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...
Solstice Restaurant, Tenaya Stone Spa, & More
Solstice Restaurant, Tenaya Stone Spa, Sanrio Boutique, Zankou Chicken, and The Sweet Hand…
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...
Steve & Kate’s Camp
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids ages 4-12 choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, film, sports, and more! Families can buy any number of days, and use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, any unused Passes will be automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included. 949.669.5134 | steveandkatescamp.com/Irvine [email protected]
Reader’s Choice Awards 2022: Health, Lifestyle, & Beauty Winners
Best Cosmetic Surgeon Terry Dubrow, MD You might recognize Dr. Terry Dubrow from his multiple TV shows, including “Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Botched” and “Botched by Nature,” or his books — but long before Hollywood fame, he was already known for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery skills. As passionate as he is about plastic surgery, Dubrow advocates for minimal treatments producing natural-looking results. His practice is the destination for facelifts, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks and other specialty procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. drdubrow.com |...
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. ...
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
Best Bike Trails in OC
Happy Trails! Find the best biking trails that Orange County has to offer. 1. Back Bay Loop (Photo Courtesy of Sunny Zhao) The Back Bay Loop Trail is a 10.5-mile, well-marked trail that goes around Upper Newport Bay and is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. It has multiple entry points with options for scenic stops. The flat paved trail easily accommodates bikes and strollers so the whole family can experience the bay. newportbeachca.gov | Newport Beach 2. Oak Canyon Nature Center Trail (Photo Courtesy of Mucio Vidales: All Trails) Nestled in the Anaheim Hills, Oak Canyon Nature Center...
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?
Have a Mindful Summer
Try one or more of these practical ways to help your family mindfully ease into summer. Mindfulness is a healthy coping skill that can help you regain focus
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
Montessori Prep
A Montessori mom and educator offers tips for preparing for your child’s early school days. Montessori education instills important values and life lessons.
Breaking Barriers
Fairmont Preparatory Academy’s Role in Advancing Young Women in STEM. Network of organizations committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers
Spring Nature Lessons
Spring break offers a chance to learn mindful lessons from nature. Spring break is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to take a break from our daily
Berry Best Mom’s Day Scones
Celebrate Mother’s Day than with a sweet treat! These blueberry scones perfectly crumble with even the softest bite and are absolutely scrumptious.
Summer OC Movie & Music Guide
Keep your summer schedule packed with these concert and film series in and around Orange County.
Spoil Your Dog Day Treats
What could be sweeter for your pup than homemade treats? They’re much healthier than store-bought treats and made with just four ingredients.
Pumpkin Spiced Loaf Cake
These modern-day muffins capture the essence of the cozy season in every bite, transforming simple pumpkin puree into a comforting delight…
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...
After-School Activities for Children
[caption id="attachment_13671" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Brain Builders[/caption] If Your Child is a Brainiac At Chess Palace in Garden Grove, children can take classes, play for fun, and participate in tournaments. Chess Palace has been owned by the Ong family since 2003; some of its students have won national championships. chesspalace.com Bionerds. Budding scientists from kindergarten through sixth grade can enroll in a four-week class in Irvine to learn about worms, bacteria, DNA, and fruit flies. www.bionerdsllc.com Brain Builders offers Engineering with LEGO classes at dozens of public and private schools throughout Orange County and at its facility in Laguna Niguel. www.brainbuildersed.org...
Fashion Week Hair Design
If you’re looking to spring forward into a new style with your lovely locks, we have a few ideas. Vera Wang’s Fashion Week hair design, by runway stylist Paul Hanlon for Pai-Shau, was inspired by the collections’ rich textures, long, lean lines and strong hues. We love Vera, but we also wanted that hair! The clean-looking, sculptural styles featured fine, hidden side braids made behind the ear to peek through as the hair moves. Hanlon followed the models’ own, natural hair partings for each look. “It’s about the idea of a smaller rounded look: not pinned or sleeked, but with...
HPV vaccine
Q: [Tween] My doctor suggested we have our tween get the new HPV vaccine, which kind of boggles our minds. He just turned 11 and is not even thinking in that direction yet! We don’t do gratuitous shots and it seems like an odd thing, especially for a boy. Can’t it wait until later in high school or if we see some signals he is thinking of girls more seriously? A: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent an HPV infection. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer in...
