Summer At Sesame Place
Plunge into this new San Diego amusement and waterpark for a memorable family summer adventure. “Five, four, three, two, one!” Splash. “Here it comes again,”
Back-to-School Shopping Guide
These OC hotspots will deliver the style your kids need and a good dose of family fun! Irvine Spectrum Back to School Endless Summer Fest (August 11 - 13) Locals and visitors alike are invited to end summer on a high note at Irvine Spectrum Center’s Back to School Endless Summer Fest. Over the course of three days guests will experience an array of activities including an exclusive performance by World of Dance Live, in-store parties with participating retailers, live entertainment, giveaways, and more. www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com Storymakery Get your child amped for learning with a stop at this shop that lets...
Go VR Gaming
Forget the stereotypes about video games being for lonely men in darkened basements. A new Anaheim Garden Walk arcade is out to dispel them all. Go VR Gaming, which opened in March, hopes to expose more people to the world of gaming and virtual reality. Its bright environment – complete with a large play area and couch – aims to make arcade playing a family-friendly experience. Since opening, customers have ranged from age seven (the minimum age required for headsets) to 83. Games include a job simulator, as well as some scary and sports-related machines. “Go VR Gaming is a...
Ways & Means, Pacific City
Pacific City is the hot new spot to take in the views of Huntington Beach, indulge in retail therapy and sip a craft cocktail at a rooftop lounge before seeking a delish dinner at one of the many eateries and cafes. The only recipe better than that for treating Mom…is probably found in the kitchen of Ways & Means. It can be tough to find a restaurant among the uber cool set, but Ways & Means’ co-owner Jennifer Delcham (with husband, Pharnell and mother, Dena Mathe) assures a warm welcome awaits. “Our own family frequently dines at the restaurant —...
Here Comes the Sun
Q: [Whole Family] We just moved to a new neighborhood and our son came home from a preschool ‘eco-assembly’ saying we should ‘switch to solar’. Mouths of babes. We care about the environment and we have been curious, but we have no idea how one would go about that? Or if it is expensive? Or if it is even possible to do on an existing wired-house? If we ever have rain like last month, would we not have enough power? A: Congratulations on your new home. You have asked 4 important questions: Will solar work for my home? The clear...
Scarlett’s Mermaid Tea Party
Scarlett | 5, Orange Theme: Mermaid Tea Party Location: Le Petite Princesse Spa & Tea Parlour, www.lepetiteprincesse.com Invites by: Etsy Shop The Food: The girls ate tea sandwiches, turkey and cheese croissants, fruit wands, and drank pink tea. For dessert girls had macaroons, fruit tarts, scones, sugar cookies, cupcakes, and cake. Decor by: Le Petite Princesse Spa & Tea Parlour Entertainment: All the girls got a mermaid makeover, which included hairstyle, make up, manicures, and dress up. Princess Ariel performed story time, singing, dancing and together they sat for a high tea party with porcelain tea cups, saucers, tea pots...
Anika Ortiz
Turning the Blues of Grief, Pink Anika Ortiz never imagined that she would be opening her own pop-up fashion boutique at the age of 11. Or that she would be a public speaker and vocal advocate against domestic violence at the age of 13. The surprise comes not only from the fact that she is incredibly young to have accomplished so much, but that as a child Anika often hid behind her mother’s knees because she was astonishingly shy. Her ability to command a crowd and her poise among adults and peers is surprising to those who have known her...
Jessica Rivera Sleep Consulting
If there’s anything new moms dream about it’s, well, the opportunity to dream at all. Indeed, a good night’s sleep can be a challenge for new parents struggling to catch some much-needed rest. Jessica Rivera can help. The certified sleep consultant launched her business aimed at helping parents teach babies to nap independently and sleep through the night. “Equipping your little one to enjoy sleep is one of the most beneficial and long-lasting gifts you can give them,” says Rivera. “Research proves that sleep is restorative and greatly improves physical, mental, and emotional health.” Rivera, who provides both private sessions...
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Early School Stress
Q: [School-Aged] My son is only in second grade, but he seems really stressed about schoolwork! We never had homework at this age, but he’s been dealing with that since Kindergarten, so I didn’t think it would be a big deal. But this year he gets emotional and frustrated when we even approach his homework nook at home and makes dramatic exclamations “I HATE SCHOOL!” “I CAN’T TAKE THIS!” as he sits there trying to muddle through. He seems so stressed that he can’t think straight and then is stuck for even longer and gets really down on himself when...
The Science of Fear
Q: [School-Aged] My little one has heard her older brother complain about ‘how hard’ science was for him and now as second grade looms, is worried she won’t be able to cut it. How can I build her confidence? A: The misconception that science is difficult to learn – or that kids either naturally understand subjects such as science and math, or they don’t – is pervasive. A highly publicized theory (Dweck) proposes that children either have a growth mindset (a belief that their abilities can be developed) or a fixed mindset (a belief that they have innate abilities). According...
