APRIL 2022
FOUR DAILY DOSES
of Quality
How to Calm a Stressed Out Teen
KID-FRIENDLY LIVERMORE VALLEY WINERIES
Volume 9 / Issue 94
[ PARENTING ] True Grit: 12 Ways to Raise a Resilient, Competent Child
4
Listening And Talking to Your Kids About Ukraine with Empathy
36
14
Spring Staycation: The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa
8
How to Calm a Stressed-Out Teen
18 Four Daily Doses of Quality
2 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
28 [ SEASONAL FUN ] Easter Basket Ideas For Little Ones!
34
Spring Breakout! Great Wolf Lodge
[ SUMMER CAMPS ]
16
Summer Camp Guide
24
32
32
20 Livermore Valley Wineries
[ TRAVEL ]
Talking About War With Your Kids: What to Say and How to Say It
Disney On A Dime
20
28
Local Life & Style for the East Bay Area
Publisher/Editor Tracie Brown Vollgraf
Travel Editor Elizabeth Kang ekang@activefamilymag.com
Social Media Manager and Sales Manager Trista Cambra-Flanders
Design/Production Teresa Agnew Craft
Active Family is published by TAG Marketing Group Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5158, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Contributing Authors Dr. Laura Markham Dr. Christine Carter Elizabeth Kang Dr. Meg Meeker Emily Rivera Lynne Azarchi
Advertising Inquiries | 925.789.0709 Email Address | info@activefamilymag.com
Editor’s Note As the masks come off and restrictions loosen, we are busier than ever! Always on the lookout for the perfect getaway, we have plenty of options for our readers in this issue. Starting with a few local possibilities, turn to page 8 to learn about the ideal spring staycation featuring the Purple Orchid Resort & Spa in Livermore. Another great family-friendly getaway, just down the road, is the Great Wolf Lodge. Of course, we can’t forget about Disneyland! This time we are providing tips on how to visit the park on a budget, so flip to page 20 for more details! With Easter around the corner, we are making parenting a little easier by sharing our top Easter basket favorites on page 34. Just click on over to the websites provided and grab these adorable products today! Wishing you all a healthy and happy spring! Tracie Brown Vollgraf Editor info@activefamilymag.com
[ PARENTING ]
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.
TRUE GRIT:
12 Ways to Raise a Resilient, Competent Child by Dr. Laura Markham "The exhausting cycle of constantly monitoring their work and performance... makes children feel less competent and confident." - Elizabeth Kolbert
Parents are often told that frustration is good for kids, since when they grow up the world will be full of frustrations. That's a bit like saying that it's a cold, cruel world so your child should learn to sleep without blankets.
What we really want is to raise kids who have the resilience to find or make blankets (and to create a warmer world where everyone can find blankets!) 4 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ PARENTING ] So how do we foster that resilience?
competence they'll develop.
It has become a commonplace idea that failure builds
So how do we hit that sweet spot of giving appropriate
resilience. But when children fail over and over and
support and protection on the one hand, and enough
don't have the support to keep trying, all they learn is
independence to foster confidence and competence
that they're failures. Experiencing disappointment or
on the other?
failure is only half the picture. Resilience comes not from failing, but from the experience of learning that even
1. Stop controlling and start coaching.
when everything goes wrong, you can pick yourself up, try again, and succeed. That requires at least some
Coaches help kids develop skills, but kids play the game.
experience of success, and lots of emotional support.
Your job as a parent is to support your child so she can flourish and develop. Doing things FOR her robs her of the
So it’s true that we all learn from overcoming challenges,
opportunity to become competent. Doing things WITH
but we also learn best when we experience success,
her teaches her how and builds confidence. This means
which motivates us to tackle more difficult challenges.
we have to manage our own anxiety and let go of our
Failure without support sets up a cycle of lack of
need to control.
confidence, giving up and more failure. Mastery, on the other hand, begets mastery.
2. Remember that perfection is not the goal.
We're also told that we as parents are over-protecting
Resist the temptation to "improve" on your child's task,
our children, so they don't gain confidence from
unless the outcome is vitally important. Intervention
learning to handle things for themselves. This is anxiety-
undermines a child's confidence.
provoking for any parent, because the line between appropriate support and helicoptering is rarely clear.
3. Let him try to do it himself from the earliest age.
(Isn't a helicopter parent just someone who hovers more than you do?) All parents want to protect their children
Rein in your own anxiety. That doesn’t mean abandoning
-- that's our job! -- but we also don't want to stymie the
him to it. Stand by, smiling, ready to be helpful in
development of self-confidence, resourcefulness and
whatever way actually helps your child -- BUT keep your
resilience.
mouth shut and your hands to yourself except to give appropriate encouragement, unless you REALLY need to
So are kids today really less confident than they used to
help.
