfish sandwiches.
What’s even better, these ideas will work for several themes, whether it’s centered around the animated film “Moana” or a simple beachstyle party.
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Bright primary colors — red, blue, green and yellow — are an uncomplicated way to tackle this theme, whether it’s with colorful cupcakes, gummy bears or popsicles. Provide Superman-flavored ice cream and popcorn that goes “POP!” If your child is an Avengers fan, stick some pretzel rods into blocks of cheddar cheese to make Thor’s hammers, and a fruit platter with strawberries, blueberries and marshmallows can be arranged into Captain America’s patriotic shield. For “The Incredibles,” combine blue Hawaiian Punch and lemonade for an icy blue Frozone’s Frosty Punch. And Underminer’s Dirt Cake is as simple as preparing individualsized Oreo dirt cups for your party guests, which could also double as prehistoric dirt at a dinosaur-themed party. Two for one! Here’s a recipe:
Underminer’s Dirt Cake INGREDIENTS • 2 cups cold milk • 1 package (4 ounces) chocolate instant pudding • 8-ounce container of whipped topping, thawed • 1 package Oreos, crushed into crumbles
DIRECTIONS 1. Pour the milk into a mixing bowl and add the pudding mix. Beat with a whisk until well blended
22 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
(about 2 minutes). Let stand for 5 minutes. 2. Fold whipped topping into the pudding. 3. Place about 1 tablespoon of the crushed cookies in the bottom of each plastic cup. Add about 2 tablespoons of the pudding mixture on top. 4. Repeat another layer of cookies and pudding. 5. Place cups in refrigerator for about one hour to chill.
dining out »
Worth the splurge
I
The Rodizio Grill Brazilian steakhouse carves meats tableside and offers an endless gourmet salad bar. BY ANN M. O’PHELAN
t’s exciting to try the flavorful foods of different countries that are appearing more frequently in restaurants throughout Southwest Florida — from Vietnamese to Indian to Brazilian. Sampling the foods, experiencing the settings and watching the way the food is presented all adds up to a rich cultural learning experience while enjoying a delicious meal. Rodizio Grill in Estero offers a taste of Brazil. At Rodizio, there are two basic menus to choose from. One is the Full Rodizio, where a variety of rotisserie grilled meats are carved table side, along with a gourmet salad bar ($36.99). The other choice is the salad bar only ($26.99). Both menu choices also come with a selection of desserts. The Full Rodizio for ages 7-11 is $10.99 and for ages 3-6 it’s $7.99. Children ages 2 and younger dine free. (Adults can also dine for less during Saturday brunch, noon to 3 p.m.) Over the holiday season, my family and I decided to splurge a little and try Rodizio Grill. It was a place we had spotted off U.S. Highway 41 in Estero awhile back, and we had seen signs for it as well. Plus, TripAdvisor, our trusty friend, gave it four stars. One thing that we noticed right away after sitting down, and right before heading over to the gourmet salad bar, was that Rodizio Grill is fully staffed. We enjoyed superb service throughout our dinner, making that a huge point of difference these days. Good service can make or break a meal, and when you pay a good amount for a meal, you expect the service to be up to par, and it was. Each table is provided with a small wooden device that you turn up or down. Green side up means more meat, red side up means no more meat, and a horizontal
Rodizio Grill » Location: Coconut Point, 8017 Plaza del Lago Drive, Suite 101, Estero (There are also locations nationwide, including Sarasota) » Phone: 239-498-0018 » Online: rodiziogrill.com
setting means ready for dessert. When the device is set on green side up, a rotating server in a Brazilian-style uniform appears tableside and carves steak, lamb, ham, chicken and more. Also, the salad bar is filled with delicious sides, salads, breads and condiments like mixed olives. Seafood is also in abundance. Desserts, if you have room for any, are a choice of about eight items, such as chocolate cake or cheesecake. We were able to split a chocolate cake at the end of the meal but didn’t quite finish it — thanks to our numerous trips to the salad bar. The setting is like what you would expect in a steakhouse with dark, rich colors and low lighting. There are vibrant pictures on the wall that remind you of the liveliness of Brazil. Most of the seating is inside at tables or booths, but there is also an outdoor patio. The coffee candy served at the hostess station was the perfect exit to our meal. And afterward, we hung out by the fountain to look at the turtles who call it home.
» Hours: Dinner is served 5 to 9 p.m. MondayFriday, 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. » Price range: $21.99-36.99 » Kids’ menu: Full Rodizio for ages 7-11 is $10.99; for ages 3-6, $7.99, and free for ages 2 and younger with paying adult. » Tips: Highchairs available. Sunday Brunch is $26.99 for Full Rodizio and $21.99 for Unlimited Gourmet Salads. Join Club Rodizio on Facebook for special offers and promotions.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 23
youth sports »
Janis B. Meredith, a parenting coach, was a coach’s wife for 29 years and sports mom for 22 years. She lives in Alva, where she writes about raising champions on JBMThinks.com.
JA NIS B. MER EDIT H
My kids’ sports taught me a lot about myself
P
arents always say how much they learn about themselves when they have kids. So true. But when my kids started playing sports, the learning progressed to a whole new level. Actually, I probably knew most of these things about myself before my kids started playing sports. But gymnasium and field lights can expose new angles to old traits. And sometimes it’s not a pretty sight.
» I like to have control. I want to know that every situation my kid encounters will work out perfectly. And the more I can do to help it, the better. » I want to be able to fix things for my kids. Maybe a talk with the coach, or telling off that mouthy parent, or pushing my kid to work extra hard will fix things. Then again, maybe not. » I often say things I regret. After games, before games, after practices, before practices. I’ve pretty much done it all. Biting my tongue is a skill every parent needs to work on. » I worry way too much. When my son was starting quarterback, I’d get an upset stomach the day of his
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What have I learned?
games. When my daughters played as varsity starters, I could not eat before the games. It’s a rough way to lose weight. And here’s the kicker: Worry never ever helped them play better. It was just a habitual waste of time that disrupted bodily functions. » I’m very competitive. The competitiveness I felt when watching my kids play sports was almost embarrassing. What mom doesn’t always want her kids to win and succeed and shine and prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are the best there
ever was? » I love my children very much. Of course I knew this before they played sports. But the reason that I do all those other dumb things is because I do love my kids so much. And sometimes I just can’t control the way it shows. My kids played sports through college and are now out, making their way in the world. It was a long 22 years of sports parenting and self-discovery. What has your journey looked like?
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 25
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26 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
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kid stuff »
YOUNG ARCHERS TAKE
If you go The Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League archery program currently operates in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres and soon will be added in Bonita Springs. Here’s where:
William “Bill” Austen Youth Center, 315 SW
Second Ave., Cape Coral • When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays • Cost: $20 for six sessions • For details or to register: 239-242-3959 or capeparks.com
Veterans Community Park,
55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres • When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays • Cost: $35 for a 12week session • For details or to register: 239-369-1521 or leeparks.org
Bonita Springs YMCA, 27200 Kent
Road, Bonita Springs • Coming soon
For updates: leecountysheriffsyouth
activitiesleague.com/archery-program
aim Kids gain hand-eye coordination,
patience and other skills through the Lee County Sheriff ’s Youth Activities League archery program. BY ANDREA STETSON
R
ange hot,” the children shout in unison as they pick up their bows and place an arrow onto the string. With intense concentration, they focus on the target in front of them and let the arrow sail, hoping to hit the yellow center. The Lee County Sheriff ’s Youth Activities League offers archery instruction in Cape
Coral and Lehigh Acres and plans to bring the program to Bonita Springs soon. Mike Calbot, an SYAL committee member, says archery is a great sport for kids. “We have all skill levels,” Mike says. “You don’t have to be a person who runs fast or is so coordinated to do this. We have really little kids come that can barely draw the string back. It is not how strong you are or how fast you are. It is a skill.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 27
» kid stuff (continued)
Top: Ava Holmes, 10, is excited when she gets the arrow in the yellow portion of the target. • Bottom: Nolan McLean, 7, aims at a target with his bow and arrow during a Lee County Sheriff’s Youth Activities League archery class.
