JUNE 2019
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
FAMILY VACATION Survival Guide
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Volume 6 / Issue 64
[ PARENTING ] A Live More/Love More Summer: Getting Back to What Matters Most
6 Family Vacation Survival Guide
18 Actually Enjoy Your Next Family Road Trip With These Simple Tips
Teens And Social Media: Time To Dial It Down
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
30
32
Summer Camp Guide
[ HEALTH ]
[ TRAVEL ]
Thinking About Orthodontic Treatment: Invisalign May Be a Great Option For You
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
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8 Endless Summer At Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach
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before making a decision about braces. Talk to your orthodontist about the benefits of choosing Invisalign Teen® clear aligners.
The truth about Invisalign® aligners. With Invisalign Teen® clear aligners, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that treatment can be just as effective and costs about the same as with metal braces. But more importantly, your teen can enjoy a boost of confidence from the very first day of treatment and every day after. All things considered, the choice is clear. • Ask about our patient referral program • Complimentary whitening with Invisalign treatment • 24 Month No Interest Financing
PD00061-00 Rev. A Practice specific marketing is sponsored by the provider and not by Align Technology, Inc.
Dante Gonzales 4532 Dublin Boulevard Dublin, CA 94568
925.230.0099 www.drdantegonzales.com
Local Life & Style for the East Bay Area
Publisher/Editor
Marketing Interns
Contributing Authors
Tracie Brown Vollgraf
Talia Dobrec
Advertising Sales Director
Fashion Editor
Whitney Ignacio Whitney@activefamilymag.com
Rachel Fawkes www.fawkeshunter.com
Travel Editor
Design/Production
Rachel Macy Stafford Elizabeth Kang Dr. Laura Markham Amy McCready Dr. Meg Meeker Dr. Dante Gonzales
Elizabeth Kang ekang@activefamilymag.com
Teresa Agnew Craft
Active Family is published by TAG Marketing Group Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5158, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Advertising Inquiries | 925.789.0709 Email Address | info@activefamilymag.com
Editor’s Note Summer. Is. Here. And we couldn’t be more excited! Bring on the warm weather, leisure time and family bonding! I love everything about summer, but of course after the first week and the 50th “I’m Bored” I begin to wonder why I love summer so much. Not to fear, if Mom and Dad have to work or hold down the fort while multi-tasking and keeping the kids entertained, there is help. The Bay Area is bustling with amazing summer activities for kids of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a half-day option or a full-day, week-long option, there are plenty to choose from. Be sure to check out our comprehensive Summer Camp Guide on our homepage at www.activefamilymag.com. If travel is in your future, we have a plethora of ideas to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for a local staycation or would like to venture a bit further to destinations such as Scottsdale or Maui, head on over to our travel section of the Active Family website for inspiration! No matter what you have in store this summer, be sure to take Active Family along for the ride! Follow us on Instagram @activefamilymagazine and Facebook @activefamilymag for daily doses of fun! Happy Summer! Tracie Brown Vollgraf Editor info@activefamilymag.com
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[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ]
A Live More/Love More Summer: Getting Back to What Matters Most
by Rachel Macy Stafford
Rachel Macy Stafford is a certified special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in education and ten years of experience working with parents and children. In December 2010, this life-long writer felt compelled to share her journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really matters by creating the blog “Hands Free Mama.” Using her skills as a writer, teacher, and encourager, Rachel provides readers with simple, non-intimidating, and motivating methods to let go of distraction and connect with their loved ones. Rachel’s work has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Global News, USA Today, TIME.com, MSN.com, The Huffington Post, and Reader’s Digest. Her blog currently averages one million visitors a month. Rachel’s new book, HANDS FREE MAMA, is a New York Times Bestseller.
6 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
Just because summer is here doesn’t mean life’s demands and daily stressors magically disappear. Digital distraction is more than willing to ruin your family picnic. Perfection is ready to sabotage your refreshing dip in the pool. Pressure is ready to pounce from the bleachers of the ball field, and criticism is prepared to blast lane four at the swim meet. Hurry and impatience are fiercely determined to spoil a day at the beach or amusement park. As you know, distraction, perfection, and social pressures don’t take a summer vacation. They manage to weasel their way into our daily lives no matter what season it is. But it doesn’t have to be this way. How does a Live More/Love More Summer sound to you? Let’s use these precious summer months to get back to what matters most. Here’s how I do it (and by the way, this approach works year-round) … As my family makes our final preparations for an upcoming move out-of-state, I’ve been forced to think about what home means to me. I’ve always believed home is a feeling, not a place. But more specifically, home is the feeling of peace and completeness I feel when I am surrounded by the people I love. But recently, my definition of home has expanded. Home is also living Hands Free. What began as small, daily intentions to let go of distraction, societal pressure, and perfection has become a necessary way of life. Like water, air, and food, I need time to connect to what matters in some form or fashion each day— time to laugh, listen, and love are daily requirements for me.
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ] Smelling my daughter’s freshly washed hair … feeling sunshine on my face as I wait for swim practice to conclude … jotting writing ideas in a notebook … talking to my husband when the house is quiet at night … fierce hugs before we go our separate ways … my Hands Free
• I turn away from the outside/online world and turn toward my inner circle of friends and family. • I take a short walk. Even ten minutes of fresh air and time for reflection helps me feel rejuvenated and less overwhelmed.
moments are home to me now.
• I silence my inner critic with three powerful words:
But I must be realistic. As much as I would love
• I resist the urge to push myself beyond my limits
“Only Love Today.” all moments in life to be calm, present, safe, and undistracted, it is simply not possible. We live in a fast-
and make a reasonable plan for getting one item accomplished at a time.
paced world saturated with duties, deadlines, and
• I throw on a hat and stop fussing over my appearance.
devices. In a world inundated with distractions, it is easy
• I treat myself with kindness and compassion like I would
to get far from home. Summertime is no exception.
a friend who is going through a hard time and doing her best.
Yet with almost four years experience living Hands Free, I am able to detect when I am getting too far from home. No longer am I willing to push and pressure and yes my
• I say, “I cannot worry about that right now,” and stop obsessing over things I cannot control. • I remind myself that although things might not be
way through life to the point I lose sight of everything that
going according to “my plan,” something better might
matters most.
evolve if I just let go. • I add a ten-minute cushion to avoid being rushed and
Here are some of the difficult truths I say to myself when I am getting too far from home. These “red flags” help me realize when I need to say no, re-establish my
agitated if I need to be somewhere at a certain time. • I close my eyes and recite a prayer asking to be awake to the glimmers of goodness within my day.
boundaries, or reassess what matters and what doesn’t. Whenever my distraction radar goes off, I try to do one My distraction radar says:
of those strategies to bring myself back home. These actions help me protect what is most important in my life.
“You are trying to do too much at once.”
They help me be the human being and parent I want to
“You are staying up too late.”
be. They remind me that each moment holds a chance
“You haven’t sat down all day.”
to start over even when I fail miserably. They keep me
“You are eating at the kitchen counter.”
moving forward on my journey to live Hands Free.
“Your heart is racing.” “You are complaining more than you are being positive.”
My friends, we cannot control all the circumstances
“You are easily frustrated.”
of our life, but we can control some. When faced with
“You are bullying yourself.”
feelings of overwhelm, take a moment to evaluate: Is
“You are overreacting to something that has little
everything I’m trying to do today necessary? Is there
significance in the grand scheme of things.”
somewhere I can lower the bar? Is the feeling of home
“You are wearing a scowl.”
in here somewhere? And finally, ask yourself: when I look back in September is this how I want to remember
When I hear these honest admissions in my head, I don’t
spending my summertime?
ignore them like I used to. Nor do I make excuses or get defensive. Instead, I do one of the following actions to
Each day make it a priority to do something that brings
bring myself back home:
you peace, fulfillment, and meaningful connection— even if it is only for a few minutes. This way, you’ll never
• I lower the bar. I remind myself nothing has to be perfect, just “good enough for today.”
get so far from home that you can’t get back to what matters most. JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 7
[ TRAVEL ]
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[ TRAVEL ]
HOTEL SPOTLIGHT Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
by Elizabeth Kang
Next up in our Scottsdale Resort Spotlight series is the locally revered and immensely family-friendly Arizona Biltmore. Known for its captivating architecture, rich history and lavish surroundings, the Arizona Biltmore is a luxurious and fun-filled family getaway. Set on 39-acres of pristinely maintained landscaping, stunning fountains and eye-popping flora, this elegant resort leaves a lasting impression. Read on to discover our top reasons that make this Conde Nast 2018 Gold List-winning resort stand apart from the rest.