be? I haven't seen any convincing research to support that claim. (And Alfie Kohn, in The Myth of the Spoiled
Clucking anxiously about how worried you are as he
Child, assembles lots of evidence to refute it.) But I don't
climbs that play structure may make you feel better, and
think it's news to any parent that our natural desire to
it may impress the other parents on the playground with
protect our children from discomfort often prompts us
your attentiveness, but it won't help your child. In fact, it
to step in to solve things for our kids. And we certainly
limits him. Just ask if he is keeping himself safe, then stand
know that the more practice kids have in solving their
by and spot him. Smile proudly. Say:
own problems, managing their lives, and overcoming obstacles to meet their goals, the more confidence and
"Look at you! I knew you could do it!" APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 5
[ PARENTING ] (And if he falls, you’re there to catch him. Which is, after
But if you help him each step of the way to organize his
all, what allowed him to try it.)
ideas and his work, BUT resist the impulse to improve on the project yourself, he completes the job, hugely proud,
4. Help her build confidence by tackling manageable challenges. Emotional development researchers call this "scaffolding," which could be defined as the framework you give your child on which she builds. You demonstrate how to do something, or you use words to
and having learned something about how to plan and execute a complex project. 6. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage. And teach selfencouragement. All humans need encouragement. Encouraging your child not only keeps him feeling more positive and
suggest a strategy, or you simply spot her. This assistance
motivated, it also gives him an inner voice that will
helps her to succeed when she tries something new,
help him to encourage himself for the rest of his life.
and small successes achieved with your help give her
Research shows that kids who talk themselves through
the confidence to try new things herself. Scaffolding
difficult situations find it easier to master difficult tasks.
also teaches children that nonjudgmental help is always
Give your child maxims to repeat as mantras when the
available if they need it. You want your kids to trust that
going gets tough. "Practice makes progress!" and "If you
deep in their bones before they hit adolescence.
don't succeed, try, try again!" and "I think I can, I think I can!" are designed to help us manage our frustration.
5. Don’t set him up for failure. Offer structure to help him succeed. Should you step in when you see failure ahead, or "let him learn a lesson"? Always a hard call. Rescuing children can prevent them
When your son goofs a piece on the piano and has to start over, or your daughter strikes out with the bases loaded, they need an automatic internal comforting voice to encourage and motivate them. Otherwise the harsh criticizing voice steps in, triggered by the disappointment.
from learning important lessons. But when children see their parents stand by and let them fail, they experience
7. Instead of evaluating, describe and empathize.
that as not being loved. Instead of learning the lesson that they should have practiced that clarinet, or
Praise evaluates the outcome of your child's action:
read the directions on that science kit, they learn the
"Good job!" It doesn't give the child much information
lesson that they are failures, that they cannot manage
about what was good about what he did, or why you
themselves, and that their parents did not care enough
think it was good, and it teaches the child to rely on
to help them not be failures or teach them to manage themselves. But isn't stepping in “rescuing them?”
external sources to evaluate him. You can refine your praise to make it serve your child better by giving him he power to evaluate for himself. Just describe what he did and empathize with how he must feel: "You just kept practicing and didn't give up....You must feel so good that you finished that!"
That all depends on how it's done. If you take over the science fair project and do half of it the night before it's
8. Focus on effort, not results.
due, that's worse than rescuing: not only does your son
"I see you worked so hard on this."
learn that you will bail him out if he goofs off, he learns that he is incompetent. 6 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
"How did you learn to do that?!"
[ PARENTING ] Give positive feedback about specific things that she
Once she's done grieving, she'll be ready to pull herself
has control over, like hard work or perseverance, rather
together to try again the next day, especially when
than things she feels she has no control over, like being
you express your confidence in her. That's how children
smart. The point is never the product -- you don’t want
develop resilience.
her resting on her laurels at the age of six, or sixteen. Your goal is for her to keep trying, practicing, improving,
11. Don't set your child up for extra frustration.
and for her to learn that when she works hard, she can accomplish her goals.
Your child will naturally develop the ability to handle increasing amounts of frustration and anxiety as he
9. Model positive self-talk.
attempts more difficult challenges. But those frustrations are inherent in growing up and are guaranteed aplenty
Whatever you model, your child will learn and will
in life. There is no benefit whatsoever to setting your child
emulate. Positive self-talk improves our mood, unlike the
up for extra frustration or negative experience. In fact, he
self-disparaging comments many of us so automatically
will see your doing so as evidence of your lack of caring,
make. If something negative about your child -- or,
which is always translated in his mind as his lack of value,
equally important, about yourself -- starts to come out of
and which therefore undermines his resilience.
your mouth, bite your tongue. Most parents know better than to say "What an idiot!" to their child (and most
12. Affirm your child’s ability to impact the world.
of them are able to stop themselves), but a surprising number see nothing wrong with berating themselves that
Competence and feelings of mastery are about power
way in front of their kids. Just train yourself not to do it. (It
and derive from a child's experience of herself as having
certainly isn't good for you, either. Would you let anyone
an effect on the world.
else talk to you that way?) "If I stand on the stool, I can flip this light switch and light 10. Don't be afraid of your child's feelings.
up the room!"