28 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
Children as young as 5 attend the classes, says volunteer archery instructor John Risk, but he recommends 7 is a better time to start because children have more arm strength by then. The first session stresses safety. The children learn to wait until the cold range command is spoken before passing the shooting line. They learn how to remove the arrows from the target and walk safely back to the line after retrieval. They are also taught how to safely put the arrow in the bow and shoot. “Archery is the safest sport in America,” John says. “You wouldn’t think that, but it is. We take safety very seriously.” As the children shoot their arrows, John walks around helping them with the right angle and pull. The more they practice, the better the children get. Ava Holmes, 10, smiled proudly when one of her arrows hit the yellow target center during a recent class. “It just sounds cool,” Ava says when asked what she enjoys about archery. “It’s all fun.” “She loves it,” says her mother, Francie Holmes. “She had been asking for a year to do this. It is hand-eye coordination, listening skills and being with other children.” Gael Rodriguez, 10, likes seeing the improvement in his shooting. “It’s fun and I get to learn more,” he says. Gary DeForest brought his two children, Natalie, 6, and Nolan, 9, to archery. “For her it’s a confidence booster,” he says, pointing to his daughter. “She gets better every time we come.” Nolan keeps getting better, too. “It challenges you,” Nolan says. Nolan McClean, 7, missed the target a lot, but he didn’t give up and finally got an arrow in that coveted yellow circle. “I like science and I like history,” he says. “People in history did it.” Archery is a “little bit” hard, he says, but he has a theory on how to get better. “I think the arrow goes where it wants to go,” he says. “You just have to practice.”
teens »
VAPING ON THE RISE
Teen use of e-cigarettes is on fire here in Southwest Florida, and kids are finding clever ways to hide it from parents. BY ANDREA STETSON
Y
our teen could be holding a jump drive, Sharpie marker, cell phone charger or other common device, but it might not be what it appears. Collier County Public Schools recently sent an email to parents of students warning them about Juul and how it can be hidden in ordinary objects. Lee County Public Schools held three seminars for parents this school year for the same reason. The concern comes after experts found Juul use has become a skyrocketing problem nationwide and here locally. Juul is a battery-powered vape system containing a pod filled with a high
volume of nicotine. In 2018, 34.3 percent of middle and high school students in Lee County and 29.6 percent in Collier County reported using some type of vaping device, according to the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey. That is higher than the state average of 27.1 percent. “Educating our students about the dangers of tobacco and vaping is an ongoing effort by the school district’s prevention specialists,” says Rob Spicker, assistant director of media relations and public information for the School District of Lee County. “They are often in schools working with students, teachers and administrators.
What are some signs of vaping? • Sweet smell • Persistent cough • Odd-looking new technology (i.e. USB drive, charger) • Increased thirst • Nosebleeds • Acne • Sudden decrease in caffeine intake SOURCE: Collier County Public Schools
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 29
« teens (continued) We will step up the prevention effort in the spring with a new awareness campaign aimed at our students.” Sara Thompson, a prevention specialist with the district, joined Kurt Goerke, director of health promotions for the American Lung Association in Florida, and Dr. Steve Delisi, assistant dean and assistant professor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Graduate School of Addiction Studies, on a WGCU radio program in the fall aimed at informing people about Juul. “It is very important that we educate our parents,” Sara said during the show. “There are probably many students doing this that are going undetected, so we are educating educators on what to look for.” E-cigarettes like Juul have become increasingly popular during the past decade. The electronic devices simulate the feeling of smoking by heating a liquid, commonly called vaping. Experts say what makes it attractive to teens is that it comes in hundreds of flavors, such as chocolate, blueberry and strawberry. The devices often appear to be marketed toward teens with flavors they like and in common devices for easy hiding. “Why would you put a vape device inside of the Sharpie marker if you weren’t trying to conceal it,” asks Rachel Dawes, director of student relations for Collier County Public Schools. “Why would you put it in a USB drive if you didn’t want to conceal it? It is something that can resemble a pack of gum. Obviously, they are marketing it to our teenagers, and it’s dangerous.” Chad Oliver, executive director of communications and community engagement for Collier schools, says he has seen a rise in the use of Juul since just after Hurricane Irma. “We have to be strong in our messaging that this is an important issue,” Chad says. “It’s really dangerous. If a student uses an entire Juul vape pod, it is the equivalent of 20 cigarettes. I want people to understand the severity of this.” The problem is heightened, because Juul is much harder to detect than regular cigarettes, he adds. “They are small,” he explains. “They are easy to hide, and they only leave a faint smell for a few seconds.” Health problems are not the only harm. Students can be suspended, lose their privilege of playing school sports and be arrested. “They need to know the consequences,” Chad stresses. Collier County Sheriff ’s Office Sgt. Tiffany Castle helps run the Hidden In Plain Sight trailer, which teaches parents what to look for. “It’s about conversation starters,” she says. “Parents need to be current on the trends that the teenagers are involved in. You need to be in your kid’s face. You need to look for anything that is out of place. It is probably harder to figure it out, but you have to be informed. You have to be in your kids’ business. A lot of parents are concerned
30 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
about giving their kids privacy. Parents should not be concerned in giving their kids privacy. Be involved in your kids.” While they are easy to hide, there are signs for parents to look for, Chad says, including: • A sweet smell (pronounced “jewel”) • Persistent cough » A battery-powered vape • Odd-looking, new system containing a pod filled technology with a high volume of nicotine • Increased thirst » Tiny Juul pods contain as • Acne much nicotine as an entire • Less caffeine intake pack of cigarettes “Parents should definitely talk about the side effects and the symptoms and the school consequences and sheriff ’s office,” Rachel says. “They should talk to them about » Juuls come in a variety making better choices.” of flavors and smells (fruit Kurt says he is conmedley, mango, crème brûlée, cerned about the rapid rise cool cucumber) in Juul use. » These devices are very “It is like a runaway small and easy to hide, often train,” he said on the radio disguised as USB drives, show. “There were 7,700 chargers and Sharpie pens flavors on the market last year. That is just what is known. There are many more. Flavors can also be modified. Teens are being told that they don’t have nicotine, but Juul does.” Steve also warned of the dangers on the radio show. He explained vap» The use of vapes and Juuls ing also has a lead content. is a violation of the code of “With kids and adolesstudent conduct cents with the brain devel» Out-of-school suspension oping, we have concerns about their exposure to » Coding for athletes this,” he said. “It increases » Police citation to addiction among teens Source: Collier County to nicotine. It is a gateway Public Schools into using other products. There is a perception that e-cigarettes are less bad for you. That perception is driving the use.” “Most come with easy-to-use pods,” Steve said. “That is another attraction. Kids are looking for the most innovative and sexy product to use and these products are packaged just that way.”
What is a Juul?
Why is it popular among teens?
What are the consequences for students caught with a Juul?
PHOTO BY LOGAN NEWELL
spotlight »
Amanda Sterk on the Florida SouthWestern State College campus.
Guiding students to the
FUTURE Amanda Sterk helps parents, counselors and high school seniors unravel the academic maze to career and college readiness. BY CATHY CHESTNUT
F
orget E.F. Hutton. When Amanda Sterk, Ed.D., utters the magic words all parents and guardians desire, they listen: “If you know this, you can get your kids where they need to be.” As director of Accelerated
Pathways at Florida SouthWestern State College, Amanda straddles two worlds: its collegiate high school and public dual enrollment programs. It didn’t take long in her current position to realize that parents were asking the same questions. What’s the best college-
prep path: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education? Dual enrollment? How can their child choose a career they will love? How do I maneuver School Choice? What are the best college application essay topics? What’s
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 31
« spotlight (continued) the quickest or least expensive way to complete a degree? What if my child doesn’t have the interest or aptitude for college? A former high school counselor, Amanda understood the dizzying whirl of questions and had written her dissertation on career readiness. At FSW, Amanda manages the early admission students from the fivecounty area who are taking a full college load in 11th and 12th grades as part of FSW Collegiate High School. She also oversees the dual enrollment program for part-time public high school students. This position gives her a good understanding of the public, private and charter schools in the region and perspective on career readiness for home-schooled students, too. “I see how it all fits together,” she says. “Parents were asking the same questions again and again. I realized that 90 percent of what I was doing was having the same, generalized conversation. I wondered what I could give to the 90 percent of parents so I could focus on the 10 percent, to give individualized advice to each student,” Amanda, 39, says. In addition, she sometimes struggled to find the answers parents were seeking. “We have so many options; however, there hasn’t been a great job of explaining all the different options. There’s a lot of misconceptions. I was having difficulty finding quality information.” Local school counselors are overwhelmed, she notes, with counselor-to-student ratios of 1-to-500 or higher. Counselors are frequently pulled away to meet with parents and faculty, address mental health crises and administer tests. “They are so busy,” Amanda says. “A lot of times, college and career readiness are pushed to the back burner. Schools just can’t do it all.” Then she realized: Why not create a step-by-step guidebook to lay it all out for frazzled high schoolers, counselors and parents? She created “College UnMazed: Your Guide Through the Florida College and University System,” which some school groups have sold as fundraisers. She also started the UnMazed blog and magazine to expand on topics such as mental health, volunteering, physical fitness for teens and interpersonal relationships. The magazine is broken into themes that align with the academic calendar, such as back-toschool, college applications and scholarships and summertime work experience. It is not printed in hard copy, but the digital edition goes to 17,000 readers/subscribers, including 4,000 counselors and administrators. She has 40 contributors in a range of fields, and says schools and educators are welcome to share the materials.