Savings and Loans
Q: [Teen] My oldest applied to schools and we got so wrapped up in that process, and life with two other little ones in the house, we have suddenly hit the May 1st commit date and haven’t tracked down financing other than the basic loans they offer. Are we too late? A: A major misconception is you are no longer eligible for scholarships after have been accepted into college. One of the worst mistakes students and families can make is to assume it’s too late to apply for scholarships once college decisions are made. There are scholarships with summer deadlines,...
Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch
City Slickers Meet Saguaros at Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch When it comes to family adventure in Arizona, Tanque Verde Ranch, an upscale dude ranch set in the hills above Tucson, is a horse of a different color — up to 180 horses, actually, of many sizes and colors. In fact, there is such a wide variety of horses on the ranch, that the wrangler, who seemed to know each and every horse by name, located a perfect equine match for each human in our group, based on size, experience and personality. All the horses at Tanque Verde are geldings, the...
Tween Hygiene
The kids are getting older and their hygiene needs are growing with them. Here are some products that help bring balance to the wildly hormonal years of tween-dom. Dove Go Fresh Cool Essentials Antiperspirant We love the body-image message from Dove, and you’ll love the 48-hour formula that covers your kid even when she forgets to swipe left, or right (underarm). Our favorite is the mildly scented Cucumber and Green Tea, which works for sensitive skin just adjusting to shaving, and doesn’t stain clothes or leave wet-looking streaks behind. $4, www.dove.com Febreze Fabric Refresher Middle school and junior high kids...
A Parent’s Guide to Augmented Reality
Pokemon GO makes tiny monsters appear everywhere from museums and malls to backyards and kitchens. Entire families have cheerfully headed out into their neighborhoods and beyond to collect as many monsters as they can. Keep your family safe with common sense rules for this and the many AR games likely to follow. Permissions Children under 13 can’t sign up for games unless they have permission from parents. That’s a reminder that younger children need augmented supervision in augmented reality. Play together if you can. Or ask your child to walk you (literally!) through the game so you can see and...
Fall Weather Prep
Q: [Whole Family] I’m new to OC and it seems like summer here might never end (in a good way!), but are there things I should be doing around the house to prep for the upcoming seasons? A: Welcome to Orange County! Though the temperatures may still be high in our area, cooler weather is drawing near, and it’s time to start thinking about prepping your home for it. Prepping for cooler weather can ensure that your home is ready for seasons to come. You could be surprised by how much some home and preventative maintenance can save on your...
Tween Tokens of Affection
Q: [Teens & Tweens] My son has a crush...or girlfriend...or girl he doesn’t think is “lame”. He’s only 12 so they don’t actually go anywhere, it’s just a social relationship. He’s thinking she should be on his holiday gift list. What’s the etiquette? I’m not sure how the girl’s parents would feel or if his present ideas are too much. A: The etiquette of gift giving can be a tricky and emotional decision at any age! The holidays especially present a number of gift giving challenges – add a tween and a crush to the mix and the dilemma gets...
Coding Toys
When tech is introduced in a way that enhances critical thinking, it can enhance education and create a comfort level with the world our kids are entering. Here are a few of our favorites to start them on the path. Cubetto Preschool to Kindergarten Cubetto is the only screen-less programming system, powered by a coding language made of colorful blocks that lets children three and up write their first computer programs. Kids use coding to guide a friendly wooden robot named Cubetto, through stories, challenges and illustrated maps by placing uniquely shaped hardwood blocks in different patterns on the control...
Date Night
It’s Date Night in OC, and not just any date night…Valentine’s Day! Here are our picks for a great night out. SOL Cocina Bare your SOL to your significant other this Valentine’s weekend. In addition to Executive Chef Deborah Schneider’s award-winning regular menu, guests can enjoy Valentine’s Dinner Specials on Tuesday, February 14th. Perfect for a romantic Saturday or Sunday morning, SOL’s famous Baja-inspired brunch is available for guests on both Saturday, February 11th and Sunday, February 12th. Reservations are recommended by calling (949).675.9800. Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com Selanne Steak Tavern Cupid, Chef Josh Severson and his team will cast...