Mission Hospital: Kick Tobacco to the Curb
Kick Tobacco to the Curb & Protect Your Unborn Baby's Heart Did you know that unborn babies exposed to tobacco are at higher risk of a-fib and stroke? One in every 4,000 newborn babies will suffer from a stroke, and that risk increases drastically with smokers. It's no news that smoking is bad for you, not to mention, highly addictive. But the chemicals tobacco contains, such as formaldehyde and tar that are absorbed by your lungs when you smoke, don't only affect you. Smoking is highly poisonous to your unborn child and can damage your baby’s lungs, heart and brain....
Palm Desert
A June Oasis While Palm Springs might not seem like an obvious trip to make in the heat of June, this jewel in the desert is an easy one-tank trip to a whole other world. Here are a few reasons we love it for a School’s Out or Father’s Day getaway. The Digs JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa The Caribbean Island Resort energy is so strong at this fabulous and luxe destination, you will catch yourself straining to hear the waves as you relax in nicely appointed rooms above an endless expanse of five freeform pools and waterways....
Going Tech-Free at Camp
Kids Unplug and Make Lifelong Connections In our world of constant connectivity, some might argue that kids shouldn’t be expected to “unplug” for weeks on end. And yet most overnight summer camps are still tech-free zones. Why? Recent studies reveal there are good reasons for taking a tech break. And seasoned camp directors are privy to a little known fact: Kids actually enjoy it. Erec Hillis, boys’ camp director at Camp Champions in Texas, says, “Many of our campers actually thank us for the opportunity to put away their phones for a while. Some of them say that it is...
Facial Treatments
Women face a lot of daily stress…and then stress even more when it shows on our face! If you can sneak away for a little me-time, pull double duty with a relaxing treatment that will leave you glowing and ready to, ahem, face the world. Many facials include scalp, hand, feet or neck massages — or that 15 minute pick me up can be tagged on simultaneously for a small fee without extending your time away from juggling all those home-and-family balls. If you can’t spare the hour, check out these at home helpers that can help you fake it...
The Art of the Heart
Help kids express their inner artist, and feelings, with these fun kits themed to the season. Foodstirs Valentine’s Kit How sweet is it to be loved by someone who ordered this chic kit by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Brownie heart pops are Pinterest-worthy, and tasty. $19.95, www.Foodstirs.com Mandala Expressions They might be too old for scrawled crayon roses, but these blossom-themed grown-up coloring books with Sargent Art pencils might be just the thing to de-stress tweens/tweens from their young love woes. $34.95, store.discovery.com Crystal Creation Kit Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend this time of year, but we loooooove STEM-activities...
Tips for Helping Your Back
Everyone loves a good massage, but sometimes it is more necessity than luxury. It is hard to juggle home, relationships, work and motherhood when you can’t even juggle a couple of foam balls without wincing. Getting away to a spa doesn’t always fit into our busy schedules, so here are a few at-home helpers we checked out to keep your back on track. Varidesk Pro Plus 36 Anyone with back troubles knows how challenging the simple act of sitting can be. This sit-to-stand desk keeps back pain from cramping your style at work. Simply set the ergonomically designed platform atop...
Art for the Holidays
(Photos Courtesy of Diana Shabtai) Making art as a family can help encourage bonding while creating something special for the holidays. Creating art together as a family this holiday season allows a parent to possibly gain better insight into how their child is feeling or thinking by encouraging them to participate in arts and crafts activities or other activities. Arts and crafts, for example, are a great way for youth to turn to their endless imagination all while doing something productive and expressive with it through creativity. There are many materials and activities to choose from, which can allow children...
Cool to Be Kind
Local mom creates book systems teaching kids that success is built on character. Being a mother doesn’t come with a handbook. So Danielle LaBriola, mother of two, decided to write her own book. A series of them, actually. Her book series, Crafting Character, is a five-trait system of books with accompanying interactive plushies that help cultivate the best character from kids. “I struggled to conceive my ‘miracle babies’ so I went all-in trying to be a perfect parent,” says LaBriola. Living in Coto de Caza with her 11-year-old twins, Jack and Scarlett, LaBriola says she planned amazing adventures for her...
Tunes in the Parks
Pack a family picnic and head out to one of these outdoor summer concerts Brea’s Summer Concerts in the Park Add a little excitement to your hump day slump at Brea’s City Hall Park, where summer concerts will be held each Wednesday. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic and relax while groups take the outdoor gazebo stage. A different genre will be featured each week. This is a family friendly event – even dogs are welcome. Shows run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 401 S. Brea Blvd. | July 11 to August 5 | www.ci.brea.ca.us/...
Kids Who Haunt
Wyatt Stanley working on the Hatbox Ghost for the Haunted Mansion-themed yard display at his Aliso Viejo home. (Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Younger generations of Halloween lovers are finding pathways to careers in theme parks, prop making and more. Jacob Larson was born into the haunting life. His dad, Dave, started a home haunt in Orange five years before Jacob was even born, in 1999. Now at 18, Jacob is busy working at Knott's Berry Farm as an FX technician in the Entertainment Department during the theme park’s biggest event: Knott’s Scary Farm. “In our department we create animatronics,...
Sleepaway Summer Camp Ready?
