High Expectations
Special education teacher Nicole Messick has a deep passion for helping nurture student potential. They may look different. They may behave differently.
OC Report Card
Amid falling test scores nationally and statewide, Orange County schools’ outlook is a bit brighter. The news was disappointing but not shocking.
When You Inspire a Passion for Learning … the Extraordinary Happens
When You Inspire a Passion for Learning… the Extraordinary Happens. At Stratford School outstanding outcomes only occur through intentional balance.
Have a Disney Playdate this Weekend
Get ready for a three-day magical extravaganza with “Disney Junior & Friends Playdate,” celebrating the entertaining and music-filled stories of Disney Junior’s popular series for preschoolers and their families at Disney California Adventure Park on Friday, Aug. 18 and Downtown Disney District on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20. The festivities kick off Friday at California Adventure with a Playdate Party Parade featuring Disney Junior characters — including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Elena of Avalor, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Vampirina, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Goofy, Pluto and Mira, Royal Detective. Special “Disney Junior Live!...
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!
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!
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!
Art De-Stress
Help reduce anxiety in kids during the back-to-school season through these fun art projects. Many kids experience anxiety. Different feelings can come up
Mindful Practice
Learn how practicing mindfulness helps children with anxiety. Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment while allowing yourself to experience emotions.
Classes
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County classes for kids plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Camps
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County camps for kids plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Education
We bring you the best of the best in Orange County education for all ages plus plenty more you won’t want to miss. Congratulations to all our winners!
Health, Lifestyle & Beauty
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Terry Dubrow, MD Long before he became famous through his TV shows, Dr. Terry Dubrow was pursuing his passion for plastic surgery and the profound difference it can make in patients’ lives. He believes in minimal treatments with natural-looking results. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. drdubrow.com | Newport Beach Best Dermatologist California Coastal Dermatology — Litchfield, Amy H., MD Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amy H. Litchfield has been helping adult and pediatric California patients look their best for more than two decades. She...
Animal Appreciation
How can I teach my young child to respect, observe and appreciate wildlife at zoos and while in nature? There are many ways to help children respect wildlife.
Leading through Reading
Shannon Woest helps kids connect to the world through a love of books. She volunteered at Mission Viejo’s Del Lago Elementary School 13 years ago and never left
Community Comments
Best Bowling Alley Saddleback Lanes “I’ve been going to Saddleback Lanes since the ‘90s when I was a child growing up in Mission Viejo. I always looked forward to birthday parties and events there and even joined a league as a young teenager. I’m excited to share these experiences with my daughter when she’s old enough to bowl.” — Maureen Boswell, Mission Viejo Best Swim Class Goldfish Swim School “I highly recommend Goldfish Swim School to parents who want great instructors to teach their children water safety skills. Every staff member is highly trained to make sure you have a...
Holiday Gift Guide
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Unwrap excitement this season with on-trend stocking stuffers and unique local finds for everyone on your list. FOR KIDS (Photo Courtesy of Red & Olive) Red & Olive Co. Stuffed Dolls Each doll created by stepmother-and-daughter team Lita Barreda and Destiny Conner has its own personality, from Sassy Cassy the cat to Stinky Reed the adventurous skunk. Designed in Newport Beach and hand-knitted by artisans in Peru, the 7-inch baby collection animals fit perfectly in the crook of tiny arms, while 22-inch dolls make the perfect friends for kids with big imaginations. $35-$98; redandoliveco.com (Photo Courtesy...
Holiday Gift Guide
For Kids Mickey Mouse Activity Bench Mickey Mouse is 92 years old this holiday season and what better way to celebrate than gifting your little one a piece from Delta Children’s licensed Mickey Mouse line. Bring home the fun-loving charm of Mickey Mouse and his friends Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy with this bench. The Mickey Mouse Activity Bench design features a conversion from a storage bench into desk in a matter of seconds. An adorable addition to any little boy or girl’s playroom, this clever activity bench will have your child smiling from ear-to-ear when they see the colorful...
Special Products for Special Kids
Myths for Little Yogis Megan Henderson wrote the book “Myths for Little Yogis — Shiva's Dance” to share what the wonders of yoga practice can do for everyone. Henderson’s passion for yoga accessibility stems from her work promoting the healing power of yoga to children with special needs. Yoga helped her own daughter, who has Down syndrome, develop enough strength and balance to begin crawling. The book is an introduction to an ancient Indian myth and source of the dancer’s pose in yoga. Your kids will be enthralled with the story of Shiva restoring balance to the universe all while...
The OC Holiday Gift Guide 2019
Your guide to holiday shopping at Orange County-based businesses. FOR KIDS Learn to Surf Let the pros teach your little ones how to surf the best waves with surf lessons at Newport Beach-based Learn to Surf. All surf instructors are either lifeguards or pro surfers ready to teach all ages and ability levels. Each session consists of a 30-minute sand demo followed by 1 1/2 hours in the water. Use of wetsuit and surfboard are included. Starting at $150 for a two-hour lesson for one surfer; learntosurfhb.com Tillys With an enormous list of name brands — from Adidas and Vans...
