U&me Magazine Issue 3 by U&me Magazine

A Family Bond

Magazine Book Special

Hats Off to Dr.Seuss Family Getaways The Search for the

Ultimate Sitter ADHD

The Natural Way

Emotional Intelligence Grow Your Own

Garden FASHION

Colorful and Fun Seaonal Wear

Cruising on the California Coast

PLUS A Spring Family Picnic

Cut the

CLUTTER SIBLING RIVALRY

Alternative Treatments for

Seasonal Allergies

Forever Spring WWW.UANDMEMAG.COM MARCH-APRIL 2013 ISSUE 3

*FREE PUBLICATION

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2013

Features 14

Claim Your Bed Back

Sibling Rivalry

“Emotional Intelligence: A Key Element for Success in Children”

Get your kids to sleep in their bed (and not on mommy's).

Can your children be each other's friends?

It is never too early to start teaching them how to successfully manage the emotional stress and normal pressures of growing up.

The Silent Killer and Our Young Athletes

A mother who tragically lost her son recounts her harrowing ordeal and warns parents to look for the signs of Sudden Cardiac Death.

The Search for the Ultimate Sitter

Finding someone you can trust with your tots isn't easy. Make the process easier to navigate with these guidelines.

Family Getaways 24

Cruising on the California Coast

Discover why visitors flock towards the West Coast to experience the mother of all road trips: an epic journey along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway.

On the Cover

Forever Spring Photography: Marlyne Padilla www.marlynealexander.com Hair & Makeup: Kristine Kelly www.kkmedia.com Wardrobe: Tutti Bambini www.tutti-bambini.com Little girl's outfit: Denim shorts by Hannah Banana, bandana by Oopa Baby

CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2013

Craft

Green Corner

Easter Garden

Celebrate the joys of spring as you and your little ones create this inexpensive and delightful craft.

Well-Being 32

Alternative Treatments for Kids with ADHD

Progressive moms and dads want better ways to treat hyperactivity in their kids. The good news is that there are many alternative and successful treatments for kids with ADHD that are drug-free.

Prenatal Yoga...Yes, Please!

With its many rewards, it’s no wonder yoga is the most recommended form of exercise for mommies-to-be.

Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Allergies Get to know some all-natural ways to combat pollen, so you and your kids can stop and smell the roses –and other flowers, too– this allergy season!

Skin Care

Do’s and don’ts while baby’s on board.

Grow Your Own

The benefit of gardening with your kids.

Parents 66

Love After Parenthood: Single Parent Dating

Although it might seem terrifying, single parent dating doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.

Resources 71

Dr. Seuss Best Sellers

Calendar of Events

58 Photography: Kendra Bentley www.kendrajillphotography.com Art Direction: Mauricio Mendoza Styling: Gladys Valladares Wardrobe: Bonpoint (Bal Harbour) www.bonpoint.com Models: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com

Plus

Fashion

Spring Shower

Gone Fishing

A Basket Full of Goodies A spring family picnic.

Cut the Clutter

De-cluttering your life is not as daunting as it may seem.

FIRST WORDS

Meet Our Contributors

Blooming S

pring is upon us once again, and with it comes feelings of rebirth. Flowers bloom, animals come out from their burrows, and birds fly back home from their winter stay in a far away land. It’s time for South Floridians to put away those extra garments from the occasional cold front and start enjoying all that spring has to offer. In this issue, and with the air of spring and all things natural around us, U&me is going back to basics. Step outside and experience the joys of a family picnic. In “A Basket Full of Goodies,” we provide you with ideas on how to make this family outing a more nutritious and enjoyable one. We also bring you alternative recommendations for treating ADHD in children. Are you looking for ways to bond with your children this season? Try gardening! In “Grow your Own,” you will learn how this experience will not only strengthen your family bond, but teach your children respect and love for Mother Earth. But as they say, "every rose has its thorn," spring is also the time for seasonal allergies. In “Alternative Treatment for Seasonal Allergies,” learn how to naturally control those pesky allergies so that you and your kids can breathe in and enjoy the sweet aroma of the roses. Ahhh! How can we forget the ever daunting Spring Cleaning? 8

U&me Magazine

In “Cut the Clutter,” read about how, according to the teachings of Feng Shui, when we clear out most of the clutter, we begin to experience high energy levels, more clarity and a heightened sense of well-being. And with Spring Break on the horizon, high energy levels, clarity, and a heightened sense of well-being will prepare you for the road trip of a lifetime as you cruise through California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway. We have also featured “Mommy Talk”, our new section where you, our readers, will have a chance to have your letters, tips, insights, or personal story published. Join us on our U&me Magazine Facebook page for details for our upcoming issue. As we begin to prepare for our fourth issue, we would like to thank you, our readers, writers, editor, photographers, advertisers and contributors for all the overwhelming love and support, and for welcoming us into your homes. We are deeply grateful and humbled. Thank you. Until next time…..

Gladys Valladares Editor-In-Chief

Cristina M. Olaechea, Ed.S. is a Licensed School Psychologist in Miami-Dade County with a passion for early intervention. Following her years of experience in both public schools and private practice, she created a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ CristinaMOlaecheaEdS. Cristina aims to help spread awareness about special needs and shares articles, workshops, and ideas with the community. Most recently, Cristina has had her work published in several local parenting magazines.

Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned boardcertified dermatologist, New York Times bestselling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute – a fullservice research, educational and medical services facility serving the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The globally recognized institute also provides cutting-edge preventive and corrective cosmetic procedures for patients from all countries.

Manoela Suarez lives in Miami, Florida with her husband and their two children, Thomas, 8 and Olivia, 15 months. She is a certified children's educator, a writer and an avid supporter of healthy living. Her writing covers a range of topics; especially, in the areas of nutrition and children's education.

First Pregnancy Jitters

Karina Granado-Chacon

Mommy Talk

Two moms, a first-timer and a seasoned secondpregnancy "veteran", compare notes on what it means to go through that magical - and sometimes nervejangling - experience... The Adventures of a Second Time Mom

Leticia Armenteros

Expecting a baby while raising a toddler can have its moments, some of them hard, but most of them wonderful!

My son is currently 27 months and I am about six months along, expecting yet another little boy! Our pregnancy was not necessarily planned, but we knew we wanted to have our children as close in age as possible. During my first pregnancy I couldn’t have been more anxious and excited. I took some time to plan out my Baby Shower, while visualizing the perfect nursery for our son. I had time to take breaks and naps after work, and in addition to that, did prenatal yoga twice a week. Not to mention I also took a couple of childbirth classes here and there. To say the least, I had time. Time I advise anyone not to take for granted!

Today, taking a nap seems far-fetched, when there is so much to do when I get home from work. Being pregnant for the second time means carrying a couple of extra pounds while running after a highstrung and overzealous toddler like mine, which puts a big strain on my lower back as I grow larger in my pregnancy. My days have become a little longer, since there is no time to take a break or rest. I sometimes feel that I never quite recuperate my energy before starting a whole other day. But don’t get me wrong, I am very much looking forward to the birth of our second child. Knowing we are going to raise another little boy makes it easier to know what to expect and makes us less anxious about the things we might do wrong. I am most excited about seeing the reaction of my 2 ½ year old once our little one is here! I know my oldest will be an amazing big brother, and as parents we are very eager to see our family grow. Being pregnant for the second time could be tougher on you, your body and even your spouse, but it is still just as exciting and exuberant as it was the first time around.

Are we giving too much power to our natural fears? It’s a question all first time mommies need to ask themselves.

I think we can all agree that fear is a normal part of pregnancy, labor, and well… just the fact of having a baby! This is my first pregnancy. There have been all kinds of fears that I battle daily. What if I can’t have a natural birth? What if my baby isn’t healthy? What if, what if? I hope I’m not alone in this “what if” game. But honestly; pregnancy can be overwhelming sometimes. For something that is so natural, it can get complicated. Many times we give too much power to our fears and, in an effort to conquer some of them, I have learned: Believe in your own story. For me, a lot of my fears were based on others’ stories. I didn’t want the same negative experiences that others had. I didn’t want a traumatizing labor, I didn’t want romance to be replaced by the stress of having a child, and I didn’t want to have my two year old screaming in Target. I realized that I could decide which stories I listened to. Listening to negative stories was sucking the life out of me. I had to make a decision to be educated, listen to my physician and trust that my story will be just that, my story. Control your anxiety – This new experience can be so overwhelming that all kinds of worries can arise. One week it’s a random ache and then it’s an unexplained cramp, or swollen ankles, a dizzy spell, shortness of breath. Too little weight gain… too much weight gain. Add in all those understandable worries about labor, getting the nursery ready or just becoming a parent. While the fear and worry of the unknown is inevitable, it is important to do your part to keep your stress controlled. Always talk to your physician about your concerns, but also take time for you and your baby. Taking a short walk, reading a non-baby book or just taking a nap can give you the relaxation you may need to control your mind from wondering. 9

EDITOR IN-CHIEF GLADYS VALLADARES SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER BETTY DE VARONA EDITOR GISELLE BALIDO Copy Editor Tatiana Bengochea ART DIRECTOR MAURICIO MENDOZA ASSISTANT DESIGNER SANDRA MARTINEZ WRITERS Andres Duarte CYNTHIA LECHAN GOODMAN Steve Goodman Carole F. Lechan MARGARET KESSLER SCHORR Lorena sanchez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DR. LESLIE BAUMANN Cristina M. Olaechea, Ed.S. MANOELA SUAREZ ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING ELIZABETH MAZORRA ISA RUBIO JESSICA PARADA PHOTOGRAPHERS MARLYNE PADILLA KENDRA BENTLEY CONTRIBUTORS CATHY CELMER KATLEEN CHECK WEB MARKETING & DESIGN LAPIZ DESIGN

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AS WE GROW

Claim Your Bed Back

Get Your Kids to Sleep in Their Bed(And Not on Mommy's) There are as many possible solutions as there are children. With patience and ingenuity you can find the one that works best for you and your child. By Margaret Kessler

“Mommy, can I sleep in your bed?”