A Notable Past. First opened in 1929 and soon after dubbed the Jewel of The Desert, the elegant and iconic Arizona Biltmore was (and still is) a favorite hideaway of socialites, politicians, celebrities, and athletes. (Ronald and Nancy Reagan even spent their 1952 honeymoon in one of the resort’s original cottages.) Famous business tycoon William Wrigley Jr. — of the Wrigley chewing gum brand — became the Arizona Biltmore’s first sole owner in 1930, when he built the hotel’s very first pool, the Catalina Pool, which is said to have been Marilyn Monroe’s absolute favorite resort pool. She was often seen
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 9
[ TRAVEL ] sunbathing and relaxing poolside. The resort has also inspired many an artist and musician, just as it did when Irving Berlin wrote the iconic holiday song White Christmas, while sitting by one of the Arizona Biltmore’s many sparkling pools. Also created at the resort’s poolside was the original Tequila Sunrise cocktail, invented in the late 1930’s by one of the Arizona Biltmore’s bartenders at the time, Gene Sulit. It’s said that Sulit created the eye-catching cocktail after a guest requested a new poolside libation. Guests and visitors who are interested in learning more about the Arizona Biltmore’s rich and storied history are welcome to attend one of the resort’s History Tours, which are given three times a week at 10 a.m. On Fridays at 6 p.m., the resort hosts a fun and lively Happy Hour History Tour.
The Stunning Architecture. Designed by Harvard graduate and Frank Lloyd Wright student, Chase McArthur, the Arizona Biltmore is regarded as an architectural masterpiece and Arizona Landmark. The Biltmore has the honor of being the only hotel in the world designed and inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. In the Arizona Biltmore’s lobby, guests can look up to admire the largest gold-leaf ceiling in the world, and all throughout the resort one can spy the famous and intricately designed concrete Biltmore Blocks, with patterns that are said to represent the refraction of light. The resort completed at 50-million-dollar renovation in 1996, with guest rooms which were redesigned and refurbished with a nod to the style of Frank Lloyd Wright’s, and 1930’s glam. 10 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ TRAVEL ]
Activities & Entertainment Galore! With a staggering eight pools, 92-foot waterslide, full-service spa, weekend live music, next-door Country Club, wine tastings, onsite shopping, tennis courts, golf courses, and more, you and your family certainly won’t run out of things to do at the Arizona Biltmore. The resort boasts a pool for everyone in the family, including an exciting waterslide desert oasis, a family pool, a hidden, secluded pool, along with others, such as the aforementioned Catalina Pool favored by Marilyn Monroe. Cabanas are available as a respite from the sun, and a swim-up poolside bar makes it possible that you may never leave the pool at all. Aside from the sparking pools, active guests will love the two 18-hole golf courses onsite, full-sized tennis courts, the well-appointed fitness center, and steam-sauna on the property. Bike rentals are also available at the resort. Those looking to relax will enjoy the award-winning, full-service Spa Biltmore, as well as an onsite salon and spa. Retail therapy can be found at one of the handful of shopping boutiques on the property, and epicureans won’t want to miss the culinary lessons and wine tastings offered throughout the year. JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 11
[ TRAVEL ]
The Biltmore Block Party. For the second year-in-a-row, The Arizona Biltmore is hosting a seasonal Biltmore Block Party, which runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Back by popular demand, the Biltmore Block Party pays homage to the simple Summertime fun you had as a kid, but in a much more luxe environment, happily. Each weekend, the resort hosts various activities, entertainment and seasonal dining options that celebrate Summer fun. Kids will love the poolside snow cone pop-ups, dine-in family movies shown poolside, foam parties, face painting, organized games like Simon Says, Musical Chairs, Corn Hole, ect, and much more. Adults will get a kick out of the various themed pool parties, including Caribbean Fridays, with island-themed cocktails and a live steeldrum band, and Fiesta Saturdays, boasting taco stands, a margarita cart and more. Grown-ups and big kids alike will be tickled to take a selfie at one of the Instagramworthy Selfie-Stations, complete with life-sized hashtags and a Marilyn Monroe cutout.
Impressive Dining Options. When it comes to food, guests don’t have to choose between quantity and quality. Guests get both a large assortment and high-caliber food options at the Arizona Biltmore. They’ll be delighted to discover a delectable assortment of dining options to choose from, ranging from casual grab-n-go selections to whitetablecloth fine dining. At Wright’s At The Biltmore, guests are treated to a meticulously thought-out-menu that
[ TRAVEL ] highlights indigenous ingredients and pays tribute to the cuisine of both Native Americans and early American settlers. Serving nightly dinner and a luxurious Sunday buffet brunch, expect bold flavors, fresh ingredients and upscale cuisine in a modernluxe setting at Wright’s At The Biltmore. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Frank & Albert’s is a happy balance of farm-fresh, quality cuisine with a welcoming, vibrant ambiance. From waffles, omelets, pizzas, sandwiches, steaks and seafood, everyone will find their favorites at Frank & Albert’s. Cabana Club offers convenient poolside dining, with a southwestern-themed-menu along with many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options. Order a carne asada torta, quinoa salad or a big plate of nachos to enjoy by the pool. The Cafe is your stop for hot and fresh coffee, a quick, light breakfast and grab-n-go lunch fare such as sandwiches and salads. For a relaxing and delicious treat, make reservations at Afternoon Tea in the Arizona Biltmore’s stunning lobby. Afternoon Tea includes all of the makings of a classic, sumptuous afternoon tea, with tea sandwiches, hot and iced tea, dainty desserts and mouthwatering pastries. For all of these reasons, as so many more, the Arizona Biltmore makes an unforgettable family vacation, girls’ trip or couples retreat. The resort is worth visiting at any time of the year, and there are especially great deals to be found in the off-season months of June, July and August.
ARIZONA BILTMORE A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT 2400 E Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 602.955.6600 www. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com.com JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 13
[ HEALTH ]
Dr. Dante Gonzales has been creating beautiful, healthy smiles since 1998. He takes great pride in delivering the highest quality orthodontic treatment available. Dr. Gonzales takes an active role in meeting and exceeding the standards of his profession. He has taken the extra steps to become a board certified orthodontist in Dublin, CA. (Only 1 in 6 orthodontists is board certified.) In addition, he is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, as well as other national, state, and local dental associations. In order to stay abreast of the most current developments in dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. Gonzales and his team attend many continuing education courses throughout the year. In addition, he served as an associate clinical professor in the orthodontics department at the University of the Pacific Dental School. Since 2010, Dr. Gonzales has served on the editorial advisory board of Dr. Oz’s website.
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Thinking About Orthodontic Treatment:
Invisalign may be a great option for you by Dr. Dante Gonzales As an orthodontist, I get many questions and concerns from patients and parents of patients, who are hesitant about getting braces but also curious if Invisalign is right for them. In this article I will be addressing some of the most commonly asked questions. The article should answer all of your questions about Invisalign. These clear aligners will change the way you think about teeth straightening. Why Invisalign? Each year many people find that they need or want to straighten their teeth, or correct their bite. Most adults and older teenagers dread the first thing that pops into their heads, a mouthful of metal braces. Although there is a tremendous desire to do something about their teeth, the thought of wearing metal braces for even 6-8 months seems daunting and horrible. They decide to live with the crooked teeth, poor bite, TMJ problems, or whatever concern they have about their teeth. But now, there is another alternative to braces, Invisalign, and it’s one that most patients love.