Q: [School Age] With summer just around the corner and camps filling up quickly, I want my kids to have a great summer packed with fun activities. How do I know if my child is ready for sleepaway camp – or better yet, how do I know if I’m ready? A: The late-night cabin talks, the songs around the campfire, the beloved cafeteria food and the adventures in the great outdoors—it’s an exciting time when your child reaches the age where he or she can attend a sleepaway camp. Here are some simple tips to help you assess if your...
Sea Change
Students ready to board the Crystal Cove Conservancy Science Cruise out of Davey’s Locker. (Photo courtesy of Davey’s Locker Sportfishing) The Marine Protected Area Science Cruise offers underserved students hands-on science field trips. For some, it’s a chance to get out of class and do something different. For others, it’s a pivotal moment that opens doors to new opportunities and career choices. Either way, local students — many from Title 1 and underserved schools — are playing an important role in protecting the environment. All of this is happening through the Marine Protected Area Science Cruise, a program that’s been...
Make a Summer Camp Plan
A pediatric and sports medicine expert offers tips on getting the most out of summer camp for your child….
Top Leader of Orange County 2023
(Photo by Ralph Palumbo) Adrienne Kessler Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park Adrienne Kessler strives to help others do the right thing. She was first introduced to autism spectrum disorders in 1995. Her work in the special needs community has evolved over the years and she now serves as CEO of Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park. “All too often individuals with special needs are looked over, forgotten or excluded from society, be it accessibility to places in our community to inclusion from activities, programs or events,” she says. “Individuals with special needs are just that...
LePort Montessori
The essential purpose of a LePort Montessori education is to offer each child an environment in which they can develop the skills and habits they need for a lifetime of learning and happiness. Our seven locations in Irvine and Huntington Beach offer programs from infancy through middle school, as well as Spanish and Mandarin immersion. At LePort, our mission is to equip each child with Knowledge for Life: the essential knowledge, thinking skills, and strength of character needed to flourish as joyful children today and as successful adults tomorrow. Schedule your tour today! 949-544-8859 | leport.com
Toon-Up
The redone Mickey’s Toontown awaits families with a freshly designed experience. Your kids might have been missing Mickey’s Toontown for a few years now…
Best Museums in OC
Explore, Learn, Discover! Find the best kid friendly museums that Orange County has to offer. 1. Discovery Cube Orange County (Photo Courtesy of Discovery Cube) Discovery Cube Orange County claims the top-ranking spot on our list for the sixth time. The interactive activities at the kids’ museum make science education fun for young visitors. Jump into a hurricane, take a simulated helicopter ride, survive the bed of nails, explore the solar system or go on a dinosaur quest, the immersive attractions can easily offer hours of entertainment. discoverycube.org | Santa Ana 2. Pretend City Children’s Museum (Photo Courtesy of Pretend...
Summer Family Art
Learn about the benefits of practicing art as a family and some creative activities for parents and kids for fun, summer self-care. The art process allows the family to strengthen their bond through creativity and to appreciate each other’s different perspectives. It also empowers the family’s creative thinking and stimulates the family’s identity as a team. This, in turn, improves mental health and well-being for the family. Creative expression through the therapeutic art process allows the family to gain new insights about themselves and each other. It fosters creative thinking and is a healthy, creative outlet for the family. It...
Family Fun
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County fun for families and plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Unique, trending and local — suggestions for everyone on your list For the Family 52 Essential Conversations Card Game A busy mom of three, Jenny Woo, of Irvine, wanted to create something to help maximize quality time with her children. She came up with a simple yet effective card game. Made up of questions in categories like compassion and responsibility (“What is a new responsibility that you want to have?”), the game works to open a family dialogue about important topics in a fun setting. $25, mindbrainparenting.org SafeSleeve Phone Cases Carlsbad-based SafeSleeve makes multi-functional anti-radiation phone cases for families concerned...
A Sweet Life
(Photo Courtesy of family Walls of Wonders Photography) Mom, social worker and entrepreneur Kimberly Luu taps her social network to help others. Kimberly Luu’s Instagram page portrays a glamorous life. Scrolling through images of fashionable moments interspersed with snapshots from her and her husband’s dessert parlor, Polar Playground in Huntington Beach. She posts at least one weekly update about her adorable 2-year-old son, who is usually eating pancakes. Based on images alone, an outsider might think Luu’s life is pretty sweet. Yet, she’s more complex than her social media persona. As a daughter to immigrant parents, she tries to help...
Distance Learning Tips for Working Parents
I’m a manager at a large company and a mom. Do you have advice on how I can manage my team from home while also managing my kids’ distance learning? All ages I can certainly relate with many parents in this situation that balancing work and home life is often a struggle. And if your role at work requires daily team and client meetings, along with managing virtual learning — well, let’s just say it’s not easy, especially for parents with young kids. And, it’s even more challenging because socialization with their friends is extremely important and impactful, while also...
Gaming and Screen Time Pros and Cons
(Photo Courtesy of Stillness InMotion/Unsplash) How do we balance gaming and screen time with off-screen activities? All Ages Let me be clear. I’m not a gamer. But I do spend many hours looking at screens. What are the pros and cons of gaming and screen time from the viewpoints of education and health? And who is to decide what’s too much or just right? As an educational consultant who speaks to parents about this topic almost daily, I must first say that I don’t claim to know the answer. But there is an answer for each family that can be...