When your child encounters frustration, remember that
All children will experience reasonable limits to their
your empathy will be a critical factor in his overcoming
power (“I can't make the rain stop, and neither can
it. Instead of automatically jumping in to remove
Mommy"), but the more your child has opportunities to
the source of the frustration, give it a larger context
make a difference in the world, the more she will see
by communicating your compassion that he has to
herself as capable.
encounter this circumstance: In the end, our job as parents is to work ourselves out of "I'm sorry this is so hard..."
a job, and it starts when our children are very young. All kids eventually grow up and live their lives without us.
"It's really disappointing when...."
How they live will depend partly on whether we've been able to rise above our own anxiety and our impulse to
"This isn't how you hoped it would turn out..."
control our child.
It's okay for children to get frustrated and to be
You know the old adage about giving our children roots
disappointed. Your child may cry and sulk all day, but
and wings? Unconditional love is the roots. Confidence is
your unconditional understanding will help her grieve.
the wings. Young people who have both live bigger lives. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 7
[ TRAVEL ]
8 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
SPRING STAYCATION:
[ TRAVEL ]
The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa by Elizabeth Kang
Spring has sprung, and we’re jonesing for a weekend getaway. Preferably somewhere peaceful, serene, and close by. The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa fits the bill perfectly, and then some. Located deep in the bucolic rolling hills of Livermore Valley wine country, The Purple Orchid is the dreamiest mix of quaint, boutique charm and upscale, luxurious pampering. With a superior spa, gorgeous pool and hot tub, cozy lodging and delicious complimentary breakfast, this tucked away resort is sure to be your go-to for romantic escapes and girlfriend getaways.
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 9
[ TRAVEL ]
- LOCATION Situated just a few-minute’s-drive from downtown Livermore, The Purple Orchid feels worlds away from suburbia, tucked between gently rolling hills and surrounded by nearby wineries and farms. Proprietors Rhiannon and Derek Eddy are college sweethearts who somehow, between raising two young kids, have turned The Purple Orchid into Livermore’s prized hidden jewel — a place locals recommend to friends and out-oftown guests. Nearby wineries are less than a five-minute drive away and include Cedar Mountain Winery, Eagle Ridge Winery, 3 Steve’s Winery, and Darcie Kent Vineyards.
- STAY With just ten rooms, The Purple Orchid boasts an intimate bed & breakfast vibe with rusticluxury charm. Each rooms is spacious and comfortable with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, stand-along soaking tubs, private balconies with views of the valley, and comfortable beds with luxury linens. Rooms are decorated with minimal, stately decor. Outdoors, guests enjoy a serene scene — a sparkling waterfall pool, two attached hot 10 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ TRAVEL ]
tubs, and quaint gardens. The resort is surrounded by majestic olive tree groves that provide the Castelvetrano olives from which the resort’s fruity, sumptuous olive oil is made from. (This 100% first-pressed, unfiltered, extra virgin olive oil is available for purchase at the front desk and makes the perfect take-home souvenir.)
- DINE Although the resort doesn't have a restaurant on property, they do have a kitchen which serves a wonderful full-service complimentary breakfast each morning. During our stay, my husband and I chose a delicate mushroom spinach omelet and a hearty chorizo-egg breakfast burrito, both which were executed perfectly. There were also options to include potatoes, fruit, toast, juice, tea and coffee. Mimosas can be enjoyed for an additional charge.
In the afternoons, the resort offers an “Olive and Vino” hour, serving The Purple Orchid label red or white wine, plus a delectable personal cheeseboard to each guest. Sipping wine and noshing on cheese poolside with the sound of the pool’s waterfall in the background is a wonderful way to enjoy the setting sun and get to know other guests. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 11
[ TRAVEL ]
- SPA The Purple Orchid Spa is renowned in the TriValley as one of the best around, and it books up weeks in advance. (I was unable to book a massage during my visit, but am looking forward to booking one in the near future, with plenty of advance notice this time.) Guests of the spa also enjoy use of the beautiful pool and grounds during their visit during the morning and afternoon.
Spa treatments include a variety of massages, facials, hydrafacials, body treatments, eyelash extensions, waxing, and couple massages.
THE PURPLE ORCHID RESORT & SPA 4549 Cross Road, Livermore, CA 94550
Complimentary spa refreshments are available
(925) 606-8855
to spa guests, as well as plush robes, slippers,
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[ 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.
Talking About War With Your Kids: What to Say and How to Say It by Dr. Meg Meeker Over the past couple of years, we’ve had to talk to our kids about some really difficult topics: the pandemic, racism, and now we can add to the list, war. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been broadcast more than most wars on social media, T.V. and podcasts. Tragic images have been published, interviews with evacuees are streaming, and the news seems to worsen with each day.