If most of your evenings end like this, with your child standing at the door to your bedroom, clutching his or her favorite plush toy and pleading, wideeyed and adorable, to sleep in your bed (yet again!), then relax, your family is completely normal! In nearly 22 years as a parent, I’ve yet to meet a mom who hasn’t struggled with getting her kids to sleep in their own beds. According to seasoned South Florida mom Devorah Schwartz, “I’ve had to deal with this issue to a greater or lesser extent with each of my 11 kids.” To make the problem even more daunting, there are as many possible solutions as there are children. At one end of the spectrum is co-sleeping, where parents simply have their children sleep with them. Co-sleeping has, for centuries, been a common practice among many cultures around the world, and many western pediatricians now support it, citing a laundry list of studies showing that co-sleeping promotes long-term emotional health in children.

U&me Magazine

At the other extreme is the "Cry It Out" approach, a popular modified version of “Ferberizing”, a technique invented by Dr. Richard Ferber that involves training children to self-soothe by allowing them to cry for a predetermined amount of time before offering external comfort.

One method involves training children to selfsoothe before offering external comfort. Ferber’s method involves several steps. First, children must be prepared for bedtime with ritual activities such as a soothing bath and bedtime story. When bedtime comes, parents are instructed to leave the child in bed and exit the room. If the child cries, the parents are to return at progressively longer intervals to comfort the child –but not pick him up. On the first night, the parent comes into the child’s room first after three minutes, remaining there briefly, then again after five minutes, and from then on from 10 minutes each time until the child falls asleep. Each night that follows, the parent returns at

intervals longer than the night before. Ferber had recommended this technique for children as young as four months, but in the 2006 edition of his book Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems, he softened his stance and is now more open to co-sleeping. He also now feels that different families, children and situations may require different approaches. This is old news to Schwartz, whose experience has convinced her that there’s no one solution. “So much depends on the kid,” she said.

Don't make sleeping in their own bed seem like an ordeal they must endure, but something fun that at the same time, they can be proud of. If you read them bedtime stories, make sure they are not scary or over-stimulating. Pick stories that soothe, rather than excite them. In very simple language and according to their level of understanding, tell them about your own “adventures” getting used to sleeping in your own bed. This way they’ll know mommy and daddy can relate.

AS WE GROW

SIBLING RIVALRY

Can Your Children Be Each Other’s Friends? While we can’t eliminate all feelings of resentment between our children, we can help them learn to manage their negative feelings in more positive ways. By Carole Lecheman

h, sibling rivalry! The dirty look, the kick under the table, the careful division of the back seat of the car! Sibling rivalry has a long and storied history, going way back to the very first siblings –think Cain and Abel! (And, if you remember, that relationship did not end at all well!). What do parents hate about sibling rivalry? In the first place, it’s loud! It’s annoying and disruptive and draining. Most of all, it makes us look bad. When our kids can’t get along, it reflects poorly on our parenting skills. Is there anything we can do? The best way to deal with sibling rivalry, of course, is to head it off before it starts. This is best done through honesty and really listening to your child. If a new baby is on the way, painting an idyllic picture of non-stop family harmony sets the big brother or sister up for hurt and guilty feelings. It’s far better to admit that the new baby will not be an instant playmate; she will cry

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often and take a lot of Mommy’s time. The older sibling can be encouraged to talk to Mom or Dad about his feelings, positive and negative, both before and after the new baby’s birth.

The best way to deal with sibling rivalry, of course, is to head it off before it starts. This is best done through honesty and really listening to your child. “Helping children name and accept their conflicting feelings about a new baby is the first step in developing healthy sibling relationships,” according to Adele Faber, who wrote Siblings without Rivalry with Elaine Mazlish. Jealousy and anger are feelings which we, as parents, can acknowledge and

accept in our children. When we respond “I know how angry you get when the baby takes so much of my time. We just have to be patient until he can do some of the things you can do already,” our older child feels listenedto, valued and understood. We are encouraging his participation in socializing the younger sibling, and laying the groundwork for a good future sibling relationship. Eventually, our children will spend more of their lives with each other than they will with us. While we can’t eliminate all feelings of resentment between our children, we can help them learn to manage their negative feelings in more positive ways. Nothing guarantees the continuance of a child’s behavior, good or bad, more than the attention of a parent. As soon as we let ourselves be dragged in to settle our children’s fights, the moment the parental lecture, scolding or blaming begins, we are reinforcing the behavior we hate. (If you pay close at-

tention, you may even catch the sly smile of triumph on the faces of your children, as they realize they’ve “got you” again!) And what does our sailing in to settle our children’s disputes teach them? That we don’t respect their ability to manage their emotions and actions, and that they need to look to outside sources to control their interaction with others. Not a good lesson! Before the fighting starts, try these strategies: §§ Spend one-on-one time with each child. Really pay attention to how your child feels. This will strengthen the child’s sense of self. §§ Don’t play favorites or compare your children to each other. Share with each child what you love about him or her. Let each child be who she is; enjoy your children as individuals; cel-

ebrate their different strengths. Noel Janis-Norton, author of Siblings with Less Rivalry, points out that our job as parents is to meet the unique needs of each of our children, not to treat them equally at all times.

- Alternating days to “be first” - Sending fought-over toys to “time out” - NO fighting in the car - The requirement that all squabbling must be done out of earshot of the parent (pre-select a particular place for this).

§§ Take every opportunity to reinforce positive behavior. Compliment your children when they are playing well together. If they are respecting each other’s space, suggest a cookie break or a story.

As parents, we have the opportunity and responsibility to help our children create functional (not perfect!) relationships with each other. For them, and for us, this is a challenge well worth meeting.

§§ Set up opportunities for your children to cooperate with each other. Model such skills as listening well, working together and being considerate. §§ Encourage your children to create their own rules for getting along. These might include: - No physical hurting - No name calling

Remember: 1. Sibling rivalry is normal. 2. Feelings are not actions. Children can learn to control their behavior. 3. Cooperative behaviors can be taught and modeled by the parent. 4. Learning to co-exist peacefully with a sibling builds essential interpersonal skills.

Grow Your Own:

The Benefits of Gardening With Your Kids An activity that can do everything from strengthening the family bond, to teaching your kids respect and love for Mother Earth. By Steve Goodman

Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden grow All it takes is a rake and a hoe, and a piece of fertile ground... These are the opening lines to the wonderful “Garden Song” by the late John Denver. The song is a beautiful tribute to the magic of gardening. It is also a not so subtle metaphor for parenting and nurturing your children. Maybe that is because Denver understood the close relationship between the two, and how gardening with your kids can do everything from strengthening the family bond, to teaching you kids respect and love for Mother Earth. “Gardening provides families an opportunity to get together that does not revolve around screens, electronics, or technology,” says Trina Spillman, Executive Director and Chef with Need to Feed.

Need to Feed has created a community-based gardening initiative that supplies fresh fruits and vegetables to food pantries in Broward County, Florida, which then distribute the produce to those in need. The organization also provides outreach to at risk kids through the benefits of gardening. But you don’t need to be “at risk” to enjoy the values of gardening with your kids. “It provides great exercise, just to be outdoors, and it teaches kids about where our food comes from. When you plant and grow something, see where it comes from and experience what it really tastes like, it just opens up a whole new world to kids,” says Trina. Besides, kids are natural gardeners. Maybe it is because they love to get dirty, or maybe it’s just because they are that much closer to the ground! “We have preschoolers that come and garden with us, and love to get down in the dirt. There are kid size and kidfriendly tools you can get for them so they can enjoy gardening. I don’t think you can ever be too

young to start gardening.” Gardening with kids is more than just playing in the dirt, though. Gardening helps children learn valuable lessons about patience as they wait for their vegetables to grow. They learn about responsibility, as they see just how much care is needed for the garden to thrive. And they even learn about loss when things don’t quite go right with the things they’ve planted. "They learn about nurturing a life and what it takes to keep something alive," says Trina. “I’ve seen grown men, my husband, for example, who is a master gardener, brought to tears because his pumpkins didn’t ripen, or an iguana ate his oranges, so yes, it teaches kids the value of nurturing, and the wonder of seeing something they planted come to life, but it also teaches them about loss sometimes.” But Trina says maybe one of the best lessons kids learn from gardening is not only that food doesn’t come “from the supermarket,” they begin to learn about making healthy food choices. “One of the really neat things is that, depending on what you plant,

GREEN CORNER

you can create an entire family meal based on the ingredients that you have grown yourself. For example, in spaghetti squash, you can actually use that as noodles –a noodle substitute. Add some peppers and onions, some tomatoes, and make a delicious, nutritious well-rounded meal, all from something that you have grown together as a family in your own garden.”