32 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
The blog and website, UnMaze. Me, also offers a resource directory listing financial advisors, counselors, parenting support and other professionals and pertinent businesses. In totality, UnMazed “becomes a onestop shop for getting kids through adolescence,” Amanda says. Amanda is clearly entrenched in higher education, though she is not completely biased. “I’m really about career readiness,” she says, and that can include several different tracks, including graduating with one of the many industry and professional certifications offered at public high schools and technical colleges. “The goal is to get our students to be directly employable with a good career.” Amanda came to Southwest Florida with her family: husband, Heath, a middle-school science teacher, and their two daughters, Eden, 12, and Rilah, 9. It was a circuitous route from their home states in the Midwest to working at international schools in Germany, Japan, Niger, West Africa and Nicaragua on multiyear assignments. They returned from West Africa to Iowa when Amanda was pregnant with Eden. She finished her master’s degree specializing in high school counseling, “which had always been my dream” while teaching and counseling and having their second daughter. The whole family packed up and moved to Nicaragua for a three-year stint where Amanda was a high school counselor. While pursuing her doctorate, Amanda realized her options for career ascension in the international schools were limited to administrative positions, but that wasn’t her passion. “I really liked college programming, getting students into college,” she says, “so I wanted to make the leap professionally.” In 2015, she applied for an opening as a high school counselor for FSW Collegiate High School on the Lee County campus, assisting her senior class with netting $10 million in scholarships at top post-secondary institutions. Her passion for getting budding adults where they need to be for the next phase of their lives extends beyond the campus. She serves on a college readiness committee for the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s FutureMakers Coalition, which has a goal of increasing the region’s percent of college graduates and residents with advanced certifications and credentials to 40 percent by 2025. Half of the proceeds from UnMaze magazine advertising are donated to FutureMakers, “so I’m helping to build college programs in Southwest Florida.”
work »
GETTY IMAGES
HOW TO AVOID WORK-AT-HOME
BURNOUT
W
STORY BY KYLE DOTY
hen you work from home, the balance of work and life can be in a fray. Working from home presents its challenges. If you work for someone, you want to show them that you’re working. You’re not taking the privilege of working from home for granted. If you work
for yourself, you have to put in the hours to keep the money rolling in. Either way, the temptation to overdo it is always present. Having a work-life balance can be challenging when the office is at the end of the hallway. Here are some tips I’ve come up with to help myself get my work done on time but have the balance I need for family time.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 33
« work (continued)
Prioritize your time Too often we are our own worst enemy when it comes to managing our workflow. Mismanaging your time and not assigning tasks to their rightful place can cause unnecessary stress. Make a square on a sheet of paper and divide it into four quadrants. Label the quadrants urgent, important, important-not urgent and non-important. Now you can place your daily tasks in the respective boxes. Do urgent tasks first, the important ones next, the importantnot urgent following, and then lastly the unimportant tasks. When you begin to think of your time in this way, it should allow you to free up wasted time spent on unimportant and important-not urgent tasks.
Work in blocks of time Rather than running a marathon, divide your work into short sprints. Take that quadrant you made and assign similar tasks to blocks of time. Be sure to schedule nonnegotiable breaks, time when you get up from your desk, leave the office and take a short 15- to 20-minute timeout. Make a cup of tea, take a short walk, sit on the porch and catch up on the news. You’ll actually accomplish more by working in blocks of time, because you’ve scheduled it and you know you’ve got your break coming up. When you get back to work after your break, you’ll be refreshed enough to get back into it with full force.
Use free technology I use Google Calendar and YouCanBook.me to help me manage my
34 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
time and appointments. I like Google Calendar, because it talks to the free booking site YouCanBook.me. It also alerts me on my iPad and my computer when I have an appointment or task coming up. If you’re like me and you have clients who need to book you for appointments, I recommend YouCanBook.me. It’s simple to set up and really easy to use. Clients click on your link and choose a time and date that you’ve made available for appointments to schedule their calls or visits with you. What’s really neat about it is that it works with your Google Calendar. Need to block out hours of time? Simple. Just go to Google Calendar and block out the time you need. It’ll also block that time from YouCanBook.me. Your clients will just see that you are busy and choose a time you have available. Google Keep is another useful tool. Like Evernote, it allows you to create lists, save links and pictures, or keep useful notes close at hand. I keep passwords, user IDs and even my grocery list in Google Keep. Another interesting feature is that you can share lists with others and collaborate in real time.
Allow the kids in the office While I work, there are many times that the kids are in the office with me. I have a second desk on the other side of the room, so one of the kids can use it for homework while I finish my work for the day. Other times they are on the floor playing cards, or they bring our two pet rabbits in the room and play with them while I’m on a phone call. I teach them to be quiet when the phone rings and to respect the use of my office. It’s good for your kids to see
how you spend your time. When your kids see what you have to do to earn money, they will begin to appreciate it when you spend money on them. Just because you’re busy while they are in there doesn’t mean they aren’t watching, and it doesn’t mean that it can’t count as together time either. It is, it’s just a different kind.
Know when to call it quits Anyone who has worked at home knows that since the office is just down the hallway it’s easy to fall into the trap of always working. Make a schedule and stick to it. If you say you work until 5 p.m., leave the office at 5. Choose a schedule and execute it. Sure, there will be outlier days when something doesn’t go right or you have to push a little harder to meet a goal, but you can justify working extra on occasion. You can even use it as a teaching opportunity for your kids that sometimes reaching goals takes extra sacrifice, but stick to your schedule most of the time. Working from home is a blessing. It allows you the flexibility to take care of the things that mean the most to you while also earning an income. Don’t allow it to be a curse. Simplify your life by organizing your workday so that you get the most time with family and avoid the work-at-home burnout.
cover story »
IN
LIEU OF gifts Generosity is taking Southwest Florida kids by storm. Instead of presents for the birthday child, many children are asking party guests to bring donations for a favorite charity.
Amayah Casiano, 5 Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay
STORY BY ANDREA STETSON
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 35
J
oy Youngblood is planning a princess party for her ninth birthday in June. But instead of asking for presents, the Fort
Myers child is asking guests for princess slippers that she will then donate to the
Top: For her fifth birthday, Joy Youngblood collected craft and school supplies for children at the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida in south Fort Myers. • Bottom: For her sixth birthday, Joy made a clam box for her Little Mermaid party and collected “clams,” money for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. This isn’t the first time Joy has asked for donations for a charity instead of presents for herself. For her fifth birthday, she collected school supplies and craft items to donate to the children’s hospital. She had a mermaid themed party when she turned 6 and made a clam box to collect money for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
36 » FEBRUARY 2019 » SWFLPARENTCHILD.COM
“I felt great,” Joy says about donating. “I felt I would help many people.” Her mother, Carrie Youngblood, says it’s been a great experience for Joy. “They have so much, and we just have always been a blessed family, and every year we try to think of something different,” Carrie says. “Joy is very involved. She is very aware. That is the goal, I feel, to get the kids to be involved, to see it is about blessing and giving to others.” Joy is not the only one asking for donations for charity instead of birthday presents. This is a trend all around Southwest Florida. Many parents say their children don’t need 25 to 30 presents from guests at big birthday parties. Their children already have shelves full of toys and closets full of clothes. Yet guests feel obligated to bring a gift, so asking for no gifts usually doesn’t work. Instead they ask guests to bring a donation in lieu of gifts.
» cover story (continued)
Parents say there are many positive outcomes of this. It helps a good cause, reduces clutter, teaches children about helping others and it gives youngsters an understanding of those less fortunate than they are. Letting the child pick the charity helps them get excited about the idea. Some of the more popular charities for parties include: » Those that help animals: Many children have a love of animals and enjoy visiting a shelter to distribute the gifts. » Groups involved in disease research: If the child has a relative or friend who is sick, this has extra meaning. » International endeavors: These give children a broader understanding of the world by helping children in other countries. » Nonprofits that give toys to needy children: A twist on birthday gifts, giving toys to benefit less fortunate children is a common theme. Angelina Frantz, 11, of Fort Myers, picked a charity that helps animals. Every birthday party since she turned 6, Angelina has asked for dog and cat food, towels, pet beds and animal toys instead of presents for her party. She donates it all to the Gulf Coast Humane Society and the Animal Refuge Center. Abby Schimmel, a first-grader at Seacrest Country Day School in Naples, collected donations for the Naples Cat Alliance. She was inspired by school nurse and NCA volunteer Rae Young, right.