Perhaps you’re protecting your child from the news, but if he has a smartphone or a friend with one, chances are he’s heard about this war, and 14 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ PARENTING ] he’s probably confused, worried or scared.
the conversation. Don’t go into the history of Russia and Vladimir Putin and the Soviet Union. Don’t try to explain
We live in an age where it’s nearly impossible to keep
sanctions and the U.S.’s role in a war like this. Use simple
big news stories from our children. The news is simply
language that speaks to his specific questions and
too prolific and too available on too many platforms. If
concerns.
you’re seeing multiple messages a day about a tragedy or horrific event, your child probably is too. Which begs
If your child is a pre-teen or teen, he can understand
the question, how do you talk to your child about war?
complicated situations more easily, and he is probably
While this topic is weighty and complicated and will
hearing about the nuance of the conflict at school.
depend on your individual child, family and needs, I do
Continue to address your teen’s specific questions and
have some guidance on how to navigate this difficult
concerns but know that he can handle more nuance
conversation with your child.
than a younger child can.
1. Don’t avoid the conversation.
3. Keep the lines of communication open.
If your child is asking you about the war in Ukraine, or
As this war continues to unfold, more will happen, more
if you know your child is hearing about it, don’t avoid
news will be reported, and your child will continue to
talking about it. We tend to think talking about difficult
have questions. That’s OK. Reassure your child each time
things with our child will only make her more afraid, but
you talk about it that she can come to you with questions
the truth is avoiding talking about an event your child
or concerns. This is not a one-and-done conversation but
already knows about will simply allow her questions to go
an ongoing one. This will feel greatly reassuring to your
unanswered. That’s what will make her more afraid.
child.
Don’t avoid the conversation for the sake of your child’s fears; have the conversation and make it a priority.
Parents, it’s difficult enough that this war is happening, talking to your child about it adds yet another layer of
(If your child is under the age of seven and hasn’t asked
difficulty. While it may feel uncomfortable, I encourage
you about the conflict yet, don’t initiate a conversation.
you to stay aware of your child. Is he reading the news?
Wait until she asks about it.)
Is he hearing it at school or at home on T.V.? If so, step into a conversation about it, not thinking you have all the
2. Be age-appropriate.
answers but knowing that you are uniquely equipped to
If your child is around ages eight to 11, don’t complicate
assure your child by simply being open and present. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 15
[ TRAVEL ]
[ TRAVEL ]
SPRING BREAKOUT! Great Wolf Lodge
by Elizabeth Kang Breakout, along with a partnership with Autism
Wolf Lodge character as they emerge from their dens
Awareness month, and we wanted to be sure to highlight
after a long winter hibernation.
all the fun. From March 4th, through May 1st, Great Wolf Lodge is offering special Spring-themes activities and
GAMES & CRAFTS!
savings of up to 30% on rooms, along with bright and
Crafty kids will enjoy spring-themed crafts such as
cheery Springtime decor. In addition to all of the new
making hand-made flowers, beaded butterflies and
Springbreakout fun, families can support children with
dragonflies, flower and butterfly rings, and make-your-
autism by purchasing special limited-edition blue Wolf
own Moochi hand puppets.
Ears for $5, with proceeds donated to Autism Speaks. Read on to learn about all the new Spring Breakout fun
SPRINGTIME FUN!
at resort!
Guests can join in on even more springtime fun at the Spring Jamboree, with sing-a-longs to the Sunshine
SPRING DECOR!
Celebration theme song, and move their bodies at the
Great Wolf Lodge celebrates spring with vibrant and
Spring Dance in the lobby. There is also a nightly story
cheery springtime touches like colorful, sprouting flowers,
time to help wind down excited bodies, and daily yoga
verdant green trees, and opportunities to take photos
to guide in stretching, breathing, and just being fun and
against new spring backdrops. Pose with favorite Great
silly. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 17
[ PARENTING ]
Christine Carter, Ph.D.*, is a sociologist and happiness expert at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. She is the author of “RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents.” She teaches online happiness classes that help parents bring more joy into their own lives and the lives of their children, and she writes an award-winning blog for *Greater Good* (www.greatergoodparents.org).
How to Calm a Stressed-Out Teen by Christine Carter, Ph.D. Do you have a stressed-out teenager? You aren’t alone! A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that fewer than half of teenagers today would rate their mental health as “excellent” or “very good.” And it doesn’t seem to get better as they get older; more than 90 percent of today’s 18 to 21-year-olds experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress in the past month (this is very high compared to other adults).
Today’s teenagers aren’t just stressed about what’s going on at home or at 18 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ PARENTING ] school or in their own lives—they’re also stressed about
response to the circumstance.
the world they are living in. For example, three quarters say they are stressed about mass and school shootings.
This is the “name it to tame it” technique, and research
More than half feel stressed about the current political
shows that when we label our emotions, we are better
climate, and more than two-thirds feel significantly
able to integrate them.
stressed about our nation’s future. About 60 percent are worried about the rise in suicide rates, about climate change and global warming, and about the separation and deportation of immigrant and migrant families. The list goes on and on and on.
Step 4. Ask them about the source of their stress. We can encourage them to look for what might be new or changing in their lives. Similarly, we can help them look for sources of unpredictability or to identify ways that they feel threatened. And we can ask them about
It’s no wonder that our teens are suffering. Fortunately,
the things in their lives that feel out of their control.
there is a lot that we can do for our stressed-out teens. Here are seven steps for helping teens cope from my free eBook, How to Help Teens Deal with Stress (download the
Step 5. Encourage them to classify their type of stress. In addition to searching for sources of stress, it can be
full guide here). helpful for teens to classify the particular strain of stress Step 1: Confront the Stress. The most important thing to do when a teen is anxious or suffering is to help them confront the stressor or worry
they are experiencing. Is it related to a negative life event? Is it the result of cumulative day-to-day difficulties that are beyond the teen’s control? Or is it a daily hassle?
rather than avoid it. Why? Because avoidance fuels anxiety.