Ones to Grow On So now that you know how valuable gardening with the family can be, what plants should you consider, especially here in South Florida? Trina suggests everglades tomatoes as a great place to start. “One of the things I suggest for anyone starting out is to get a plant that is essentially ‘kid proof’, because you really want your kids to have a great experience and see something grow. Everglades tomatoes are indigenous, they grow wild all over South Florida, and 20

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they produce a real sweet tomato that you can just pluck off the vine and eat. You can grow them from seeds or seedlings. One great lesson is to get some everglades tomatoes, they are sold all over, eat them, and plant the seeds from the tomatoes. This way your kids really see the whole cycle from table to garden to table.”

natural in all of our community gardens. There are many ways to grow your home gardens with all natural fertilizers and natural pesticides without using any chemicals. You can check online, or ask any nursery about how to do so.”

From These Seeds

One of the best lessons kids learn from gardening is not only that food doesn’t come “from the supermarket.” They begin to learn about making healthy food choices.

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” It is an old expression, taken to mean that great things can come from small beginnings. Gardening is the perfect way to start your children on a path to good health, respect for the earth, and the rewards of patience and hard work. So start a garden today with your sons and daughters. You may be surprised to find that what sprouts is more than fruits and vegetables!

Trina also stresses to go “all natural” in your home gardens, not only for health reasons, but to teach your kids to respect the environment. “We are all

If you would like more information about Need to Feed, Trina can be reached through their website at www.TheNeedtoFeedinc.org

CRAFT

Easter Garden Celebrate the joys of spring as you and your little ones create this inexpensive and delightful craft.

You will need: §§ 6 eggs §§ half an egg carton §§ seeds §§ potting soil §§ water §§ tea spoon §§ acrylic or watercolor paint

With a butter knife, carefully crack your eggs along the top, remove the top of the eggs and dump the insides into a bowl for later cooking use.

Clean the eggs well, paint and design to choice. Set out to dry.

Place the eggs in half an egg carton and fill the eggs with potting soil.

Sprinkle 4-5 seeds of your choice, cover with soil and water lightly.

Place carton in a sunny spot by a window, keep moist and watch it sprout in a few days.

Basket Full of Goodies A Spring Family Picnic

What better way to enjoy Mother Nature's bounty than by creating a basketful of seasonal indulgences? By Manoela Suarez

"Spring forth" this season

by learning about a selection of fruits and vegetables that are harvested this time of year, and which you can use to create your own recipes for a family dayout. Capture the loveliness of it all by taking pleasure in a picnic excursion by the seashore or a park. Here are some foods made using some of the fresh produce that are at their best in Spring and can make your family outing even more nutritious and enjoyable:

Couscous This hearty dish of quinoa and lentils is perfect for a picnic, especially since you can prepare it in advance. Sauté one onion with olive oil and after 5 minutes, pour one cup of quinoa in the same pan; pour over 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock and let it simmer for 20 minutes. When it’s ready, add diced red pepper, half a carrot finely diced, 2 finely sliced spring onions, 1 tablespoon of raisins, and 1 cup of cooked lentils to finish.

Spring Bean Salad Boil two cups of cranberry beans for 20 minutes; add 1 cup of diced 22

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green pepper, 1 cup of black wild rice and mix it with the cooked beans. Finally, drizzle some of your favorite homemade, herbed-infused salad dressing, which can be made by combining 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/3 cup of olive oil, and 1 minced garlic.

Chicken Sandwich A sandwich made of chicken salad with pine nuts, raisins and tarragon in individual artisan sandwich breads. Combine cooked and cubed pieces of 2 breasts of chicken, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 cup finely chopped tarragon. The dressing is made by combining 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons curry powder and a pinch of sea salt.

Fruit Skewers These refreshing kabob inspired delicacies are made by threading bite sizes of spring fruits onto a skewer. You can use papaya, strawberry, cucumber, pineapple, and avocado. You can also drizzle some of your favorite melted chocolate sauce over each skewer before serving.

Granola Bars This yummy treat can be prepared days ahead to enjoy anytime. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup agave, 1/2 cup of b r o w n sugar, 1tsp salt and 1/4 cup of coconut oil. Cook, stirring until brown sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes). Transfer syrup to a large mixing bowl, stir in 2 tsp vanilla and 2 tsp almond extracts. In the large bowl , place ½ cup flax seed meal flour and add to the syrup, along with the remaining 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of almonds,1/2 cup dried cherries and 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Combine all the ingredients well, with moistened hands. Press evenly into a large cookie sheet pan, lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 – 30 minutes, until edges are browned. Don't forget to add a little workout to your perfect day-trip by packing some of your favorite outdoor sporting equipments and your kids’ favorite outdoor toys, so everyone in your family can benefit from the outing. Planning some fun games and activities can make the picnic even more pleasing, especially to your "on-the-go" youngsters. Bon appétit!

NATURAL OUTING

FAMILY TRAVEL

Cruising on the

California Coast

Discover why visitors flock towards the West Coast to experience the mother of all road trips: an epic journey along California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway. By Andres Duarte

wise man once said that it is not about the destination, but the journey. Never have these words rang truer than when describing a family vacation riding along California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). You see, this is not your average car ride along the coast; this is truly the trip of a lifetime. This 655-mile stretch of asphalt is more than just a road. It provides a gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring views and inspirational images of American folklore, inspiring countless writers, musicians, artists, and the imaginations of everyone fortunate enough to have experienced its great majesty. The California coast defined an entire generation and has captivated travelers since the days of Manifest Destiny. Still today, California stands in a category all its own. A place of wonder and promise, it has been attracting people for a variety of reasons as diverse as the land itself.

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Some travelers come to enjoy the waters of the west coast and take their hand at surfing; others might prefer the magnificence of Mount Whitney, while still others are interested in vibrant cities such as Los Angeles and historic San Francisco. Whatever adventures you seek, California can provide them.

With a dizzying array of beachside towns, monumental mountains, breathtaking viewing points, and roadside attractions, families can create a unique experience that fits in with their idea of a perfect vacation. Still not convinced that your family can handle the historic Highway 1?

Let’s take a journey together and discover what kind of experience your family can create while cruising the one, the only, the Pacific Coast Highway!

Take It from the Top As you and your family decide to embark on this great road trip adventure, one must decide where to begin. First off, let’s clear some things up. When discussing the PCH, you must keep in mind that this stretch of road is not one long direct route. It is an ever-changing, evolving journey of connecting roads and byways known collectively as State Road 1 (be sure and pack your GPS to ensure you stay on course). Sometimes it may be a highway, while at other points it shrinks to a modest roadway. It winds and whirls along the coastline, plunges through mountains, and caresses several cities. It is a truly epic endeavor to witness all of its glory, and so the most difficult part

of planning your trip may be deciding where not to stop.

Starting in San Francisco Let us begin our fantasy trip in the city that captivated a generation in the 60’s and continues to be a hallmark for creativity and artistic expression: San Francisco. The City by the Bay is a prime destination in and of itself. Its rich culture and history are embedded in the American psyche. Families must consider and calculate how much time should be allotted to exploring the fabled minimetropolis. Attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge are a must see and can be ex-

plored with a minimal time investment, whereas spots like the seaside Fisherman’s Wharf and famously “crooked” Lombard Street would require more dedication. And we haven’t even hit the road yet!

The Journey South Begins Once you have made it to the PCH, your family road trip adventure will officially begin. Bring along a map (I know, it’s “old school”) so that you and your kids can track your progress and start heading south. But for how long? Well, that depends. All through your ride, you are going to encounter tourist destinations such

as beachside attractions, state parks and camping sites, and various picturesque towns and scenic paths. The amount of activities can almost be overwhelming, yet they provide the perfect intermissions to prevent your children from succumbing to cabin fever (“are we there yet?” can almost always be cured by visiting a nearby tourist site).

Monterey Make your way to Monterey, a peninsula engulfed by beautiful seaside scenery. This town inspired famed author John Steinbeck to write his great American novel, “Cannery Row”, and is a staple of the PCH road trip. Your kids might appreciate an early detour to visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 25

or to make a stopover at the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel-bythe-Sea is a quaint cottage town with a rich natural scenery and artistic vibe.

California stands in a category all its own.Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place of wonder and promise that has been attracting people for a variety of reasons as diverse as the land itself. Big Sur As the trip unfolds and the city lights fade, you will be heading towards the area referred to as Big Sur. Bordered by magnificent waves breaking against the cliffs on one side and breathtaking 26

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forests that are home to the ancient coast redwood trees on the other, Big Sur is a unique area that remains unspoiled by big populations, allowing for the natural beauty of the region to blossom uninhibited. Considered the pillar of beauty along the PCH, Big Sur encapsulates the spirit of wonder and the natural splendor that is the trademark of this west coast road trip.

Santa Barbara Known as The American Riviera, Santa Barbara is home to the Santa Ynez Mountains and provides families with enough activities to satisfy everyone. Visit the downtown beaches and experience the surfing culture, or trek towards the Santa Ynez Valley and wind down in wine country. An upscale yet low-key beach town, Santa Barbara should definitely be highlighted in your itinerary.

