AUGUST 2021
5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids
CAMPING Family Bonding Time at its Best
PALM SPRINGS BUDGET VACAY
Volume 8 / Issue 87
[ PARENTING ] Camping: Family Bonding Time At Its Best
6
5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids
[ TRAVEL ]
16
12
Pal Springs On A Budget
Tips and Tricks to Help Your Child Prepare for Full-Time Learning
10 Ways to Raise Tolerant, Non-Racist Kids
26
8
6 2 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ SUMMER CAMPS ] Summer Camp Guide
22
12
16
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
Social Media Manager and Sales Manager
Tracie Brown Vollgraf
Trista Cambra-Flanders
Advertising Sales Director
Design/Production
Whitney Ignacio Whitney@activefamilymag.com
Teresa Agnew Craft
Contributing Authors Elizabeth Kang Dr. Michele Borba Dr. Laura Markham Amy McCready Dr. Rebecca Jackson
Travel Editor Elizabeth Kang ekang@activefamilymag.com
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 Back to school time! Who is ready to get the kids back into the classroom?! For many, it has been a long time coming! We hope your transition is seamless and you are able to find some “me” time, if only for a few hours! While school may be back in session, the summer months are still here! Check out our camping article on page 6 and our Palm Springs travel feature on page 12. Plenty of time left to explore with the family! Wishing you all a wonderful school year! Enjoy your month! Tracie Brown Vollgraf Editor info@activefamilymag.com
4 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
®
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
[ PARENTING ]
Camping: Family Bonding Time At Its Best by Dr. Laura Markham 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.
With all the uncertainty as we try to put Covid behind us, many families have been hesitant to make travel plans this summer. But your family needs some breaks away from home. Wouldn't it be amazing if that break also helps you hit the reset button on screens with a "dopamine fast," gets everybody in the family moving, facilitates some nice family bonding, and gives your kids a chance to climb trees, chase fireflies, and roast marshmallows? Whether you go for a week or a weekend, camping has all the ingredients for a fun, safe, affordable and meaningful family vacation. It's also a great learning experience for children of all ages. In one large study, parents said that camping benefitted their children by giving them more freedom, independence, confidence, and responsibility within a safe setting, as well as the opportunity to appreciate nature, escape from technology, and bond with family.
6 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] Yes, it takes some planning. But that's part of the fun,
outside.
and a great learning experience for your child! 5. Plan on a campfire so you don't need a lot of 1. Find a campground close to home.
cooking gear.
Use a National Park Service website or Reserve
Be sure to pack food that your kids like, but keep it
America. Hopefully you'll be able to drive there in a
simple. Everything tastes better around a campfire.
few hours. Prioritize campgrounds close to water for
As long as you have tin foil and tongs, you can make
swimming, tubing, boating or other activities your
everything from french toast to vegies to popcorn.
kids will like. (No car? New York and many other cities have campgrounds that are available via public
6. Think low-tech.
transportation, or consider renting a car just for the
What your kids will remember is lying on a blanket
trip.)
looking at the stars with you, singing around the
2. Make planning part of the fun. Remember, anticipation builds excitement and kids learn a lot by taking responsibility for making a project happen. Brainstorm with your family about how to make this super fun for everyone. Empower your kids to do some of the planning about where are you'll go and what food you'll eat. Come up with a list of camping games, like camping bingo, scavenger hunts, and flashlight tag. Stress that everyone's contribution will be needed, and everyone will work together. 3. Work with each child on a list of things for them to bring. Let them take the lead on their packing, checking off the items on the list. Kids can also take responsibility for part of the "family list." Don't forget matches and
campfire, or floating down the river with you in an inner tube. Keep devices off except in emergencies. 7. Include simple surprises. To ease screen withdrawal, plan some simple surprises. For instance: • If you're hiking, plan for something fun at the end of every trail so kids can look forward to it. Maybe there's a waterfall or you bring some chocolate for a snack. • See if there's a geocache location near your campsite and bring a small toy or knickknack to leave. Your kids will love using the coordinates to track the geocache and discovering the "treasure." • Download a fun children's audio book for the car. • Bring some surprises your children don't expect, like
newspapers to start a fire, ingredients for s'mores, water
glow sticks, bubbles, kiddie headlamps, or a festive
bottles, drums and other musical instruments, messy art
string of battery lights to decorate your tent.
supplies, board games, cards, flashlights, extra towels, wipes, sleeping pads, magnifying glass, baggies for
8. Prioritize being present and flexible!
cool leaves, and rocks, snacks to keep kids happy
Focus on fun of the journey with your child, not the
while they're hiking, and of course bug spray and
destination. Don't worry if you never make it to the
sunscreen.
end of the hiking trail. What matters most is the fun everybody has along the way. That means that YOUR
4. If you don't have camping equipment, borrow it, rent
good mood is the key to a rewarding trip for everyone.
it, or buy it used.