Step 6. Help them see that their stress can be helpful. Stress is healthy and helpful when it creates enough
Step 2: Ask them to describe the difficult circumstance.
tension and strain to foster growth.
Have them simply give you the facts of the hard place they are in, and in response, show genuine curiosity
Step 7. Practice acceptance.
about their experience. You are not trying to take away
When we accept the reality of a difficult or scary
their pain. The goal is for them to feel seen and heard by
situation and our limited control, it allows our kids to do
you.
the same. Importantly, acceptance also frees them up to move forward, rather than remaining paralyzed by
Step 3. Help them identify how they are feeling in
difficulty and fear. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 19
[ TRAVEL ]
DISNEY ON A DIME GRAND LEGACY AT THE PARK OFFERS COMFORTABLE LODGING JUST A FIVE-MINUTE WALK FROM THE PARK by Elizabeth Kang
There’s no way around it — Disneyland tickets are expensive! What’s a family on a budget to do? While discounted park tickets are hard to come by, there’s an easier way to cut costs while still experiencing all the magical moments Disney is known for. I’m talking lodging, of course, and Grand Legacy at the Park offers some of the biggest bang for your buck that we've experienced. 20 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ TRAVEL ]
CLOSE PROXIMITY AT UNBELIEVABLE PRICES The best way to pinch pennies on a Disneyland vacay is to save big on your hotel. Grand Legacy at the Park is a wonderful way to do just that. This hotel is directly across the street from the park, only a five minute walk! No need to shell out hundreds of dollars at a Disneyland Resort hotel, because Grand Legacy provides close proximity at a fraction of the cost, with room rates starting around $150 in the low season.
BIG AMENITIES, SMALL COST Your money goes a long way at Grand Legacy, where kids can splash away in the oversized heated pool and exciting splash zone, while parents relax on loungers or catch up on emails using the hotel’s free high speed wifi. Whether you need extra pool towels or toiletries, hotel employees are happy to assist. We found the service at the hotel to be warm, gracious and hospitable. Rooms are clean, modern and ultra comfortable, equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, safes, and flatscreen TVs. Some rooms also boast amazing views of the Disneyland fireworks at night, which is always an incredible sight.
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 21
[ TRAVEL ]
BUDGET-FRIENDLY BITES Another way to keep your wallet happy on a Disney vacation is to budget on food, and Grand Legacy offers an abundance of affordable options, just steps away. Some of these fast-casual and family friendly offerings include Pink Pig Boba & Pizza, Anytime Hawaiian, Panda Kitchen, and Alpha Gift Mart, for forgotten toothbrushes or last-minute souvenirs. The hotel also boasts amazing rooftop views of the park at The FIFTH, located on the top of the hotel’s main tower. The FIFTH Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is a lively restaurant and bar offering delicious food and drinks. The giant towering nachos are a popular choice, along with juicy burgers and crispy Ahi tuna tacos. The Grand Legacy hotel is an excellent choice for budget-friendly lodging that doesn't feel like a budget hotel, and the proximity to the park simply can’t be beat. 22 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ 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
24 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
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
Gingerbread Preschool 4333 Black Ave. 925.931.3430
City of Antioch Parks and Recreation 213 “F” St 925.776.7070
www.lakeshorechildrenscenter.org
www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/services/ recreation/gb/gbhome.html
Urban Adventure Camp 5701 Cabot Dr. 510.339.0676 www.urbanadventurecamps.com
Extended Day Child Care 5199 Black Ave. 925.846.5519 www.extendeddaychildcare.com
East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 8323 Baldwin St. 510.569.0702 www.eastbayspca.org/camp
Quarry Lane School - East 3750 Boulder St. 925.846.9400 www.quarrylane.org
California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 4660 Harbord Dr. 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html
Oakland Summer ZooCamp 9777 Golf Links Rd. 510.632.9525 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
Quarry Lane School - West 4444B Black Ave. 925.462.6300 www.quarrylane.org
ANTIOCH
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 City of Concord Parks and Recreation 925.671.3404
www.athenian.org
www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps
Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe 1000 Mt. Tallac Trailhead Rd South Lake Tahoe 530.541.1203
Yang Fan Academy 4160 Hacienda Dr. St. 100 925.699.4664
www.ci.concord.ca.us/recreation/ camp
www.yfacademy.org
Backyard Explorers Corner of Babel Ln & Cowell Rd. 925.671.3118
City of Pleasanton Summer Programs 200 Old Bernal Ave. 925.931.3436
DANVILLE
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
www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us
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
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 25
[ 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
Sienna Ranch 3232 Deer Hill Rd. 925.283.6311 www.siennaranch.net
Sherman Swim School 1075 Carol Ln. 925.283.2100 www.shermanswim.com
Kids N’ Dance 3369 Mt. Diablo 925.284.7388 www.kidsndance.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
Camp ARF for Kids 2890 Mitchell Dr. 925.256.1273
www.bandworks.com/summer_ orinda.php
www.youth.arf.net
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
26 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