How to do this at home Generosity can be contagious. If giving to a charity in lieu of gifts is something your child might enjoy, here are some tips for following through. First, your child must want to do this. It’s OK if the idea comes from you,
but you’ll need to get your child onboard. Forcing a child to do this might backfire and turn them off the idea of being generous in the future. Often simply telling a child about the need and the idea to give is enough to make them want to do it. For the child who needs a stronger nudge, do some volunteer work with them, take them to deliver your own donation or visit a charity to allow your child to get to know the need that exists.
Let your child pick the charity.
Having a say in the project gives your child ownership in it. Let them lead the way. The accomplishment will empower them beyond anything you can do for them.
Tell your party guests. A simple “Donations for ______ in lieu of gifts” on the invitation will suffice. You can also talk up guests about the charity and how excited your child is to help. Make a big event out of the donation drop-off. When big-time
philanthropists donate millions of dollars, a charity might do something to thank them — a gala or a name on a building — and they like to reward kids for a generous heart, too. Call the charity in advance and let them know when you’ll drop off the donations. Many will make a big deal out it, perhaps take the child’s picture and post it somewhere in their office. Even if they don’t, you can. Take some pics and brag about your child on social media. Tag the charity to give your donation a little more mileage by inspiring others to do the same.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 37
« cover story (continued)
Selena Thier, 10, of Cape Coral, opted to forego birthday presents this year. Instead, she asked for donations to raise money to benefit the Fort Myers Police Department Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation. She raised $3,077.08.
“What is the point of getting gifts I don’t need?” Angelina says. “Animals need them. You can change an animal’s life.” Jennifer Crawford Frantz says her daughter does get some birthday presents. “We always have a family celebration, and she received birthday gifts from us and relatives,” she explains. She likes what it teaches her daughter. “We talked about it because she is fortunate,” Jennifer explains. “She loves animals. She wanted to help them and wanted to figure out the best way to do it. It is about trying to teach the kids to give that is really important.” Selena Thier, 10, of Cape Coral, raised $3,077.08 for the Fort Myers Police Department Fallen Officer Memorial Foundation instead of getting birthday presents. “Her brother is in law enforcement,” her mom, Julie Thier, says. “She has been doing different things for law enforcement for four years.” Selena gets presents on her adoption day and asks for gifts for a charity on her birthday. “I feel excited and happy,” Selena says about the donation.
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In Collier County, the trend is strong at Seacrest Country Day School where many of the lower school students are asking for presents for charity. Twins Anabella and Marcello Stevens collected items for the Foster Parent Co-op of Southwest Florida for their eighth birthday. “Their birthday is the end of November, and that joins in with Christmas. They still have toys they haven’t opened from a year ago,” says their mother, Maribel Stevens. “There is another family that goes to school with us and fosters a bunch of kids. They always tell me the stories about all these foster kids. I would come home and tell the kids the stories, so they would have a better sense of appreciation. They got into the story of two siblings that are looking for a family, and they even asked if we can adopt them, and I said we can’t adopt them, but we can help them.” The twins collected toys, clothes and art supplies. “They know how good it feels,” Maribel says. “They want to do it again next year. They asked the same thing for Christmas.”
“For a child to have that mindset that giving back is more important than receiving is great. It is boys and girls like that that will go on and do great things and change the world.” — Staff Sgt. Jose Estevez, U.S. Marine Corps
Giving birthdays are a popular trend at Seacrest Country Day School in Naples. Coralynn Carlson, at top, celebrated her eighth birthday by asking for donations for Toys for Tots. Maeve Wasmer, above, collected for Humane Society Naples.
“My mom said that we couldn’t adopt the siblings, but we can help them,” Marcello says. “And we donated to them, and it made them really happy. I felt really happy.” Coralynn Carlson collected items for Toys for Tots for her eighth birthday. “Her grandfather is a marine,” says her mother, Tricia O’Connor. “She wanted to do something to help children in need. She was inspired by other children in her school that were doing charitable birthdays, and she said she wants to do that.” “We collected toys and school stuff, and we also collected a fluffy unicorn,” Coralynn says. “It made me feel happy. I want my friends to do it also, because there are a lot of people in this world that need a lot of help.” Staff Sgt. Jose Estevez of the U.S. Marine Corps says he was excited to see someone so young want to help. “For a child to have that mindset that giving back is more important than receiving is great,” he says. “It is boys and girls like that that will go on and do great things and change the world.” Meghan Schimmel says she’s glad her daughter Abby, who is also a Seacrest student, decided to collect charity presents for her seventh birthday. “Last year we had a birthday party, and I almost thought it was gluttonous,” Meghan says. “There were like 40 gifts. Our (school) nurse volunteers at the Naples Cat Alliance, and she was telling Abby about those cats, and Abby thought those cats need more than we do, so she decided to help out the cats. We wrote on the card, ‘in lieu of gifts bring cat food or kitty litter.’ We raised $325 and got kitty litter, cat food and cat toys. “At Seacrest our kids are very fortunate. I feel that giving back is important. It is very special. The kids are coming up with these ideas on their own.”
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« cover story (continued)
Abby had to give up her cat due to allergies, so she felt a special connection to the cause. “It’s nice. I was helping animals,” Abby says. “It filled my heart,” says Rae Young, the school nurse who also volunteers with the Naples Cat Alliance. “When kids do that, it just fills my heart. That was something really special to me. This is a great organization. We don’t get any federal funding, so this is very important. It’s a struggle for us every month, because we just rely on the volunteers and we rely on money coming in. So we really appreciate it.” Maeve Wasmer also wanted to help animals, so she collected items for Humane Society Naples for her eighth birthday. “She wanted to invite all of her classmates, and it was a fairly large number, and we talked about not really needing a lot of extra toys — we have plenty. She really loves animals and she chose the Humane Society,” says her mother, Melanie Wasmer. “It can be a hard sell at first, but once they do it and get that feel-good feeling, then I think they realize it is pretty cool.” Maeve did think it was cool. “It’s to help the dogs,” she says. “It felt good.” “Kids from all around the Southwest Florida area have been making a big difference at Humane Society Naples,”
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Logan Williams collected donations for the Guadalupe Center for his birthday.
says Rachael Johnston, the marketing manager for Humane Society Naples. “We have seen many cases of great generosity of children who request that their guests bring donations in lieu of gifts. It is really inspiring to see the compassion that so many children carry in their hearts.” Logan Williams filled a truck with donations he got for his seventh birthday. He donated the stash to the Guadalupe Center. “I think it was just a dinnertime con-
versation that morphed into it,” says his mother, Erin Williams. “It was just kind of something we were working on at home. We feel really blessed. We try to do something different because nobody needs gifts from 30 kids.” Logan agreed. “We had this big birthday party, and I always get many presents,” Logan says. “I don’t know who gets as many presents as I do, and I didn’t need that many presents. I wouldn’t know what to do with it all.”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 41
« safety corner JACK IELOU MOZES
Heart health is important for kids, too Eating healthy and being active now can help your kids live a longer, higher quality life later.
H
eart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, it is largely preventable and there are many things people can do to reduce their risk, such as being more active. Heart disease doesn’t just happen to older adults. It is happening to younger adults more and more often. This is partly because the conditions that lead to heart disease are happening at younger ages. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart. Aside from high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and smoking, there are other conditions and behaviors that affect your risk for heart disease: » Obesity. Carrying extra weight puts stress on the heart. More than 1 in 3 Americans — and nearly 1 in 6 children ages 2 to 19 — has obesity. » Diabetes. Diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood. This can damage blood vessels and nerves that help control the heart muscle. Nearly 1 in 10 people in the United States has diabetes. » Physical inactivity. Staying physically active helps keep the heart and blood vessels healthy. Only 1 in 5 adults meets the physical activity guidelines of getting 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity. » Unhealthy eating patterns. Most Americans, including children, eat too much sodium (salt), which increases blood pressure. Replacing foods high in sodium with fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. But only 1 in 10 adults is getting enough fruits and vegetables each day. Diets high in trans-fat, saturated fat and
added sugar increase the risk factor for heart disease. You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. The benefits of regular physical activity are undeniable. Something is better than nothing, and we all have to start somewhere. Even if you've been sedentary for years, today is the day you can begin to make healthy changes in your life. There are tons of online resources to get you, your family and your community motivated. » The Heart Truth program encourages Americans to move more and “Move with Heart.” Strive for at least 150 minutes (2½ hours) each week of physical activity that gets your heart pumping and leaves you a little breathless. There are flexible ways to break it into amounts of daily activity, and even small amounts add up and can have lasting heart health benefits. Learn more online at nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/educationand-awareness/heart-month. » Kids Heart Challenge is a fun and exciting event where your student learns about their heart while helping others and raising money for the American Heart Association. The Kids Heart Challenge prepares your child for success through physical and emotional well-being. Find your child’s school at american.heart.org/kidsheartchallenge. » Healthy for Good is a revolutionary movement to inspire you to create lasting change in your health and your life, one small step at a time. The approach is simple: Eat smart. Add color. Move more. Be well. Sign up at heart.org/en/healthy-living.