Enjoy your child, and find things to appreciate. You'll
Practice setting your tent up before you go. Consider
almost certainly discover that unplugging for some
a test-run camping weekend in your backyard, to
quality family time in nature is as good for you as it is for
help your child become more comfortable sleeping
your child. AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 7
[ PARENTING ] Dr. Michele Borba is an internationally recognized expert and author on children, teens, parenting, bullying and moral development. She is an NBC contributor appearing over 100 times on the TODAY show and is the regular parenting expert on Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers. Her work has been featured on Dr. Phil, Dateline, The View, The Doctors, Fox News, The Early Show and CNN and well as in Newsweek, People, Good Housekeeping, Chicago Tribune, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Post, The New York Times and The Globe and Mail. She was an MSNBC contributor to two televised “Education Nation” specials. Dr. Borba is the awardwinning author of 22 parenting and educational books translated into 14 languages. Titles include: Don’t Give Me That Attitude!, Parents Do Make A Difference, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries, and Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me!, No More Misbehavin’, Building Moral Intelligence (cited by Publishers’ Weekly as “Among the most noteworthy of 2001”), and Esteem Builders used by 1.5 million students worldwide. She writes as the parenting expert for Dr. Oz’s website, as well a daily column for her blog, Dr. Borba’s Reality Check: www.micheleborba.com Twitter: @micheleborba
10 Ways to Raise Tolerant, Non-Racist Kids by Dr. Michele Borba I was in the Portland, Oregon, airport last year and witnessed one of the most powerful lessons about teaching tolerance. About two dozen preschool children and their teachers were on an airport field trip. All were walking hand in hand and wearing t-shirts that read: “Children Are Not Born Racist.” It was quite an image. Other passengers were struck as I was, and many stopped to stare. One man standing near me said to no one in particular, “If only parents could understand that one message—maybe we could get along.” The lesson conveyed on the children’s shirts conveyed what research confirms: We are not born with intolerant beliefs-we learn them and was aimed at the adults, not children. If we really are concerned about ending bullying, cruelty, racism, bigotry, intolerance, and hate, we must consciously model and nurture tolerance, and use science-backed ways to nurture acceptance, compassion
8 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] parenting will. We must demand that our children treat everyone with dignity.
A
Laws don’t change hate, parenting will. We must
and at younger ages. Hate crimes in the
Here are ten ways to boost tolerance and raise a morally
United States reached the highest level in
strong generation.
merican youth are displaying intolerant actions at alarming rates
more than a decade. What’s more, a 2020 nationwide 50-state survey of millennials
demand that our children treat everyone with dignity.
10 Ways to Boost Tolerance and Raise Non-Racist, Empathetic Kids
and Generation Z showed that sixty-three percent did not know that 6 million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. Over half of those could not name a single
1. Confront outdated beliefs. You might begin to examining your own childhood upbringing. What were some of your parents’ prejudices? Do any of those remain with you today? Take time
concentration camp and thought the
to reflect on how you might be projecting those old,
death toll was fewer than two million.
outdated ideas to your child. Then make a conscious attempt to temper them so that they don’t become your child’s prejudices. Sometimes you might not even know you are tainting your children’s views.
and empathy in our homes and schools from the time
2. Encourage open and accepting minds.
our kids are young. Doing so, is the best chance we have
Parents who think through how they want their kids to
to help children grow to appreciate and respect others
turn out usually succeed simply because they planned
who are different from themselves.
their parenting efforts. If you really want your child to respect diversity, you must adopt a conviction early
Tolerance is a powerful virtue that help curtail hatred,
on to raise him to do so. Once your child knows your
bullying, violence, and bigotry while at the same time
expectations, he will be more likely to embrace your
influencing us to treat others with kindness, respect, and
principles.
understanding. While tolerance doesn’t call upon us to suspend moral judgment, it does require us to respect
3. Cultivate pride in their own culture.
differences. This character strength is what helps our
Learning about their family background helps
children recognize that all people deserve to be treated
children connect with their heritage and develop an
with dignity, justice and respect even if we disagree
appreciation and respect for not only their own national
with some of their beliefs or behaviors. And it is a critical
and ethnic backgrounds, but also for those of their
component of character that we must build in our
friends and classmates.
children so they aren’t so quick to judge and focus on differences but instead what they have in common.