Toys for All Needs
Playfoam Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends has a surprise in every container. In each of these fun, colorful and squishy Playfoam pods, there lies a Fantasy Friend who is waiting for your child to be their best friend. Not only that, but the Playfoam that hides the Fantasy Friend can be used to shape and sculpt nests, beds, perches and anything else your child dreams up. The foam is three-toned and covered in eye-catching sparkles and it never dries out—letting the fun go on and on while your kid makes different shapes, animals, props and more out of this extremely versatile...
Rainy Day Fun
Rainy days as of late have made us search for fun things for the kids to do indoors. The kiddos can stay warm and dry at home while having a blast with these entertainment options. Beaker Creatures Whirling Wave Reactor Toys and books are all fun, but for a truly exciting reaction, Beaker Creatures’ brand-new Whirling Wave Reactor will have your children making their own creatures right in the comfort of home. For those parents whose kiddos are mad scientists in training, this is perfect for birthdays and special occasion gifts. This incredible and inventive Whirling Wave Reactor is virtually...
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...
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...
Hot New Spooky Items for Halloween
DIY Halloween Costume Kits Calling all creators: Inspire budding innovators this season with these STEAM-focused Halloween Costume Kits from KiwiCo. Kids can choose to be a Glowing Horn Unicorn, a Chomping Mechanical Dinosaur, a Light-Up Alien Spaceship and so much more. Kits include everything your child needs to build a unique costume along with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. We can’t all be Pinterest parents who design custom-costumes, but with these kits, it can be our little secret, wink-wink. $9.95-$44.95, kiwico.com Mini Maker Tube Unleash your creepy creativity and let your imagination run wild with this Mini Maker Halloween Tube that includes...
Books to Toys and More for Going Back-to-School
Kudo Banz Looking for a way to motivate and cultivate your child’s best habits? Then look no further than Kudo Banz! Kudo Banz is an innovative behavior reward system similar to a sticker chart, only worn on your child’s wrist. Children earn “kudos” for good behavior, and can see their progress easily and frequently. With a tie-in story “The Adventures of Drago and George” and an augmented reality component compatible with smartphones, Kudo Banz will encourage and cultivate better behavior in no time. $29.99; age range: 3-10 years; kudobanz.com Highlights Big Fun Activity Books Is the “Summer Slide” kicking in?...
Toys That Teach
These new toys on the market stir the imagination and encourage learning with hours of entertainment. Code & Go Coding is an essential skill for emerging learners, but with learning about coding comes more time staring at a computer. The Code and Go Mouse Mania Board takes an analog approach to coding and gamifies STEM by having two to four players take on the role of mice searching for delicious wedges of cheese. In order to win players will have to string together coding cards to make their way around a maze, maximizing their exposure to coding and minimizing their...
Thinking Toys
These fun, interactive toys inspire creativity and imaginative play for all ages. Sculptapalooza Part Playfoam and part Michelangelo, Sculptapalooza will have you and your family laughing out loud as you race against the clock to complete sculpting challenges. Encouraging creativity and social skills, Sculptapalooza is an ideal game for artists both young and old alike! $19.99; age range: 2+ years; amazon.com Botley the Coding Robot Computer coding is a skill that will no doubt be essential as your child makes their way through their school years. Help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow with Botley the Coding Robot. This...
Special Toys for Special Needs
These toys and products will stimulate and encourage the imaginations of all sizes and ages. Busy Barn Bright Basics Based on the nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” the Busy Barn expands on the busy board concept by incorporating eight different engaging activities. Not only does the Busy Barn encourage imaginative play, but also presents educational concepts like cause and effect, making it ideal for emerging learners. $24.99; age range: 2+ years; amazon.com Nurture Smart Mobile Not your standard mobile, the Nurture Smart Mobile is designed to be the “most advanced crib mobile ever created”. With multiple sound options...
Environmentally Safe Products
These safer versions of simple products will help you and your family to be more environmentally conscious, healthy and happy. Talking Telescope Does your child yearn to live among the stars? Encourage your own version of Elon Musk with this talking telescope, which contains twenty-four fascinating images and facts to encourage them to explore our galaxy and beyond. With this telescope it’ll only be a matter of time before they fire their own car into space… $49.99, educationalinsights.com Play and Learn: Compost Kit Want to teach your child about composting and the importance of buying biodegradable products? Nancy B’s Science...
Items to Keep Your Life Simple, Safe, and Spotless
Check out these new products on the market created to make your life simpler, safer and spic-and-span. On-the-Go Cup Kafe in the Box is a square-shaped cup will make you look stylish while reducing coffee or tea spills all over your car or gym bag. With a splash-proof lid and double wall insulation, you can take whatever hot drink you enjoy everywhere you go — and its BPA, BPS and Pthalate-free, so you will feel good about drinking from it. $15.99 (12 oz), $17.99 (16 oz), amazon.com Safe Earphones Protect your child’s eardrums while they’re listening to their music or...
