Exodus Escape Room Birthday Party
Carter, 13, Orange Theme: Masquerade Ball Location: Exodus Escape Room, Anaheim Hills www.ExodusEscapeRoom.com Photography by: Holly Bruning Invites by: Paperless Post Cake (or Cupcakes) by: Nothing Bundt Cakes, Orange Decor by: Themed-room provided as part of clue-filled game Entertainment: Staff at Exodus Escape Room Food by: Whata Lotta Pizza of Orange The Goods on the Goody Bag: Party City props & trinkets “Exodus Escape Room was a big hit with the 12 and 13 year old girls, they all said they wanted to do it again. We passed out Mardi Gras-style eye masks from Party City for all the girls....
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana Featuring over 150 artifacts with real human and animal mummies, this is the largest exhibit ever assembled of mummies and related historic items. Visitors will get a rare look into the past and get a sense of what life was like long ago in ancient Egypt, South America and Europe. The exhibition’s cool state-of-the-art technology, 3D animation and interactive features all help to provide visitors with an immersive museum-going experience. For a unique step back in time, visit the exhibit at Bowers Museum, through September 5. www.bowers.org Chapter Two Grand Re-Opening Once Upon a Storybook, Tustin...
What’s in your Easter Basket?
Listen up, Peeps! Chocolate eggs and colorful jellybeans might sweeten the pot, but these adorable trinkets are completely sugar-free (and just might fit nicely into medium or large plastic eggs!). Bunny Slippers Toddler toes can race through the egg hunt on these adorable non-slip suede soles, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. $20, robeez.com Soapsox In a contest for cuteness, this cuddly ducky cleans up — and also has a slot for a bar of soap to help with little ones’ baths. $10, www.soapsoxkids.com Piggy Paint Their little piggies will cry “Wheee! Wheee! Wheee!” all the way to the...
SOL Cocina
Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com This hotspot boasting coastal Baja-inpired cuisine, featuring authentic flavors reminiscent of surf trips and street carts served up in surrounds with a decidedly upscale flair, is helmed by James Beard nom’d Executive Chef & Partner Deborah Schneider. Chef Deb is not only an award-winning cookbook author and successful restaurateur, but a mom. But is this trendy eatery good for families? “It sounds cliché, but there is something for everyone to enjoy; and we like kids!,” says Schneider, who believes in expanding culinary horizons for little ones. “I raised two! My rule was, ‘Just try it —...
Parenting Through Trauma
(Photo Courtesy of Xavier Mouton Photographie) How do I help guide my kids through the trauma of school shootings? All ages Earthquake drills. Fire drills. These types of emergency preparations have long been part of student life in Orange County schools. These days, unfortunately, many children have something else built into their school schedules: active shooter drills, to prepare them for the possibility of a mass school shooting. The Robb Elementary School shooting in May was the 27th school shooting this year, according to Education Week. There have been over 200 mass shootings in the US this year alone. It...
Baseball Dad
[caption id="attachment_36208" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Courtesy of Los Angeles Angels[/caption] COVID-19 and stay-home orders have impacted all people and industries — including baseball. In time for Father’s Day, we spoke with Los Angeles Angels baseball outfielder Justin Upton to get a glimpse of a professional athlete and father living life in the age of coronavirus. Justin Upton Los Angeles Angels outfielder City: Newport Beach Family: Wife, Ashley; daughters, Sydnee, 4, and Evyn, 1 Los Angeles Angels player: Since 2017 How long did you know you wanted to be a professional baseball player? “I started playing when I was 4 years old...
Creature Comforts
(Ethan with Anneliese Schools miniature horse/ Photo Courtesy of Anneliese Schools) Anneliese Schools Animal Care Coordinator Janet O’Faolain talks about the important role animals can play in child development. Stefanie Speed A New York native, Janet O’Faolain found it therapeutic being around the horses in Central Park. She learned about therapeutic horsemanship and began volunteering in the Bronx. When she moved to California, she volunteered at The Shea Center in San Juan Capistrano. “I was studying yoga and yoga therapy while volunteering,” she said. “I wanted to do both. In 2008, I became a therapeutic riding instructor through...