[ HEALTH ] Since 1998, when Invisalign first came on to the
your teeth. Programming in all of the correct movements
orthodontic scene, there has been an increase in
is at the heart of Invisalign treatment, and it is important
the number of adults and older teenagers getting
to go to an orthodontist that has years and many cases
orthodontic treatment. One of the reasons for this is
of experience programming Invisalign treatment for
due to the fact that before 1991 most orthodontists
patients. Invisalign does not decide how the teeth move.
recommended wearing a retainer after orthodontic
It is solely up to your orthodontist. So you should choose
treatment for only 1-2 years. After several longitudinal
wisely.
studies were done it was discovered that one’s teeth will shift and move your entire life. Whether you had perfect
The treatment uses these custom-made clear plastic
teeth naturally, or from braces, one’s teeth shifted over
aligners that fit right over the teeth. They are virtually
time. And it was these adults that had relapse from
invisible once inserted on to the teeth. One of the other
previous treatment that were many of the adult patients
major benefits to Invisalign treatment is that they are
going into treatment, or re-treatment. In fact, the
also removable. A patient can remove the aligner to
founder of Invisalign, the person who came up with the
eat, and brush and floss their teeth as they normally
idea for Invisalign was a former orthodontic patient that
would without braces. The trays are worn approximately
had stopped wearing his retainer and let his teeth get
1 week each until all of the trays in the series have been
crooked. Yet, as an adult, he was completely opposed
worn. Each tray moves the teeth about 0.25mm, and
to wearing braces for a second time. Like they say,
with each tray worn the teeth get closer to ideal.
“necessity is the mother of all invention”. Another reason that Invisalign appliances are so In addition, to the adults getting re-treated, there has
popular is because patients find them so much more
been a growing number of adults that want to improve
comfortable than braces. With braces, patients usually
their health and looks to help stave off, or slow the
find that the wires and brackets can sometimes irritate
effects of aging. Many adults that never had orthodontic
the inside of their cheeks or lips. But with Invisalign, there
treatment are now looking to improve their smile and the
is a thin clear smooth plastic tray that covers the teeth
function of their teeth. And they are turning to Invisalign.
and nothing else. There is no poking, no broken braces,
One of the biggest things that adults don’t like about
no food getting caught in the braces, and the best part,
traditional metal braces is that they are so obvious. Not
no food restrictions. The Invisalign trays need to be worn
only does everyone know that you have a problem
20-22 hours per day and should be taken out to eat
with your teeth, but everyone knows your business and
and brush. However, if you are attending an important
that you are undergoing treatment. But with Invisalign,
meeting or family function, or taking important pictures,
the treatment essentially goes unnoticed because they
you have the advantage of taking them out. With braces
have designed to be invisible.
there are no such options.
In order to become an Invisalign patient, one needs
Does Invisalign Really Work?
to visit an orthodontist for a full orthodontic exam.
The major misconception of Invisalign treatment is that
Once the orthodontist determines that you are a
many still consider Invisalign a product, like a stereo
good candidate for Invisalign, then a 3D scan is taken
or a pair of shoes. It doesn’t matter where you buy the
of your teeth. The scan is done on an iTero machine
shoes. As long as they are the shoes that you want, the
(see right). It’s from these 3D scans of your teeth that
store that you buy them at doesn’t matter (except for
the orthodontist designs a series of custom trays. The
the return policy). But Invisalign is not a product, it is a
orthodontist will program in all of the movements
tool, an appliance. One should think of Invisalign as one
necessary to correct your bite and properly align all of
would a paint brush, a golf club, or even a computer. JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 15
[ HEALTH ] Knowing how to use these appliances/tools is one
approximately another 5-10 percent that can be treated
thing, but knowing how to use these instruments well is
with Invisalign but would probably have a slightly better
a different story. Know how to get the most out of the
outcome with braces. Looking at this from the opposite
appliance/tool takes knowledge, skill, practice and
perspective, of all of the adult and adolescent patients
experience.
I see, about 75-80% are great candidates for Invisalign treatment. If you would like orthodontic treatment
One of the common questions I get asked by patients
with Invisalign appliances and have been told you're
in my practice is “Does Invisalign really work?” Many
not a good candidate, get a second opinion from an
patients have heard stories from friends, co-workers, or
orthodontist that has treated at least 1500-2000 cases
family that tell them Invisalign didn’t work for them, or
with Invisalign. You may very well be a candidate.
that they were told by an orthodontist that they were not good candidates for Invisalign. While this may be
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
true for some of these cases, this is not true for most of
Patients who prefer the idea of Invisalign over traditional
the patients that tell me this in my practice. The doctor
braces may find that the fee is slightly higher, not in all
telling them this is not “lying” to them, but what the
cases but in some. The higher price is reflective of the
doctor is telling them is that within their hands and
technology and the high cost to make the aligners.
expertise Invisalign would not work, or has not worked.
Yet, most patients find that the fee is balanced by the fact that they feel more confident and secure in their
Here is a patient, 67 years old, that said her health
treatment decision when they are wearing the invisible
was failing because of her poor diet. One of the main
trays. This is especially true for those that are in the
reasons why her diet was so bad was that she couldn't
workplace, or a junior or senior in high school. The small
chew very well. As the pictures show she could only bite
increase in cost is worth not drawing attention to their
on her two back teeth. The front teeth were essentially
orthodontic treatment, and the convenience of being
non -functional. She had gone to 6 other orthodontists
able to take it out whenever they want.
that all told her she could only be treated with braces
There are several ways that patients can go about
and jaw surgery. She was in tears and knew that jaw
paying for Invisalign treatment. Most dental insurances,
surgery meant she would have to go under general
if they cover orthodontic treatment, will offer the same
anesthesia. With her health failing she would be taking a
coverage for Invisalign. The insurance company does
great risk with surgery. It was out of the question.
not care what type of appliance your doctor is using. Even great dental insurance will only cover a portion of
I told her that Invisalign is a great appliance for closing
the costs for treatment. The remaining amount will come
open bites like hers. Although I had never closed such
out of the patient’s pocket. In most offices this expense
a large open bite before with Invisalign I knew what the
can be financed in office, usually at 0% interest.
appliance was capable of and I knew we would at the very least be able to get her teeth to touch and improve
The balance will usually be spread over the course of
her bite. She went forward with Invisalign treatment
the treatment. Many people work for employers that
and after 22 months we were able to not get her teeth
offer a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows them
to touch, but were able to get an ideal, I repeat, IDEAL
to put away pre-tax earnings into an account that they
bite. She was thrilled. 12 months after treatment was
can use for dental and medical expenditures. Most
finished she has lost 55 lbs and says she hasn't felt this
FSA accounts allow one to usually put away more than
good in years. Her diet and health did a complete 180.
enough to cover the out of pocket expenses associated
In my opinion, there are 10-15 percent adult cases that
with Invisalign treatment. There are many different
I see that are not good candidates for Invisalign, and
financing options to help patients cover the cost of
16 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ HEALTH ] Invisalign treatment. With Invisalign now a treatment
treated with Invisalign, if the orthodontist is skilled at
option for most patients and all of the different payment
using Invisalign appliances.
options available, the question now is “Is this something that you want to do?” “Is improving your bite and smile something that you are really interested in doing?” If improving your bite and smile, and looking your best is something that you value and desire then the answer should be very clear, almost “invisible”.
2. Invisalign has improved dramatically over the last 20 years, and there are very few movements that are difficult with Invisalign. But it's like any other tool: the better you are at using it, the more things you can do with it, and the better the results. 3. The success of treatment depends on two main
In Summary:
factors: the ability of your orthodontist to program in
1. Invisalign can move teeth just as good as braces.
the correct movements, and the ability of the patient
Approximately 80% of all orthodontic patients can be
to wear the aligners at least 21-22 hours per day.