Educational Toys
Want to get an edge on your child’s education? Follow our experts’ advice and make it all about play. TK2 SCOPE This award-winning microscope is a dual light, sturdy metal and plastic piece of tech designed for frustration-free science. Two LED light sources allow for both the viewing of large objects lit from above or the viewing of thinly sliced or translucent specimens lit from below. (Included manual guides through endless learning options.) $135, www.thamesandkosmos.com Build-Your-Own-Computer Piper flips screen time worries to give kids an active role in the tech they use. Kids assemble a handcrafted wooden box and screen...
Hot Educational Toys
These educational toys make learning a blast! Smithsonian Mold & Paint Kits The education craft kits by Skullduggery combine creativity, discovery, and learning in one. Each kit includes everything needed to create a masterpiece and an Illustrated Educational Booklet. We love the Dolphin and Whale Kit for marine mammal fans, while the Space Kit launches imaginations as they recreate history. $15, www.skullduggery.com PLAYMOBIL Pharaoh’s Pyramid Spark a love of history, and let imagination unlock ancient secrets and mysteries. Uncover sneaky traps and hidden treasures throughout five chambers, climb to the top to explore the mummy’s tomb chamber, or remove the...
Healthier You In The New Year
(Photo Courtesy of Desiree Williams) Local physical therapist and TV personality offers seven tips to help new moms create a healthier lifestyle for the whole family. Welcome to the most impactful, exhausting, overwhelming, all-encompassing, full-time job you will ever have — motherhood! As a new mom, finding the balance between your needs and those of your new child can be challenging, and that bounce-back, post-baby body is never quite as easy as the celebs make it seem. The truth is there is no magic solution to getting you back to your pre-baby bod, nor should you put that additional pressure...
OC Moms: Kate Casey, Briana Vartanian, Kenna Florie and Audrina Patridge
These moms may be in the public light, but they’re moms doing the real work of raising kids. [caption id="attachment_31921" align="aligncenter" width="330"] Photo by Ralph Palumbo[/caption] Kate Casey Comedian/Host/Author | www.loveandknuckles.com Married to: Dan Kids: Mia, 9, Jack, 7, Hayes, 5, Sutton, 3, and Caroline, 9 months Lives in: Newport Beach Podcast: “Reality Life with Kate Casey” (since 2016) In a nutshell: “Philadelphia suburbs born and raised, college in Washington, D.C. Worked in government and then ran my own public relations firm media consulting for global law firms. After the birth of my first child I began writing television recaps,...
Moms at Work
(Photo Courtesy of Marcella De Anda) These busy OC moms share their insights on running their businesses while balancing family life. Marcella De Anda Family: Matteo, 14, Sebastian, 13 City: Yorba Linda Business: Taqueria De Anda headquartered in Fullerton How does Taqueria De Anda stand out? “Taqueria De Anda was founded by my mother and father 40 years ago. Taqueria De Anda is different and special because of its authenticity — our dishes are truly those you’d find from the best cooks in Mexico, whether they are street vendors or chefs specializing in the region’s traditional foods. We use only...
Moms at Work Spotlight
(Photo Courtesy of Foster Family) These OC moms share their personal challenges and offer advice to being your own boss. Savannah Foster Family: Husband, Brooks, Beckham, 4, Romy, 2, and Millie, 6 months City: Aliso Viejo Business: NFL agent and vice president of client relations at Athletes First Biggest challenge: “With a 24/7 career, I find myself on my phone way too much, and I struggle with unplugging and remaining fully present while at home with my family. I’m constantly working to maintain a better balance and give my kids the best version of me.” Best advice for mompreneurs: “Take...
Moms Doing Good
(Photo Courtesy of Julia Bendis) Moms across the county share their stories of how and why they give. Julia Bendis City: Rancho Santa Margarita Family: Husband and two sons ages 17 and 22 How do you give back? “Since Day 1 of the war in Ukraine I got on the phone connecting with volunteers, civilians and military personnel on the ground, translating documents from the Ukrainian government with requests for medical supplies, connecting NGOs and other volunteers for evacuations, calling Ukrainian people stuck in their homes to get them evacuated safely, a lot of them elderly, disabled or with medical...
A Sweet Life
Mom, social worker and entrepreneur Kimberly Luu taps her social network to help others…
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...
Vision Mission
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo/Dr. Arian Fartash and her daughter Isabella) A local optometrist helps educate parents and protect their children’s eyes with OC-based GlamBaby. When Dr. Arian Fartash became a new mom, one of her favorite pastimes became shopping for her baby girl. But the local optometrist soon found out there was one accessory that was severely lacking for young children — eyewear. “It was a surprise, given my passion and commitment to eye care, that there wasn’t a company committed to protective, stylish and quality frames that were also reasonably priced,” said Fartash. “I knew that if I...
Mom Power— Giving Birth to Premature Twins During the Pandemic
Local nurse becomes a patient and a mother in the midst of COVID-19. Becoming a working mom is hard enough. Being a nurse is hard enough. Life during the pandemic has been hard enough. Melissa Leite pulled off something like the modern mom hat trick, giving birth to twins at the hospital she works in during a pandemic. You may applaud if you like. As a nurse at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital, she’s worked in various departments, so she understands the value of preparedness. But there are only so many things you can plan for. “Nothing was normal with our...