Los Angeles A perfect place to mark your finish line, Los Angeles is in a league of its own. Home to Hollywood and the celebrity lifestyle, LA is where the natural beauty of California meets big city life. A vacation spot by itself, the City of Angels will serve as a highlight to what hopefully was an epic adventure for you and your loved ones.

Plan Your Own Perfect PCH Trip Did we forget anything? Probably, but this vacation is one that can truly be personalized, customized and altered to fit your needs. With a dizzying array of beachside towns, monumental mountains, breathtaking viewing points, and roadside attractions, families can create a unique experience that fits in with their ideal agenda. For those families bold enough to open themselves up to a once in a lifetime road trip, the PCH awaits.

Your “Gateway to the Bay”

Have you experienced the

Magic of Biscayne Bay? Searching for a way that your family can explore it?

Shake-A-Leg Miami Community Watersports Center is the answer! A place for kids to have fun, make friends and learn life-long activities. • After School Activities • School Fieldtrips • Special Needs offerings • Veteran's Programs • High School Mentoring Kayaking • Sailing • Fishing • Scuba • Zumba • Yoga Birthday Parties • Dry Storage • Weekend activities

We also offer Saturday programs for children with special needs and their families. Are you looking for a Destination Vacation for special needs kids? We have it! Located in the heart of Coconut Grove at the water's edge, SALM offers activities for every member of your family. Stop by Shake-A-Leg Miami today and explore all that we have to offer! It’s your Gateway to the Bay....

Shake-A-Leg Miami 2620 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133 (305) 858-5550 www.shakealegmiami.org Launching boats and dreams for people of all abilities for over twenty years.

AS WE GROW

Emotional Intelligence: A Key Element for Success in Children

It is never too early to start teaching them how to successfully manage the emotional stress and normal pressures of growing up. By Cristina M. Olaechea

any often associate success in life with high mental intelligence, proper schooling, and perhaps even a streak of good luck. Of course, each of these may play a role but are they enough? We have all encountered bright children that unfortunately do not see their talents through and we may find ourselves wondering “what went wrong, they had so much potential.” All too often, we rarely consider, or briefly glance over, emotional intelligence as the missing element. Emotional intelligence involves how aware we are of our own feelings, how easily we are able to regulate moods, the ability to recognize emotions in others, maintaining motivation in light of frustrating circumstances, controlling our impulses, delaying gratification, and the ease with which we are able to empathize with another person. These delicate skills are also very powerful and can affect a child’s personal and professional success later in life.

Fortunately for us, we have some control over the situation, since parents and schools can help foster, develop, and nurture emotional intelligence in their children. It is never too early to start teaching them how to manage the emotional stress and normal pressures of growing up. Effective communication and positive conflict resolution can be learned. By encouraging these skills at a young age, we help children internalize these pro-social responses and prepare them for the years ahead.

There are many ways parents and teachers can nurture success and raise emotionally intelligent, well-balanced children. There are many ways parents and teachers can nurture success and raise emotionally intelligent children. What follows are some tips to get you started:

§§ Catching a child doing something good helps build optimism and selfconfidence. §§ Honor your child’s feelings and take their emotions seriously, since these feelings drive their behavior. §§ Teach them to make choices at a young age. This empowers the child and shows him that he has control over his actions. It will challenge youngsters to evaluate realistic alternatives and consider the effects they may have on a situation. §§ Label feelings and help your children connect to these emotions by describing how their body changes or looks when they feel stressed (i.e. fast breathing, fists clenched, furrowed brows, teeth grinding). The use of a mirror helps to make this a more visual and concrete experience for them by connecting what they feel internally to how they are behaving externally. 29

something often requires time, effort, and practice. Be sure they know that small improvements count as well. Assist them in finding the way around a problem while viewing mistakes as an opportunity for learning. Most importantly, show children that they are loved by being truly present in their life. As the saying goes, “You must first teach a child he is loved; only then is he ready to learn everything else.”

We all know that life can test our emotional integrity at any moment. Therefore, building an arsenal of emotional tools from birth will be one of the best gifts you can give your child.

§§ Give children an outlet to de-escalate their behavior when you start noticing the first signs that they are stressed. Some examples of this are breathing techniques, an exercise activity, or a quiet place to compose themselves. §§ Avoid the temptation to fix negative emotions immediately. Empathize with your children and validate that feeling, even if it is difficult for you to see them upset. We want to communicate the message that their feelings are important so that they return to us again for guidance in the future. §§ Help children reframe negativistic thinking and engage in positive self-talk. If children can learn the power of their thoughts early on, their journey through life would mostly likely be happier and more rewarding. §§ Use materials that help incorporate the above mentioned skills into your 30

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daily life. Some great resources are http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/resources/ strategies.html and www.consciousdiscipline.com. §§ And now, for the toughest one for us adults: Be the best model of the skills you are trying to teach! With the demands of modern life, work, raising a family, and the extra stressors we place on ourselves just to measure up, this can definitely be a daily challenge. Allow yourself to feel negative emotions as they arise. Yet be mindful that there are always little eyes watching you and using you as their example of how to respond to adversity and relate to others. Raising a successful child involves highlighting the things your child is good at or passionate about. Teach them to break down a task into smaller, more doable steps. Encourage them to ask a lot of questions and model persistence, since being really good at

We have the opportunity to turn conflict into a “teachable moment” and support the development of critical life skills. With the prevalence of bullying, gun violence, and mental health issues in children, we must take the lead in teaching them about emotional awareness and the ability to handle feelings in order to facilitate success in life. After all, true success is not just about landing a great, high paying job. It is also about personal success –feeling a sense of happiness and fulfillment, carrying oneself with integrity, having a sense of responsibility, demonstrating compassion and respect for others, enjoying meaningful and lasting relationships, and feeling good, both physically and mentally. Since we all know that life is unpredictable and tests to our emotional integrity can come at any moment, building an arsenal of tools from birth will be one of the best gifts you can give your child.

Cristina M. Olaechea is a Licensed School Psychologist. She can be reached at www.facebook. com/CristinaMOlaecheaEdS or ourlittlelearner@gmail.com

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Jonathon’s got a playground to conquer.

St. Jude patient Jonathon: Playground King

But at this moment, he’s fighting cancer. That’s why St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® spends every moment changing the way the world treats children – with pioneering research and exceptional care. And no family ever pays St. Jude for anything. Don’t wait. Join St. Jude in finding cures and saving children like Jonathon. Because at this moment, he should be headed down the tallest playground slide into his mom’s arms.

Help them live. Visit stjude.org.

Alternative Treatments for

Kids with ADHD Progressive moms and dads want better ways to treat hyperactivity in their kids. The good news is that there are many alternative and successful treatments for kids with ADHD that are drug-free. By Cynthia Lechan Goodman

tatistics say ADHD –Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder– is the most commonly diagnosed childhood behavior disorder. That's not surprising, since we, as parents, are trying to cope with our lifestyle of continuous head-on blips of info from a multitude of screens. What's also not a surprise is that the expressions of the disorder –hyperactivity, impulsivity, distractibility, inappropriate levels of attention and concentration– are most commonly treated with prescription drugs. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Progressive moms and dads who are into taking charge of their health, instead of just “taking a pill”, want better ways to treat hyperactivity in their kids. The good news is that there are many alternative and successful treatments for kids with ADHD that are drug-free. Ways that get at the root causes of the problem, and do not just treat the symptoms, or turn your kids into zombie-like shadows of who they are, or potentially could be. 32

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With Present Patient Persistent Parent skills, parents report positive results in 30 days, including improved behavior as well as improved grades.

However, alternative practitioners have proven you can get the same or better results, by taking a drug-free and holistic approach to solving these problems. Alternative strategies often focus on methods to create balance, harmony, and speed up any delays in communication between nerve cells and the two halves of the brain.

Research with brain-mapping technology has revealed a lot about how the brain and the body work together. We now know much more about how the brain gets its messages from the way the body’s senses react with the environment. There is scientific research that suggests those with ADHD either do not produce enough of certain neurotransmitters –the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate with one another so that messages get through– or that there are fewer connections between nerve cells. Either way, that is what conventional medicine tries to repair with drugs.

Many times parents of kids with ADHD say that something just seems “to be off” with their children. According to Dr. Alexander Frank, a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist in South Florida, they are right. Frank says kids with ADHD seem “out of synch” because, in way, they are. He has come to the rescue of kids with ADHD with a brain-based and holistic therapy that restores what he sees as an imbalance or lack of optimal timing and synchronization with the connections and communication in the brain. He achieves this with nutritional support, chiropractic neurological adjusting techniques, and movement therapy,

Getting In Synch

WELL-BEIGN

Mental Health Therapist Patricia Castellanos, of the Expression Center in South Broward, uses humanistic and Cognitive Behavior Therapy to treat ADHD. She begins with complete testing and then proceeds to make sure kids identify their strengths and their triggers. "I work with Present Patient Persistent Parent skills," she explains, prescribing routines, schedules, and time allocations. "Parents report positive results in 30 days, including improved behavior and improved grades, less frustration, better ability to focus. Children thrive on understanding what and how their day is going to flow and helping them manage it, through the difficulties is the key.” in combination with a family participation program. Dr. Frank says, "The brain should run like a symphony, synchronized in perfect timing, but environment and/or lifestyles today cause the wires that fire from body to brain –the nerve circuits– to be unbalanced. Our environment and food is not the additive-free, chemical-free, the natural food our parents and grandparents had, and diet drives the information the brain receives. I've seen the elimination of foods that are triggers for kids and then drastic changes in behavior follows. There's a reason kids spin, roll, swing; this all keeps them in balance, too, but today kids sit in from of computers, so their systems may not know how to play together, work together in optimal balance –just like optimal software for the computer brain." "I first test to see what's going on with the child,” says Frank. “Because I was once a firefighter, I look for that frayed wire. I use movement, light and sound for optimal neurocentric body functions. If there is good movement, there is good thought." Dr. Frank assures parents, "you do not have to live with strategies to cope with ADHD in your child; because the brain can change, there is hope, there is help, there is a better life change for the family."