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 17
[ PARENTING ]
Family Vacation Survival Guide by Dr. Laura Markham Children love vacations. Not because they get to go to Disney World or some other place they've idealized in their minds, but because of a much richer treasure. Usually, parents are more relaxed, more fun, more emotionally available. It's common for kids to say that their favorite summer memory is something free and simple, like lying on a blanket looking at the stars with the family. These sweet pleasures are the golden experiences that shape rich Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless parents across the English-speaking world, both in person and via phone. You can find Dr. Laura online at AhaParenting.com, the website of Aha! Moments for parents of kids from birth through the teen years, where she offers a free daily inspiration email to parents.
childhood memories. Kids also love vacations with extended family. They follow the older cousins around like puppies, and forge lifelong bonds with the kids their own age. These visits often shape their memories of grandparents and provide a sense of heritage. But vacation can also be stressful. Kids often stay up late, get disconnected from parents, and melt down from the overload. I call it Family Vacation Stress Syndrome. (Of course, parents often experience their own version, whether from extended family tensions, grandparents judging their parenting, or logistical pressures. So the first rule for a restful vacation is to find a way to restore your own peace when you get off balance!) Even if it's just your own family on a vacation you've all looked forward to, the
18 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ PARENTING ] disrupted schedules, traveling, and the crash and burn
Kids need the security of familiar routines. They get
from all the excitement can easily be a recipe for tears
stressed by unfamiliar events and what feels to them like
and tantrums. Here are my top tips to help you manage
chaotic unpredictability. Do what you can to keep them
life during vacation--whether in the summer or in the
on schedule, and be patient when they get hyped-up or
winter-- so you can maximize the joy and minimize the
irritable.
tears. 4. If you’re flying with kids, plan to arrive early 1. Give kids plenty of warning about upcoming events so
...enough that they get to “run” a bit in the airport
they know what to expect.
hallway after sitting still in the car and before sitting still on the plane. Make sure to change diapers and use
Before traveling, you might make a little book to show
the bathroom just before boarding. If you use overnight
them what will happen each day. (“Then we leave for
diapers (more absorbent), you might get lucky and
Grandma’s, where you’ll get to play with all the cousins.”)
avoid diaper changes on the flight. Bring small wrapped
Your book doesn't have to be fancy -- print out photos on
“presents” – books, treats, chapstick, puzzles, simple
loose-leaf paper, and put them in a 3-ring binder. Many
crafts – for each child. Kids can look forward to getting
kids love to draw a picture of what will be happening
one as soon as they’ve buckled their seat belts, and
each day to add to your book. This helps them both
more whenever you need a distraction mid-flight. Blue
enjoy the anticipation and conquer any fears. And
painter's tape always comes in handy, too -- you can
seeing those smiling faces in advance helps them warm
make a tic-tac-toe board on the tray table, use it for
up more quickly to relatives they don't see often.
crafts, tape up blankets around his seat to make a cozy fort, and even make a hopscotch board in the airport
2. Coach your kids about the social behavior you
while you're waiting. Be sure to bring bottles, sugar-free
expect.
lollipops or something else to suck on during take-off and
Role play with them in the car before you arrive, or make
landing if your child isn't nursing (sucking on anything will
a game of it before you go:
help equalize the air pressure on those tiny ear drums.) And even if you don't usually use screens with your child,
"In the hotel hallways, we use inside voices and we don't
it's smart to have movies downloaded and at the ready
run. Why do you think that is?"
so your child has something to watch even if there's no wifi on your flight.
"What do you when Uncle Norman wants to hug you hello?" (Don't force kids to hug if they don't want to, but
5. Plan no more than one event per day.
teach them to offer a hearty handshake instead.)
What you want to avoid, of course, is racing around before you leave, getting stressed out by a busy trip that
"What if you don’t like the dinner that’s served?"
includes lots of meltdowns, and returning home in need of a vacation. Kids tend to get cranky and stressed with
"When you want to leave the table, how do you ask?"
travel and schedule changes, so plan to do less. You'll all enjoy it more.
"The airplane is like a flying village with everyone close together, so there are special rules to be safe and
6. Have age-appropriate expectations.
considerate. Let's see if we can guess what they are... It
A four year old can’t be expected to sit quietly while
can be hard to stay in your seat...what do you think you
you enjoy a fancy dinner. If you’re doing a lot of visiting
could do on the plane if you get bored?"
with adults, be sure the kids have something to occupy them. If they can read, buy them a new book for the
“What will you do if the cousins start arguing?”
occasion, one they can’t wait to get into. If they’re too young to stay absorbed in a book, be sure there's an
3. Keep kids on their usual schedule as much as possible.
option to watch a screen. Even if you usually have dinner JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 19
[ PARENTING ] as a family, vacations are a great time to feed kids early--
child's favorite activity to help him regroup.
less pressure on the kids to "behave" at a table of adults,
14. Soothing activities for little ones
and the adults can enjoy a chance to talk at dinner.
...that work for most kids:
Remember, you need to recharge your own batteries, too! • Sand play - Put some sand in a lasagna pan on the deck, 7. Snuggle with your child every morning
add small figurines, vehicles, and a strong spoon for
...before getting out of bed. It's very grounding for kids to
digging.
connect with you and review how the day is expected to unfold -- even if it will be a lot like yesterday.
• Water play - At the beach or lake, of course. But even on a back deck with a spaghetti pot of water. For variety,
8. Schedule in some quiet decompression time every night.
add ice cubes, paint brushes, sponges, plastic water
Be sure to bring some favorite, comforting books from
pitchers. Toddlers love to "paint" the deck or wash the
home.
picnic table.
9. Make sure you have nightly quiet time after lights out
• Bubbles. You'll have to help the little ones, but all kids
...to lie with your child and listen to her chat about the
love bubbles and blowing bubbles reduces stress. You
day. Ask about their favorite thing today, the worst thing,
can easily make your own bubble mix (Add 3 Tbsp of
and what they're looking forward to tomorrow. This is when
Glycerine and 2/3 cup of dish soap -- Joy & Dawn are
you'll hear about minor conflicts or insecurities that your
best -- to a gallon of water.) Any twig with a loop of yarn
child is working to handle with the other kids. Don't feel
can be used as a bubble wand.
you have to jump in and "solve" the problem -- your child mostly needs a chance to be heard and have her feelings
• Clay- If you're in a rented space on vacation, limit clay
acknowledged, so she can figure out how to advocate for
to a tray, pan, or outside. But clay, sculpey or playdoh
herself.
is a wonderful, tactile way for kids to knead and pound out the stresses that inevitably accompany all new
10. Bring Blackout curtains with you on vacation
experiences.
to keep your child asleep longer in the morning -- and to help your child settle on those summer evenings when the
15. Watch your kids’ food intake in the midst of too many
light stays so long.
treats and hyped-up schedules. Many tantrums originate from hunger. And all parents
11. White noise machines can be invaluable
recognize the sugar high that sends kids bouncing off
...both to keep kids sleeping longer in the morning, and to
walls and then crashing into tears. If necessary, speak with
block out the sound of adults and older kids carousing, so
grandparents in advance about limiting treats. And carry
little ones can settle down.
small protein-rich snacks with you so your child doesn’t have a melt-down while the adults are negotiating where
12. Physical Activity
to go to dinner.
Be sure your schedule includes plenty of visits to the playground or other opportunities for the kids to get wild.
16. Time with you. Your kids may be chasing the older cousins, but they still
13. Down time.
want, and need, time with you. This is a perfect opportunity
Kids need downtime, just to chill out, snuggle, and do
to turn off your cell phone and see what an inspired parent
whatever relaxes them. If they don’t get it, they can’t really
you are when you have a chance to relax and revel in just
be blamed for melting down when the over-stimulation
being alive. Just want to lie under the umbrella with your
gets to them. What does your child do at home to relax?
magazine? Make that your reward after you spend five
Draw? Play with her imaginary friend? His little figurines?
minutes in the water with your child. You'll be amazed how
Make sure every day includes a little downtime with your
much more alive -- and connected to your child -- you
20 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ PARENTING ] feel after a five minute water fight. And how much more willing your child is when you need their cooperation. 17. Look at this vacation as a chance to recharge and reconnect your family. Don't try to work on vacation -- this is family time. Forgo
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organized evenings in favor of family board games and keep your focus on connecting rather than sight-seeing or structured activities. 18. The most important tip, as always in parenting, is to manage yourself so you can stay calm.