Moms on the Frontline
Five steadfast and courageous Orange County moms, serving the community amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Paramedic Stephanie Maynard Job: Orange County Fire Authority firefighter/paramedic Residence: Central Orange County Family: “I’m a single mother of one boy who is 7 years old and is in first grade.” What inspired you to make this your career? “I have been a firefighter for 13 years and a firefighter/paramedic for two years. I had always wanted to be a firefighter as they had helped me when I was in a car accident in my 20s. The camaraderie of station life, uncertainty of what...
Must-Have Hot Items for Mom & Dad
Spill-free Snacks and Drinks While you are traveling and spending time in the car or at a daycare, Precidio Design has a new snack and drink container system that bring you the simplicity and ease your busy mornings need. Their new containers, Snack in a Box and Drink in a Box, are a spill-free way to have your favorite juices, fruits and snacks within arms reach of your child. The unique box-shaped containers are leak-free, reusable and have dual chambers—perfect for multiple snacks or a drink and snack combo when your child is grumpy. Not only do these containers make...
Gifts for Mom
Moxxly Flow For moms who are breastfeeding, there is finally an easier way to pump on the go. The Moxxly Flow Accessory Kit is made especially with working moms in mind, allowing them to pump discreetly from any location. The smaller and more efficient sizing of the pump makes the entire process simpler. No more having to deal with bulky suction cups that slip, overly large bottles or having to run to the nearest bathroom every few hours. The flow kit is hands-free, discreet and lets you have a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. $79.99, www.moxxly.com Essential Oil Bracelet Mothers are...
Back-to-School Items for Mom & Dad for Home, Office and More
Yanoda Memo Board Let’s face it: Back-to-school can get hectic. Make life simple and never forget another dance recital or PTA meeting with this gorgeous gold-framed Yanoda Memo Board. Featuring a calendar, notes and to-do section, there’s room for the whole family’s busy schedule, and the white board format makes it easy to erase and change items as needed. Best of all, Yanoda Memo Boards are made from recycled materials, which makes them a win for your family and the environment. That’s a no-brainer in our book. $49.98, vistaframes.com Jamber Mugs Say goodbye to burns and spills and start your...
Health and Business Goods for Moms
You stock your house with all the kids’ needs, attend to your own at the office with a few of our favorite biz goods. Vaya Tyffyn Elevate your lunchbreak with the Cadiilac (or Bentley or Rolls) of lunch boxes. The ingenius design is only enhanced by the copper finished stainless steel eco-vacuum vessels which keep food warm, or cold, for five hours. (You’ll never be tempted by el Pollo Loco bowls again!) $59, www.vayalife.com Samsonite Mobile Office Take your business for a spin with one of these mobile offices that let you put your hands on anything you need for...
Holiday Health
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) With the holiday rush here, how do I keep my family healthy, fit and safe? All ages With the upcoming holidays, there’s a lot of focus on meals, preparing for family gatherings, and for families with little ones, creating safe and enjoyable celebrations. The holidays are a wonderful time for creating memories, but it is also important to keep your children and families on track when it comes to nutrition, exercise and safety. Holiday Meals When you think about holiday meals, one of the first things that may come to mind is an excessive intake of...
Parents’ COVID-19 Vaccine Questions Answered
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) What should I know about the COVID-19 vaccine for younger kids? Ages 5 to 11 As a pediatrician, I see firsthand the rollercoaster of emotions parents go through regarding the recent emergency use approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. While some parents are elated by the approval, others have described the process of deciding whether or not to vaccinate their young children as the most nerve-wracking experience they’ve had as parents. I work with my parents to try to allay fears and separate fact from fiction. With a vast array of...
Healthy Holidays
(Photo Courtesy of Allen Taylor/Unsplash) How can my family keep fit and healthy over the holidays? All ages Holiday meals are commonly associated with an excessive intake of food and drink. Here are some sensible recommendations for more health-conscious holiday choices, especially when it comes to athletes in your family. Involve children in meal preparation. With more school-age children on holiday for the entire week of Thanksgiving and Christmas, there is an increased opportunity to have them assist in food selection and cooking. Have younger children collect more colors (translation: fruits and vegetables) to use in the big meal. Have...
Halloween Health Safety
(Photo Courtesy of Jeremy McKnight/Unsplash) What are some ways to help keep my kids safe this Halloween? All ages As a cancer physician caring for immunocompromised patients and a mom of young children, I’m grappling with this question myself. Last year, big Halloween festivals, parades and parties were a no-go in most areas, which means so many kids are excited this year to don those costumes and go on the hunt for their favorite treats. But with schools back to in-person learning and the COVID-19 Delta variant being so easily transmissible, hospitalizations among kids are rising nationwide and in Orange...
Discussing Active Shooters
(Photo Courtesy of Note Thanun/Unsplash) How do I talk to my young child about active shooters? Elementary age The world is seemingly becoming a more dangerous and violent place post-pandemic. We can’t seem to turn on the news without a story of an active shooter or violent event somewhere in the country. As parents, it can be difficult to cope with the images and stories of the victims, but for a child, it can be even more devastating. While many try to shield their children from these types of news stories, or even the topic in general, kids today are...