Bringing the Family Together Through Fishing
Start a new tradition with an old classic and let the serenity of fishing bring you together. The most restful adult day I ever spent was on a sport fishing boat out of Dana Point Harbor. (The second most restful day was rock climbing out at Lake Perris.) In both cases, my mind was totally focused all day on what I was doing and the scenery around me. Climbing, my nose was inches from the rock face, my hands and feet attuned to every ridge and bump that might give me a handgrip or foothold. I was concentrating too hard...
e-Scholars Network
Covid safe online tutoring Assistance in K-8, high school, and college subject matter Our teachers or "e-Scholars" will help your student get back on track with distance learning, homeschooling, in-person learning, or any combination All sessions designed and taught exclusively by licensed and credentialed teachers from across the United States and are personally tailored to your student's ability, schedule, and taught at their pace Where teachers TEACH and students LEARN Click HERE to visit our website and learn more!
Helping Children’s Anxiety with Summer Camps
Q: [School-Age] How can I help my son ease his anxiety of going to summer camp? How can I ease my own anxiousness with it? A: Going off to summer camp for a child can cause them to become real anxious – especially if they are gone for a long period of time and if it is their first time going. So what is a parent to do if a child is having anxiety about going off to camp? The Child Mind Institute offers these words of advice for parents who have children that are having anxiety about going to...
Guide to a Healthy Mind
Learn some insightful tips for keeping the mind in an optimal state. There are many approaches to mental health, and finding the one that fits you is a journey…
Looking Back and Ahead With Disney100
(Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Resort) Disneyland Resort celebrates Disney100 with new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride, new Nighttime Spectaculars and more — while honoring the history of Disney. Oh, how different the country was in 1923. Just five years removed from World War I, women had just won the right to vote and the population of California was less than the population of Los Angeles today. Barely a third of Americans owned a phone, even less had indoor plumbing and electricity and Orange County was an agricultural community. When local developers erected massive letters on a hillside overlooking LA,...
Summer Camp Support
(Photo Courtesy of Endless Sun Surf Camp) Mental health remains in view for camp directors as we head into summer camp season. In 2020, Camp James directors received emails or had parents coming in to say — often with tears in their eyes — that they had not seen their child smile for the past months prior to coming to camp. “That they see that their precious little child is still in there after months of being homebound essentially and that at camp they see all their happiness returning,” said Camp James Newport Dunes co-director Theresa Collins. “We have returning...
Autism and Fanfiction
‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories. A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes. “We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor...
Navigating Divorce with Children
My husband and I are currently getting divorced and I know that it can be traumatic for kids, so how can I help them work through these kinds of traumas?
The New Fiesta Village at Knott’s
The redesigned Fiesta Village at Knott’s is opening in time for summer and promises to be full of Mariachi music, storytelling, Folklorico dance performances an
Kids Play & Places
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County kids’ play and places, plus 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
Mom, social worker and entrepreneur Kimberly Luu taps her social network to help others…
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.
Summer Camps for the Future
Learn how summer camps can help inspire careers. Summer camp is a time for fun, learning and making new friends. And for some, it’s also the chance to think abo
Thriving at Camp
Learn how to help your child with special needs have an enriching summer camp experience. Choosing a summer camp — and preparing your child with special needs
Valentine’s Day Heart Craft and Lesson
(Photo Courtesy of Adriene Madden/Adventures in the Schoolhouse) The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you how to create a craft for your Valentine. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos. https://youtu.be/bksqjLxmu8w Craft Supplies 1 Pinecone Paper plate Yarn Safe Needle Scissors Hole puncher Enter Our Craft Photo Contest Submit a picture of your child with this craft or any other craft of your choice below for a chance to be featured in Parenting OC Magazine, on The Little Red Schoolhouse’s socials and to win a free class with Mrs. Madden! Plus, the...