Coping with a Child’s Anger
Q: [School Ages] What can I do to effectively approach my child’s anger or emotional outbursts? A: It’s common for children to have occasional tantrums and outbursts, but when their anger seems to flare up repeatedly or turn into aggression, it can be distressing for parents and often they feel unprepared with solutions. Here are a few helpful tips to help your child cope with anger: Lower Your Tone: It’s your natural inclination to verbally get loud to try to get ahold of an escalating situation. The problem with this is that for many children and teens, this can escalate...
Ways to Get Your Kids Moving
Q: [All Ages] All my kids want to do lately is to play video games or watch TV. How can I get them to exercise? A: In a day and age when technology is king, screen time is everywhere, and families keep busy schedules—sometimes we forget one of the most important things to our overall health and well-being: exercise. Good exercise habits start at a young age and hold many benefits, including improved physical health, increased self-confidence and mood, enhanced quality of life and better academic and work performance. But recent studies show that nearly one in five Orange County...
Halloween Mindfulness
Embrace the spooky season with a mindful approach. While Halloween tends to be associated with fright, it’s essential to remember the power of mindfulness.
Holiday Mindfulness Hacks
The holiday season is a time for parents to practice mindfulness and impart this invaluable skill to their children to teach them presence and gratitude.
Letter from the Publisher
This February issue marks a milestone for me as the publisher of Parenting OC. Twenty years ago was the first Parenting OC ever published by Tierney Publishing.
Pixar Haven
Get immersed at Disneyland Resort’s new Pixar Place Hotel. Splashes of color are everywhere you look at Disneyland Resort’s Pixar Place Hotel
Big Changes and Big Feelings: A New Sibling
Adding a child to your family is an exciting, joyful time! Especially if you have other kids who will become big brothers or sisters. Will they be excited?
Moms Who Care
Get to know some local Orange County moms who give back to the community in their own unique and charitable ways.
The Mental Health Struggle Is Real
(Photo Courtesy of Heritage Oak) Orange County educators discuss how the pandemic has affected their students’ mental health and what they’re doing about it. The pandemic has left its mark on pretty much every field, including, of course, the school system. Being confined to the home without much social interaction has impacted many students within both public and private school systems. We talked to some experts at private and public schools about how they’re working to overcome the mental health struggles presented by COVID-19. Mental Distress "We have noticed that many students have higher levels of anxiety brought about by...
The Bubble-Dash 2017
Online pre-registration is now closed! We will be accepting walk-ins throughout the day at Learn & Grow, but participation is subject to availability. Can you climb, dash, hop, roll and slide faster than any other kid on your block? Enter the Bubble-Dash Games at the Discovery Cube on September 30, and if you win, age group finalists will win fun outdoor toys, a family-four pack of tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, and the grand prize of appearing on our 2018 Summer Fun Issue cover. Age Groups Ages 5 to 6 Ages 7 to 9 Ages...
Golfboarding
With its scenic 3rd hole fronting Salt Creek Beach, and the rest of the Robert Trent Jones Jr. course commanding sweeping views of the Pacific, Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point has always mixed in a surfing vibe to the 70-par course, but players never actually expected to surf there when they slipped on their golf cleats—until now. Line up a round of golf for dad this month for Father’s Day with the added twist of a GolfBoard instead of a cart, and he’ll be smiling through the bogeys. Golfboards, which top out at 10 mph and handle like...
OC Yoga Mom & Son, Sahel Anvarinejad and Tabay Atkins
Dangling from the threads of an unraveling rope, Sahel Anvarinejad tried eating the right foods and taking on what mild exercise she could manage in order to help her endure the debilitating effects of chemotherapy for her non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With no hair, appetite, or zest for life, this mother of one fought hard. On a recommendation from a friend, Sahel turned to yoga in order to boost her energy, healing, and hope. She could never guess this trial would lead to a future of helping others in her position, a lesson her child, too, would inherit. Six-year-old Tabay, Sahel’s son,...
Special Beds for Special Kids
Q: [Infants & Toddlers] Our special needs little one is about to outgrow her crib, but I can’t imagine a regular bed working for her. She doesn’t have great physical control and it just doesn’t seem safe. But specialized beds are very pricy. Any tips on how to keep her sleeping safe? A: You are smart to recognize the potential hazard of a standard bed. Entrapment and falls are real concerns, especially if these vulnerable children don’t have full control over their body movements. The Food and Drug Administration has identified seven zones of bed entrapment: Zone 1. Within the...
Jessica and Alejandra
Creating a Cycle of Good One day in 2010, Jessica Romley (pictured on left) sat sipping coffee with a friend, listening to a story that would change her path forever. Her friend shared her enthusiasm about being part of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County, and of the sweet girl she helped through their mentoring program. Remembering her own childhood mentors, coupled with the positive example of a solid work ethic and successful marriage bestowed on her by her parents, Jessica thought, “I can do that for someone else.” Jessica completed the necessary paperwork in order to become...