Back to Sports
How can I keep my child healthy and on the field? All ages Outdoor sports have officially returned to Orange County. With all of the time away from their sport, what is the best way to keep your athlete healthy and on the field? Although many young athletes have been training, conditioning and playing games, the intensity will definitely be ramping up with more practices and games each week. The COVID-19 pandemic put many sports on the shelf for a significant time, and with club and high school coaches raring to go, the volume of practices and games will definitely...
FAFSA and other Free Money for College
With money being tight these days, is there some kind of financial aid we can apply to for our college-bound teen? Teens and adults To maximize financial aid (free money), students need to file the FAFSA and the CSS Profile annually to qualify for grants/gifts and scholarships. The FAFSA can be filed annually starting Oct. 1 for the following school year. The CSS Profile is required by a small percent of top-tier schools. It is filed through the College Board. One-third of college students do not complete the FAFSA and in 2018 missed out on $2.6 billion. The other issue...
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...
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....
Post-Injury — Now What?
My son recently wrecked his knee in a skateboarding trick gone wrong. How do I get him through surgery and recovery? Adolescents When you crash and burn and immediately have a burst of pain or when your medical provider examines you and has that look on their face, you know something is seriously wrong. So if you are facing surgery and/or several months of recovery, here are some key things that might ease the recovery process. School Missing school or attending in a fair amount of pain or discomfort, is no fun and it isn’t surprising that studies have shown...
What to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccines
I’m a little nervous about the new vaccines. Are they safe? All ages Many of my patients ask me if I think there are any risks to taking a COVID-19 vaccine that has been developed so quickly? And my response to them is that I will be the first in line to take a vaccine as soon as it becomes available. The vaccines have been tested for safety and efficacy, just as they would in a longer process. One of the reasons these vaccines are able to move through the clinical trial process so quickly is due to increased government...
Breastfeeding Basics
I’m pregnant and having a lot of anxiety about breastfeeding. How should I prepare? Adults A lot of people think breastfeeding is natural. But in reality, those first three weeks are rough. Breastfeeding is like a dance between mother and baby. The mom has to learn the steps, and each child is different. So, with every child, the mom has to learn new steps. If you’re struggling, reach out for help. A lot of times it’s just a minor change in the steps, and you’re off. Thankfully, there are many resources available to help new “dancers” learn their moves. At...
Motor Development FAQ
What is the normal timing and types of motor development in the first years of life? Newborns through kindergartners Motor development in the first years of life is fascinating. Physical activity in kids starts with a usual progression of skills that allow a child to roll, pick things up, sit, stand and eventually walk. There are known milestones in motor development that help predict when babies and infants will start to show new behaviors and skills. Following are some common questions about timing and types of motor development that will help you enjoy this special time. When should I start...
Disaster Prep — Making an Emergency Kit
The pandemic has made me want to be more prepared. What should I include in my family’s emergency kit? All ages As we begin the new school year (from a classroom or the living room), it’s the perfect opportunity to teach kids about the importance of being prepared. While the last several months have shown that we can’t predict or control what happens, we do have the power to prepare ourselves and our loved ones for an emergency. Typically, students learn how to prepare for emergencies, like wildfires and earthquakes, at school. It’s a great time to prepare your family...
Snoozing to Success
(Photo Courtesy of Leo Rivas on Unsplash) Learn how catching some Zzzs can help you and your kids have a productive new year. There is no doubt that getting enough quality sleep is essential for overall physical and mental health. We could come up with a slogan-based sleep recommendation: “Eight (or more) hours is enough” for school-aged children (with a throwback to a popular ‘70s TV show). However, getting those eight hours can be quite elusive, and the quality of sleep is important as well. As we close out 2022 and usher in the new year, let’s offer some tips...
Growth Spurts & Athletes: Less Physical Activity
I think my son has grown a lot recently. Is this normal considering he has been much less active? Adolescents Have you noticed that your teenage athlete had a big growth spurt over the last few months? I’ve seen several young athletes recently for annual physicals and found that many of them have grown quite a bit taller since March. This shouldn’t be a major surprise. In the past, athletes and other performers/dancers who have taken months off have also tended to experience growth spurts. So, why have athletes grown taller when not spending time on the field or court?...
Passion Project
(Photo Courtesy of Paige Cody/Unsplash) Learn ways to support your children in building upon their passions. Have your children been stuck with their heads in their computers, tablets and phones for the last 18 months? Children have had limited opportunities to build upon and explore their passions outside of the classroom or virtual walls. I like to use the word passion interchangeably with words like determination, pride and love. Passion is a strong desire that can enable children to do amazing things. Passion is an emotion that needs to be acted upon. Without action, passion yields no worthwhile results. In...