The Mom’s Guide to Choosing a Preschool
Learn how to find a preschool that fits the needs of your child and family…
Learn & Grow 2024
An estimated 1800 visitors came out to be entertained and to meet the Learn & Grow exhibitors on Saturday, September 14, at The District at Tustin Legacy.
November Thanksgiving Craft: Thankful Turkey Centerpiece
(Photo Courtesy of Adriene Madden/Adventures in the Schoolhouse) The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you and your family on how to create a Thanksgiving Turkey Centerpiece. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos. https://youtu.be/SXYawt-fyEw Craft Supplies Fall-colored construction paper or card stock 2 round foam spheres from the floral section of any craft store (1 small and 1 large) 2 large balls or skeins of yarn 1 7-10 inch skewer or wooden dowel Scissors Glue gun Stick pins Googly eyes Colored felt Enter Our Craft Photo Contest Submit a picture of your...
DIY Halloween
Discover 4 creative and easy DIY Halloween costume ideas that you can create last minute with items that you already have at home. Perfect for all ages!
The Montessori Method
What is experiential learning in Montessori education? All ages Maria Montessori, a pioneer in the field of neuroscience and child development, was the first to recognize the connection between movement and cognition. Her scientific observations led her to conclude that physical action helps to create stronger neural connections in the brain. Her idea of the “absorbent mind” clearly describes a process where the child integrates information from the environment through experiences gained from sensory integration. She stated, “What the hand does, the mind remembers.” To put it simply, children learn by doing. They need to explore and discover through hands-on...
Editor’s Picks: May 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHBear Awareness DaySaturday, May 4th Ursine enthusiasts will barely be able to contain their excitement over today’s activities (10 am–3 pm). Gather family and friends for a day of bear-themed activities, zookeeper chats and more. Chat with bear keepers and visit learning stations where you can discover the latest in bear research and conservation. Find out how to react in a bear encounter and ways to “bear-proof” camping sites. There will be bear-related craft projects designed for kids too.Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under free)....
Rhythm Service
Learn how Orange County Music & Dance has served both children and veterans with the healing powers of music throughout the pandemic…
Math Solutions
Learn the unique approach of the Russian School of Mathematics and how it shapes students mathematical abilities and critical thinking skills.
Picking a Pediatrician
What are some questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician? Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions parents will make. Since…
Positivity and Partnership
Positivity and Partnership
When you first learn that your child has special needs, you may feel as though you have been tossed into turbulent waters, with…
Los Olivos Community Park
Taking place on March 2, the grand opening of the Los Olivos Community Park will let the public come and see the sprawling 12.5 acre location, which has fields for multiple kinds of sports and activities. These areas even include lighted baseball fields and basketball courts, a soccer field and four tennis courts for community use. The fun doesn’t have to be strictly outdoors either, as the park now comes with a sizable and modern community center. The 6,700-square-foot facility is equipped with a large multipurpose room, a patio area for those perfect summer days and even a warming kitchen....
Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
Best Inclusive for Little Ones Heading out to a beach vacation with little ones isn’t exactly a stress-free option for travel when the surf rises. However the natural geography of Provodenciales and its shallow shelf makes it an ideal spot to splash and have fun with the kids, without concern about them wandering into deeper water. The white sand in front of the gorgeous Grace Bay Club is soft for baby’s sensitive feet and if your crew gets too salty, ten waterslides, a lazy river and endless pool options await. When kids get a little older (5-12), they will be...
Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Kids
How can we keep active as a family? Between school drop-off and pick-up, work duties, homework and dinner prep, squeezing in a workout sounds impossible…
The Power of Routine
How consistent habits can boost your child’s school success. As a father, I am dedicated to both the personal growth and well-being of my children. I often find
Discovery Cube OC Launches Fourth-Annual Pumpkin Palooza
Pumpkin Palooza is where education meets pure fun. This event is packed with two floors of thrilling activities, a frightfully fun dance party and a festival full of spooky science. Head to the second floor theater for the electrifying Pumpkin Palooza Dance Party.
ABT Gillespie School and annual “Nutcracker” turn 10
This season’s production of “The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 11-21. Rosey and Mabel Francis have been students at the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie…
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