As Barbara Mathias and Mary Ann French, authors of 40 Ways to Raise a Nonracist Child, explain: “Once
The Anti-Defamation League points out that hate
your child has a solid sense of self and pride in her
develops slowly and builds say . It starts with a stereotype
own people, it will be easier for her to find joy in the
or bias and then if not countered can increase.
differences of others.”
Stereotypes can easily turn to prejudice, bullying and then racism and become systemic.. Racism can
So help your child understand his heritage and as well as
become institutional discrimination and hate crimes with
begin to appreciate just how much the world is a melting
genocide as the outcome. Laws don’t change hate,
pot of different customs and ideas. AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 9
[ PARENTING ] 4. Disallow discriminatory comments.
form pairs. Tell each pair to think of five ways they are
When you hear prejudicial comments, verbalize your
alike and five ways they are different. Answers can be
displeasure. How you respond sends a clear message
written or drawn. “Alike” answers might be, for example,
to your child about your values: “That’s disrespectful
“We are African-American, Baptist, dark haired, brown
and I won’t allow such things to be said in my house,”
eyed, sisters, and Williams family members.” “Different”
or “That’s a biased comment, and I don’t want to hear
answers could be, for example, “I like soccer, she likes
it.” Your child needs to hear your discomfort so that they
tennis; I play saxophone, she plays violin; I am a fourth
know you really walk your talk. It also models a response
grader, she is a second grader; I am 4’5", she is 4’2".”
they should imitate if prejudicial comments are made in her presence.
In a larger family, have each twosome report their findings back to the family. From then on, any time your
5. Embrace diversity.
child points out how she is different from someone, you
From a young age, expose your child to positive images
might say. “Yes, there are lots of ways you are different
– including toys, music, literature, videos, public role
from other people. Now let’s try to think of ways you are
models, and examples from TV or newspaper reports
the same.”
– that represent a variety of ethnic groups. Encourage your child, no matter how young, to have contact with
7. Give straightforward, simple answers.
individuals of different races, religions, cultures, genders,
Kids are naturally curious, so you should expect
abilities, and beliefs. The more your child sees how you
questions. Asking them is one way for them to sort out
embrace diversity, the more prone he’ll be to follow your
how they are different or the same from others as well as
standards.
to learn to feel comfortable with those differences.
Jan Arnow, author of Teaching Peace, points out that
Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of “Why Are All the Black
“only 10 percent of the almost five thousand children’s
Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” stresses the
books published each year in the United States are
importance of answering children’s questions simply
multicultural in nature. Of those, fewer than fifty titles
and honestly even though some issues may seem
annually have been written about Native American
embarrassing or even taboo. How you respond can
and Asian peoples.” That is a troubling statistic, because
either create stereotypes or prevent from forming. For
research says that children first become aware of race
very young kids, usually a one-or two-sentence answer is
and gender differences around two years of age,
enough:
around the time many parents have started nightly bedtime traditions of reading with their kids. Expose your
CHILD: “Sally is a girl. She shouldn’t be playing football!”
child early to a variety of multicultural literature that features positive images of all cultures and genders. It
PARENT: “Girls can play the same sports boys do. Some
is one way to increase tolerance as well as reduce or
girls like football, and some girls don’t. Sally likes to play
prevent prejudice.
football, so she should play it.”
6. Emphasize WE, not ME.
CHILD: “Why is that boy sitting in that chair that moves?”
Encourage your child to look for what he has in common with others instead of how he is different. Any time your
PARENT: “That chair is called a wheelchair, and it has a
child points out how they are unlike someone, you might
motor. The boy’s legs don’t work the same as yours. The
say. “There are lots of ways you are different from other
chair is what he uses to get from place to place.”
people. Now let’s try to think of ways you are the same.” 8. Counter biased beliefs. One fun way is to play as a family a simple game called
When you hear a child make a prejudicial comment,
“Alike and Different.” It begins by having family members
listen to find out why they feel the way they do. Then
10 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] gently challenge their views and point out why they
living textbook of tolerance for your child and for all
are incorrect. For example if your child says: “Homeless
other children. It’s also the best way we have to create a
people should get job,” you might counter: “There are
peaceful world for our children and reduce peer cruelty.
many reasons homeless people don’t work or have houses. They may be ill or can’t find jobs. Houses cost money, and not everyone can pay for one.”