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Remember that traveling can be stressful for everyone, and your kids depend on you not only to regulate their environment, but also to help them regulate their moods. Make sure you take this opportunity to trade off child care responsibilities with other adults, if possible, so you get a chance to replenish your own spirits. You're never too old to have a summer vacation you'll always remember.
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[ TRAVEL ]
[ TRAVEL ]
ENDLESS SUMMER
AT HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH by Elizabeth Kang Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach is my family’s newlydiscovered favorite beachside-resort in the Southern California area. This newly remodeled Surf-City gem is a sprawling oasis of endless Summer fun, with numerous pools, waterslides, onsite shopping, restaurants, bike rentals, and even a kids’ club and spa. Although it’s near plenty of attractions (just a 30-minute drive from Disneyland, near numerous beaches, shopping, state parks, hiking trails, and more,) the resort offers so much in the way of entertainment and fun, there’s really no need to even leave the property to enjoy a fantastic Summer getaway. Check out my three-night, fun-filled itinerary for an overview of all the family friendly activities offered at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.
private s’mores service on the beach, including your own personal s’mores assistant, who sets up a cozy fire, chairs, blankets, and a s’mores and hot chocolate station, along with anything else you may need. It’s the perfect (and most delicious) way to wind down the day and take in a stunning beachside sunset. SATURDAY 9 a.m. Breakfast at Watertable. Enjoy an elegant al fresco breakfast at the Hyatt’s stunning onsite restaurant, Watertable. With rich wood beams and exotic accents, this upscale restaurant is full of style, with a moderncontemporary menu to match. Watertable lays out a sumptuous breakfast buffet worth waking up for, or guests can choose from the regular breakfast menu (Chicken & Waffles was superb.)
FRIDAY 3 p.m. Check-in to your spacious, newly remodeled room. Bright and clean, with room to spread out, the accommodations at the Huntington Beach Hyatt are impressive. With a huge walk-in closet, oversized bathroom, and upscale, modern finishes, rooms at this resort are a breath of fresh ocean air.
11 a.m. Bike about town! Guests can conveniently rent beach cruisers, children’s bikes, helmets and all the gear needed right onsite at Toes On the Nose Surf & Bike. Take your rentals for a spin along the paved beach path, or ride into town to explore. (Toes On the Nose Surf & Bike also provides surfboards, bodyboards, wetsuits, and more.)
4 p.m. Explore! Take a walk around this sprawling resort to get your bearings, and be sure to stop and admire the stunning fountains, gorgeous lobby and hidden pathways. Check out the onsite shops to pick out memorabilia and gifts to bring home, or perhaps the sunscreen and hat you may have forgotten to pack.
12 p.m. Lunch Seaside. Park your bike rentals and enjoy lunch on the town at one of Huntington Beach’s numerous fun and casual hot spots along the Pacific Coast Highway.
5:30 p.m. Dinner at Pete’s Sunset Grille. With three onsite restaurants, plus room service and a poolside snack bar, there’s plenty of variety to keep everyone happy and satisfied. For a casual dinner with a fun and modern surf-side theme, grab a table at Pete’s Sunset Grille. Enjoy Pete’s legendary fish tacos, or a juicy burger, along with kid-friendly favorites.
1 p.m. Poolside Cabana Time. Treat you and your family to a relaxing, private cabana by the family pool for an afternoon of shaded respite (for you,) and exciting pool time (for the kids.) Completely fenced in and secluded, the family pool is a wonderful way to while-away an afternoon. It offers a shallow baby pool, large family pool and hot tub, along with three separate waterslides, plus poolside service, and (inside the cabanas,) a television and refreshments.
7 p.m. S’mores on the beach! For an additional fee, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach will set up a complete
6 p.m. Dinner in flip flops. Who would have guessed that some of the most delicious pizza in SoCal is tucked away JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 23
[ TRAVEL ]
inside a resort? Surprisingly enough, that’s exactly what to
and sun, head back over the bridge to do a little shopping
expect when ordering a giant slice (or a whole pie) from
at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach’s cute little shops,
Tower 15 Pizzeria, which serves up cheesy thin-crust slices,
and be sure to purchase a keepsake to remind you of your
along with fresh salads, sandwiches and pasta, in a fast-
trip, such as an ornament, plush doll, or t-shirt.
casual environment. 3 p.m. Spa & Camp Hyatt. Now’s the time to take SUNDAY
advantage of the fantastic Camp Hyatt kids’ club (ages
9 a.m. Breakfast in Bed. Take advantage of in-room service
3-12) and enroll your children for some fun, supervised
and order an indulgent breakfast in bed on your last day
interactive time while you enjoy the soothing Pacific Waters
— you’re on vacation, after all!. The family can stay in their
Spa. The kids’ club does require a 24-hour advanced
jammies and linger in bed just a little bit longer.
reservation, but a little planning ahead is worth some much-needed adult time.
11 a.m. Picnic on the Beach. Pop into the Hyatt’s convenient Surf City Grocers to pick up gourmet grab-n-go
6 p.m. Date Night. While the kids are safe and secure
fare for a beachside picnic, including sandwiches, salads,
at Camp Hyatt, enjoy a romantic date night dinner at
and bottled drinks. Afterward, head over the Hyatt’s
Watertable. Conveniently located on the property (in case
beach-access bridge to enjoy some beachside fun-in-the-
you need to zip back to the kids’ club,) Watertable is the
sun. Don’t forget to rent some boogie boards for the kids at
perfect romantic choice for your last night in Huntington
Toes On the Nose Surf & Bike!
Beach. Enjoy an upscale meal and perhaps a bottle of local wine while watching the sunset, and savoring your
2 p.m. Retail Therapy. After everyone’s had enough sand 24 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
last night in Huntington Beach.
[ TRAVEL ]
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 25
[ PARENTING ]
Parenting expert and “recovering yeller” Amy McCready is the Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time… The Revolutionary Program That Gets Your Kids to Listen Without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling (Penguin, 2011.) Amy is a regular parenting contributor on The TODAY Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Steve Harvey and elsewhere. In her most important role, she plays mom to two teenage boys. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyMcCreadyPPS.
Actually Enjoy Your Next Family Road Trip With These Simple Tips by Amy McCready Half the fun of any trip is getting there, right? Well, maybe not if you envision mile after mile of whining, choruses of “are we there yet” or refereeing backseat battles. But it doesn’t have to be a dreaded experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of long road trips with your family: PLAN AHEAD OF TIME 1. Know your limits. If your kids haven’t made the two-hour trip to Grandma’s house yet without screaming the whole way, this may not be the best summer for that cross-country trip to Yellowstone. 2. Take a practice run. If you haven’t had a family excursion that’s more than a jaunt across town, take a short day or weekend trip to get your kids used to time in the car. It will also give them a chance to practice any special “car rules” for behavior. 3. Let kids know what to expect ahead of time. Let kids know if there any special car rules or changes from the norm for a long trip. Role play these rules on the way home from school or on an errand run. Let them know about how long the trip will take, how often you’ll be stopping, what they can do to
26 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ PARENTING ] entertain themselves and how you’ll handle bathroom breaks. 4. Know your route. Do some research ahead of time to scout out possible places to stop to stretch, take bathroom breaks and for meals. Have a smartphone maps app – and a road atlas in case there’s not good reception – at the ready to help you find a good place to stop when the inevitable “But I have to go now!” comes from the backseat. Another option is traveling through the night, so kids sleep the whole time. However, sleep in a car is usually not as deep and less restful, so be prepared that kids may do well on the trip but be cranky the next day. PACK SMART 1. Be prepared. While no one wants to over-pack, there are just some extra items that can prove invaluable on the road. Think extra diapers, baby wipes for spills and messes, extra travel cups, refills for snack cups, ibuprofen or acetaminophen (for the kids and adults), motion sickness medication, insurance cards, a map or atlas, and of course, plastic sacks, towels and extra sets of clothes in case of car sickness or accidents. 2. Have your kids pack their own activity bags. Give each of your kids a similarly sized tote bag or backpack and let them fill it with their favorite things. Your kids will appreciate having some control over part of the trip, and it’s one less thing for you to do to get ready. However, if you have younger children, you may want to guide their choices or limit the number of items they can put in the bag – this may not be a good time to pack that tambourine or 50 Matchbox cars! 3. Don’t forget yourself. You don’t need to entertain the kids the entire trip. If you’re a passenger too, bring your own way to escape – like books or magazines. It’s also a great time to get caught up on some tasks like meal planning, paying bills, or updating the family calendar, for example. FIND FUN ON THE ROAD 1. Keep them occupied. Many parents rave about books, audiobooks and DVDs – but don’t be afraid to get creative. Kids can stay busy for hours wrapping toys or creating sculptures out of aluminum foil. Pipe cleaners, Post-It notes and other basic craft supplies can hold their attention, too. Bringing a dry erase board (with washable markers, of course) reduces the need to bring sheets and
sheets of paper and can be the center of lots of different activities. If you do go the DVD route or have tablets or video games, set limits on screen time, especially if this is the first long trip. Watching a screen in the car can cause headaches or tummy troubles for some kids. 2. Pass the time together with games. Games can involve the whole family and get your kids involved in watching the scenery around them – things like license plate bingo or using highway signs to play the alphabet game. There are always classics like Twenty Questions or Name That Tune. Or, hand over the road atlas to the kids and let them quiz you on states and capitals. 3. Never underestimate the power of snacks. Use snack cups, or use plastic storage bags to pre-portion out your kids’ favorite car-friendly snacks. Throw in some special treats for some tasty surprises. 4. Speaking of surprises…hit the dollar store to find fun items that you can pull out when you feel a meltdown coming. The new sticker sheet or coloring book can provide a distraction. However, don’t give the surprises after your child has started whining or throwing a fit – this
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JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 27
[ PARENTING ] tells them that this behavior is rewarded, and they’ll start
them pick their snack, which radio station you’ll listen to
back up later when they want a new surprise.