What to Know About RSV
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) What do I need to know about RSV to protect my kids? 0 to 2 Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common, and one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness — illnesses of the nose, throat and lungs. For healthy children, RSV symptoms resemble a common cold, but it may lead some immunosuppressed and young babies to develop lower respiratory illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is spread from respiratory secretions through close contact with infected people or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Its typical peak season of transmission is from October to March. ...
Picking the Right Tutor for Your Child
In a time when parents are exploring educational options for their kids, a tutoring expert offers tips on how to find the right service and tutor. With the majority of Orange County schools still teetering between distance learning and hybrid in-school programs, many children have been left with large developmental and educational gaps, leaving many far below grade standards, and many parents flocking to private education services to supplement or even replace virtual schooling entirely. With the increased demand for private education this year came an influx of options into a space that has always been overwhelming with choices. As...
Virtual Dental Help
Q: My child is having dental issues, but I don't feel comfortable taking them to a dental office. What is telehealth and how can my family use this while we are all trying to social distance? All ages Dental decay does not stop progressing because of a pandemic. More than ever, it is essential to care for your family’s oral and overall health. In the wake of COVID-19, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County (Healthy Smiles) offers a virtual service called telehealth to ensure families have access to oral health care while reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission. Q:...
Mindfulness for Childhood Anxiety
(Photo Courtesy of Kampus Productions/Pexels) How mindfulness can become a useful part of your child’s mental-health toolkit. Parents shouldn't be intimidated by conversations about how to manage childhood anxiety. It's very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that anxiety is a problem that needs to be fixed. In reality, anxiety is a very expected, everyday part of the human experience that can be managed. All of us will experience anxiety at some point. While we never want to downplay or dismiss the debilitating impact that anxiety can have when it's left unchecked, we also want to avoid the...
Pollen Problems
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Are we having a worse allergy season in 2021? All ages The answer can be complicated. Yes … and no. No: Face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially reduced not only the number of communicable viral illnesses but also allergy symptoms. A recent study (by Dror et al.) showed that self-reported nasal allergy symptoms (such as stuffy, runny, itchy nose and/or sneezing) were significantly reduced in nurses wearing either N95/surgical mask versus no mask. The size of most airborne allergens ranges from 10 uM to 100uM and can be filtered out by most standard surgical...
Dive Into Summer Fun
(Photo Courtesy of Larry Crayton/Unsplash) We hope this summer will be full of water and fun. But are there any precautions we should take as a family? All ages The CDC has advised that pools and beaches are relatively COVID-safe — but is your family water safe enough to hit those pools and beaches? As people emerge from their homes after more than a year of COVID restrictions, lifeguards are expecting to see record crowds at beaches and pools this summer. Many people, kids in particular, might be a bit out of practice when it comes to swimming. The combination...
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...
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...
A Special Kind of Stress
(Photo Courtesy of Jan Kopřiva/Unsplash) Calming techniques for the chaos and anxiety of special needs life. Raising a child with special needs is a challenging task that can drain parents, especially when effective coping methods are absent. Brain development in children is a complex process that depends on several factors, including nutrition, social interaction and engaging in numerous activities. This multifactorial process is primarily reliant on the parents' commitment. Parents can make a big difference in raising their child, and consequently, how well their cognitive abilities develop. The Role of Mindfulness Over the past few years, researchers have inspected hundreds...
5 Tips for Preventing the Summer and Pandemic Slide
(Photo Courtesy of YMCA of OC) This summer is key to continue children’s learning. Summertime in Southern California means beach trips, road trips, swimming pools and shaved ice. And after more than a year of enduring the challenges of a pandemic, many students and teachers are counting down the days until a summer break with no schedule — and no Zoom. This year, schools have struggled to teach students remotely or in classrooms as children wear masks and sit behind plastic shields. One national testing organization reported that the average student in grades 3-8 who took a math assessment this...
Learning Better and Faster
The key to learning is first learning how. When we talk about education — whether our own, our children’s or other people’s — we talk a lot about the importance of learning. We talk surprisingly little, though, about how to learn. We fail to address the reasons why learning is hard or wonder if there are things we can do to make learning easier or even more effective. Training your brain to help the learning process along rather than hindering it is a kind of superpower. It is like possessing a magical key to a secret treasure. It can make...
Far from Friends —Explaining a Pandemic to Young Kids
How can I talk to my young child about the pandemic so she understands the importance of measures such as social distancing, and not being able to see her friends? Ages 4-10 With OC public schools continuing distance learning this fall, I’ve had plenty of discussions with fellow parents lately about the challenges ahead. Kids are frustrated because they want to go back and see their friends, and parents are looking for answers about how to explain this fluid situation to their children. There are so many unknowns, and scenarios change often. Some schools are 100 percent online, others are...
Motherhood and Depression in a COVID World
Q: [Adults] I’m pregnant and I’ve heard a lot about postpartum depression. Is the pandemic impacting this issue for new moms? Maternal depression is the most common complication of pregnancy in the nation. An estimated one in five new or expectant mothers will experience a mental health disorder during pregnancy or in the first year following childbirth. These disorders include depression, anxiety and the less prevalent but most severe of the disorders, postpartum psychosis. Low-income populations often have higher prevalence of depression and sadly, the impact of the woman’s early childhood hardship can influence depression or anxiety later in her...