10. Nurture understanding. Just as hatred, bigotry, prejudice, and intolerance are learned, so too are sensitivity, understanding, empathy,
9. Model tolerance. The best way for your child to learn tolerance is for him to watch and listen to your daily example. So ask yourself one critical question each day: “If my child had only my behavior to copy, would they be witnessing an example
and acceptance. The sooner we start our lessons, the better the chance we have of preventing small-minded attitudes and behaviors from taking hold-and inspiring children to live more harmoniously in this global world.
of what I want them to emulate?” Make sure you are Kids aren’t born hateful: prejudices are learned. While
walking your talk.
intolerance, insensitivity, and hatred can be learned, The best secret to teaching kids tolerance is not by
so too can sensitivity, understanding, empathy, and
lectures or worksheets, but through our example. Be a
tolerance.
$30 FOR 30 DAYS Only 20 Memberships Available
Here's What You Get: Initial Goal Setting Session 30 Days of unlimited group personal training Customized Nutrition Program 5653 Stoneridge Dr #101 Pleasanton (925) 967-4109
www.prodigyfitness-jumpstart.com AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 11
[ TRAVEL ]
[ TRAVEL ]
PALM SPRINGS ON A BUDGET Finally — A Family Vacation That Won’t Break the Bank
by Elizabeth Kang Most family vacations take months of planning and
Springs, and reservations are recommended. Enjoy
saving, and looking forward to them is part of the fun. But
sweeping views of the entire valley on this family friendly
a spontaneous, last-minute trip can be just as exciting as
attraction. Adult tickets are $28.95, children are $16.95
a well-planned vacation, and it can also be affordable,
(ages 3-10) and under 3 are free.
too. The Cabazon Dinosaurs are a longstanding attraction Palm Springs is a wonderful choice for a fun-filled,
that the dinosaur-obsessed kids in your family will adore,
spontaneous and budget-friendly vacay. If your family
featuring “the worlds largest dinosaurs.” These giant
finds itself with some free consecutive days this summer,
dinosaurs have been featured in numerous movies, and
consider vibrant and eclectic Palm Springs for a fun and
are a kitschy cult-classic that makes for great photos.
affordable family vacay. Sure, the off-season summer
Adults admission is $13, and children are $11.
months are hot, but that means hotel rates a steal, and no expensive plane tickets are needed, because this
Palm Springs Air Museum is chock-full of aviation history,
desert oasis is an easy 7.5-hour drive.
artifacts and memorabilia and is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. There is plenty to do and see for
Can’t take the heat? Visit in the fall months, when hotel
both children and adults and is a fun, affordable and
rates are still cheap, but the weather starts to cool. Either
educational experience. Adults tickets are $20, and
way, Palm Springs is a must-see destination that should
youth ages 13-17 are $18. Admission is free on Thursdays,
be on your radar. Pack up some swimsuits and hit the
and children 12 and under are free all summer!
road for one last summer hurrah! SEE STAY
Coachella Valley Vista Point is a scenic observation point
Palm Mountain Resort and Spa is our affordable Palm
offering breathtaking views of the Coachella Valley, and
Springs hotel of choice when traveling as a family
is open 24-hours-a-day, so sunrise and sunset views are
or group. This peaceful resort has been renovated
accessible and worth every second of the drive. And the
numerous times, so it’s clean and modern, with all the
best part? This is a completely free excursion!
up-to-date amenities you’d expect from a much more expensive hotel.
Joshua Tree National Park is just under an hour’s drive from Palm Springs, and is a fantastic way to spend a day.
The refreshing, oversized pool never feels too crowded,
This otherworldly park offers giant boulders for climbing
the grounds are beautiful and well kept, and the location
and squeezing between, and some short flat hikes that
is ideal for walking to downtown shops and restaurants.
are perfect for small children. The desert landscape is
Many rooms offer cozy fire pits for nighttime hangouts,
absolutely stunning, so even just driving through the park
and private balcony spaces for outdoor lounging. Rooms
in the comfort of your air conditioning is worthwhile.
can be found for under $100 a night in the summer and
Be sure to pack plenty of water and food, as it’s not
fall months – an absolute steal.
available inside the park. Entrance is $30 per private vehicle.
EXPERIENCE Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a must-do while in Palm
EAT AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 13
[ TRAVEL ]
LUlU California Bistro fits the bill when looking for an
milkshakes in a multitude of decadent flavors. No trip to
affordable family friendly restaurants, with vibrant,
Palm Springs is complete without a famous date shake,
colorful decor and an extensive menu. Their all-day
and this place serves one of the best. Insider tip — split
happy hour menu saves some dough, and the mile-high cotton candy dessert is a hit with little ones.
your shake to save calories and money. These shakes are huge, rich, and definitely shareable.
Bill’s Pizza is the go-to pizza joint in Palm Springs, and for good reason — generous toppings, chewy crusts, pizza-by-the-slice and affordable prices keep this haunt consistently buzzing with customers.