Puesto
Irvine area OC’ers have been excitedly awaiting Los Olivos’ latest addition, a familiar hotspot for those enjoying the San Diego Marina or La Jolla’s laid back food scene. Now, they can share this fresh look at Mexican with their own families. “When launching Puesto with my brother and cousin, much of the inspiration came from our childhood memories of sharing delicious home-cooked meals with the rest of our family, says Eric Adler, one of Puesto’s owners. “Now, as a new dad to a 6-month-old baby girl, I’m looking forward to her trying her first taco, and celebrating my family’s love...
Watertable
Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach The innovative menu at this picturesque dining spot features contemporary American fare — a sort of accomplished Cali-comfort food. Sunday Night’s Southern Supper offers roasted salmon, six different side dishes, and warm biscuits for the table to share while the Family Kitchen features an active cooking station. (A build-your-own meal option gives room to try several of their addictive sauces.) We love that this restaurant offers a classy and romantic evening out for date night, but early sunset hours are ideal to grab an outdoor patio table with the family and let the kids wander the...
Stylish Finds
Coyuchi Handwoven Stripe Scarf This silky, translucent scarf rests lightly across the shoulders as a perfect chill-chaser for those first brisk days of fall. Hand-loomed from yarn-dyed cotton with hand-twisted yarns, it’s crafted in partnership with Indigo Handloom, whose products help sustain centuries-old weaving practices support local artisans and their families in rural India. $84, www.coyuchi.com Ebony & Silver Earrings West African tradition of fine silver jewelry is seen at its best in these graceful hook earrings. Hand-engraved silver falls to five decorative bands of inlaid ebony. This Fair Trade Product supports Nigerian Artisans working with the Union of Peasants...
Mermaids!
Mermaids aren’t “little” any more, the mystical creatures from the sea are HUGE! Here are a few of our favorite goods to splash out on. Fin Fun Mermaid Doll Tails Turn your favorite Barbie-style or American Girl-style friend into a creature of the sea with these pull on tails for dolls. $12, www.finfunmermaid.com Sea Sparkles by Aurora These soft plush mermaids are just the right size to swim along for the ride. We love how they embody the enchantment of the creatures without going “too mature” in their look. $8, www.auroragift.com Mermaidens Swimmable Mermaid Tail As close as you could...
Serenity Now
Q: [School-Aged] My son struggled with ADHD and his cousin has been diagnosed on the spectrum. My sister and I dread trips to the dentist because both boys have issues, for different reasons, being comfortable to be still and confined for the dentist or hygienist to do their work. How can we help them relax and make visits go more smoothly? A: It is important to work together, as a partner with the dentist and staff. Collaborating is the key to making the appointment successful. Call ahead of time and notify the doctor of your child’s condition so that everyone...
Mission Hospital: Summer Swimming Safety
Whether it's a pool, lake or ocean, summer is the time to make a splash. But before you cannonball into the water, plan ahead and keep in mind important safety tips. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 10 people die of accidental drownings a day. It is the second most common cause of death in young children in the U.S. It's vital that parents take precautions to protect their children, especially when they’re playing in and around the pool and ocean. Keep your child’s swimming adventures safe by following these guidelines. Keep a Close Eye...
Jessie’s Joy Jars
‘Her hope was to muster a fragment of joy in the hearts of children’ In March of 2011, Erik Rees and his family suffered a devastating blow when his 11-year-old daughter Jessie was told her skewed vision was the result of two inoperable brain tumors (DIPG). As Jessie and her parents drove away from Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Jessie looked at the panes of glass nestled in the cement wall of the hospital and asked her dad, “How can we help them?” Jessie knew behind each one of the windows on the oncology floor was a kid fighting cancer....
Meet our New Social Media Mama!
As if she didn’t have enough going on, we decided Jennifer Hulick needed to add a bit more to her plate and tagged her as our new Social Media Mama. What’s it like to raise a very full house of two teens, triplet kindergarteners, husband and boxer-mix Marley? “We’re busy, but that’s how I grew up – we had a big family and were always on the go. On Sundays, we spend time as an extended family at my parents’ in Huntington Beach. We’re all no more than a bike ride away, which is great. The kids all play in...
The Top Five Mental Health Myths
To truly end the stigma surrounding mental health, it’s important to understand the truths behind the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these disorders. It’s imperative to dispel the myths surrounding these illnesses in order to eradicate the fear and misconceptions so prevalent in families. Debbie Hutchinson, Psy.D., Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs and the Psychiatric Emergency Team at the Laguna Beach campus of Mission Hospital, identifies the following as common misperceptions about mental health: 1. Children with a mental illness are more prone to violence. When a tragic and violent crime occurs, people are too often quick to blame...
I Chews You!
Beat the chewy-blues with these clever teethers and gum soothers your baby will love. Eco-Teether Crib Rail Cover We all cringe at the sight of our little ones gnawing on the crib rail, toxic-free paint or not. These handy crib rail covers offer a comfy textured fabric that is machine washable and free of chemicals or dyes. $49, www.BabeeTalk.com Chubby Gummy Zoli’s toothbrush’esque version of a teether is made with BPA & phthalate-free thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and polypropylene (PP). The handle is easy to grasp, with an anti-choke shield ensuring they don’t poke those soft-textured nubs in too far. $12,...