Guidepost Montessori
South Orange County is home to a new Montessori with the opening of Guidepost, which began welcoming students in early January. Though it’s been in business just a short while, the school is approaching capacity will full-time enrolment. Its sunny classrooms serve babies through students in Grade Six. Guidepost Montessori is a project of Higher Ground Education, which is dedicated to expanding the reach of Montessori education. “We offer authentic Montessori education at every level, drawing on the child’s natural, joyful exploration of the world to promote independence, concentration and logical thinking, leading ultimately to advanced academics,” says Rebecca Girn,...
Judiel Ennis
Saving Two Lives with One Swab “You’re a match!” Seeing the email in her inbox, Judiel Ennis wondered how she had landed on an online dating junkmail list. Happily married, the Foothills Ranch mom ignored the email. When a persistent unknown number began showing up on her phone days later, she noted the lack of a voicemail and decided the calls were a mistake as well. No alarms went off, time passed, and Judiel went on with life. Two years before the email and anonymous phone calls began, Judiel wandered past a room at her workplace where DKMS (a bone...
Diving Into Lessons
Q: “My preschooler is afraid of the water, it has been a real struggle to teach him to swim. Now that we have a newborn, we want to make sure we don’t have the same challenge with her. There are a half dozen private pool hazards in our neighborhood alone and I would love to actually enjoy a day at the beach without tears as we cajole our son to get his toes wet. We are on a budget and thought those mommy-and-me swim lessons would be a waste of money when he was an infant. Is it worth it...
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...
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...
JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa
This postcard perfect beachfront resort lies where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. With cliffside tiers down to the water, these luxury digs have panoramic views over tranquil infinity pools to the crashing waves below. Sophisticated décor worthy of the JW brand adorns public areas and the well appointed suites, while the property offers a wide range of exceptional dining, an impressive signature spa, multiple sparkling pools and fitness center that make leaving the oasis simply unnecessary. www.marriott.com | San Jose del Cabo Jasha Spa and Salon Elements of the local culture are celebrated in the treatments at...
Performing Arts Camps for All Ages
OC performing arts camps teach more than just drama and dance numbers. Whether your child dreams of lighting up Broadway, dancing in “The Nutcracker,” or is just looking to make lasting memories with their peers, performing arts camps may be the way to go this summer. Back in the day, parents with stars-in-the-making used to have to commute to Los Angeles for prestigious summer theater and dance programs. However, the performance bug took a big bite out of OC for the past couple of decades with nationally recognized theaters, universities, and institutions popping up all over the county offering onstage...
Private School Versus Public School
When it comes to choosing the right school for your child, there are a lot of aspects to consider that parents may find difficult to sort through. With so many choices within public and private sectors, however, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Having the option to choose what works best for your individual child’s needs allows you to feel comfortable with your decision and the chance for your child to soar. With a growing volume of magnet schools, charter schools, open enrollment policies and alternative schools, public schools offer a large selection of educational options. Private schools also...
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...
Editor’s Picks: February 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH:Jamboree Summer Opportunities at the CubeMarch 2, 2019Parenting OC returns to the Discovery Cube for its 13th anniversary of the Free Kids’ Summer Opportunities Jamboree event. The event will take place on March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the fourth year the iconic Orange County family destination has partnered with Parenting OC to host the summer-fun planning extravaganza. And it gets even better. Make sure to enter your cute kid in Parenting OC’s Cute Kid Cover Contest. The contest will be taking place at the Jamboree event. Everyone who enters will receive a free...
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...
Best of OC Awards 2019: Lifestyle & Services
Best Shopping Destination South Coast Plaza The carousel turns in the middle of 250 shops and 30 restaurants, balancing shop and play. But the kid-friendly options for clothing and food also make it an easy choice for parents looking to fit and feed different ages. South Coast Plaza has been a readers’ favorite for 10 years. southcoastplaza.com | Santa Ana Best Family Photographer Ralph Palumbo The veteran magazine photographer specializes in making people look like they belong on the cover. His work has appeared in local and regional magazines, online publications and in advertising. Creative, friendly and affordable, the work...
Knott’s Is Nutty with Its Annual Peanuts Celebration
Charles M. Schulz gave us some of the most recognized and beloved characters through his comic strip, “Peanuts.” You and your family can celebrate Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and good ol’ Charlie Brown at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Peanuts Celebration each weekend now through March 1. Look out for unique photo opportunities that let you step right into the “Peanuts” comic strip at the park’s main entrance and throughout Camp Snoopy. Rock out to family-friendly band The Jelly of the Month Club at the Calico Mine Stage for Woodstock’s Music Festival. Kids can pen their own comic strip at Peanuts Sketch School...