Lappert’s Premium Ice Cream serves Disney’s famous Dole Whip soft serve, as well as a variety of juices and smoothies for a refreshing and healthy treat to beat the heat. Their Polynesian-themed decor provides a fun, kid-
Great Shakes serves up ultra-thick, Instagram-Worthy 14 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
friendly vibe.
Lara Mays Mobile Notary Services
NOTARY & LOAN SIGNING AGENT
SERVICES Loan Documents Power of Attorney Titles/Bill of Sale Living Trusts
Refinancing & Mortgages Acknowledgements Bank Forms and more...
For Same Day Appt. Call:
T: 925-719-5123
Email: Lara@LaraMays.com
Commission # 2322389 Expires 3/26/24
Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties Since 2012
AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 15
[ 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. For more information on Postive Parenting, go to www.positiveparentingsolutions. com/course-details
5 Ways to Raise Socially Responsible Kids by Amy McCready It’s Friday–the BEST day of the week–and 12-year-old Sam is walking to school.
A piece of trash blows across his path before getting stuck in the chain-link fence. Along with school essays, sandwich wrappers, and crushed soda cans, it’s now part of a collage of debris, hopelessly clinging to the metal barrier as the wind blows through. 16 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] How disgusting, he thinks. Something has to be done.
Let’s get started! But first…
The following day, Sam wakes up early and heads back
What Does it Mean to Be Socially Responsible?
to school. He wishes he could have slept in, had a big breakfast, maybe played some video games with his
The term “social responsibility” is thrown around a lot,
friends. But he couldn’t get that fence off his mind.
particularly in the corporate world. We often relate philanthropic or charitable ventures to large companies
Armed with a picking stick and an extra-large trash
and their commitment to their communities.
bag, Sam spends his morning clearing the fence of all the trash. It’s not a glamorous job by any stretch of the
But social responsibility isn’t only intended for Fortune 500
imagination, but he beams with pride when the task is
companies. It can be boiled down to the most basic,
complete.
individual level.
He discards the trash and heads home, ready for the
Simply put, social responsibility is the ethical idea
weekend fun to begin.
that as humans, we have a greater responsibility to work with others for society’s good. Our actions have
Suppose this scenario leaves you thinking, What an
consequences, and we should work to ensure that our
awesome kid! His parents should be so proud. If so, you
impact on others and the world is positive.
are certainly not alone.
So now that you know what it means to be socially responsible, here are 5 ways you can raise socially
But more likely than not, you’ve got something else on
responsible kids.
your mind. You may be wondering: #1: MODEL GENEROSITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY What did Sam’s parents do to raise such a socially
Generosity is a two-way street. You get what you give.
responsible boy? And how can I do the same?
This reciprocal relationship is precisely the reason why you should model generosity for your children–because
Fortunately, I have excellent news for you. You can raise
they will eventually send it right back at you!
socially responsible kids just like Sam! It’s so easy to let our love for our children spill out in In my years as a positive parenting educator, I’ve had the pleasure of helping over 100,000 families across the world learn how to bring joy back into their parenting journeys. Whether through my FREE WEBINAR, following along on social media, or remaining full members of the Positive Parenting Solutions family–they all have one
obvious ways. We give them hugs, have one-on-one time with them, leave little notes in their lunchboxes–the sky’s the limit when it comes to showing them how much we care. So be generous with your caring attitude. They’re always watching and will likely reflect that out onto the world.
thing in common… But don’t stop there! It’s equally important to make a The desire to raise kind, compassionate, and well-
point of being generous to other people as well. I’m
behaved children.
talking about friends, family, co-workers, and even AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 17
[[ PARENTING ] TRAVEL ] strangers.
Volunteering is a beautiful way for your children to understand what it means to help others. It opens their
Grab an extra coffee on a chilly morning for your son’s
eyes to the world around them while also instilling a
school crossing guard. Wait five more seconds to hold
sense of accomplishment and pride.
the door for the person behind you. Grab that stray shopping cart and put it away as you walk into the
Because many kids learn best through hands-
grocery store.
on, interactive environments, choosing volunteer opportunities that keep them active and engaged
Having an outwardly generous attitude is such a simple
significantly increases the lesson payoff. So, keep an eye
way to make a significant impact on your children.
out for options that fit that bill.
The same goes for accountability!
Let’s get you started with a few ideas the whole family
One of the best ways to do this is to be upfront about
can participate in–from toddlers to grandparents!
taking responsibility for your actions. When you’re wrong, admit your mistake and ask for forgiveness when
• Participate in or organize a park cleanup.
necessary.
• Donate toys, food, or clothing to a local shelter. • Participate in a 5K Fun Run for a good cause.