Key to 2023
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) Why mindfulness is an essential skill of the new year. Navigating the modern world is not easy — our culture places excessive demands on our time and attention, often pulling our focus away from those nearest to us and even away from our personal health and well-being. Technology dominates every aspect of our lives. While it has undoubtedly delivered incredible opportunities and improvements to so many aspects of our lives, we must recognize the impact on our health and the health of our children while finding solutions that best protect our families. So much of our...
Art Therapy OC
Art Therapy OC is a cheerful, colorful, encouraging, & inspirational art studio for all ages. Come explore the enjoyable world of Art, it's endless creative, expressive, & therapeutic benefits, & possibilities for healthy better-living. Everyone is a creative artist! Dr. Diana Shabtai, “MissDee” looks forward to seeing you and yours this season for some fun holistic self-care for mental health. Diana offers a wide variety of unique beneficial creative wellness workshop choices where the art is tailored especially for you! You may schedule a private session, creative play date, join her awesome “creative kids camps,” have a personalized pARTy, corporate...
A New Normal for Mompreneurs
Find out how these OC mompreneurs have adjusted and adapted throughout 2020. Jasmine Roth Age: 36 Family: Husband, Brett; daughter, Hazel, 5.5 months City: Huntington Beach Star of: HGTV’s “Help! I Wrecked My House”; previously on “Hidden Potential” How did your passion for home construction and design begin? “By accident! I started building a house for my husband and I, and it sorta snowballed into a career. Whoops! That said, it's been a lot of hard work and dedication to get into this space and leave my mark. I still feel like an outsider and I'm constantly trying to prove...
Going Gourmet with Goofy
The Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure might sound like it’s for adults, but Disney makes sure there’s plenty of things to do for children too. One of those offerings for kids is a chance to learn how to bake the right way at an event called “Jr. Chef.” But this is no simple live cooking show; after all, this is a Disney theme park – so the children chefs have a special teacher. “It’s Goofy’s show,” said Gary Maggetti, general manager of Disney California Adventure. “He does make a mess.” The baking takes place on the Hollywood...
Kids in a Pod: Parents Seeking Educational Alternatives
In a COVID-19 world parents are now forming ‘pandemic pods’ for their kids. When her 7-year-old twins’ Los Alamitos school shut down in March — along with the rest of the state — Eunice Shin started thinking about alternatives. “I've been talking to two other families that are from my kids' classes about possibly doing a group learning,” said Shin. “All of the families have moms working full time from home and it has been challenging juggling both work and school for kids.” Following the school shutdowns and resulting move for education onto virtual platforms, parents were thrust into new,...
Tech Camp Stars
Your future programmer, filmmaker, video game-maker, or scientist will benefit from a summer full of fun and learning. Planet Bravo Whether it’s learning to code, film production, Minecraft, or even building robots, this camp allows kids to use create something awesome with technology in a fun one-week session. The 8 to 1 ratio of students to mentor allows kids to have the attention they need to develop as a programmer, while having fun with their peers who have their similar interests. 4947 Alton Pkwy, Irvine | planetbravo.com iD Tech Kids and teens of all skill levels will learn and interact...
Southern California Railway Museum
All Aboard for a full day of Family Fun with Thomas the Tank Engine & Percy! Day Out With Thomas is returning to the Southern California Railway Museum November 2021. Take a train ride behind Thomas & Percy, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a day of family fun! Additional activities include: Character Photo Ops Live Music Costume Contest Balloon Twister Petting Zoo Hay Maze Bubble Zone & more! Tickets Available Online https://socalrailway.org/scrm-events/thomas/
A True Warrior
(Photo Courtesy of Unlimited Possibilities) Local mom Vanessa Warrior helps children with developmental delays improve their gross motor skills while offering hope to families. Vanessa Warrior fights for children to have the best life possible regardless of their circumstances. “I get to play with kids who have developmental delays,” says the Lake Forest resident who helps local children as young as 4 months and adults up to age 22 develop and improve their gross motor skills. Warrior, a mom to a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, is the manager of physical therapy at Unlimited Possibilities where she’s worked for...
Top Teacher of Orange County 2023
(Photo by Ralph Palumbo) Rebeca Martinez Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley One visit to Rebeca Martinez’s economics class is enough to see just how much her students enjoy it. Whether it’s the student she’s picked out as “class greeter” offering enthusiastic support as students walk into the room, or one of her exercises, like drawing your feelings — it’s clear Martinez engages her students in innovative and inspired ways that make a deep impact on their lives. “My students inspire me every day,” says Martinez. “They inspire me with the obstacles that they overcome, their hard work, their...
St. Paul’s Lutheran School
St. Paul’s Lutheran School exists to educate children, nurture their faith, and equip them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are fully accredited by WASC, and NLSA, School of Distinction and National Blue Ribbon School! When you enroll at St. Paul’s, you become part of our family. Our loving and caring teachers and staff prepare our students to be future leaders, to think critically, show empathy, and to share Jesus’ love with others. 901 E. Heim Ave., Orange 714.921.3188 | www.splsorange.org
Summer Family Movie Guide
A sneak peek of the best of the big screen for families this summer. Disney, Marvel and toys will set the tone for summer movies in 2023…
Circus Vargas Ticket Giveaway
See Circus Vargas’ amazing 2023 production at Laguna Hills Mall May 5-May 22! A must-see, show-stopping spectacular certain to spark the imagination.