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
Castle Rock Arabians 1350 Castle Rock Rd. 925.933.3701 www.castlerockarabians.com
City of Walnut Creek Summer Camps 1666 North Main St. 925.943.5899 www.walnut-creek.org
COPA STC 2640 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, CA 925.357.8999 www.copastc.com
Lindsay Wildlife Museum Summer Science Camp 1931 First Ave. 925.935.1978 www.wildlife-museum.org
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
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Camps Mad Science Camp Offered at several local Recreation sites and Community Centers 925.687.1900 www.mtdiablo.madscience.org
Steve and Kate’s Camp Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Berkeley 415.389.5437 www.steveandkatescamp.com
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
Camp Galileo Alameda, Alamo, Berkeley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Oakland, Lafayette and Orinda 510.595.7293
Club Sport Fremont, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek 925.938.8700
www.galileo-learning.com
Camp Edmo Alameda, Fremont, and Oakland 415.282.6673
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
www.clubsports.com
www.campedmo.org
Kids’ Carpentry Berkeley, Lafayette, Alameda, Oakland, Alamo & Walnut Creek 510.524.9232
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
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
TechKnowHow Kids Dublin, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore, Oakland & Pleasanton 650.638.0500
Stratford School Summer Sports Camp & Enrichment Danville, Fremont, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Pleasanton 925.737.0001
www.techknowhowkids.com
www.stratfordschools.com
888.709.8324
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
www.kidscarpentry.com
SF Zoo Camp Sloat Blvd. & the Great Highway San Francisco 415.753.7080 www.sfzoo.org
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
iD Tech Camp Moraga, Concord, Livermore, Berkeley and other Bay Area locations www.idtech.com
Sky hawk’s Sports Camp Various locations around the Bay Area 800.804.3509 www.skyhawks.com
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 27
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
28 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
Kid-Friendly Livermore Valley Wineries by Elizabeth Kang
A Guide for When to Bring The Kids, and When to Leave Them Home As a resident of Livermore, one of the most popular questions I see asked in social media forums is “Which Livermore wineries are kid-friendly?” That’s a good question, and the answers seem to be constantly changing. Ever popular Murreita’s Well, for instance, used to be kid-friendly, but recently has changed to an adult’s only venue. Intimate Dante Robere appears on first glance to be adults-only, but upon questioning, actually welcomes children wholeheartedly. It’s sometimes confusing and hard to keep up with which wineries welcome children and which don’t, so we’ve made a handy guide to keep them straight. Now, whether you’ve hired a babysitter or need to pack snack bags and crayons, any weekend can be a wine-tasting weekend in Livermore!
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 29
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
Bring the Kids! Garré Vineyards — As one of the only wineries in Livermore offering sit-down dining, Garré is an excellent choice when tasting with kids-in-tow. Nothing complains more than a hungry child, and Garré satisfies grumbling tummies with kid-friendly menu items such as mac’ n’ cheese, pizza and burgers. Adults will find plenty to please the palette, too, with salads, pastas, sandwiches and, of course, wine. Children are welcome in the outdoor tasting area, as well. There are usually friendly dogs around to pet, and a grassy area to explore. McGrail Winery — McGrail welcomes children with open arms, and their expansive outdoor areas are perfect for restless little bodies to wriggle. Adults love the delicious
Dante Robere Vineyards — This small and intimate winery is tucked away across from the entrance to Sycamore Park, so it’s a great stop after a morning of family biking or trail walking. Children are welcome in the front grassy area, and they also allow outside food. There are juice boxes and snacks available for little ones, too. Retzlaff Vineyards — Popular and always packed, Retzlaff offers beautiful outdoor seating with picnic tables and live music on weekends. Children are not allowed in the tasting area, but they are permitted in the picnic area as long as they stay seated. There are usually food trucks available for purchasing refreshments and lunch, and guests are allowed to bring their own food, as well. Darcie Kent — Another family friendly winery popular
Cabernet Sauvignon wines the winery is known for, and
with picnickers is Darcie Kent, boasting panoramic
little ones enjoy sprawling out on the lawns to nibble on a
views and shaded picnic tables. Although this winery
bring-your-own picnic. The winery also often features live
welcomes children, they do ask that minors remain
music on weekends.
seated during tastings and that they do not wander.
Boaventura de Caíres Vineyard — One of the most “kid-
3 Steves Winery — Causal and fun, 3 Steve’s is a great
friendliest” wineries around, Boaventura offers a fun, laid-
option for wine tasting with the family. This small
back atmosphere with plenty of outdoor spaces, farm
boutique winery is owned by three friends, all named
animals, bocce ball, and views. Kids will get a kick out
— you guessed it — Steve. With 360-degree views and
of exploring the quirky winery grounds, and adults can
laid-back vibes, 3 Steve’s is a wonderful little winery big
relax knowing their children are welcome and wanted.
on fun. They even host family movie nights!