“I’m sorry I lost my temper and yelled at you this morning. Can you forgive me?”
• Explore your artistic side by making art for residents at a local assisted living or nursing facility. • Recycle used goods from around the house.
It’s also very important to own up to your obligations. “I brought this picnic lunch with me to the park today,
If you’re looking for ideas for your older children to take
so it’s MY responsibility to throw away the trash before
part in, here are a few options:
leaving.” • Volunteer at a food pantry. If you intend to raise children with good values, you must actively exercise those values in front of them every single day. Trust me, after a while, it’ll feel like second nature to you, and they’ll catch on to those important lessons.
#2: PICK A VOLUNTEER PROJECT
• Rake leaves, mow the lawn, or shovel snow for an elderly neighbor. • Make no-sew fleece blankets for a children’s hospital. • Help out at an animal rescue, or make and deliver dog toys to shelters. • Tutor younger students. • Volunteer at a blood drive. • Organize a group to adopt a highway.
If simply uttering the word “project” scares you away, I completely understand. After all, no one wants one
#3: FOCUS ON EMPOWERMENT
more thing added to their already endless to-do list.
As parents, it can be hard to loosen the reins and allow our kids to grow independently.
But I promise this type of project isn’t meant to be another chore for you or your kids to tackle. In fact, you
We do things like pack their lunches, clean up their
may even find it, dare I say…enjoyable!
rooms, and remember their homework, even when
18 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] they’re old enough to do it themselves. Why? Maybe
Children who feel capable and confident to make
because it’s easier, or we simply don’t feel like dealing
decisions that better the world around them will
with the whining when we ask them to do it themselves.
ultimately serve as the catalyst for more positive change. These kids don’t just want to make the world a better
But the truth of the matter is, when we do everything for
place. They go out and do it!
them, we fail to empower them to do it on their own.
#4: HAVE A “WE” MENTALITY, NOT A “ME” MENTALITY As adults, we know the world is a huge place, filled with
And if there is one thing all children–both girls and boys–
billions of people and trillions of problems. But for our
need, it’s to feel empowered!
kids, it can be hard to see past their own small bubbles.
And in case you didn’t see it coming, this absolutely
They have a mentality that shouts, “Me, me, me!” But
applies to making socially responsible decisions.
if you want to get them less focused on themselves and more focused on others (the very heart of social
While it’s easy to ask your 3-year-old to put away the
responsibility!), you need to help them shift that thinking
toys another child left out, you’d want your older child
to “We, we, we!”
to do it on his own. Not because he was asked to do the right thing, but because he knew he could because you
Picture this…
empowered him to believe in himself. You pull up to the school pick-up line only to find your You might say, “You are a competent and capable
10-year-old daughter standing there red-faced and
young man. I have confidence you know when to do the
fuming.
right thing.”
When you ask what’s made her so upset, she tells you right away.
You’d also expect your teenage daughter not to stick her gum underneath the desk or leave her empty soda can
“Allison asked Samantha to be her partner on the history
on the steps outside of school.
project, even though she KNOWS Samantha is MY best friend! She should be MY partner, not Allison’s.”
“I’m so glad you understand how important it is to leave a space as clean as you found it.”
Just be sure to keep your comments on the encouraging side rather than doling out the flowery praise.
You feel for your daughter and don’t want to see her upset, but a part of you is also left wondering: What’s the big deal? The thing is, the problem may seem minor to you. But to your daughter, it is a big deal (even if it’s selfish).
So you may be wondering, What does empowerment have to do with raising socially responsible kids?
So how can you get her to shift her mindset from a “me” mentality to a “we” mentality??
The answer is simple. Empowered children empower others. Not just with their words, but with their actions as
As mentioned earlier, one great option is to get them
well.
more involved in the community through volunteer AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 19
[ PARENTING ]
efforts. Don’t aim to raise kids who volunteer simply for
efforts. Justin can wash the dishes, Erica can dry, and
the sake of image or college admissions. Instead, help
Kate gets to put them away!
ignite their hearts with a desire to create real, positive
Solo work is great, but what better way to get them out
change by helping those around them.
of that “me” mindset than by working closely with their own siblings? And as a nice little bonus, this one-on-one
Encouraging their participation in team sports, band,
sibling time may even lead to less fighting and rivalry.
or choir is another fantastic opportunity to help guide them out of that self-focused state. Not only will they
#5: ASSIGN FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS
have to learn to rely on others for the good of the whole,
Can I tell you something very important that many
but they’ll also gain valuable insight into working as one
families overlook?