Jackielou Mozes is a fire inspector for Iona McGregor Fire Protection & Rescue District in south Fort Myers.
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In case of emergency Some 320,200 cardiac arrests occur in the community (at home or in public places) each year, according to the American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2015 Update. The estimated survival rate for this type of arrest is only 10.6 percent, but survival with good neurological function is even less, at 8.3 percent. Project Adam aims to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest through education and implementation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aka CPR, and automated external defibrillator, or AED, programs in schools and community settings. On any given day, about 20 percent of the community is in its schools. Students, teachers, staff and family members visit school campuses for education, extracurricular activities, athletics, entertainment and more. A focused effort on cardiac arrest preparedness in schools is critical to protecting our children and others in the community. In 2018, the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida became a Project Adam affiliate and donated AEDs to every elementary and middle school in Lee County. High schools already had AEDs due to an FHSAA mandate. In partnership with the Lee County EMS, multiple staff at each school were trained on how to properly use the lifesaving device should an emergency occur. To learn more about Project Adam, visit projectadam.com.
Safe Kids is a nonprofit coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to eliminating preventable childhood injuries. Visit safekidsswfl.org.
» family album
Competing with Legos »
Above, Tortuga Preserve Elementary School students Liliana Delgado, left, Briana Rodriguez, Camden Cumbess and Angelina Torres, right, cheer as their team, the Tortuga Lego Leaders, compete in the Cypress Lake First Lego League Qualifying Tournament at Cypress Lake Middle School in south Fort Myers on January 12. At left, Delaney Baucom of the Assembly Required team from Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School in Fort Myers. Photos by Amanda Inscore
Send Us Your Snapshots
Send your images with a brief description and names of the people in them to editor@swflparentchild.com SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 43
» family album Gigi Project »
Rilah Sterk, 10, started what she calls the Gigi Project. She has a small but well-loved crocheted blanket that was made by her late great-grandmother. That blanket went with her everywhere, from Iowa to Nicaragua to Florida. Over the past summer, after learning to crochet from her other great-grandma, she set a goal to make and donate 50 “Gigis” to children in need. People have donated finished Gigis and yarn to make more, and by December, she had over 100 Gigis to give away. Rilah says, “I just love giving to others, and Gigis are perfect because every one of them is made with love for someone special.” Rilah is hooked and is doubling her goal for 2019. Photos special to SW FL Parent & Child
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Young Artists » The Hot Works 22nd
Estero Fine Art Show announced the winners of its Youth Art Competition for grades K-8. The Best of Youth Art winner is Ammar Isme, 8, of Pinewoods Elementary School. The award comes with a $100 prize. The three $50 Youth Art Awards of Excellence went to Nalin Isme, 11, also of Pinewoods Elementary, Nella Isme, 5, and Alyssa La Flamme, 14, of Gateway Intermediate Charter School. Nalin Isme won his first competition at age 5 and has since won 11 out of 13 times. The next show is March 30-31 at the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt in North Naples. The March event will have a Budding Artist Competition for grades 6-12 or ages 9-19. Photo courtesy of Hot Works
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Game changer » Collier Child
Care Resources Board Chair Melissa Blazier was honored with the Distinguished Fundraising Volunteer Award in November for her service to CCCR. “The best word to describe Melissa Blazier is ‘game-changer,’” says CCCR Executive Director and CEO Niccole Howard. Photo courtesy of Collier Child Care Resources
Ocean Magic Happens Here At Sanibel Sea School, each day is filled with moments of wonder in the water. We offer day classes, camps and experiences for kids, families, and grown-ups, so come with us and be amazed. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org or call (239) 472-8585. A nonprofit organization. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 45
» family album
YMCA after–school moment »
Julian Mejia, 7, left, and his friend, Dylan Wright, 7 sit by the gym bleachers reading and learning about Pokemon from books checked out of their school library, during the YMCA after–school program in Bonita Springs. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay
Waitress »
Above, Gianna Winton auditions for the role of Lulu in the upcoming production of “Waitress” at the Artis—Naples Toni Stabile Education Building. The Broadway production runs February 19–24. Right, Emma Panos, 3, of Naples, is measured by Susanna Wolk, the assistant director during the casting call. Photos by Jon Austria
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Culver City, California, admires the jelly fish she made during Science Saturday at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center in Naples. The event takes place every Saturday through April. Photo by Jon Austria
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First baby »
Jennifer O’Grady, 25, of North Fort Myers, cradles her first child, Adilynn O’Grady, who was born at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers on January 1, 2019, at 1:02 a.m. She was the first baby born in Lee County in 2019. Photo by Ricardo Rolon
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SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 47
» family album
Music to our ears »
Students at Diplomat Middle School had the rare opportunity to hear world-class musicians November 19 when the Russian String Orchestra performed a private concert for them in the school auditorium. The concert was courtesy of the Fort Myers Community Concert Association. During the performance, three students were invited on stage to be guest conductors. Here, Conductor Misha Rachlevsky speaks to students. Photo special to SW FL Parent & Child
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travel »
More than 20 antique shops line historic downtown Arcadia.
THE JOY OF
browsing
RELICS Antiquing isn’t just for grown-ups. Americana treasures captivate kids’ imaginations in Arcadia. STORY BY RANDY K AMBIC
T
he expression that one person’s trash is another’s treasure vividly applies to nearby Arcadia. Whether it’s a Hudson River School art lithograph or a Mickey Mantle baseball card, railroad memorabilia or a vintage G.I. Joe or Barbie doll outfit, this charming town an hour’s drive north of Fort Myers raises a wide range of passions for antiquing.
Vintage glassware attracts antique lovers at Biggar and Biggar Antique Mall in Arcadia.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 49
« travel (continued)
This page, clockwise from top left: Former Fort Myers firefighter Tim Kilkelly, co-owner of Treasure Alley in Arcadia, offers many self-described “man-tiques.” • Libby Roller, co-owner of Oak Street Treasures in Arcadia displays her extensive collection of fine china. • Treasure Alley is one of 20-plus antique emporiums in Arcadia.
And while parents may look for special decorative pieces for their own collections, antiques can also serve as a superb gateway for children to learn about American history, commerce, arts and culture. The pursuit — which has been bolstered on TV shows such as “Antiques Roadshow” and “American Pickers” — also gives historically significant objects a new lease on life and supports the regional economy. Antiques are from “a simpler time,” says Flo Rife, who has served as president of the Antique Association of Arcadia for six years and owns Maddy’s Antiques. She says many customers want to “recreate an era, create a more homey feeling” with American often-handmade items instead of more modern products containing synthetic ingredients. All ages are stimulated in the many aisles at the Biggar and Biggar Antique Mall. Owner James D. Lee II says he often overhears parents and grandparents
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sharing flashbacks — recognizing tunes played on the store’s Victrola record player or seeing vintage toys, especially metal wind-up ones — with their children or grandchildren. “It’s great when youngsters realize that there were no batteries, much less computer chips, in toys back then,” he notes. Down the street from Biggar and Biggar, Oak Street Treasures specializes in fine glassware, including from classic makers Fenton, Westmoreland Glass, Pyrex and Imperial Glass Company, and exquisite china, such as Roseville, Shelley, Royal Doulton and Belleek. “We had a person who cried in seeing a Royal Albert teapot he had been searching for for many years,” says co-owner Libby Roller, adding that a dealer from England also recently made a purchase. “Customers need to check out everything we have,” she says. One area of the shop showcases some of the dis-
trict’s largest collections of dolls, model cars — including the sides of NASCAR cars signed by star drivers — and cartoon characters. “Mantiques” is how Treasure Alley co-owner Tim Kilkelly unabashedly terms his many sections devoted to military, tools, sports, beer, railroad and Harley-Davidson motorcycle memorabilia and souvenirs. “Customers see items and then tell me stories,” the former 30-year member of the Iona-McGregor Fire Department says, adding that sometimes professionals buy items to place in their offices for “conversation pieces with their clients.” The Old Opera House, built in 1906 and a U.S. Department of Interior Historic Place, is especially known for its vast selections of Bizarre Bazaar vintage comic books and vinyl records. Walls are adorned with local history displays. It also hosts ghost-hunting events. New shops that opened in late 2018 include Arcadia Seas, stocked with mari-
Arcadia
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DUDA FAMILY
Arcadia is known far and wide for its antique shops. Learn more from the Antique Association of Arcadia at arcadiaflantiques.com.