30 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
Leave them Home Murrieta’s Well — Offering delicious wine and bites, Murrieta’s Well is one of the most popular wineries in Livermore, and is always packed….with adults only. Leave the kids home during this visit, and enjoy amazing wine and delicious food like cheese-plates, charcuterie, and flatbread pizzas. Wente Vineyards — As the most renowned winemaker in Livermore, a visit to Wente Vineyards is well worth the cost of hiring a babysitter. With beautiful grounds and even better wine, this adults-only winery is always a memorable and elegant experience. Wood Family Vineyards — Wood Family Vineyards offers a lively atmosphere with live music and great Zinfandels. Because most of the tasting venue is indoors, it’s best to come without the kids to this winery. Dogs, on the other hand, are popular wine-tasting companions here. Las Positas Winery — Although technically not adults only, Las Positas Winery is best experienced without kids-intow, when you can enjoy sitting on the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking vineyards and rolling hills. Kids are, however, allowed in the seating area near the parking spaces.
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 31
[ PARENTING ]
Four Daily Doses of Quality by Emily Rivera At age 42, I found myself celebrating my birthday in the Emergency Room, processing the news, that I was having a heart attack. All I could think about was my three children. Even within the most traumatic moment, I found myself ignoring my needs and focusing on them, an honorable approach to living, but not one that fully promotes the ability to enjoy the gift of living. Since then, I have committed to feeding four daily doses of quality. These doses of quality have helped me create balance and peace for myself, which Emily Rivera has been professionally supporting individuals of varying ages and backgrounds find guidance. Offering them answers, tools, and strategies into creating a life of fulfilment, freedom, and abundance. She has coached via private and group sessions, events, published work, and on stage.
32 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
in turn has given me the ability to lead more productively. This commitment has not just healed my heart, but it has also enabled me to create more joy for me and my children. Before I share these four doses of quality, I would like to speak to two negating ideas that I hear often. One, mom’s can very quickly try to convince themselves that there is no need to create personal balance and peace,
[ PARENTING ] if taking care of responsibilities is manageable, why
This is something that is more easily accessible than
interrupt what seems functional. I get it, I was once in
we think. I will share three tools for this. One, take time
that space, until my body shut down. Second thing
to add two to three minutes of deep breathing three
I hear from mom’s is that there is no time for peace
to five times a day. Which you can do while you drive,
and balance. Which, the reality is, that not taking time
drink your coffee, take a shower, or even when you are
for these things actually create interruptions. These
doing your cooking. Science shows that there is a large
interruptions negatively impact productivity, focus,
majority of us that do not take deep enough inhalations,
mindset, and emotions. Which actually rob of us of time.
which creates lack of oxygen flow. Lack of oxygen can create mental fog, lack of energy and focus, tiredness,
The four doses of quality that can lead you into balance
and crankiness. So incorporating deep breathing into
and peace are: Clarity of focus, Mindset recovery,
your daily routine, will add a boost of energy. Secondly,
Energy boost, and Letting go. If time is taken to feed
add more live foods. This includes superfoods, fruits,
these, balance and peace are the inevitable outcome.
and vegetables. These can be made into daily snacks that you can enjoy throughout your day. Thirdly, stretch.
Clarity Focus: Take at least 10 to 15 minutes daily, ideally
Stretching can promote a more productive biochemistry,
before midday, to list your intentions for the day. Include
physical balance, and a form of stress release. This does
answering these questions, How do I want to feel? What
not mean you have to commit to a Yoga like practice
would I like to see more of today? What can I appreciate
but explore incorporating two to three minutes of
in this moment? By taking this time to pause, you begin
periodic stretches into your day.
to guide your focus and the areas of your mind that can start working on your behalf to lead you into the clarity
Letting go: This is something that is encouraged by a
and focus identified.
variety of professionals, but understandably, can feel very challenging. I personally make a list once a week
Mindset Recovery: The mind can be a tricky place, and
of the things that I can control and a list of the things
we are all susceptible to the mind traps that can occur if
that I can’t control that need my attention and/or are
we do not take time to intentionally guide our thoughts
taking my attention. For the things I can control, I add a
and attention. So ideally it is good to add a check in
list under each of at least two to three things that I can
at least three to five times a day, once you identify the
do to take care of them by the end of the week. From
mindset goals. You first begin by taking 5 to 10 minutes
there, I commit to taking action. For the things that I
early in the day to write down 3 mindset goals, which you
can’t control, I circle the items that I can ask others for
can repeat from the day before. From there you repeat,
help, and then I commit to asking for help by the end of
affirm, and as best as possible, embody the statements.