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"You do not have to live with strategies to cope with ADHD in your child. Because the brain can change, there is hope, there is help, there is a better life change for the entire family." Dr. Ruth Olmstead at Associates in Behavioral Counseling in South Florida uses a unique audio visual stimulation technique which, research has shown, improves cognitive abilities in learning disabled children, including ADHD. Dr. Olmstead herself has a published study in the Journal of Neurotherapy. According to Dr. Olmstead, learning memory comes from the kind of sensory motor coordination that exists in the body and how that is communicated to the brain with a balanced synchronous activation of cells in the brain at certain speeds. Dr. Olmstead reports exciting success stories. "I have a parent whose son went from taking 5 hours to complete homework down to 20 minutes." She describes her AVS device to kids and families as like a "brain gym." "It stimulates your brain to think better and faster. The light and sound stimulation creates new pathways to help remember better and understand information like math easier." She explains that it also re-regulates

erratic brainwave activity, calming them down without the use of medication. Olmsted says her methods work to change the "I cant's" in a frustrated child's vocabulary to "I can."

Garbage in – Garbage Out Gayle Stolove, RN and LMN and owner of whollymacrobiotics, (www.whollymacrobiotics.com), works with teens and young adults with ADHD. Stolove feels ADHD stems from both physical and psychological imbalances. "I see what people eat, even when they are trying to eat well. It is not real food. Everything is packaged, processed, and full of various additives. My advice would be to get back to absolute basics: Whole grains, beans, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. ADHD in the oriental medicine view is a case of extremes and being wound up too tight, not enough focused energy in the brain, "so calming foods are needed such as root vegetables. ADHD patients crave sugar in an attempt to unwind, but sugar only increases the agitated unfocused condition. So never reward even ‘good’ behaviors with candy! Complex sugars like winter squashes, caramelized onions, carrot purees are better." Additionally, she works with parent child relationships. "Meal times need to be regular; a routine needs to be followed, but not too rigid. Emotions need to be consistent, fair, and appropriate. These children and teens need a lot of support to feel secure, and feel they are accepted for who they are so that they don't need to act out, and need to be gently reminded of their part of the ‘equation’ every time they lose focus.”

Putting it in Focus These are just a few methods of looking at and treating ADHD naturally. There are also others that may be right for your child. But one thing all these practitioners would agree on is that any alternative treatment is intended to help your child feel loved, accepted, and nourished – and that is something that cannot come from a prescription bottle!

PERSONAL LETTER

The Silent Killer and Our Young Athletes

A mother who tragically lost her son recounts her harrowing ordeal and warns parents to look for the signs of Sudden Cardiac Death. By Maruchi Mendez

he sound of clicking bats and popping gloves resound throughout the city, reminding us that high school and college baseball season is in full bloom. The beautiful fields of green, combed and manicured, serve as the stage for many aspiring young athletes. My son, Ramiro “Toti” Mendez, lived for this time of year, until life itself took him. He was a High School All-American pitcher who had earned a baseball college scholarship to Florida International University. He was on his way up, to fulfill his lifelong dream of making it to the Major Leagues. We were unaware that time was running out. On April 2, 2000, my son Toti died of sudden cardiac death due to undetected cardiomyopathy. All the signs had been there, but I didn’t know then what I know now. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that between 200 and as much as 2,000 children and young adults under the age of 25 die every year of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) due to undetected heart conditions. It is the #1 killer

of this age group. The great majority of them are young athletes. Our young athletes are trained to ignore exhaustion and push their bodies to the limit in order to earn or maintain their spots in the highly competitive high school sports. They think they’re immortal. They think that punishing their bodies is part of “the dream”. My son’s dream never came. The “silent killer” took him. After his death, I wrote a book: “Finding Home”, a memoir of his remarkable life. Through it I expect to bring awareness to young athletes and their families of the danger that lurks in the lives of our young athletes. My goal is that this book reaches their hands and some lives can be saved. There is a lot we can do to recognize the signs. Some of them include increasing tiredness, dizziness, loss of weight and appetite, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and complaints of a rapid heartbeat. As they advance to the next level of sports, the practices and conditioning become more intense and demanding. We as parents need to keep a watchful eye. Our high schools

and most colleges perform a physical that does not include a 12 lead ECG or echo-cardiogram. It is up to us adults, the parents, the coaches to make sure that every student that engages in competitive sports gets tested every year before the season begins. Growing up, my son Toti had a chronic cough. I was told it was a “hyper-active airway” and that he would outgrow the allergies in time. Even then, a chest X-ray would have revealed and enlarged heart and his cardiomyopathy would have been detected. But I didn’t know this was even a possibility and the doctor never ordered it. Sometimes, cardiomyopathy is a secondary complication of a common viral cold growing up. Don’t take any risks and be watchful of the signs of the “silent killer”. Looking back I realize that I was too busy watching the game. For signs and more information on this dangerous condition, visit http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ sudden-death/HB00092

WELL-BEING

Prenatal Yoga … Yes, Please!

With its many rewards, it’s no wonder yoga is the most recommended form of exercise for mommies-to-be. By Tatiana Bengochea

xercise in moderation is highly recommended for pregnant women, as it can offer many advantages to an ever-changing body. It will help to relieve backaches, improve sleep, alleviate joints and increase blood flow. Maintaining your fitness throughout your pregnancy will also make it easier to regain your pre-baby weight body. Sweet! Expectant mom Tracy Bernstein explains: “After finding out I was pregnant, I researched the best forms of prenatal exercise and what was safe and/or not safe to do. Yoga had the highest recommendations of all forms of exercise.” Yoga has a reputation for relieving stress and pressure on your body and I can’t imagine a better time to welcome those benefits than during pregnancy. Tracy practices 2-3 times a week and looks forward to the exercise and relaxation it provides, even on busy days. “It's very educational as to what is

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going on in your body, since that literally changes from week to week,” she says. It's hard to physically adjust to your constantly changing size and balance, and yoga provides a way to better learn how your body is working for you on that particular week. The exercise can also help target specific problem areas for you. “If some part of my body is bothering me, I tell my instructor and she has us work on that location in particular,” says Tracy.

In addition to the physical benefits, yoga also offers a bonding experience with your unborn child. In addition to the physical benefits, yoga also offers a bonding experience. “It is also a nice connection to your fetus,” she explains. “The breathing and movement affects it for the positive,

inside of your uterus, and it is nice to know that.” Jessica Velázquez Gutierrez, nurse and mommy of one, practiced yoga before, during and after her pregnancy. She shares that some positions may be tricky, but as long as you follow recommendations from your obstetrician and listen to your body (stop when something feels uncomfortable), you will look forward to the relief and relaxation. “I highly recommend it always, but especially with pregnancy to keep you relaxed and to aid with the stretching/aches and pains associated with growing bellies,” she says. Of course, you should thoroughly discuss your plans with your doctor, and your recommended activity should reflect your level of fitness before your pregnancy. “I would look for a yoga class specifically designed for pregnant women if you have never done it before,” suggests Speech Therapist Rachel Delgado, mother of one. You should al-

ways tell your instructor which trimester you’re in. Prenatal yoga classes are designed to suit your changing body, and it’s important to know which movements are safe and which should be modified. Tracy explains that her instructor is specially trained in prenatal yoga and is a mother herself. The entire class is modified for pregnancy with the use of walls, chairs, bolsters, blankets, blocks and straps. If you are attending a regular class or are practicing on your own, you should take the following precautions: §§ Don't do any poses on your back after the first trimester, as it can reduce blood flow to the uterus. §§ Avoid poses that stretch the muscles too much, particularly the abdominals.

§§ From the second trimester on —when your center of gravity really starts to shift— do any standing poses with your heel to the wall or use a chair for support, to avoid losing your balance. §§ Steer clear of Bikram or "hot" yoga. Overheating is dangerous for a growing fetus. §§ When practicing twisting poses, twist more from the shoulders and back than from the waist, to avoid putting any pressure on your abdomen. Strive to maintain your fitness level throughout the pregnancy and you will notice the difference during and after birth. Jessica explains that her flexibility helped to avoid complications associated with epidurals, for example. Tracy’s class practiced movements to help with breast feeding and lifting the baby, too.

With so many rewards, it’s no wonder yoga is the most recommended form of exercise for mommies-to-be! What have you got to lose?