At-Home Learning for the Working Parent
Don’t miss these valuable expert tips for adapting to the new home environment for both learning and working. Orange County families have probably heard “education starts at home.” Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this adage takes on new meaning. Some parents are working from home while also taking the lead on their child’s education. Managing your workload while ensuring your child doesn’t fall behind can be stressful. Fortunately, there are many experts in Orange County with sound advice. “Start from a place of empathy,” says Sarah Shawesh, CEO and founder of Orange County-based Building Resilience in Communities and Kids Consulting Group. “[Children]...
Puffy Paint Starfish Craft
Craft Supplies Cardboard, or cereal box Scissors Glue Shaving cream Paint, variety of colors Paint brush Sand or Pastina pasta Instructions Step 1: Trace a sea star with five rays onto a piece of cardboard or cereal box.Step 2: Cut the sea star out.Step 3: Put equal parts shaving cream and glue into a bowl and mix about 1/4 cup of each.Step 4: Add one good squirt of your choice of acrylic paint and mix color.Step 5: With a paint brush, paint your sea star!Step 6: Sprinkle with coarse sand or Pastina pasta to add texture To see the full...
DIY Halloween Makeup & Costumes
Putting Together Creative Halloween Looks. At the center of any Halloween event or activity is costumes, of course. This year, families can turn their Halloween costumes into a fun DIY project. “It certainly is going to be a different kind of Halloween this year, but that doesn’t mean we need to skip out on the fun of dressing up,” said Theresa Casados, assistant store manager at Goodwill of Orange County’s Santa Ana store on Fifth Street and Fairview Street. “You likely have a lot of what you need in your home already. Take a look at your closets and put...
Camp Resilience
Courtesy of Camp James We interview the Camp James executive director about how the camp stayed open through 2020 to return this summer. Summer camps, like most of the world, were turned upside down in 2020. Despite the quick pivoting that was required when California locked down last spring, some camps managed to stay open. Among them was Camp James, Newport Dunes, which remained open with some adjustments. “While camp looked a little bit different in 2020, the majority of our campers had an amazing time,” said Executive Director Scottie Roach. “We did surveys of our families towards the end...
Back with a Bang
(A view of the City of Newport Beach fireworks show from Newport Dunes. Photo courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort) Fourth of July events of all kinds are lighting the 2021 skies this month. Laguna Niguel’s July 4th Week of Festivities https://ca-lagunaniguel4.civicplus.com Take a musical “road-trip” across America at this patriotic drive-thru event held at Laguna Niguel’s City Hall July 2-3 (7:30 pm-9:30 pm). Then, on the Fourth, you can view six acrobatic airplanes soar through the skies over the Crown Valley Parkway at 6 pm while a digital celebration, featuring inspiring music, a fireworks display and a patriotic video...
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...
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...
Color Me Mine Metro Pointe – Fun Creative Ceramic Painting!
Color Me Mine Metro Pointe offers fun, creative ceramic painting for the whole family every day! Enjoy special events and deals all year long. Kids (grades K-6) can also participate in six weeks of fun and hands-on summer camp. Paint a new ceramic piece everyday, along with treasure hunts, mystery eggs, scavenger hunts, and secret surprises! Explore fun themes each week like Star Wars, African Safari, Myths and Legends, and more. Dates: July 11 – August 19, 2022 Time: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – noon Cost: $194 per week, per child Call the studio to book
Reader’s Choice Awards 2022: Community Comments
Education (Photo Courtesy of Eva Esparza) Best Faith-Based School Covenant Christian School “My son attends here and they’re so encouraging in each of their teachings and have the best and most patient teachers. All the staff knows my son’s name and it just feels like a big family that we’re a part of. Love it!” — Eva Esparza, Tustin (Photo Courtesy of Jeannine Torres) Best Single-Campus Private School Heritage Oak Private Education “Amazing academics, caring teachers, incredible music program. They take nurturing the whole child to heart by not just having strong academics, but also by taking the time to...
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...