cohesive unit. Every single member of the family (no matter how young Holding regular Family Meetings is a powerful way to
or how much they complain) must contribute for the
get your family solving problems and making decisions
family to function successfully.
as a team. With the hands-on practice they’ll get every week, they’ll learn how to respectfully bring up their
That’s right, from toddler to grandparent, everyone
concerns and find solutions for everyone, from the oldest
brings something of value to the table! Mom and Dad
person at the table to the very youngest.
may go to work and provide for the family, but we all know it takes a lot more than that to keep a household
Finally, if you have multiple children, make sure you’re
running smoothly.
allowing them the opportunity to work together to accomplish household contributions and volunteer 20 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
There are meals to be made, schedules to keep, chores
[ ACTIVE FAMILY ] to do–the list goes on and on. Fortunately, kids can help!
leaves, take the dog for a walk–there are so many
And the great thing is, they want to feel essential to the
choices! And don’t forget, your driving teens can help
family because it provides them with a hefty dose of
cart their younger siblings around or go on a quick
belonging and significance.
grocery run.
Because your kids want to feel needed and important to
No matter what the job is, they’ll benefit greatly–
your family, you can capitalize on that desire by allowing them to contribute in meaningful ways. Make their efforts even more socially relevant by labeling them as Family Contributions. Kids are often way more capable than parents give them credit for, so it’s important to sit down and figure out which jobs (contributions) they can do around the house regularly. If you have toddlers, try asking them to help you by
especially when they see what positive impact their contributions have on the family unit. FINAL THOUGHTS Your children don’t need their sights set on saving the rainforest or significant social change to make a difference in the world. Social responsibility can happen on the micro-level. In fact, it’s often in those small areas of generosity and good conscience that those seeds are best sown.
turning off the lights while being carried, carrying in the mail, or refilling the pet food bowls. Trust me, they’ll love
By putting a little extra effort into broadening their
it!
horizons and helping them think outside themselves, you’ll be well on your way to raising kind and
Older children can help clean the bathrooms, rake
compassionate social citizens.
AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 21
[ 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
22 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
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
www.ci.antioch.ca.us/Recreation
Four Stars Gymnastics Academy 1799 Vineyard Dr. 925.778.8650 www.fourstarsgym.com
CONCORD City of Concord Parks and Recreation 925.671.3404 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 City of Danville Camps 420 Front St. 925.314.3400 www.danville.ca.gov/Recreation/ Camps
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.athenian.org
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
AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 23
[ 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
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
Merriewood Children’s Center 561 Merriewood Dr. 925.284.2121
www.orindaacademy.org
Camp Doodle 66 St. Stephens Dr.
City of Walnut Creek Summer Camps 1666 North Main St. 925.943.5899
www.merriewood.org
www.campdoodles.com
www.walnut-creek.org
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
Castle Rock Arabians 1350 Castle Rock Rd. 925.933.3701
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
24 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
www.castlerockarabians.com
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
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 www.camp.cccyo.org
Mountain Camp Woodside 302 Portola Rd. Portola Valley 650.576.2267 www.mountaincampwoodside.com
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
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
AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 25
[ PARENTING ]
Dr. Rebecca Jackson is an industry leader in optimizing brain performance to drive human performance. She brings 12 years of Brain Balance experience to her role as VP of Programs and Outcomes where she drives programmatic enhancements, the creation of new programs, and research on outcomes. Creating hope and an action plan for kids and adults wanting to positively impact their lives is her passion. Dr. Jackson has published research on the topics of anxiety and emotional well-being as well as cognition and is a frequent media contributor and guest speaker appearing on shows such as ABC’s The Doctors Show, NBC’s Nightly News and more.
Tips and Tricks to Help Your Child Prepare for Full-Time Learning by Dr. Rebecca Jackson Long shopping and to-do lists for new shoes, pencils and haircuts means it’s that time of year again - back to school. The return to early mornings and earlier nights. Back to more structure, routine and rushing from one thing to the next. For many families it’s a time of mixed feelings - nervous excitement for the kids and relief for the parents. Who could have guessed that once again at the start of the 2021-22 school year, we would be faced with the potential for more change and continued uncertainty? These last 17 months have taught us all that while there is no predicting the future, we can prepare for what we know to be true right now and take the changes as they come - one step at a time.