This page, clockwise from top left: The Old Opera House is one of 20-plus antique emporiums in downtown Arcadia. • Collectors of old tools relish visiting the Biggar and Biggar Antique Mall in Arcadia.• Fine ceramic pieces at Biggar are popular.
time, coastal and nautical collectibles in 4,000 square feet, having previously been in Englewood, and the White Buffalo Trading Post with bountiful Native American and Western pieces. The 20-plus emporiums in the town’s quaint historic antique district — most located within only a few blocks along West Oak Street — also include Corey’s Antiques, The Vintage Garden, Antiques on Oak, Abigail’s, Twice as Nice, Yellow Brick Road, Time Merchant, Relics, and Antiques and More. They are more like museums than
shops; the word clutter doesn’t come to mind as they are well organized. Offerings are dynamic and ever-changing as most owners periodically visit estate sales and ponder taking on items that the public brings to them for sale. Restaurants in the district include Wheeler’s Cafe, the oldest in town, and Mary Margaret’s Tea and Biscuit with its classic tea settings and service. The Antique Association of Arcadia presents an antique fair on the fourth Saturday of every month, year-round, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. It often draws some 100 separate dealers during
season. The town also hosts two rodeos and parades each year. The next one is set for March 9 and 10, which includes a (simulated) Wild West shootout. Overall, Arcadia richly deserves having earned Florida Monthly magazine’s Best Antiquing Town in Florida award multiple times. There’s camaraderie among owners: “We send people to another store if we don’t have what they’re looking for,” Lee says. “Antiques encompass so much,” Flo adds. “We’re the ultimate recyclers!”
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 51
« around town
Edison Festival
LIGHTS UP
FORT MYERS People have been lining up to see the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade for more than 80 years. Billed as the largest nighttime parade in the Southeast, more than 200,000 people attend with more than 200 displays, including floats, marching bands, trucks and dignitaries. But the festival is so much more. Here’s a quick rundown:
February 5: Mrs. Edison’s
Hymn Sing, 1 to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fort Myers.
February 9: Edison Garden
Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edison & Fort Winter Estates, features gardening vendors, music, food and activities for the kids. You can catch that on Sunday, too. Today, there’s also the STEMtastic Day of Discovery, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lee County Public Education Center, 2588 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, where kids and families get hands-on with science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. Afterward, get a bite to eat at the Food Trucks & Craft Beer event, noon to 6 p.m. at Edwards and Hendry. Also in this location, the Mutt Strutt, noon to 4 p.m. on Hendry Street
between Edwards and Bay.
February 10: The Edison
Garden Festival continues, plus this is another big day for kids. The Junior Fun Run is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Fort Myers followed by the Junior Parade at 2:30 p.m. (new route this year) and the Junior Coronation & Parade Awards at 4:30 p.m. in the Sidney & Berne Davis Center.
February 11: Thomas Edison’s Birthday Celebration at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
February 16: For many
people, this is the big climax of the festival. There’s Crafts on the River, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Lee County Second Street parking lot, the 5K Run at 5:45 p.m. and then the big Grand Parade at 7 p.m. Note the parade route
'Frozen' comes to Estero Prepare for little girl squeals. “Frozen” is coming to the Hertz Arena in Estero. Disney on Ice brings seven performances of the Academy-Award winning story March 15-17. “In our many years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like this,” says producer Nicole Feld. Yeah, we have, too. Information and tickets, which start at $20, are available at disneyonice.com.
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has changed a tad. A full map is available online. As usual, it starts at Fort Myers High School, goes up U.S. Highway 41 and winds its way through downtown (it’s how it goes through downtown that differs, up Hendry Street instead of Monroe).
Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the River District.
February 17: Crafts on
Get more details at edisonfestival.org.
the River continues plus a
February 22: The final
event is Rhythm on the River, an evening concert on the bank of the Caloosahatchee, 6 p.m. at the Edison & Ford Winter Estate.
Key Marco Cat returns to Marco Before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, the Key Marco Cat was here. Discovered on Marco Island in 1896, the artifact has been in the Smithsonian Institution for many years. It and other 500- to 1,500-year-old artifacts are now back on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum through April 2021. The museum, at 180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. For more information, call the museum at 239-389-6447 or visit themihs.org.
calendar »
PRESCHOOL & VPK
Saturday, Feb. 2 ArtFest Fort Myers » 10 a.m.-5 p.m. February 2-3. Downtown Fort Myers. In addition to 200 artists and their works, this art festival also has a lot for kids: Publix Art Yard where you can create your own art, a kids-only shopping zone with pieces from festival artists for $5, chalk art and an Art Under 20 exhibit and competition. artfestfortmyers.com G.I. Joe Breakfast » 8-11 a.m. SW FL Military Museum & Library, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral. Meet the original G.I. Joe model Robert G. LaChance. $8. facebook.com/ events/316427659211973 or eventbrite.com/e/uso-gi-joebreakfast-at-the-museum-celebration-tickets-54180389002 Kids’ Science Saturdays » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday through April. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. Get up close to nature, explore touch tanks and trails and learn about the local environment. rookerybay.org Madly Loved: A Mother & Daughter Conference » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Grow Church, 15300 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. $25 per person includes lunch, refreshments and conference T-shirt. Designed for mothers and daughters (ages 12-18) to grow their relationships and learn about God’s love for them. Speakers, live music and panel discussions. madlyloved.com Science Saturday at Seacrest » 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Seacrest Country Day School, 7100 Davis Blvd., Naples. Kids ages 3-18 are invited to campus to enjoy hands-on science demonstrations. Food will be available for purchase. Free admission. Registration requested. seacrest.org/life-atseacrest/science-saturday
DANCE
Celebrating Since 1951
All Ages
Classical Ballet Pointe Tap Jazz Hip Hop Modern Acrobatics Children’s Work
(239)334-3274 www.dancebochette.com NEWBORN CARE
Tuesday, Feb. 5 Breastfeeding Class » 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Learn how to successfully breastfeed your newborn baby, use breast pumps and transition to returning to work while breastfeeding. 239-594-0400. naplesbirthcenter.com or email FBCNaples@gmail.com Little Explorers » 10 a.m. Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. The Little Explorer Play Zone at the Conservancy is designed for ages 18 months to 5 years. Every other Tuesday and Thursday, the Little Explorer program holds a story time, activities and crafts. February 5 and 7: Creaky Crickets. February 19 and 21: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! Included with regular admission ($14.95 for adults, $9.95 ages 3-11, free for ages 2 and younger and members).
Wednesday, Feb. 6 Budget Clinic » 3 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Free. Gain the tools to better manage the family budget. Drug House Odyssey Family Night: “It’s Time to Talk!” » 5-7 p.m. Lee Civic Center, 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Free. No reservations required. A walk-through play about the dangers of underage drinking and drinking and driving. It’s an opportunity to talk with your kids about making good choices. Recommended for families, scout troops and others. Not recommended for children younger than 8 due to graphic nature of the play. drugfreeswfl.org
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« calendar Thursday, Feb. 7 Songwriters at Sunset » 4:15 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Free acoustic concert of original music from Tim McGeary, Carleen Thissen and Marie Nofsinger. The concerts take place in the gazebo on the beach. Beach barbecue starts one hour before concert. Included with park entry fee ($8 for vehicles with 2-8 people, $4 for single-person in vehicle). friendsofloverskey.org
Friday, Feb. 8 Holiday Youth Workshops » 3-5 p.m. Fleischmann Park Community Center, 1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples. Make a craft and have fun. February 8: Young Hearts; for grades K-5. February 11 (10 a.m.-noon): Little Valentines; for ages 18 months to 5 years with an adult. $25. Registration required. 239-213-3020. Walk on the Wild Side » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park eanger for a guided hike along Black Island Trail. Included with entrance fee ($4 for vehicle with one occupant, $8 for vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists). Reservations required. 239-463-4588.