Deserving Mom Makeover Giveaway —2023
To celebrate the hard-working, selfless moms of our community, Parenting OC Magazine teamed up with local businesses to give two lucky moms a fabulous makeover package. Family and friends submitted essays about why a mother in their life is deserving of a makeover. A huge congratulations to Maria Ferrel and Kimmie Le for winning Parenting OC’s Mom Makeover! Our deserving moms received the following prizes… Therapeutic spa services Haircut and styling Makeup Manicure Customized eyebrow microblading (Photo Courtesy of Madison Amirehteshami) Deserving Mom Essay Winner... Maria Ferrel, of Orange My mother is deserving and in need of a makeover. In...
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
Best Fishing Spots in OC
Hook, Line, Sinker! Find the best family friendly fishing locations that Orange County has to offer. 1. Huntington Beach Pier (Photo Courtesy of Eric Chalifour:Flikr) Huntington Beach Pier is the place to be when it comes to fishing. At 1,850 feet long, the iconic pier is one of the longest on the West Coast. It’s open from 5 a.m. until midnight and because it’s public, a fishing license is not required. Bring your gear and try to get your catch, and if the effort makes you hungry, Bud & Gene’s restaurant sits at the end of the pier for a...
Q&A with a Lifeguard
City of Newport Beach Lifeguard Department Battalion Chief Adam Yacenda answers important questions about beach safety in time for the summer season.
Fiesta Time
A new and improved Fiesta Village is back at Knott’s Berry Farm. The bright colors of Fiesta Village light up a little brighter this summer. Fires burn and a
Mindful Practice
Learn how practicing mindfulness helps children with anxiety. Mindfulness is focusing on the present moment while allowing yourself to experience emotions.
Moms at Work
From event planner and leaders in the nonprofit sector to children’s book author and reality TV star, these moms are making waves, find out how they do it.
Mental Prep for Summer Camp
Find out how mindfulness can help you guide your children on their summer camp adventures. Summer camp is an exciting and enriching experience for children of
Preparing for Camp
Here’s what you need to know about summer camp for kids. It’s never too early to begin thinking about summer camps. From day camp to overnight programs
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?
Pixar Summer
Pixar Fest brings light, color and food to summer at Disneyland Resort. You and your kids probably have a favorite moment from a Pixar film you can think of now
Freedom in Play
Why Children Should Participate in Extracurricular Activities. The old adage “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” still holds true even today.
Building Dreams
The Orange County In-Home Licensed Childcare Program helps meet childcare needs one small business at a time.
Blanca Acevedo runs Estela’s Playhouse Daycare
Moms at Work
Discover the inspiring journey of working moms balancing career and family. Highlighting the joy, chaos, and the resilience that defines their every day lives.
RCA Page Code
Nominate Here Throw some love around and nominate! It doesn’t hurt that you could win a very cool prize for your entire family. The top nominees go on to the voting round, and when we tally the votes and pick the winners, we will, as Parenting OC has done for the past 20 years, celebrate online and in our Reader’s Choice Special Issue all the family friendly businesses, places and activities that make this community the country’s best place to live and raise a family. Read the 20th Annual Readers' Choice Awards Issue
Tween Dating Limits
Q: [Tween] "My daughter just got her first ‘boyfriend’ and he is all she can talk about. They are only 8th graders so they don’t actually ‘go’ anywhere, just publicly admit to the crush. I remember being swept up at that age, but with so much access via social media and cell phones, it seems like there’s not much chance of a break. What’s healthy?” A: What is healthy now with regards to social media is much different than what was healthy when there was no social media. It seems hard to imagine, but kids now live at least 50%...
Bruxie: Green Eggs and Ham
Picky eaters meet their match, “Waffles? Yay!” But here’s the catch… These Belgian grids are gateway cakes! Palate benders! Dessert fakes! Not all sweet, but still they’ll eat, When modern meets a classic treat. We do so like them, topped with lox, and pole-caught tuna from the docks. Gruyere, Swiss and cheese of goat, We’d eat on land or on a boat. “Fold in half, Kid. Drop the fork.” Cider slaw meets pink-pulled pork. “Mushrooms, mom? Crimini’s sake!” But soon…another bite they’ll take… “Prosciutto! Chives! Arugula!” Nothing fazes! Shangri-la! They’ll sip cane soda, fizzy wins. (Made by local artisans.) In...