Benefits of Prenatal Yoga §§ Increases Energy §§ Decreases Anxiety §§ Improves Sleep §§ Reduces Backache §§ Improves Circulation §§ Strengthens Birthing Muscles §§ Increases Chance of a Healthy Birth §§ Quickens Postpartum Recovery Time - Yogafairy Prenatal Yoga

Alternative Treatments for

Seasonal Allergies Are Nothing to Sneeze At

Get to know some all-natural ways to combat pollen, so you and your kids can stop and smell the roses –and other flowers, too– this allergy season! By Steve Goodman

Spring is in the air. For many of us thoughts turn to flowers, Easter eggs, and baseball! For others it’s sneezing, watery eyes... and tissues! According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 26 million Americans suffer with hay fever or other forms of chronic seasonal allergies. If you count those with mild symptoms, the number could be as high as 40 million. Seasonal allergies in children usually appear sometime before the age of 6. It is estimated that 1 in every 7 kids in the U.S. suffers from mild to severe seasonal allergies. For your little ones it is not just the problem with the typical watery eyes, sneezing and scratchy throat. According to Dr. Caroline Ware AP, DOM, seasonal allergies can “just make your tots feel miserable. They can affect their sleep, interfere with their concentration, and affect their school work. Allergies can keep them from participating fully with their friends and in their social activities, such as sports, going 38

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bike-riding, on a picnic or a school field trip to the zoo...” Dr. Ware says that the first thing most parents do to treat their kid’s allergies is to give them either an over-thecounter or prescription decongestant or antihistamine. These can bring some relief, but, “I don’t think decongestants and antihistamines are appropriate for kids, period,” says Ware. “They tend to make kids tired, and they don’t really address the problem. They’re like putting a Band-Aid on the symptoms.”

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at allergies differently than Western medicine. In addition there have been studies that indicate long-term use of antihistamines in children has been linked to depression, anxiety and learning disabilities. So before you reach for that bottle of antihistamines, consider that there

are many natural ways you can help to reduce your child’s symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal allergies.

Balance is Key Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at allergies differently than western medicine. Where traditional medicine sees an allergic reaction as an automatic and inevitable response to the allergen, TCM sees it as a weakness in “Qi” or “Life energy.” If Qi (pronounced “che”) flow is disrupted or out of balance, the body’s defenses are lowered, and therefore more susceptible to the things you are allergic to. If you keep the Qi strong and flowing properly, you are not cured of your allergies, they just have less ability to affect you. “Basically, seasonal allergies occur when your defenses are down and your body can't handle the particles in the air. In Chinese medicine we call this ‘protective qi’,” explains Dr. Ware. “The whole idea is that by eating right and otherwise supplementing your body’s Qi, you can keep your defenses stronger. Sugar, nitrates and other junk foods typically eaten by kids,

WELL-BEING

lower their defenses. However, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds will help enhance it. This is the first step.” The most common methods to enhance or restore Qi in TCM are acupuncture and herbal medications. Dr. Ware has used both effectively to bring relief to kids with seasonal allergies. “When treating children, many acupuncturists will use laser acupuncture or tui na, so parents don't have to worry about the needles,” says Dr. Ware. “This is a completely painless needle-free approach to treating children. Acupuncture helps because it corrects any underlying imbalances the body may have and will correct the root cause of the child’s lowered defenses. There are also herbs to help build up your defenses; one in particular is called yu ping feng san (Always check with your doctor for side effects or interactions with other medications your child may be taking). It’s very common to give this herb to children and adults prior to the onset of allergy season.” Dr. Ware goes on to explain that Chinese herbs not only re-

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lieve symptoms over time by gently improving the immune system, but many of them also have an immediate effect like an antihistamine, without any of the side effects of the drugs. Dr. Ware says more “conventional” supplementation can also be of help. “Vitamin C and the many other powerful antioxidant vitamins can help minimize a lot of seasonal allergy symptoms.”

The Nose Knows It may seem obvious, but one of the other ways to naturally deal with your kids’ hay fever, is to keep them away from pollen and other irritants that trigger their reactions. That means trying to remain indoors when you know the pollen count is particularly high, and keeping the indoor air as clean as possible. You may not be able to eliminate pollen outside, but you can do so inside. Get an air purifier equipped with a HEPA filter, which removes pollen and dust from the air, and run it in your child’s bedroom 24 hours a day.

Another thing you can do, according to Ware, is to keep you kid’s nose clean. “Rinsing the sinuses with saline (salt water) is an excellent, age-old natural remedy that helps reduce contact with pollen and lessens allergy symptoms.” You can buy saline at the drugstore or make your own by mixing in a squirt bottle eight ounces of water to one-teaspoon of non-iodized salt. Other things to keep in mind to prevent allergies or relieve symptoms include: Warm Baths – A hot shower or bath can often provide allergy symptom relief. §§ Cool Compresses – A cool compress, such as a wash cloth bathed in cold water placed on the face can relieve itchy eyes and sinus pressure. §§ Spicy Foods – If your kids like spicy foods, encourage that during allergy season. Dishes made with cayenne pepper, hot ginger, onions, or garlic help thin mucus and clear nasal passages. §§ Gargling – Gargling with warm salt water can relieve sore throats caused by post-nasal drip.

WELL-BEING

Skin Care

Do’s and Don’ts While Baby’s on Board Here’s a guide to the most common pregnancyrelated changes, including the good, the bad and the ugly. By Dr. Leslie Baumann

regnancy is an exciting time, but all the anticipation associated with expecting a new baby is often accompanied by a variety of skin changes. This is due to the fact that the hormones coursing through your body have an impact on your skin’s appearance as well. On the positive side, all that extra blood in your body gives your skin that pregnancy “glow,” and it also works to plump up fine lines and increase lip volume. Also, prenatal vitamins that ensure baby gets all the nutrients it needs give you thick, lustrous hair and nails that are stronger than ever. Among the less desirable changes that come along with pregnancy are included stretch marks, pigmentation changes and broken blood vessels. But the good news is that most of these side effects are temporary, and with proper prevention and post-pregnancy skin care and treatments, you can restore your skin to its pre-baby state.

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Melasma If you have darker skin and live in a warm climate, odds are you’ll experience melasma while pregnant. You can thank a spike of estrogen for these dark patches on the forehead and cheeks— but a little prevention goes a long way. Daily use of a chemical-free (read: baby-safe) mineral-based sunscreen and wearing a hat outdoors can prevent discoloration from forming. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to lighten these patches until after the baby arrives. After you’ve finished breastfeeding, talk to your dermatologist about topical skin lighteners and chemical peels to improve any dark patches that may remain.

Moles Our bodies go into overdrive when pregnant, and skin cells aren’t immune to the increase in activity. Benign moles, skin tags and cancerous growths can develop quickly while you’re expecting,

so be sure to see your dermatologist if you find anything suspicious.

Stretch marks It’s no secret that skin stretches while pregnant, and giving your skin extra moisture is an effective way to prevent stretch marks. Pregnant skin needs extra fatty acids to help keep it flexible, and two to three applications of cocoa butter or shea butter should do the trick.

What not to do while pregnant You’ve said sayonara to sushi and sake for a while, and there are certain treatments and skin care ingredients that should be put on hold and placed in the back of your medicine cabinet as well.

Vitamin A Whether you normally use over-thecounter retinol or prescription tretinoin, tazarotene or adapalene, these vitamin

A derivatives have not been proven safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. But after baby arrives and you are done breastfeeding, they can help fade stretch marks and get your complexion back on track.

Injectables Injectable fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane don’t pose a threat to your unborn baby—but the lidocaine that’s used to numb the skin before injections may. Lidocaine leaves the body rather quickly, so as long as you get filler injections before conception you’re in the clear. The effects of neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport while pregnant haven’t been studied either, but this is a time to err on the side of caution so avoid these treatments from the time

when you’re trying to conceive through after breastfeeding.

your skin type every few months during your pregnancy to make sure you’re using an appropriate skin care regimen.

Laser hair removal Laser treatments do not pose a risk to any baby on board, but the increased chance of hyperpigmentation during pregnancy means it’s best to hold off until after your hormones have returned to normal. Many women rush out to buy all new skincare products when they discover they’re pregnant, but as long as you eliminate any potentially unsafe ingredients from your regimen, it’s not really necessary. Your skin will change several times during pregnancy, so it’s best to address any concerns as they arise. Visit www.skintypesolutions.com to assess

Dr. Leslie Baumann is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist, New York Times best-selling author, media personality and lecturer, and CEO of Baumann Cosmetic & Research Institute – a full-service research, educational and medical services facility serving the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The globally recognized Institute also provides cutting-edge preventive and corrective cosmetic procedures for patients from all countries.