Saturday, Feb. 9 125th Anniversary of the Koreshan Unity » 8 a.m.noon. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free with park admission ($4 single occupancy vehicle, $5 for up to 8 per vehicle, $2 pedestrians and bicycles). It’s the 125th anniversary of the Koreshan Unity Settlement being established in the Estero area. This festival celebration includes historic tours, presentations, music, a Cyrus Teed Look-alike Contest and food vendors. friendsofkoreshan.org Babysitting Course » 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. The Child and Babysitting Safety program is an American Safety and Health Institute program designed to assist young people with providing proper child care via classroom training and hands-on procedures. Participants must bring lunch. $40 for residents, $48 for nonresidents. 239-574-0804. capecoral.net Edison Garden Festival » 9 a.m.-5 p.m. February 9-10. Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Plant and garden vendors, food trucks and live music. Free (does not include tours of homes or admission to the museum and laboratory). Scale Rails Annual Train Show » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson St., Fort Myers. Model train show with dealers and collectors, new and used equipment of all scales, operating layouts, raffle for complete ready-torun HO layout. $7 for adults, $2 for teens, free for children younger than 12. Free parking. scalerails.org STEMtastic Day of Discovery » 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lee County Public Education Center, 2588 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Children and adults have fun building, experimenting and exploring at over 100 interactive stations focused on science, technology, engineering and math. Launch marshmallows, use the sun for cooking or experience drone aviation. Free admission, food available for purchase. leeschoolfoundation.org/programs/student-programs/steminitiatives
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Sunshine Ace Hardware’s Reel in the Sunshine » 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunshine Ace Hardware, 9100 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. Fishing seminars by renowned fishing captains, activities for kids, samples from grilling demonstrations, giveaways and casting demos. Raffle proceeds benefit Southwest Florida Muscular Dystrophy Association. sunshineace.com/RITS The New Beginnings 3rd Annual Gala » 6 p.m. Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Drive, Fort Myers. Benefits the New Beginnings of Southwest Florida, which assists single mothers in need. 239-220-2328, 239-5414312, or nadege@thenewbeginnings.org. Valentine Fun » 9 a.m.-noon. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents. Arts and crafts, games and snack. Registration required. For ages 3-6. capecoral.net Walk the Spectrum » 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. $30 in advance to run, $35 day of event, $15 to walk. A 5K run and walk to benefit My Autism Connection. 5K run begins at 8 a.m., walk at 10 a.m. Other activities include a raffle, talent show, Bubble Soccer, bounce house and face painting. walkthespectrum.org
Sunday, Feb. 10 Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run, Parade and Coronation » The Junior Fun Run is 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Fort Myers followed by the Junior Parade at 2:30 p.m. (new route) and Junior Coronation & Parade Awards at 4:30 p.m. in Sidney & Berne Davis Center. edisonfestival.org Naples Concert Band’s Concert in the Park » 2-4 p.m. Cambier Park, Park St., Naples. Professional concert pianist Jodie DeSalvo and vocalist Janine Connell are featured soloists. 239-263-9521. naplesconcertband.org.
Tuesday, Feb. 12 S.A.F.E. Girls » 6 p.m. Lee County Sheriff’s Office, 14750 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. Learn some basic selfdefense moves that every woman, no matter her age, should know. This mother-daughter classes focuses on the various situations a young lady may find herself in while developing her independence. Tickets required. 239-258-3280 or CommunityRelations@SheriffLeeFL.org. Songwriters at the Plaza: Joe Virga, Bill Metts, Bruce Gallant » 6 p.m. Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. The Lee County Library joined with the Americana Community Music Association to offer free acoustic concerts of all original music in the amphitheater, which is on South Cornog Plaza. Bring a chair or a blanket.
Thursday, Feb. 14 Bike Tour » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Join a park naturalist for a bike adventure around Black Island Trail. Included with entrance fee ($8 for vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists). Reservations required. 239-463-4588. New Shanghai Circus » 7 p.m. BIG Arts Center, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. An acrobatic troupe in the same echelon as Cirque du Soleil.
calendar » Friday, Feb. 15 “Legally Blonde the Musical Jr.” » February 15-17. Center for Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs. Based on the Broadway musical and movie, the show is performed by the CFABS Teen Players. 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $15 for general admission, $20 for reserved seating. artcenterbonita.org
Saturday, Feb. 16 BaconFest Naples » 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The Florida Sports Park, 8520 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples. A family-orientated foodie festival that celebrates “All Things Bacon.” CREW Concert Under the Stars » 5-9 p.m. Riverside Park, 10451 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs. An evening of music, dancing, craft beer and food to benefit CREW Trust. High Voltage Band returns to play greatest hits from Motown to today. Also, there will be a silent eco-auction. $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. crewtrust.org Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade » 7 p.m. Starts at Fort Myers High School, 2635 Cortez Blvd., Fort Myers, goes north on U.S. Highway 41 and through downtown Fort Myers. The route through downtown has changed. See map online. edisonfestival.org History Saturday » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Enjoy interactive experiences above and beyond IMAG’s more than 60 exhibits. Included with admission.
across the country paint “en plein air.” Their work will be auctioned 5-8 p.m. February 21 at Naples Beach Hotel to benefit for Friends of Foster Children Forever. 239-262-1808. friendsoffosterchildren.net
Tuesday, Feb. 19 Manatee Talk » 10-11 a.m. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. A park naturalist talks about local manatees. Included with entrance fee ($4 for vehicle with one occupant, $8 for vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists). Reservations required. 239-463-4588. Shells: Mysterious Beauties of Southwest Florida » 1011:30 a.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free with park entry fee ($5 per vehicle with 2-8 occupants, $4 per single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists). Join a park naturalist for a talk on shells and the creatures that reside inside. Find out how the shells are created and built. Reservations requested. 239-992-0311.
Wednesday, Feb. 20 Nutrition Class » 7-8:30 p.m. The Family Birth Center of Naples, 2930 Immokalee Road, Suite 2, Naples. Nutrition for pregnancy, lactation, postpartum and family. 239-594-0400. Register by emailing FBCNaples@gmail.com.
Thursday, Feb. 21
Seahawk Classic Car Show 2019 » 8 a.m. Cape Coral High School, 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral. A fundraiser for the Cape Coral High School JROTC Exhibition Team. There’s a car show, 50/50 drawings, music, games, food and exhibitors. Admission is $5 for ages 6 and older, free for ages 5 and younger. Cost to show a vehicle is $20. seahawkclassic. ticketleap.com/seahawk-classic-car-show-2019
“Getting to Know You” Club Tour & Lunch » Noon. Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Get to know the club and its program. Lunch provided free by The Blue CanTEEN, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County’s food truck, every third Thursday through season. RSVP via Eventbrite or email Heidi Overman at hoverman@bgccc.com.
Saturday Morning ARTCade » 10 a.m.-noon. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Families are invited to participate in free visual arts projects and creative activities inspired by the current gallery exhibit. Additional dates include April 20. artinlee.org
Friday, Feb. 22
Turtles, Pythons and Bugs, Oh My! » 2:30-4:30 p.m. Community School of Naples, 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. The Steminist Movement presents this discovery in computer science presented by Michael Foiani. The Steminist Movement aims to narrow the gender gap in STEM fields for middle school girls in Southwest Florida. Register at steministmovement.org.
Sunday, Feb. 17 One Small Step Family Day » 9:30 a.m. Estero Community Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. A day of family fun to raise money and advocate for the Foundation for PraderWilli Research. PWS is a rare, non-hereditary genetic disorder that encompasses a wide range of medical and developmental issues. It’s complex, life-threatening and there is no cure. More than 100 people in Florida are living with PWS, including Claire, daughter of event organizer Amanda Tokarski. Register at act. fpwr.org/estero2019. The Third on Canvas » February 17-18. Throughout Third Street South and the Old Naples Historic District. Artists from
Family Nights at IMAG » 5-8 p.m. IMAG History and Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. On the fourth Friday of each month, IMAG stays open until 8 p.m. Free for members, general admission for nonmembers. Next dates: March 22 and April 26. 239-243-0043. theimag.org Greek Fest » February 22-24. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 8210 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Enjoy Greek food, dancing, culture, music and wine. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $5 entrance for the whole weekend, free for ages 12 and younger. For carnival rides, wristbands will be sold at the festival for $20 per day (see website for advance purchase deals). Free parking and shuttle from Redeemer Church south on Cypress Lake Drive. 239-481-2099. greekfestfortmyers.com Hooters Fort Myers Pro Rodeo » February 22-23. Lee County Posse Arena, 17401 Palm Creek Drive, North Fort Myers. Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the event features bronc riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more. $25 general admission, $12 for ages 5-12, free for ages 4 and younger; $5 parking. fortmyersprorodeo.com Red Sox vs. Northeastern University Huskies » 1:05 p.m. JetBlue Park at Fenway South, 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers. Spring training has sprung. The Boston Red Sox Major
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 55
« calendar League Baseball team opens its exhibition season with a game against the Huskies. Tickets range from $2.50 (reserved lawn) to $17.50 (box seats). The Grapefruit League schedule launches at 1:05 p.m. February 23 with a game against the New York Yankees. mlb.com/redsox
Saturday, Feb. 23 All You Need is a Snowman! » 9 a.m.-noon. Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. Children “build” a snowman and do crafts, dance, play games, have a snack and enjoy other “snow” activities. Children must be self-sufficient in restroom care. Registration required. Ages 3-6. $20 for residents, $24 for nonresidents. 239-574-0804. Classic Car and Craft Show » 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Free with park admission. Crafts, art, music, food and a whole lot of horse power. 239-992-0311. friendsofkoreshan.org Fossil Fest » 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Shell Factory & Nature Park, 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers. Learn about Florida’s prehistoric past, how to collect and identify local fossils and maybe even get to take home a piece of the past. There’s a kids’ fossil dig, silent auction, games, live entertainment and exhibits. Free admission. The Screaming Orphans » 6 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. An evening of music, food and community. The Screaming Orphans are known for their high-energy blend of pop rock with traditional Irish music. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. MacGilliossa performs at 6 p.m., The Screaming Orphans at 7:30. Food trucks to sell food and beverages. Blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. No coolers. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the gate, free for children younger than 12. artinlee.org
Sunday, Feb. 24 2019 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest » Noon-8 p.m. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs. Features exceptional wines and cuisine followed by an auction. Benefits SWFL Children’s Charities Inc.’s primary initiative to support children’s mental and behavioral health and other beneficiaries vital children’s health care services and education. swflwinefest.org. Singing for Scholarships » 3-5 p.m. Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 239-455-2582 or 239-434-8207.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 Budget Clinic » 5:30 p.m. Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services, 2440 Thompson St., Fort Myers. Free. Gain the tools to better manage the family budget.