or where you’ll eat. When kids can make some of their own choices, they’re less likely to engage you in a power
5. Get musical. Younger kids will love singing their favorite
struggle.
songs with the family. But if you can’t stomach the thought of 30 miles of “If You’re Happy and You Know
2. Don’t forget the best way to keep kids happy on a long
It” or even the latest Disney theme song they love, put
journey. Set aside time each day for some one-on-one
together your own fun, kid-safe playlist ahead of the trip
attention for each of your children. If your vehicle allows,
that will keep everyone in the family happy. Or if they’re
sit next to them for a stretch of the trip and read books or
set on listening to their own music, consider headphones
do puzzles. Find time at the hotel or after a lunch break.
– just look for a set that has limits on how loud your kid
When kids get consistent positive attention, they are less
can crank it up.
likely to act out in negative ways, like hitting their brother or tossing their water bottle out the window.
PUT YOUR FOCUS ON THE KIDS 1. Let the kids have a say. Giving kids the chance to have
Take a deep breath and enjoy your journey, whether it’s
a little bit of control can help keep crankiness at bay. Let
a short trip to see family or crossing states for days.
28 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ ACTIVE FAMILY ]
WHERE CURIOSITY TAKES YOU Step inside a tornado, turn upside down in a giant curved mirror, walk on a fog bridge, and explore more than 650 hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. You’ll find all of this plus unique programs; a café and restaurant; two stores; and more at our beautiful San Francisco bayside location. Now through September 3rd, don’t miss Inflatable: Expanding Works of Art—where gigantic, fantastical air-filled artworks reimagine what air can become. Inflatable is included with museum admission. Pier 15 on the Embarcadero •
exploratorium.edu/visit
Rated #1 Museum in San Francisco
[ PARENTING ] Dr. Meeker is a pediatrician, who has practiced pediatric and adolescent medicine for 25 years. She is the author of six books including the best-selling Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: Ten Secrets Every Father Should Know; Boys Should Be Boys; Your Kids At Risk;, The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose and Sanity; Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: The 30 Day Challenge and Strong Mothers, Strong Sons: Lessons Mothers Need to Raise Extraordinary Men, (Ballantine) April 2014. She is a popular speaker on pediatric health issues and child-parent relationships. Dr. Meeker is co-host and physicianin-residence of Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk Radio. She is also Assistant Clinical Professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and currently teaches medical students and physicians in residency training. She is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Meeker serves on the National Advisory Board of the Medical Institute. She has been married to her husband, Walter for 32 years. They have shared a medical practice for over 20 years. They have three grown daughters and a grown son. She lives in northern Michigan.
Teens And Social Media: Time To Dial It Down
by Dr. Meg Meeker When public health experts release information about a concomitant rise in teen depression and social media use, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently did, I don’t waste time worrying about cause and effect. I recommend to all teens, especially girls, to dial down on social media — or eliminate it altogether. That’s right: When it comes to treating depression in teens, I wage war against the illness. It is, after all, life-threatening. I recently spoke with a 14-year-old girl suffering from a major depressive disorder who remarked that every time she went on Instagram, she felt bad about herself. When she saw photos of her friends, she viewed them as thinner, prettier, happier, and more popular. When I told her to stop using her Instagram account for two weeks, she said she wasn’t sure she could. Her mother sat beside her feeling helpless and overwhelmed. In November 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article on teens, depression and social media in the journal Pediatrics and cited the following: 1. Viewing certain media content can cause teens to feel anxious and afraid. 2. Teens can turn to social media to avoid facing their feelings.
30 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
[ PARENTING ] 3. Teen depression may stem from lack of genuine social interaction because digital media use replaces it.
First, it is imperative that parents get over the fear of taking charge over kids’ social media use. In fact, we must get over the fear of limiting any screen time. Many
4. Teens may feel anxiety from not being connected to what friends are doing all the time.
conscientious parents fear their children will miss out, hate them, rebel, feel like the odd kid in their class, etc., but none of this is a good reason to opt out of taking
5. Cyberbullying may result in anxiety, depression, and suicide in teens.
control. Parents must be genuinely concerned about the real risk of depression and anxiety kids face if they don’t do anything.
The article stresses that clear associations have been observed between use of social media and depression/
Second, choose a social media-weaning plan for your
anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents. From
child. You can choose for your child to go cold turkey or
where I sit, associations are evidence enough for me to work hard to convince parents that they must highly control and manage kids’ social media use, which holds only entertainment value. Even adults who have been on Facebook know that seeing peers who appear happier, wealthier, prettier, etc. can cause jealousy. Transfer those feelings into the mind of a teen girl who has not developed a solid identity, mature cognitive thinking, and psychological maturity, and who may experience family issues, physical challenges, or learning issues, and we can understand how depression can take root. I see the relationship between social media use and depression in teens in my pediatric practice. When I treat teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and ADHD, I tell them to get off their screens. In the hands of a depressed adolescent, phones can be dangerous. In my view, they are weapons. I wonder how we have gotten to the point in America where young children carry these weapons in their hands to school, soccer, parties, and even bed —
gradually wean the hours they spend on it. Either way, your kids will be angry but the anger will pass. And when it does, you will have a different child on your hands. Third, if your child struggles with anxiety or depression, get her off all social media. Period. If she doesn’t struggle, limit social media to 30 minutes per day. The article in Pediatrics noted that in a study in which young adults were asked over a span of two weeks about well-being, life satisfaction, and Facebook use, the authors reported that more Facebook use predicted decreases in these measures; in addition, the more they used Facebook over the two weeks, the more their life satisfaction decreased over time. Fourth, do not allow social media to be private. Everything that your teen views on social media should be visible to you. Some parents see lack of privacy in social media as a violation of privacy for their teen, but this is unreasonable. Parents need to know if their kids are getting bullied, sent sexts, or anything else that can harm
and no one sees the danger?
them.