Bauman Cosmetic Institute 305-532-5552 4500 Biscayne Boulevard Suites 101, 105 Miami, FL 33137

Pants and bandana by Oopa Baby

Forever Spring Photography by Marlyne Padilla 路 Fashion by Tutti Bambini

Photography by: Marlyne Padilla www.marlynealexander.com Art Direction by: Mauricio Mendoza Models by: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com Styling by: Gladys Valladares Fashion: Tutti Bambini www.tutti-bambini.com

Dress by Persnickety, shoes by Joyfolie

COVER

Cut the Clutter De-cluttering your life is not as daunting as it may seem. There are easy, simple ways to organize your living space and achieve a higher sense of well-being. By Margaret Kessler

Mine is a mixed marriage. I am a minimalist wedded to a pack rat. It’s taken the better part of our nearly three decades together, but I’ve finally learned how to deal with his accumulation of “stuff.” The key was to get him organized. In fact, every organizing expert cites this as the #1 way to reduce clutter. According to New York City based professional organizer Sharon Lowenheim, one reason things pile up is that they have no “home.” "Make sure everything lives somewhere," says Lowenheim. But don’t start your de-cluttering process by running to the store and buying a bunch of storage containers, cautions Standolyn Robertson, a professional organizer in Waltham, Massachusetts. She recommends shopping for storage items only after you've begun de-cluttering, because you need to know what and where the problems are before you can decide how to solve them. You can start your spring cleaning by setting a realistic goal, perhaps tackling one room each week. Begin by triaging the contents of the room: keep it, discard it or donate it. The most important thing 48

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is after you’re done with each room, is dealing with the “discard” and “donate” piles right away. Immediately dump the “discard” pile. And take items to be donated to an appropriate drop-off location that same day (check http://locator. goodwill.org/ for drop-off locations). This ensures that you’re dealing with your clutter, not just moving it around. Lowenheim, Robertson and other experts also universally recommend storing similar items together in the room where they're used. The hardest thing for parents is to part with the treasures their children have created. But if you're serious about clearing out clutter, you simply have to do it. Robertson recommends taking a picture of your child with the creation, and letting that be your keepsake. "What would you rather have in 30 years –a photo of a [cooler-sized medieval] castle, or the mouse-infested castle itself?" she asks. In addition to making your home look better, there are spiritual reasons to reduce clutter. According to Rodika Tchi, an experienced feng shui consultant, “Clutter is low, stagnant, and confusing energy that constantly drains energy from you. It can also negatively influence, or even completely block, the flow of events in many areas of your life.”

The good news, according to Tchi, is that, “Once you clear most of your clutter with feng shui and have a clear system to avoid its future accumulation you will start experiencing high energy levels, more clarity, and a heightened sense of well-being.” Here are Tchi’s top feng shui tips for bringing positive energy to your clutter clearing efforts:

1 2 3 4 5 6

Open windows and ventilate rooms. Dress for cleaning in practical, natural fiber clothes. Incorporate fire element colors (strong colors like red, orange, purple) for an energy boost for yourself and the space you are working in. Put on music you love. Focus on one area at a time to increase your sense of accomplishment. Finish the process before you tire of it and then reward yourself with something special.

The bottom line is that cutting clutter is a difficult task, to be sure, but the rewards can last a lifetime.

TIPS

Spring Shower We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers”… and here are a few early blooms, ready to enjoy the season!

Photography by: Kendra Bentley www.kendrajillphotography.com Art Direction by: Mauricio Mendoza Models by: Cathy & Company www.cathycompany.com Styling by: Gladys Valladares Fashion: Bonpoint (Bal Harbour) www.bonpoint.com

Gina Dress $215, Cardigan $155

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FASHION

Hat $135, Naia Blouse $175

Miclou Pants $185, T-shirt $90, New Look Trenchcoat $500

Nicky Pants $195, T-shirt $90, Nobby Trenchcoat $425, Umbrella $50

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FASHION

Miclou Pants $185, T-shirt $90, New Look Trenchcoat $500 Umbrella $50

Nicky Pants $195, T-shirt $90, Nobby Trenchcoat $425, Umbrella $50

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Being A Parent Means Always Being Prepared. No child is the same. And when it comes to serious health care for kids, no case is routine. That’s why it makes sense to choose a children’s hospital prepared for nearly any situation. With world-renowned pediatricians, the largest neonatal ICU in the Southeast and the region’s only Level 1 trauma center a few yards away, Holtz Children’s Hospital at UM/Jackson Memorial Medical Center is prepared for anything your child may need. It’s part of the reason Holtz is ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. So when your family needs extraordinary pediatric care, choose Holtz.

305-585-KIDS • holtzchildrenshospital.org

Gone Fishing Three modern-day Huckelberry Finns enjoy a day full of fun and “adventuring”… while dressed in sporty outfits that make kids comfy and moms happy!

Sweater $155, Acteur Shirt $155, Nexon Shorts $140

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FASHION

Scarf $65, Artiste Tunic $130, Nuke Bermudas $120

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Hat $125, Acteur Shirt $155, sweater $155, Nucien Bermudas $140

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PARENTS

The Search for

the Ultimate Sitter Finding someone you trust with your tots isn't easy. Make the process easier to navigate with these guidelines. By Tatiana Bengochea

fter a long stretch of workdays and workouts, dinners and diapers, pouting and play dates, it’s your first night out among adults. You’ve earned it! Plan a nice meal, uncork a bottle of wine and relax! We all know that’s easier said than done. How can you truly relax, when you’re leaving your precious babies with a complete stranger? These days you hear of so many babysitter nightmares, it feels as if you’ll never be at ease leaving the children with anyone short of your own parents. If you don’t always have the luxury of a large, able-bodied family for a support system, the task of finding someone both you and your kids are comfortable with can be daunting. With as much thought as you put into deciding everything, from formulas to preschools, it’s only natural that you spend just as much time choosing a sitter for your tots. Navigate the process a bit easier with these guidelines:

Make a wish list Before starting your search, you should decide on your list of must-haves. What qualities do you value most when entrusting someone with the care of your children? Do you want someone with more experience, and perhaps kids of

their own, or do you want someone younger, who will engage with your child? Will they be doing any cooking? Should they be CPR certified? Conversely, define your hard limits, too. How much time do you want them watching TV or playing video games? Is it ok for the sitter to share pictures of your kids and home on Facebook? Think of all the things you absolutely will not accept, and have them ready for when you are interviewing candidates. Establishing clear expectations from the start will streamline your search right away.

Ask around The most reliable references are always from people you know. Ask family members, colleagues and friends for people they know and trust. Consider your local college for aspiring nurses or teachers looking to earn some extra cash. Nanny agencies are also a source, but often costly and unreliable. If it’s within your budget, be sure that they follow through with their promises. If they promise background checks, make sure to see them. If they offer certified sitters, they should offer proper documentation.

Audition Don’t be timid! Try and try again until you’re comfortable. You can pre-screen

candidates on the phone and then meet with the ones you like in person. After your screening, have them hang out with the kids while you’re at home. You’ll want to watch them interact with your children before your night on the town. And remember: include your kids in the decision. They should be just as happy with their new sitter as you are!

Be flexible Try out all kinds of people before making your decisions. If you have a set of sons, maybe consider a male sitter. If your kids are into sports, consider a young athlete. If you’ve found a promising candidate that lacks something on your wish list, see if there’s anything you can do to fix that. For example, offer to pay for CPR certification or invite them over for a quick cooking lesson. Flexibility and experimenting will actually help to secure your ultimate asset: backups! Schedule conflicts and emergencies are sure to happen, so you’ll want to have a “Plan B” or even a “C” when the occasions arise.

Resources For ideas about what questions to ask, etc., check out sites such as http://www.nanny.com and http://childcare.about.com/cs/ occasionalcare/bb/babysitter.htm

Love after parenthood:

Single Parent Dating Although it might seem terrifying, single parent dating doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By Lorena Sanchez

t some point, single parents must resume their social life. That, of course, might entail the dreaded six-letter word: dating. As a single parent, you probably have so little free time that dating may seem like a daunting task. There is also much to consider, because there are more pressures and issues that require sensitivity and thorough analyzing. Although it might seem terrifying, single parent dating doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. We have a few tips on how to get back into the dating scene. So polish off your dancing shoes, and get ready to find true love. There are many ways to meet single parents. One of the easiest and sometimes the most comfortable approach, is through online dating Web sites. You might have heard of Match.com or eHarmony.com. While those are great places to start, there are some sites that serve specific populations. As a single parent, you might have tried dating sites that did not specifically cater to single parents and felt frustrated with the people you encountered. However, one dating site where single parents may look for romantic relationships is SingleParentMatch.com. SingleParentMatch

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is a dating site for college-educated single parents. The site contains forums and blogs with plenty of information on single parenting as well as chat options. SingleParentsMingle.com is a similar site that caters to parents without partners who know how tough single parenting can be. Using dating sites can be a wonderful way to get your feet wet and gain some confidence as you begin to discover new relationships. As you peruse the dating sites, remember to be honest with yourself about what you are looking for. In addition, be honest about yourself: It’s a big cyber world out there, and there is someone for everyone. Although online dating can be rewarding, always use caution, and be safe in cyberspace! Get more information on http://www.ehow. com/how_2095557_safe-using-onlinedating.html Another way to meet single parents is through an organized social group, such as Parents Without Partners. Parents Without Partners is a national organization that provides real help through discussions, professional speakers, study groups, publications, and social activities for families. By joining a social group,

you can get to know other single parents in a social setting without the pressures of meeting someone new. Last but not least, use your social network to get yourself a date! Shared events are a wonderful way to mingle with new people without the pressure of a one-on-one intimate conversation. Have a barbeque or a nice brunch, and invite all your single-with-children friends over. You can plan some nice activities while you get to know some of the parents in the crowd. Socializing and mingling while you are with your kids takes the pressure off of meeting “the one" because you can always just be there to have some family fun. If you don’t have many single-parent friends, just pass the word along, and let friends invite their friends or acquaintances. At the end of the day, even if there wasn’t a “potential date,” you still walked away with an expanded network of friends. Whether you navigate your quest for romance though online dating sites, social groups, or through your social network of friends, always remember to be honest with yourself and your children: It is the only way to make relationships work.