Glacial Escape
Luxury Sailing Meets Alaskan Adventure on the Re-imagined Celebrity Millennium. The southbound glacier sail on the Millennium starts with a two-hour scenic drive
Food
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County food for families and plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
STEM Toys
Pendulonium STEM Challenge Let your child explore the fundamentals of physics without them ever knowing. The Pendulonium STEM Challenge from Learning Resources is an entirely kid-powered activity set that will develop early engineering, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Kids launch balls at goal cups using a three-piece adjustable pendulum that introduces them to early physics concepts like force and momentum. As your child masters each challenge, use the included activity book to increase the level of difficulty to encourage continued development. If only all physics classes could have been this fun when we were in school. $19.99, www.amazon.com Beaker Creatures Greetings...
Moms at Work
(Dr. Behnaz Motlagh/Photo Curtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Local mompreneurs talk about their passions for business and family — and how they’ve overcome challenges. Dr. Behnaz Motlagh Family: Husband, Omid Nazeri; daughter, Moneli Nazeri, 13, son, Keon Nazeri, 7 City: Laguna Niguel Business: Health Solution Medical Corporation (healthsolutionsmedical.com) in Laguna Niguel What inspired you to become a doctor? “When I was 15 years old, I experienced a medical miracle. My father was in desperate need of a heart transplant at the age of 45. The heroes, his doctors and surgeons, were able to do the high-risk procedure and give my father...
Summer Sports Camp Tips
What should I keep in mind about sending my kids to a summer sports camp? All ages Enrolling a child in a sports camp positively focused around their interests ensures their vacation time and your money is well spent. When choosing a camp it’s important to consider the following: Safety Dropping your child off can sometimes be a daunting experience for any parent, particularly for the first time. A good camp will have a robust check-in and pick-up procedure in place that gives you peace of mind that the safety of participants is at the forefront of the planning process....
Mental Health Tips for Teens
(Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Cosens Photography/Unsplash) A teen mental health expert offers parents advice on avoiding the pitfalls of bad habits. The early months of the year are usually a time for reflection, resolutions and starting anew. But with the pandemic clearly seeping into 2021, it can be more difficult for teenagers to embrace a fresh start. That doesn’t mean they can’t try. Breaking bad habits — whether on Jan. 1 or on some random Tuesday in July — is about making conscious decisions. For parents and teachers, this means helping kids stick to routines. And for teens, this means...
Acknowledging Autism Awareness
Q: As a mother of a child with autism, I am often given eye rolls or useless parenting advice from others when she is acting up in public. What is some encouragement advice for others to be kind to the parents of special needs children and their parents? A: Maybe it is the month of April and the heightened awareness to special needs and particularly Autism, or the plethora of school shows and activities, but there so many different dynamics that bring the topic of Special Needs to an intense level at this time of year. Please always start with...
Autism and Adulthood
Supporting child with autism spectrum disorder through the transition of childhood to adulthood. The transition to adulthood for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging, and requires planning and special considerations. As adolescents graduate from high school or receive their certificate of completion, the structured supports they may have been receiving often are terminated, leaving them and their families confused about what resources are available as they pursue college, employment, and greater independence. Today’s statistics show that most adults with autism (84%) remain living with their parents and nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a...
Enriching Activities
In searching for the right after-school activities for your kids, here are five questions to ask. After-school activities help children explore new interests.
Holiday Gift Guide
Check out these educational, fun and functional gift ideas for the family. They will have your kids learning and laughing at the same time while looking stylish
Winning Goals for 2024
Our past Top Teacher winners share their goals for the year. We have had some amazing Top Teacher award winners, and what makes them all stand out is how each a
Mother’s Day Makeover Giveaway —2024
Enter our Deserving Mom Makeover Contest for two lucky moms to win a fabulous makeover package and a mini-portrait session to show off the final results!
Mompreneurs of OC: Baby Edition
When these hardworking and innovative mamas got down to business, they took inspiration directly from their little ones! Anna Dubrovsky City: Orange Mom to: Leela, 5, Rafael 4 Business Name: Wee Likey | weelikey.com Business Location: Wherever I happen to be Year of Business Creation: Incorporated in 2016, launched in 2017 What inspired you to become a mompreneur? I remember going to Babies“R”Us when pregnant and feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of products. I didn’t know what I would need or want. After my daughter was born, what I really wanted was sleep and the occasional shower. Earrings and bracelets...
Chronic Catalina
The impact of a million visitors a year and the arrival of dozens of activities can’t shake off the original Catalina. Here’s hoping it never fades away. By the nature of their isolation, separated by sea from other influences, islands can be slow to evolve. When a people, a way of life, a plant or an animal takes hold, these things happily cling and resist the forces of change as the world spins. Therein lies the charm of Catalina Island, at least for me. Most of Avalon took shape in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The shaper was William Wrigley Jr.,...