Friday, March 1 First Friday Art Night » 7-9:30 p.m. The Norris Center, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. On the first Friday of the month, learn a new art form. March 1: Masking Tape Bird. April 5: Masking Tape Bottle. May 3: Mosaic Flower Pot. Bring a date or bring the family (ages 8 and older). $35. Registration required. 239213-3058.
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Saturday, March 2 Art in the Park » 10 a.m. Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples. A monthly showcase of local artists the first Sunday of each month through April. New Horizons’ 11th Annual Luncheon » 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Naples Grande, 475 Seagate Drive, Naples. $90. New Horizons of SWFL’s Wizard of Oz-themed annual luncheon recognizes Super Teens who are achieving the ultimate goal of the programs: graduation from high school. Science Saturday » 11 a.m.-2 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center, 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers. Enjoy interactive experiences above and beyond IMAG’s more than 60 exhibits. Included with admission. 239-243-0043. Southwest Florida Reading Festival » 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Bestselling authors for all ages, activities, entertainment, free book for every child and more. 239-479-4636. readfest.org
Sunday, March 3 Naples Motorfest » 10 a.m. Mercato, 9118 Strada Place, Naples. Free admission. Music, cars on display, vendors and more. Benefits Hope Driven. naplesmotorfest.com
Tuesday, March 5 Dein Perry’s “Tap Dogs” » March 5-10. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. The global dance sensation has dazzled millions of people around the world with high-energy dance, theatrical performance and live music performed by six dancers and two musicians who bring steel works to life. Shows are 7:30 p.m. March 5-7, 8 p.m. March 8-9, 2 p.m. March 9 (an ASL performance) and 1 and 6:30 p.m. March 10. Tickets are $30-$65.
Friday, March 8 Backyard Nature » 6-8 p.m. Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral. For ages 4-7. Kids enjoy an evening of learning about nature with activities and crafts they can use in their own backyard. $10 for residents, $12 for nonresidents. Parents are not required to stay. 239-547-0804.
Saturday, March 9 March in the Park » 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jaycee Park, 4125 S.E. 20th Place, Cape Coral. Benefits the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Vendors, master gardeners answering questions, children’s projects, food and music. Free admission, parking.
Sunday, March 10 Taco Fest » 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Centennial Park, 2000 W. First St., Cape Coral. Vendors, $2 tacos, live music, climbing wall and other activities for the kids. Whimsical Paper Flowers » 2 p.m. Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Create whimsical bouquets using a variety of colored papers, colored tape, pipe cleaners, wire, craft gems and more. For ages 12 and older.
Robert Martin writes books with his granddaughter Keira Ely, including “The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels” and “SuperClara.” He also founded the nonprofit Bridge to a Cure Foundation. Learn more at robertmartinauthor.com.
voices »
GUEST COLUMNIST
Grandparents to the rescue
G
In today’s parenting environment, grandparents are taking on an important role in raising children.
randparents today are taking a larger role in the lives of their grandchildren, sharing their worries and joys, giving them love and support, and helping out harried and exhausted parents. With the retirement of the babyboom generation, there are more grandparents than ever — an estimated 70 million in the U.S. Compared to previous generations, today’s grandparents are generally younger, more active and more affluent, allowing many to travel frequently to visit their kids and grandkids. Millions of grandparents intentionally live close to their children and grandchildren so they can give much needed help to working parents. This includes providing support for many of the estimated 21 million children being raised by 13.6 million single parents in the U.S. When a single parent must shoulder the load, or two parents both work full time, there are many practical ways grandparents can make their lives easier. These include providing child care while parents work, transporting kids to and from school and appointments, attending school events and teacher conferences, and giving the parent or parents a muchneeded break. Many parents today raise their kids without much community support, or in the face of negative influences like poverty, gangs, crime and drugs. And regardless of socio-economic status, all kids face challenges — some old, some new. Bullying existed when we were growing up, yet our generation did not have to cope with cyberbullying. And while
most of us dealt with cliques and gossip in school, we did not have to contend with the amplifying effect social media has on who feels “in” and who is “out.” In a time when the worst kinds of negative influences are a click away for many kids, grandparents can provide love, support and positive influences. We can help them weather peer pressure, bad media influences, discouragement and difficult circumstances. Here are some ways you can show your grandkids you love them, care about them and are there for them: 1. Listen nonjudgmentally, rather than correcting or disputing their ideas. Sometimes you may have to be a disciplinarian, such as a grandmother I know who spent an evening trying to tamp down tantrums and fights between her twin 4-year-old grandsons. But when your grandkids share thoughts, ideas and feelings, put away criticism. Just listen, reflect and ask questions. 2. Share compassionately. Kids are often reluctant to be open about what is bothering them. If you ask how they are doing, the response will almost always be “fine.” Getting them to open up means first earning their trust. Kids are often anxious over feelings of loneliness, fear and failure. Try sharing a story about how you went through something similar when you were growing up. Showing your vulnerability will help them open up. 3. Celebrate what they do well.
Encourage your grandkids to share what they love to do and uplift them with praise. Praise them for good grades in school, acts of good citizenship with their friends and classmates, and their
creative endeavors. Be specific about what you thought they did well. Be sure you balance praise with the child’s level of achievement. I frequently see young parents wanting to keep their children happy to the point they applaud and celebrate events, grades or behavior that are undeserving. By praising your grandkids for specific accomplishments, you can help them understand the difference between recognition that is earned and hyperbole. Some additional ways you can be a loving, involved grandparent for the kids in your life: » Help them with their homework. Maybe you can help tutor them, provide an extra pair of hands for their school projects or brainstorm ideas together. » Support them by attending their sports, dance and other extracurricular events. » Model healthy active lifestyles by taking them hiking, fishing, skating, walking dogs or doing other fun activities with them. » Teach them the value of good nutrition by preparing and cooking healthy meals together. » Join them in creative projects, writing a story, drawing a picture, or creating a song, skit or video together. » Volunteer as a tutor or mentor at a local school or Boys & Girls Club. As a grandparent, you can be a wise friend, a playful elder and the go-to person for your grandkids when their parents aren’t available. By spending time together and staying in touch, you can uplift them and give them the sense of safety and stability they need to thrive and grow.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PARENT & CHILD » FEBRUARY 2019 » 57
» last look
WAVES OF LAUGHTER Josie Robinson, 7, plays the shark and lifeguard game during the Bonita Springs YMCA after–school program December 19.
PHOTO BY SRIJITA CHATTOPADHYAY
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N Fo ow r J En an ro ua llin ry g !
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Golisano Children’s Hospital provides quality health care for children and families – close to home. Our passionate staff is on a mission: To deliver vital and lifesaving services throughout Southwest Florida. The only accredited children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida features a wide variety of treatment options and social services.
An emergency department designed specifically for children Neonatal intensive care and pediatric intensive care units Child life specialists who help children cope with pain and stress A pediatric sedation center, pediatric burn unit, and oncology center Pediatric specialists in cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, and more Named a top ranked hospital by Leapfrog for a third year in a row
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