PARENTS

Follow your heart...Fly until you reach your dreams

Handbags & Accessories 68

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w w w.Tabelina.com

Hats Off to Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as “Dr.

Seuss,” was born on March 2, 1904, in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1937, he published his first children’s book, “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street”, but it was not until “The Cat In The Hat” was published in 1957, that Dr. Seuss became an overnight national sensation and established a place in children’s literature. “The Cat In The Hat” forever changed the way children learned to read. It brought about the idea that reading was enjoyable, that it could actually be fun. Throughout his career, Dr. Seuss published 60 children’s books, sixteen of which are on Publishers Weekly’s list of “100 TopSelling Hardcover Children’s Books of All-Time.” Theodor Seuss Geisel passed away on September 24, 1991 at the age of 87. However, his quirky trademark humorous verse and illustrations will continue to captivate and delight little minds as well as adults for years to come. We celebrate you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!

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BOOKS ARE MY PALS

Dr. Seuss Best Sellers

Green Eggs and Ham With his unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss's beloved Beginner Book has cemented it's place as a children's classic. Follow Sam I Am as he tries to convince an acquaintance that green eggs and ham is, indeed, a delectable meal to be savored everywhere and every way.

Cat in the Hat Poor Dick and Sally. It's cold and wet and they're stuck in the house with nothing to do . . . until a giant cat in a hat shows up, transforming the dull day into a madcap adventure and almost wrecking the place in the process!

Dr. Seuss ABC

Fox In Socks

With Dr. Seuss as your guide, learning the alphabet is as easy as A, B, C. "An alphabet book with zany drawings and nonsensical verse provides an entertaining way for small children to learn the letters and their sounds."-Booklist.

"This Fox is a tricky fox. He'll try to get your tongue in trouble." Dr. Seuss gives fair warning to anyone brave enough to read along with the Fox in Socks, who likes to play tongue-twisting games with his friend Mr. Knox.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Hop on Pop

Since 1960, this beloved Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss has been introducing young readers to fantastically funny creatures like the winking Yink, the boxing Gox, and more than a few fanciful fish.

"Beginner Books" are a series of books designed to appeal to children through the use of humour. This book is designed for children who have started to read properly - finding that by changing the first letter they can read several other words as well.

I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

There Is A Wocket In My Pocket

"In Seuss's familiar rhymed couplets and illustrations, the Cat in the Hat shows Young Cat some wonderful stuff about reading with both eyes open."--School Library Journal.

A host of inventive creatures help beginning readers recognize many common "household" words.

BOOKS ARE MY PALS

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? There isn't a sound Mr. Brown can't do, from a hippo's gum chewing to a goldfish's kiss. The noisemakers are graphically illustrated and the "sound effects" are printed in big lettering.

The Lorax Dr. Seuss, pseudonym for Theodor Seuss Geisel, is world renowned for his inventiveness and wit. His stories are instantly recognizable by their use of fantastic words, clever rhymes, and unusual creatures-drawn in his distinctive style.

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The Foot Book

Wacky Wednesday

Oh The Places Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Go

Dr. Seuss's characters explore the zany world of feet. A toe-tapper babies will love--the classic Seussian book about opposites: "Wet foot, dry foot. Low foot, high foot..."

A baffled youngster awakens one morning to find everything's out of place, but no one seems to notice! Beginning readers will have fun discovering all the wacky things wrong on each page while sharpening their ability to observe, as well as to read.

I Wish That I Had Duck Feet

Happy Birthday To You

Oh, The thinks you can think!

Another silly title from the Beginner Books series (the same place that Dr. Seuss and the Berenstains hang their hats), I Wish That I Had Duck Feet follows one little guy's dreams of borrowing all sorts of useful appendages from the animal world.

Dr. Seuss. Happy Birthday to You! New York: Random House, [1959]. First edition, later printing. Quarto. Publisher's binding. Illus. in color. "The Great Birthday Bird guides us on a birthday trip. The multicolored excursion is a festive one."--School Library Journal.

Relates in verse some of the unusual thinks you can think if only you try. A mad outpouring of madeup words, and intriguing ideas.

In this joyous ode to life, Dr. Seuss addresses graduates of all ages, from nursery school to medical school, and gives them the get-up-and-go to move mountains with the unrivaled exuberance and charm that have made Dr. Seuss's books favorites for years.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH-APRIL MAR 27-31

MAR 14-31

DISNEY ON ICE: DARE TO DREAM

The Fair

The fair offers close to 100 rides, 50 games, 170 food vendors, close to 50,000 student and adult exhibits, 130 merchandise shops, competitions, the World of Agriculture, an ice show and circus.

Experience Disney’s hilarious hair-raising escapade, Tangled; as Rapunzel, her unlikely companion, Flynn, and Maximus, embark on an uproarious journey that takes adventure to new lengths! Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen in a magical, musical journey that all begins with a fateful kiss.

Miami Dade and Expo Center 10901 SW 24 St Miami, FL

7:00 PM Miami Airlines Arena

MAR 29-31 Bunny Palooza South Florida's A Hip-Hopping weekend of Egg Hunts, Parades & More! -South Florida Biggest aster Parade every day at 12:30 - Continous Egg Hunts, 10 AM-4PM 5 Acres of Adrenaline-Pumping Rides, Slides and Kid's Fun Miami Seaquarium Rickenbacker Causeway

APR 27-28

17th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival Kids Fest Family Weekend An entire weekend of theatre fun for the whole family featuring rock ‘n roll style musical Excellent Conquest. Saturday 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center Cutler Bay, FL

APR 5-7

SPRINGS RIVER FESTIVAL The fabulous annual Springs River Festival again takes place throughout the downtown, Curtiss Circle and Canal Street areas from April 5th through 7th. The schedule for the weekend includes fun, kids activities, crafts, food, drink, non-stop entertainment in the Gazebo and along Canal Street, a Bake-Off, the ever-popular Dog and Cat Show, a Chili Showdown and much, much more. Miami Springs Circle 1 Curtiss Parkway Miami Springs, FL 33166

Children Will See, Think, and Wonder at

Bottega Child Development Center By Cynthia Lechan Goodman

ylvia De Armas and her family answered a Miami community's preschool need. Under her direction, Bottega Child Development Center will open its state of the art facilities in January 2013, on 5911 Bird Road. Bottega is a nurturing preschool that respects the thinking processes of children, as well as encourages their academic performance, and social and emotional development--all in a culturally sensitive and creative environment. De Armas, enriched with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, has the additional unique experience and training in the Harvard University School of Education, Project Zero. This program focuses on a learning process to create reflective, independent learners, and promote critical and creative thinking with deep understanding. De Armas has combined this training, the Reggio Emilia philosophy of respect, responsibility, and community, and her years of classroom experience, to design Bottega Child Development Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique program. "The Bottega in Italy," she explains, "is the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio where the students learn by participating in the creation of the work, and where they first become lifelong learners." De Armas' unique preschool addresses 4C's: critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration. These 4C's contribute to the Visible Thinking Strategy and Routines she uses. She calls it See, Think, Wonder. She illustrates with a recorded classroom experience: The class is taken on a neighborhood walk and told they will describe what they see upon returning. Children were encouraged to draw a favorite

building. After this part, child M began to model his hi-rise drawing with blocks. After he created a tall structure, teacher asked: What do you think will happen if we test the stability of this building? Do you think it will fall? Child Proceeds to fan building with a wooden tray. Teacher: What are you doing? Child: I want to see if my building will fall. See, I did it! It didn't fall. Teacher: Why do you think it did not fall? Child: Because in the bottom I put a lot of blocks. Teacher: Did you create a large foundation to give it stability? Child: Yes Children learn as they play, De Armas explains, but they need an aware, astute teacher who is sensitive to the child's ongoing experiences to guide the child into communicating and into critical and creative thinking with deep understanding, so the learning is produced while they are engaged in their playing or their projects. "Children will pick up on the language of thinking, and learn how to use it--analyzing, comparing and contrasting--then take off with it." The quality teachers at Bottega are credentialed and are supported to continue learning the latest research and strategies for classrooms. "Our teachers can understand where the child is at the development stage, and interact with the family as well as the child, respecting cultural diversity and continuation of the home language. We have a dual language program, Spanish/ English," De Armas explains. The school's open door policy invites parents to sit with their child from 7:309:00, before academic hours from 9-3:00.

The School offers after school care until 6:00pm to benefit working parents. Parents are encouraged to participate in planning, field trips and in leading events, so they are active participants in their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. The school has 3 classrooms: Toddlers ages 20-36 months, and 2 PreK classrooms ages 3-5 years old.. Parents will find new state-of-the- art classrooms with state of the art tools, highest standard playground equipment, video cameras, closed circuit cameras and fingerprint check in station for ultimate safety, child size bathrooms, and an organic lunch program that develops practical social skills and eye hand coordination. And most importantly, a family atmosphere where they will feel safe, loved and nourished. The Bottega philosophy sees a capable child who can do anything presented to them, and starts children on the right foot with opportunities to develop and practice thinking and creativity. "Here children feel valued as a person, even though small, they become focused, responsible, and ready for academic success in elementary school," says De Armas. As another 3 1/2 year old child said in De Armas' program experience, "my brain is like one big light bulb, every time I think it turns on." Please contact: 305-666-0537, or, sylvia@ bottegachild.com

786.683.6958

kendrajillphotography.com

Kendrajillphotography@gmail.com