the week. Then the other things that are in the list that
Here are a few examples for the statements: I choose to
are out of my control, and I am not able to get help for,
see the resourcefulness within me, or I am unstoppable,
I bless them and invite for something greater to work on
every time I choose to see the good in me. To ensure
my behalf to take care of them. And from there, I audibly
that you promote the best outcomes with this mindset
say, “I know this is out of my control, so I choose to focus
recovery, it is ideal to add at least three to five reminders
on what I can control and let this go.” From there I am
on your phone. When these reminders go off, you pause
hyper committed into not going into worry about these
and you take a moment to repeat, affirm, and as best as
things that I can’t control. If it comes to mind during the
possible, embody the statements that were set earlier in
day, I go back to re-affirming the statement above. These
the day.
four doses of quality have led to positive results in my life, and I trust it can do the same for you. They all promote
Energy Boost: Oh do we moms need our energy boost.
more joy with the balance and peace that get created. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 33
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
2
1 3
4 34 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
5
[ SEASONAL FUN ]
Easter Basket Ideas For Little Ones!
BASKET FILLER IDEAS WE LOVE
7 6 8
9
1 | Chuckle & Roar Mini POP It! Easter Egg Fidget Toy, $4.99, www.target.com 2 | Busy Baby Silicone Placemat, $29.99, www.amazon.com 3 | HABA Musical Eggs - 5 Wooden Eggs with Acoustic Sounds, $34.99, www.amazon.com 4 | Merriam-Webster's 150 First Words Board Book, $9.19, www.amazon.com 5 | 5 x 10 Outdoor Blanket - Primrose Patch, $85.00, www.littleunicorn.com 6 | HABA Cuddly Bunny Hops Snuggly Lovey Baby Blankiet, $17.99, www.amazon.com 7 | Cotton Muslin Sleep Bag, $40.00, www.littleunicorn.com 8 | Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether, $6.29, www.amazon.com 9 | HABA Chomp Champ Bunny Teether, $7.99, www.amazon.com (Please check age appropriateness before giving these products to children.)
APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 35
[ PARENTING ]
Lynne Azarchi is the author of the book The Empathy Advantage: Coaching Kids to be Kind, Respectful and Successful. She is also the executive director of Kidsbridge Tolerance Center outside of Trenton, New Jersey—a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering bullying prevention, anti-bias, diversity appreciation, empathy, and empowerment strategies for youth. Over her career, Azarchi has educated more than 30,000 students, won many awards and been published both in newspapers and academic journals. For more information visit www. lynneazarchi.com.
Listening qnd Talking to Your Kids About Ukraine with Empathy by Lynne Azarchi Especially for empathetic persons, these are tough times today: the anxious situation in Ukraine, COVID, the fires, hurricanes and floods that accost our planet in rising intensity. I can barely watch the news-- it all seems bad. Why the focus on empathy? Research demonstrates that people who can “read” feelings and other nonverbal cues are more emotionally adjusted, better liked, and more successful. They make better leaders, have lower rates of substance abuse, and higher levels of academic achievement. Teaching empathy – the ability to ‘walk in someone else’s shoes’ and understand what people different from ourselves are going through – is one of the greatest foundations and skills that you can bestow upon your child/student.
36 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | APRIL 2022
[ PARENTING ] Here are some helpful tips for your children or students
with thoughtful questions to prompt discussion and
during challenging times to discuss the situation in
answers.
Ukraine. Most inculcate empathy: • Visit the library for books on refugees to foster empathy • Active listening – sit down face-to-face and focus (put cell phones away)
• Face-to-face: One person talks, and the other demonstrates both attentiveness and good eye
in your children for families that are fleeing their homes and countries.
• Finally, role model action. Together, choose and discuss where you want to donate to support refugees.
contact. For more info, refer to the National Traumatic Child Stress • Reflect back what you heard or ask related questions
Network talking-to-children-about-war.pdf
about what the person expressed. Over the past twenty years, I have taught empathy to • Occasionally agree or do “The Nod.” (use your body
more than thirty thousand youth and their educators.
to affirm the youth talking by nodding). Through this work, I have put together a list of fun • Use empathy to ‘walk in their shoes’. Some kids might be triggered by news or conversations about war or violence. Less can be more.
• If your child is feeling anxious, mindfulness and stress reduction resources are available on many websites.
activities and resources parents can use with their children – from toddlers to teens – to build their empathy muscles.
'A door closes and a window opens'; empathy provides a unique emotional springboard to do better than we have in the past. It is time for all of us to focus on creating
• Let them know that many countries around the world
and coaching empathetic human beings-- young and
are united fighting to protect democracy. Don’t forget
old. Teaching empathy is one of the greatest foundations
that Ukraine is a democracy and how special that is in
and gifts that you can bestow upon your child. Adding
Eastern Europe.
empathetic activities and discussions to your family’s routine will not only give you new ways to connect with
• Consider viewing the news and documentaries. For proper processing, you must watch together with kids
your kids, but will help you help them to become kinder, more empathetic youth. APRIL 2022 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 37
Our Team of Attorneys and Child Support Professionals Can Help: • Establish Paternity (Free DNA Testing) • Obtain or Change Child Support and/or Medical Support Orders • Ensure Child Support Payments are Received Consistently • Keep Full Accounting of Payments and Interest • Use Specialized Collection Tools