Giving as a Family
Q: [All Ages] I would love to spend some quality time volunteering as a family. But we have two little ones (4 and 6) besides their older sister, who is 10. Are they too young to participate? Are there any opportunities we could do together? A: Even our youngest ones can discover they’re part of something bigger than themselves when given the chance to make a difference, and April is an especially great time to start. It’s designated as National Volunteer Month, dedicated to honoring volunteers and encouraging a growing movement of volunteerism across the country. As a parent myself,...
Noro-Neurosis
Q: [Whole Family] It seems like every other newstory these days is about norovirus, from cruise ships to burrito chain joints. How do I keep my kids safe? They aren’t even in school yet and there are germs everywhere! A: Bacteria and germs are unavoidable, and you shouldn’t have an unreasonable fear of them. Our bodies have natural protections against infections, like our skin and our immune systems. Many microbes in the environment and in our bodies are beneficial, or even crucial, to our health. Nonetheless, your family can become ill from food contaminated with harmful microorganisms like norovirus, which...
Summertime and SPF
We hardly need summer to come around to start getting serious about sun protection in OC, but there is never a bad time to freshen up your SPF game. In the soaring temps of July and August, even high-end makeup skin options can get runny or separate when accidentally left out uncovered or in the car, making it difficult to reapply as often as we should. We love these melt-proof options that not only keep you covered when it comes to skin safety, but nicely take sweat to the, ahem, matte on those sizzling summer days. Clinique Almost Powder Makeup...
2E Kids and Non-Traditional Schooling
Twice Exceptional (2e) students are the kids that are intellectually gifted, but have a learning disability or other challenge that affects their ability to progress effectively in a mainstream school environment. Most 2e students are too gifted for traditional special education classes, or excluded from them because their learning disability is not as apparent. In the typical “teach to the top” American schoolroom the general population is taught to suppress their individuality for the sake of the whole in order to be a good student. Kids are expected to engage in academia by being well-behaved boys and girls; by listening,...
Vegas Luxe
Opulence is standard in Sin City Having just returned from a weekend in Las Vegas, it’s easy to see why the time-starved OC moms and dads chose Sin City as a favorite in our Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s not for the same reasons that bachelorette party revelers, spring breakers and middle-aged conventioneers like to come here. No, the young parents who voted for Vegas as their favorite child-free weekend getaway are after luxury theme hotels, palatial pools and sensuous spas. This affordable escape to extravagance is just a four-hour drive from OC, up the I-15. Says Reader’s Choice voter Robin...
Changing of Schools
Q: [School-Aged] My daughter just moved into a different school for fourth grade and it just isn’t gelling. The older crowd has her worried about bullies and a lot of the joys of her day at her elementary school (music, art, drama) are missing due to budget cuts. We’re thinking private, but is switching midstream bad? Should we make her stick it out? Is it too late to jump into a new school? We just want her to love and be excited about school again. A: Making a school change is a difficult decision for any family, however, there are...
Dealing with Allergies at Potlucks
Q: [School-Aged] My daughter is so excited about her pot luck holiday party at school, her first big celebration in Kindergarten. The problem is parents are encouraged to bring in family favorites to celebrate their ancestral culture, and my daughter has food allergies. We haven’t had any serious reactions (anaphylaxis), but she definitely has sensitivities. How can I handle this? A: As a father of five, I think the party sounds like a fantastic time. However, as an Allergist, with all of these different recipes it could also be a recipe for disaster for a child with food allergies. Without...
Bump Up Your New Year’s Game!
Love your bump, but bummed about a diminished New Year’s? Here are our hacks to keep your party on, Mama! A Smooth Pregnancy Being pregnant certainly doesn’t end the grown up fun, and just might be seriously amp up the action. No matter how maintained you are in non-bump life, at a certain point shaving becomes a feat reserved for yogi and can even be downright…dangerous. The pros at OC Waxing have you covered. Or uncovered. Many are moms, and all have been trained in positioning for pregnancy waxes. (Keep this in mind pre-delivery, vastly superior to seeing that nurse...
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is now offering music and dance classes for children with disabilities. The six-week session, which begins February 6, allow children with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome to explore music, movement and creativity in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Organizers say the program can help students improve balance, coordination and confidence. Classes at the Costa Mesa arts hub are aimed at students aged four to 12. Parents of children outside that age range, who believe their kids could benefit from such a program, are encouraged to contact the center. The series...
Naaaaaailed it!