Parents, we need to wake up and understand a few
Fifth, keep your eye on the enormous long-term benefits.
things here. When 36 percent of all teens and 45 percent
The last thing any good parent wants to hear their
of teen girls report feeling desperately sad and hopeless
25-year-old son or daughter say is, “Why didn’t you
and have contemplated suicide, we need to do
protect me?”
something. Kids who grow up without social media miss out on Kids who grow up without social media miss out on
nothing. What they gain is deeper relationships with
nothing.
friends and loved ones, never being cyberbullied — and having less risk for depression and anxiety and more time
So what can parents do? Fortunately, a lot.
playing. We simply need the courage to give them these. JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 31
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Summer Alameda County ALAMEDA Alameda School of Music 1307 High St. 510.769.0195 www.alamusic.org
Camp Bladium 800 West Tower Ave 510.814.4999 www.bladiumalameda.com/ youth-kids/kids-camps
BERKELEY Music Discovery Workshop 2005 Berryman St. 510.528.1725 www.sfems.org
St. John’s Camp Elmwood 2727 College Ave. 510.845.6830 www.stjohnsberkeley.org/ campelmwood
Sticky Art Lab 1682 University Ave. 510.981.1148 www.stickyartlab.com
City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza 925.556.4500 www.ci.dublin.ca.us
Young Writers Camp UC Berkeley Campus 510.642.0971
Valley Christian School 7500 Inspiration Dr. 925.560.6270
www.bawpwritingcamp.org
www.ValleyChristianSchools.org
Green Stuff Summer Camp UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens 510.643.4832
Edge Gymnastics Training Center 6780 Sierra Court St. K 925.479.9904
www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
www.edge-gymnastics.com
Lawrence Hall of Science UC Berkeley 510.642.5134
Kidz Kraftz Quail Creek Cir. 925.271.0015
www.lawrencehallofscience.org
www.kidzkraftz.com/camps
BERKELEY/ECHO LAKE
Tri-Valley YMCA 6693 Sierra Ln 925.263.4444
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd 530.659.7539 www.cityofberkeley.info/camps
CASTRO VALLEY Skye Valley Training Camp 10250 Crow Canyon Rd 925.858.8825 www.psi.lunariffic.com/~skyev0/
Sarah’s Science 21525 Knoll Way 510.581.3739 www.sarahscience.com
Camp Kee Tov 1301 Oxford St. 510.842.2372 www.campkeetov.org
Bee Best Learning 20394 San Miguel Ave. 510.728.2110 www.beebestlearning.com
Habitot 2065 Kittredge St. 510.647.1111 ext. 14 www.habitot.org/museum/ activities_camps.html
Monkey Business Camp 2880A Sacramento St. 510.540.6025
www.trivalley.ymcaeastbay.org
Extended Day Child Care 8435 Davona Dr. 925.829.4043 & 7997 Vomac Rd. 925.551.8170 7243 Tamarack Dr. 925.833.0127 & 5301 Hibernia Dr. 925.803.4154 & 3300 Antone Way 925.826.5538 www.extendeddaychildcare.com
Quarry Lane School 6363 Tassajara Rd. 925.829.8000
DUBLIN
www.quarrylane.org
East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 4651 Gleason Dr. 925.479.9670
FREMONT
www.eastbayspca.org/camp
www.monkeybusinesscamp.com
32 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
Learning Bee Summer Camp 39977 Mission Blvd. 510.226.8408 www.learningbeeusa.com
Ohlone for Kids 43600 Mission Blvd. 510.659.6000 www.ohlone.edu/org/ ohloneforkids
HAYWARD Hayward Area Recreation Park District (H.A.R.D.) Day Camps 510.881.6700 www.haywardrec.org
LIVERMORE Horizons East Equestrian Center 5111 Doolan Rd. 925.960.9696 www.showstables.com
Roy’s Magic Camp 2466 8th St. 925.455.0600 www.magiccamp.org
Camp Arroyo Taylor Family Foundation 5535 Arroyo Rd. 925.371.8401 www.ebparks.org/activities/ daycamps/parks_camp_arroyo
Saddle to Ride Topline Training, Inc. 4180 Greenville Rd. 925.858.3933 www.saddle2ride.com
Xtreme Force Dance Company 847 Rincon Ave. 925.455.6054 www.xtremeforcedanceco.com
Double Diamond Sports Academy 2272 Research Dr. 925.830.9765 www. doublediamondsportsacademy. com
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Camps Valley Montessori 1273 N. Livermore Ave. 925.455.8021
MOCHA Summer Camp 1625 Clay St. 510.465.8770
Contra Costa County
www.valleymontessorischool.com
www.mocha.org
OAKLAND
PLEASANTON
Lakeshore Children’s Center 3534 Lakeshore Ave. 510.893.4048 www.lakeshorechildrenscenter.org
The First Tee Tri-Valley Pleasanton Ave 925.399-8644 www.thefirstteetrivalley.org
City of Antioch Parks and Recreation 213 “F” St 925.776.7070
Urban Adventure Camp 5701 Cabot Dr. 510.339.0676
Extended Day Child Care 5199 Black Ave. 925.846.5519
www.urbanadventurecamps.com
www.extendeddaychildcare.com
East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 8323 Baldwin St. 510.569.0702
Quarry Lane School - East 3750 Boulder St. 925.846.9400
City of Concord Parks and Recreation 925.671.3404
www.eastbayspca.org/camp
www.quarrylane.org
www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps
California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 4660 Harbord Dr. 510.809.3293
Quarry Lane School - West 4444B Black Ave. 925.462.6300
www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html
Yang Fan Academy 4160 Hacienda Dr. St. 100 925.699.4664
Oakland Summer ZooCamp 9777 Golf Links Rd. 510.632.9525
www.yfacademy.org
www.oaklandzoo.org
Lake Merritt Boating Center Youth Boating Camps 568 Bellevue Ave. 510.238.2196 www.sailoakland.com
Raskob Learning Institute 3520 Mountain Blvd. 510.436.1275 www.raskobinstitute.org
Kids N’ Dance 3840 Macarthur Blvd. 510.531.4400 www.kidsndance.com
www.quarrylane.org
City of Pleasanton Summer Programs 200 Old Bernal Ave. 925.931.3436 www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us
ANTIOCH
DANVILLE City of Danville Camps 420 Front St. 925.314.3400 www.danville.ca.gov/Recreation/ Camps
www.ci.antioch.ca.us/Recreation
Four Stars Gymnastics Academy 1799 Vineyard Dr. 925.778.8650
Vision Tech Camps 117 Town & Country Dr. St. B 925.699.9602 www.visiontechcamps.com
Athenian Summer Programs at Athenian School 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd 925.837.5375
www.fourstarsgym.com
CONCORD
www.athenian.org
Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe 1000 Mt. Tallac Trailhead Rd South Lake Tahoe 530.541.1203 www.ci.concord.ca.us/recreation/ camp
Backyard Explorers Corner of Babel Ln & Cowell Rd. 925.671.3118
Color Bundles 301 Hartz Ave. #104 925.727.3137 www.colorbundles.com
Camp Brainy Bunch 741 Brookside Dr. 510.548.4800 www.campbrainybunch.com
Quest Therapeutic Camps Charlotte Wood Middle School 600 El Captain Dr. 925.743.2900 www.questcamps.com
www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps/backyardexp.htm
Expressions Dance & Art 3015 Hopyard Rd. Ste. I 925.200.9908 www.expressions-dance-arts.com/
Young Ivy Academy 5460 Sunol Blvd (#3) 925.548.0188 www.youngivyacademy.com
Inspire Music Academy 2340 Santa Rita Rd. Ste. 7 925.461.3266 www.inspiremusicacademy.com
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 33
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Summer LAFAYETTE California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html
Kids N’ Dance 3369 Mt. Diablo 925.284.7388 www.kidsndance.com
Sienna Ranch 3232 Deer Hill Rd. 925.283.6311 www.siennaranch.net
Sherman Swim School 1075 Carol Ln. 925.283.2100 www.shermanswim.com
www.frenchforfun.com
Lafayette Tennis Club 3125 Camino Diablo 925.937.2582 www.lafayettetennis.com
Husky House for Kids 3855 Happy Valley Rd. 925.283.7100 www.huskyhouseforkids.org/ summer-camp-programs
Lafayette Community Center Camps 500 Saint Mary’s Rd. 925.284.2232 www.lafayetterec.org
Roughing It Day Camp 1010 Oak Hill Rd. 925.283.3795 www.roughingit.com
BandWorks Summer Camp 28 Orinda Way 925.254.2445 www.bandworks.com/summer_ orinda.php
Orinda Academy 19 Altarinda Rd. 925.478.4504
Merriewood Children’s Center 561 Merriewood Dr. 925.284.2121
www.orindaacademy.org
www.merriewood.org
www.campdoodles.com
MARTINEZ
PLEASANT HILL
John Muir Mountain Day Camp John Muir National Historic Site 925.680.8807
City of Pleasant Hill Camps 147 Gregory Ln 925.682.0896
www.johnmuirassociation.org/ muircamp/index.php
French For Fun 3381 Mt. Diablo Blvd 925.283.9822
ORINDA
Rancho Saguaro 1050 Pereira Rd. 925.788.5200 www.ranchosaguaro.com
MORAGA Gaels Summer Camp 1928 St Mary’s Rd. 925.631.4FUN www.smcgaels.com
Camp Saklan 1678 School St. 925.376.7900 www.saklan.org/about-us/campsaklan
OAKLEY City of Oakley Parks and Recreation 3231 Main St. 925.625.7044 www.ci.oakley.ca.us
Diamond Hills Sports Club 1510 Neroly Rd. 925.420.4575 www.sparetimeclubs.com
34 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JUNE 2019
Camp Doodle 66 St. Stephens Dr.