Keeping Children Safe Online During COVID-19
[caption id="attachment_36173" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash[/caption] Q: [All Ages] With the shelter-in-place, my kids are online all the time. How do I balance their distance learning needs with the usual concerns of too much screen time? Yes, it is a reality — school is out for the rest of the academic year due to COVID-19. It’s a hard pill to swallow for parents and students alike, as we are all learning how to do things differently. Distance learning will present us all with formidable challenges, but with a little guidance we can help us all make...
Answering Dreaded Questions
Q: [Toddler] My toddler just asked me an embarrassing question. What should I do? A: Whether the question was, “Where did I come from?” or “Why does Daddy pee different from Mommy?” a parent’s worst fear is that they’ll be caught off guard and totally tongue-tied when their toddler asks a challenging question. (Or that it will happen loudly and in public!) If you’ve just found yourself in this situation, take a breath. First, know that what’s come out of your toddler’s mouth may be different than what you’re imagining, so start by clarifying the question. You might think they...
Positives of Playtime
Q: [All Ages] "Between sports and music lessons, we are a busy family. Should I be encouraging more unscheduled playtime?" A: “Play is the work of the child,” said famed educator Maria Montessori more than 100 years ago. Her words are as true now as ever — and maybe have even more significance within today’s modern world. Not only is play something that comes naturally to children, it is essential to healthy brain development. Play allows children to express their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. It helps them make decisions and work through...
Conquering Fears of the Dentist
Help make visits to the dentist a breeze for your kids with these expert tips. Dr. Azi Ardakani knows that fear of the dentist can become a significant challenge for children and their families. “I have a now 9-year-old girl that two years ago wouldn’t even sit in our dental chair,” said Ardakani, who owns Little Heroes of Orange County Pediatric Dentistry in Laguna Hills. “From the start, she had the fear in her eyes.” Ardakani learned from the girl’s mom that she’d had a very bad experience with a non-pediatric dentist. “I made sure we talked about other things...
Talking to Your Kids About COVID-19
Q: [All Ages] This pandemic is like nothing we’ve ever had to deal with as a society. How do I address it with my kids? A: One of the most important things I do as a physician is listen to my patients’ concerns and offer them support and guidance as they battle cancer. Right now, as we navigate our new public health reality, it also includes answering questions and providing resources so my patients and their families can protect themselves against coronavirus (COVID-19). As a parent of three children, the role I play is not all that different. Like parents around...
Coping with Uncertainty
Q: [All Ages] I’m super stressed out with everything that’s going on right now. How do I overcome this anxiety? A: To say these are unprecedented times is an understatement. Our parents did not talk to us about that time in their lives when the entire world was brought to its knees by a tiny RNA strand. Although we may have heard from grandparents and history books about the 1918 flu pandemic, the notion of a similar occurrence overwhelming modern technology was remote for most of us. But nature has shown us once again that its power overcomes human desires,...
Shedding Light on Emotional Special Needs
Mental health challenges in kids can sometimes hide in plain sight. Special needs are often associated with physical disabilities. While not as visible, special needs also includes learning, emotional and behavioral challenges. Common mental health challenges are anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and (obsessive-compulsive disorder) OCD. There are different levels of emotional challenges ranging from mild and moderate to more severe. Mental health challenges in children often go under-diagnosed for different reasons. Parents might unintentionally ignore their child’s needs as they think their child is just acting out and may not realize that there is an...
Overcoming Sheltering-In-Place Tantrums
[caption id="attachment_36168" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photo by Robert Norton on Unsplash[/caption] A family therapist shares some simple steps for handling kids acting out during stay-home orders. Raise your hand if you have been feeling challenged by your children lately. I raised my hand. Did you? Under optimal circumstances parenting is a demanding, albeit rewarding, balancing act of meeting needs, setting limits, getting tasks accomplished, and nurturing minds, bodies and emotions. Under COVID-19 limitations, these duties are even more trying. For starters, parents are managing dual roles as parent (or working-parent) and educator. Yet many no longer have go-to incentives, such as...
The Importance of Children Playing
A new clinical report stresses the importance of play for children. If your pediatrician is up on the latest prescriptions for children, you’ll be told about whatever vaccines might be needed at this age and counseled about the importance of nutritious instead of junk food. And then you’ll be asked: Is your child getting enough play? Not sports leagues or piano practice and certainly not video games. Just plain play: building with blocks, imagining up a traveling circus in space with stuffed animals, climbing a jungle gym at the park with friends, playing a board game, putting on a talent...
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...
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...
Talking About the Birds and the Bees
Sex can be an uncomfortable topic of conversation for parents of teens—but experts say it shouldn’t be. Instead, local pediatricians and sex educators say parents should work to nourish an open and transparent environment where families are comfortable discussing the birds and the bees. “I’m always an advocate for [children] having open communication with their parents,” says Dr. Lisa Hoang, a pediatrician with St. Joseph’s Heritage Medical Group. “If you don’t make it safe for them to ask the questions, then they’re not going to ask you. And then they’ll turn to other places that may or may not have...