Editor’s Picks: August 2017
PICK OF THE MONTH HUCK FINN FISHING DERBY | August 12th Sometimes the best way to make family memories is to take the hooplah down a notch. This low tech, old school morning of outdoor fun to share with kids combines one of the most beautiful stretches of OC beach with a little nod to literature for good measure. The best part is, organizers make it easy for first timers - bait will be provided, and a limited number of loaner rods will be available too. Youngsters (ages 4-15) can have a "reel" fun time while casting for good luck...
Momma Chef’s S’mores Brownies
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. What could be better than combining brownies with chocolate chips and marshmallows? This was a creation developed by my boys and has become a family favorite. While baking, the marshmallows and chocolate chip melt into the brownies making it a gooey, delicious dessert! Best served hot with ice cream. Enjoy! Momma Chef’s S’mores...
Aidan’s “Where the Wild Things Are” Birthday Party
Aiden, 1 year old, Placentia Theme: Where the Wild Things Are Location: Pretend City, Irvine Photography by: Erica Villanueva Invites by: VistaPrint Cake (or Cupcakes) by: Cake by Torrance Bakery, Cookies by Custom Cookies by Katie Decor by: Sundee Rivers Entertainment or Party Planner: The crew at Pretend City The Goods on the Goody Bag: Chips, cookies, play dough, character hand sanitizer, ball, bubbles “The success of our party was in large part due to the hard work of the staff at Pretend City. Everyone was helpful and always available to assist during the planning process and the day of...
Blame It On the Rain?
Allergies or Sinus Infections, Explained. With this marking the wettest year in California’s history, blooms cover the once arid landscape and suddenly the hills are alive with the sound of…sneezing. But when heads gets stuffed up and those sniffles start; is it allergies, a simple change-of-season cold or sinus infection? One way to tell is the timing. If the discomfort and symptoms predates the blooms and pollen in the air, you probably can’t blame it on the rain. If you or your child has ever had a sinus infection, you know how miserable it can make you both feel. Your...
Sand in Their Hair?
Q: [School-Aged] My kids spent their whole vacay in the hotel kids’ club, much of it mashed in with new friends taking group selfies. Now I am looking at the pics with a shudder after catching both of them itching their scalps…yep, lice. How could this happen? A: As school vacation approaches, families look forward to a break from the demands of the daily routine. You want to come home relaxed and renewed after travels. You certainly do not want your children to return from hotel kids’ clubs or a cruise with an unexpected souvenir like head lice, turning a...
Back at The Ranch (at Laguna Beach)
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a special sort of place, tucked in a box canyon, it feels swept away from the traffic and hustle of Orange County. This is the sort of place where kids take in the otherworldy air of serenity and breathe a little easier. Parents worried about the junk food populating many kids’ menus these days can breathe easier, too. Part of that is thanks to Harvest’s Executive Chef Charles Imbelli, an exuberant father whose love and pride toward his daughter, Frankie, is as obvious as that he shows in his food. Charles Imbelli’s love affair...
Picking the Perfect Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
She carries a wand, she wears a crown, and she loves healthy smiles! We all know and love the tooth fairy—even though she may force you to make regular trips to the ATM, but the tooth fairy could not do her job if there wasn’t a healthy mouth to work with. Long before the tooth fairy takes flight, children as young as age one should be making trips to the dentist at least twice a year to prevent cavities and gum disease. In fact, this preventative work is so important that tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in...
New Year, New Family Dynamic
Families going through separation and divorce often struggle with how to talk with each other about all the transitions their family may be experiencing. Often, changes in the family situation take place after holidays, with both parties wanting to wait until after the festivities to make big changes that could cause upset. Here are a few tips during this time of transition: Be consistent with rules/boundaries: Kids need your guidance, and that includes firm rules or boundaries. Try to keep the children’s rules/boundaries the same as they were before the separation or divorce, if you can, and consistent between homes,...
Baby-to-Boardroom Bags
Moms don’t have to give up style to be prepared for every toddler trauma or baby blowout, and these carryalls pull double duty at the office or at home. Work it, Mama! Robert Matthew Jordan Tote We are so thankful for the perfectly harvest-inspired look of this Animal-Friendly pu Leather, we don’t even mind that it might not technically be a diaper bag. It’s big enough to handle a full sized laptop for work, while offering enough room for the odds and ends your little one would be lost without. The attached mini-wallet can carry the necessities for those time...
Halloween, Baby!
What’s cuter than a dressed up baby, right? But costumes from Halloween shops tend to be anything but comfy and often have accessories or decorations which are unsafe. We tracked down items for four unique looks that are cozy, while festive, and can be enjoyed by baby (and everyone around baby) long after the last Jack o’Lantern candles flickers out. Doodlepants Monsters Slide on these sweaterknit leggings and give new meaning to “creepy crawlies”. While we love Frank’, the more general monsters have staying power to last past the 31st. www.doodlepants.com World Traveler We love that no only will your...
First Impressions
Q: [School-Aged] My son has been diagnosed as ADHD. We are about to start a new school, how should I present this to the teacher to best get an advocate for him when I’m not around and make sure he isn’t misunderstood as a ‘bad kid’? A: In my experience, the best way to approach this issue to be honest and upfront with the school and teachers. Hopefully, your son has an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or a 504 Accommodations Plan, to get any extra help or services he may need. Federal Law requires schools to provide an environment where...
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