www.pleasanthillrec.com
PITTSBURG City of Pittsburg Parks and Recreation 300 Presido Ln. 925.252.4842 www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
SAN RAMON City of San Ramon Camps 2226 Camino Ramon 925.973.2500 www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us
School of Rock San Ramon 460 Montgomery Street 925.415.3340 510.207.9281 bit.ly/SORsanramoncamps
Adventure Day Camp Dorris-Eaton School One Annabel Lane 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com
WALNUT CREEK Adventure Day Camp Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Dr. 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com
Lindsay Wildlife Museum Summer Science Camp 1931 First Ave. 925.935.1978 www.wildlife-museum.org
Camp ARF for Kids 2890 Mitchell Dr. 925.256.1273 www.youth.arf.net
City of Walnut Creek Summer Camps 1666 North Main St. 925.943.5899 www.walnut-creek.org
Castle Rock Arabians 1350 Castle Rock Rd. 925.933.3701 www.castlerockarabians.com
Multiple Locations The Growing Room Academy Various locations around the Bay Offers: 3,4 and 5 Day Camps 925.837.4392 www.thegrowingroom.org
Camp Rocks: Girl Scouts of Northern California Offered at 5 locations: San Rafael (Camp Bothin), Santa Cruz (Skylark Ranch), San Jose (Camp Metro Day Camp), North Lake Tahoe (Deer Lake), and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Sugar Pine) 800.447.4475 ext. 2091 www.camprocks.org
Mad Science Camp Offered at several local Recreation sites and Community Centers 925.687.1900 www.mtdiablo.madscience.org
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Camps Steve and Kate’s Camp Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Berkeley 415.389.5437 www.steveandkatescamp.com
Camp Galileo Alameda, Alamo, Berkeley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Oakland, Lafayette and Orinda 510.595.7293
Lango Language Summer Camps Serving Alamo, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Canyon, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and surrounding regions 888.445.2646 www.langokids.com/parent/kidslanguage-summer-camps
Out of Area Golden Arrow Camps 644 Pollasky Avenue, Ste. 100 Clovis, 93612 800.554.CAMP www.goldarrowcamp.com
Coppercreek Camp 1887 Williams Valley Rd. Greenville, 95947 800.350.0006 www.coppercreek.com
www.galileo-learning.com
KinderCare Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez and Clayton 888.523.6765 www.kindercare.com/ summercamp
Viva el Espanol! Lafayette, Piedmont, Pleasanton & San Anselmo 925.962.9177 www.vivaelespanol.org/ summerprograms.php
Club Sport Fremont, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek 925.938.8700 www.clubsports.com
Camp Edmo Alameda, Fremont, and Oakland 415.282.6673 www.campedmo.org
Kids’ Carpentry Berkeley, Lafayette, Alameda, Oakland, Alamo & Walnut Creek 510.524.9232
Stratford School Summer Sports Camp & Enrichment Danville, Fremont, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Pleasanton 925.737.0001
www.kidscarpentry.com
www.stratfordschools.com
www.techknowhowkids.com
Sky hawk’s Sports Camp Various locations around the Bay Area 800.804.3509
iD Tech Camp Moraga, Concord, Livermore, Berkeley and other Bay Area locations www.idtech.com
www.skyhawks.com
TechKnowHow Kids Dublin, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore, Oakland & Pleasanton 650.638.0500
Camp Unalayee 3921 East Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto 650.969.6313 www.unalayee-summer-camp.com
CYO Summer Camp 2136 Bohemian Hwy Occidental, 95465 707.874.0200
SF Zoo Camp Sloat Blvd. & the Great Highway San Francisco 415.753.7080 www.sfzoo.org Almaden Equestrian Center 20100 Almaden Rd. San Jose 408.927.0232 www.almadenequestriancenter.net
Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way San Jose 408.224.8774 www.gotoplex.com
College For Kids 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd. San Mateo 650.574.6149 www.collegeforkids-smccd.com
www.camp.cccyo.org
Mountain Camp Woodside 302 Portola Rd. Portola Valley 650.576.2267 www.mountaincampwoodside.com
School of Rock Summer Camp 711 South B St. San Mateo, San Jose & Palo Alto 650.347.3474 www.schoolofrock.com
Camp Tawonga 131 Steuart Ste. 460 San Francisco 415.543.2267 www.tawonga.org
Kennolyn Camps 8205 Glen Haven Rd. Soquel 831.479.6714 www.kennolyncamps.com
888.709.8324
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 35
Summer EXPLORE! Stratford @ EXCEL! ENGAGE! Stay Curious.
Stay Sharp.
Keep Discovering.
Discover where the Extraordinary begins Stratford School infuses its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum into an innovative and enriching summer camp experience for children in Preschool through Middle School.
WE S
ASSOCIAT I
O
LS
GE
LE
Accrediting Commission for Schools
O
S
OF
SCH
*Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 073406680, 013420588, 013423042, 434404890, 434413440, 434410816, 434408056, 013420939, 414004014, 384001837, 384004006, 434407977, 434408877, 434410807, 434404336, 434406722. Copyright © 2019 Stratford Schools, Inc. .
RN
ON
Sign-up Today! StratfordSchools.com/summer-camp
TE
Camp Sessions June 10 – August 9
AND CO
L
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps Engaging curriculum uses music, art & games
Experienced, dynamic teachers Ages toddlers to teens Small class sizes
FIND A
CAMP PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN AND TODDLERS.
r Join us fo g, in ll story te mes a g t, r music, a f F UN & TONS o l! ño - in espa Mention ACTIVE FAMILY and receive a FREE first time trial class!
www.vivaelespanol.org • 925-962-9177
Lafayette • Pleasanton • And schools all over the Bay Area
ZOOCAMP
SUMMER CAMPS & HORSEMANSHIP CLINICS
.............................................
Coaching for the beginner and competitive show rider. CALL NOW FOR MORE INFO:
925.960.9696
............................................. Ask for:
Samantha Lazone & Barbara EnDean •
5111 Dolan Rd, Livermore CA 94551
www.showstables.com
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! oaklandzoo.org
JUNE 2019 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 37
Programs available at
A traditional summer camp experience
Celebrating
20 Years
925.937.6500 • Adventuredaycamp.com
®
Preschool
Education is a Lifelong Commitment
®
Discover Quarry Lane
NOW ENROLLING Join our Open House every Wednesday! www.QuarryLane.org/Preschool
Toddler, Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Academic-Based Curriculum Passionate, Experienced Educators
PLEASANTON WEST CAMPUS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten 4444B Black Ave., Pleasanton, CA
925.462.6300
Full and Half Day Schedules Computer, Spanish, Music, P.E., and Library Two Preschool Campuses in Pleasanton
PLEASANTON EAST CAMPUS Toddler through Pre-Kindergarten 3750 Boulder St., Pleasanton, CA
925.846.9400
CA Licenses: 013411303, 013411304, 013411305, 013417681