26 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
[ PARENTING ] The first change to face is preparing for the transition
comfortable.
from a year of at-home learning to back in class. This will be an adjustment period for both students and teachers
Environmental
in many ways - social, environmental, structure and
Not only have our kids (and adults) experienced
learning.
fewer social interactions this last year, but they have experienced less in the way of sensory stimulation
Social Interactions From the social perspective, most of our kids have experienced far fewer peer interactions over this last year. This is critical, as so many of life’s lessons are learned on the playground. The time of free play allows kids to push boundaries with their peers, watch reactions and learn how to modify behaviors to integrate with peers in an age-appropriate manner. On the playground most kids experience moments of positive and negative experiences and emotions, which all contribute to our
and experiences. The return to crowded hallways and cafeteria chaos may be a shock to the system. Our brain takes in and processes sensory information, which is critical information that provides constant feedback to our brain regarding our environment. Are we safe? Is there someone talking to me? Or is there a ball coming towards my head? This information is what allows us to engage and interact with the world around us but it requires the brain and energy to process that
social learning. Winning and losing, times of being left
bombardment of environmental cues. This comes at a
out, or included, sharing fun and excitement. All of these
cost - draining our fuel reserves which can result in a tired
moments contribute to our learning how to navigate so
or irritable child and all that goes along with that - less
many of life’s interactions and emotions.
focus, more negative behaviors. Re-adjusting to massive sensory stimulation will happen
A year with fewer playground lessons may leave some
more easily from some than others, but will have an
kids further behind with their social development.
impact on nearly everyone.
Immaturity in this area can result in a child that can be overlay eager (not knowing when enough is enough), or
To help the re-adjustment period seek out more chaotic
overly sensitive - they see a peer laughing, but may not
environments between now and when school starts - a
be able to determine why. Perhaps the friend is laughing WITH them, but it may be perceived as laughing AT them, resulting in hurt feelings. Be prepared to help your child navigate interactions and emotions. Take the time to role play and discuss examples of good interactions and decisions, and times when things could have or should have been handled differently. Schedule 1:1 playdates or get togethers for your child
busy park, the mall, a sporting event. Places that are filled with people, noise, smells and activity. Be sure your child is well-rested and well fed to provide the resources needed to support the brain’s ability to process.
Start and end the day with quiet time that doesn’t burn more resources. Turn the TV and music off in the morning to start the day in a simple and calm environment. Then,
before school starts. Providing time with just one other
do the same afterschool and add in a healthy snack.
person can give the opportunity to connect on a deeper
Before asking your child to do homework, encourage
level than in a group setting. Those simple interactions
some simple play or physical activity, since physical
may provide some insight on areas your child may need
activity can rejuvenate the brain, while video games and
additional support or guidance to engage and feel
social media burns more fuel to process. AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 27
Structure
curriculum standards and expectations by grade have
Structure and expectations in the classroom differ
not shifted.
greatly from a home environment. Working or school from home allows us to wander with our mind and body
Working closely with your child’s teacher early in the
more freely. Need to use the bathroom or want a snack?
school year can help to identify areas of concern.
Turn off the camera and mute the sound and you can
Then prioritize the areas of focus so that you can
do what you want to do. Tired of sitting in your office and
reinforce concepts at home, or work to address holes in
craving more sunshine? Grab your laptop and set up on the deck. Not interested in the content? Grab your
foundational knowledge. Algebra without multiplication is a recipe for disaster.
phone and scroll through social media while sitting at your computer.
Preparing Taking a few minutes a day between now and the first
All of this ends when stepping back into the classroom. Bathroom and snack breaks, where you sit and when you move are no longer an option and deviating may
day of school to review math facts, sight words, or other age appropriate content, can help to refresh and reengage the brain.
result in demerits.
To prepare for a return to structure, talk to your child about what the expectations will be for their age and grade so they know what to expect. Brainstorm strategies together of what they can do to be prepared. Use the bathroom before class starts, even if they don’t really have to go. Eat a big breakfast and pack a midmorning snack they can eat quickly so they don’t get too hungry. Use recess or transition times to get the wiggles and energy out.
It will also be important to have calm, yet candid conversations with your kids about the upcoming year. The unknown causes stress, so focusing the conversation on what you do know right now can be helpful. You might not know if there will be masks or no masks, virtual or at home, but there will be some facts you can confirm and focus on. Saying things like, “We know who your teacher will be, and what classes or subjects you have and many of the things you will be learning about in those classes this year.”
Learning Across the country students have fallen behind, and
While we don’t know what the 2021/22 school year will
the data is showing that fully virtual students fell further
bring, we do know that with a thoughtful plan we can
behind that students in-person or hybrid. Gaps in
help set our kids and teachers up to get the most out of
learning from last year will absolutely impact this year, as
what lays ahead.
28 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | AUGUST 2021
Programs available at
Donald Rheem School Moraga
A traditional summer camp experience
Celebrating Years
925.937.6500 • Adventuredaycamp.com AUGUST 2021 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y
29