Special Needs Summer
[caption id="attachment_15420" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Learning advice for the lazy days While a carefree summer of “whatever” might seem like an idyllic plan for childhood, not all students are built the same. For some, a stretch of months without routine can bring anxiety, frustration and even a sense of loss. For others, a summer without educational anything might seem like a dream, only to become a nightmare when fall comes and they are overwhelmed emotionally and academically. We talk to some of Orange County’s top special needs experts about finding balance. The Slide Back Issue “The summer time is a great...
Attending Holiday Family Gatherings
Q [Tweens and Teens]: It is such a treat to have the whole family around the table for the holidays, I wish it could be this way all year. Is it worth the battle to force the issue when my teen is so busy? A: While the holidays find many families gathering around the table together, the rest of the year doesn’t always look that way. But it is a routine that American families would do well to return to. When we fail to prioritize family meals, we deprive teens of numerous physical, emotional and mental benefits. Food that boosts...
Working-from-Home Wellness
Balancing work, kids and stress amid the coronavirus pandemic. As days pass, the novel coronavirus continues to account for the disruption of the lives of a significant portion of the global population. This has triggered feelings of anxiety, depression and fear among people regardless of their cultures, genders or ages. As a matter of fact, the phenomenon poses a great cause for discord within families. Considering the naivety of children, it is the role of their parents to prevent them from panicking or living risky lifestyles that make them vulnerable to this contagion. First, parents should maintain calmness and reassure...
Halloween Health & Safety
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) We love Halloween, but are still concerned about COVID-19 exposure and things like monkeypox. How can I keep my kids safe while letting them have fun? All ages Halloween is a favorite holiday for many children and adults alike. From the decor to the costumes, the day’s festivities certainly spark the imagination. As a pediatrician, I want everyone to enjoy Oct. 31 in good fun and in good health by following a few safety guidelines. First, given the continued spread of COVID-19 in the community, I encourage eligible individuals, aged 6 months and older, to get...
Practical Mindfulness
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Learn how to create a mindful household for your child for parenting in unprecedented times. Is mindfulness possible in the chaos? It's the question that every parent asks. Life comes at us fast when we're helping our kids navigate the stress of school, socializing, family dynamics and the world at large while juggling our own professional and personal battles daily. Our ideal of living in a calm, emotionally connected house is often sacrificed to the realities of just how much we have on our plates. There's a secret that so many parents miss. Mindfulness happens best...
Adolescent Mental Health Tips
(Photo Courtesy of Any Lane/Pexels) Learn about three common mistakes parents make with adolescent mental health and how to fix them. Missing Warning Signs The saying kids will be kids is problematic. I mean, I get it: Sometimes kids will be kids. But unfortunately, where adolescent mental health is concerned, adopting this mindset creates significant blind spots for noticing potential warning signs. Historically, 20 percent of children have a diagnosable mental health condition; that’s pre-pandemic; pre-quarantine; pre-new-normal. It’s safe to say that the number of children suffering (even situationally) is dramatically higher. When kids begin to be more aggressive, or...
Teen Vaccine
(Molly Ringwald) Eighties icon Molly Ringwald partners with campaign urging parents to vaccinate their teens, and it’s not for COVID-19. It was 2005 and Jonathan DeGuzman was just a regular college student. “The thing I remember is I was turning in my psychology paper for our final exam. And at that time, I was headed home and I was experiencing flu-like symptoms,” recalled DeGuzman. DeGuzman’s symptoms quickly progressed and soon he was in and out of consciousness with his parents rushing him to the hospital. “And then all of a sudden, I just blacked out … and then I all...
Back-to-School Sleep Prep
(Photo Courtesy of Robo Wunderkind/Unsplash) A local child sleep expert offers some helpful tips for getting families onto a healthy sleep program in time for returning to school. Back to school is almost here! It might sound shocking or unreal, especially after learning how to home school, but it’s time to get back in the groove of things and to a normal life. Back to school is one of parents’ busy times of year. Parents can easily get overwhelmed by all the back-to-school preparing and shopping, and usually an important part of preparing for back to school is missed —...
A Healthy Mental Space
How educators and parents can help students — and themselves — emotionally cope with pandemic and socio-political stress. A pandemic. Political divisiveness. A storming of the United States Capitol. It sounds like the makings of a political thriller, but it’s the reality Americans have been living for the past year. On a local level, families have been impacted by lockdowns, business and school closures, distance learning, working from home, job loss — and lots of anxiety. It hasn’t been an easy time. Big, world issues are directly impacting the everyday lives of families and educators, and with that comes stress....
What Parents Should Know About COVID-19
It all starts with clean hands and cool heads. Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face. Cough into a tissue that you immediately discard. Stay home. By now, we’ve all heard the advice from government and health officials regarding COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, but when it comes to safeguarding yourself and your children, proper hygiene — and a sense of calm — go a long way. This is a fast-moving and ever-changing challenge, so I have been telling parents to check in with cdc.gov for updated information. In addition, there are some pieces of universal advice that I...