Love the last and look of gel, but not the process? These two new formulas will wow without the ow. Twila True Beauty’s Lasting Shine Lacquer This OC-born 60 strong nail polish collection not only gets you runway-ready, it’s made with a five-free formula: no Toluene, DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin or Camphor. Add the Fortifying Base Coat and Volumizing Top Coat and an extended wear time kept us looking our best for a good five days. We loved the pop of: That’s My Man-tra!, Sunnies + Sunscreen, Wonder Seeker, Goal Digger and Maybe, Baby. $12, twilatruebeauty.com OPI Infinite Shine ProStay...
Adelaide’s Perfectly Polished Party
Adelaide, 9, Irvine Theme: Hearts Location: Polished Perfect Los Olivos. Irvine Photography by: Polished Perfect Invites by: eVites Cake (or Cupcakes) by: Target Decor by: Party City Entertainment or Party Planner: Kate Hare, Mom The Goods on the Goody Bag: They wore their party souvenir out, their pick of polish or nail art! “We had our daughter’s ninth birthday party at the Los Olivos Salon. The salon and staff went beyond our expectations! Awesome experience— the girls had a wonderful and amazing time.” — Kate Hare, Irvine
Scream-Free Screen-Free Week
Q: [Toddlers/Preschool] “Screen-Free Week looms and our family pledged to participate with our older kids. Now I am wondering how to address it with my younger ones (18 months and 3 1/2)? I’m afraid I do take advantage of PBS-distraction while I scramble to get their older sibs out the door to school. Do I get a pass for having four kids? Kidding...kind of.” A: Making a commitment to participate in Screen-Free Week is a great way for you and your children to unplug from the world of media and digital entertainment and focus on quality time together playing, exploring,...
Beachy Keen Gear
These sandy saviors are a breath of fresh air and great way to celebrate the end of being cooped up in the classroom. Inflatabull Pump up the fun and take a ride on the wild side with this large floatie, best used at the beach for plenty of space to get ‘thrown’ from the bull. (Parents and kids can fight over who rides first.) $59, intexcorp.com Beachmate System Be the hero of the beach when you sling this 8lb tote over one shoulder. The system includes five small-to-large sand castle buckets that can double as drink/lunch/kid seats, two shovels big...
School Houses
Home-schooling rocks for these OC families While many of us are checking supply lists, picking out new shoes and clipping the tags off this year’s backpack, many OC parents have chosen a different educational route for their kids. Here are a few we’ve met and why out of the box learning gets an A in their book. Carol Freeman School for an Athlete’s Schedule While there are many reasons to look outside of traditional school, for some kids with extraordinary talent in sports, acting or dance, it is a practical choice that offers freedom to pursue greatness. When the immensity...
Halloween Costume Ideas
At a loss for ideas for this year’s costume? Below are 26 DIY options, one for each letter of the alphabet. Each one is just an outline, fashion yours with whatever you have on hand. Have fun! Angel Use an oversized white dress, robe or shirt. Belt with thick gold ribbon. If desired add a chenille stick to the headband in form of a halo. Wings can be made by unbending and reshaping wire hangers, cover with netting or ribbon. Bunch of Grapes Dress child in green tights and leotard. Blow up blue, green or purple balloons and tie with...
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...
Editor’s Picks: June 2018
Summer is a time for entertainment-filled festivals and Orange County is no exception. Throughout the month of June, there are a variety of family friendly festivals with packed scheduled full of everything from unique food and drinks, arts and crafts, dancing, live music and entertainment, kids' activities, and more. Each festival has its own theme as well, so festival goers can enjoy a new cultural experience. Choosing just from one of these exciting celebrations to highlight for this month's Editor's Pick is too difficult as each of the jam-packed festivals offer a different experience and entertainment for all ages. So...
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...
Kids Camps Adventures
Enjoy sailing, fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, shark dissection and more at Newport Sea Base in Newport Beach. There are undeniable benefits to sending your kids to camp. And in Orange County, the camping possibilities are endless. Ask any kid what he or she liked about summer camp and the response might go something like this: “It was fun!” Though the underlying theme of most camps—whether day or overnight—is indeed fun. Kids who attend camps are getting much more. “As children grow, they face a variety of developmental tasks as they transform and become more sophisticated in how they think,...
Seasonal Allergy Tips for Pets
Help keep your pet itch-free with these natural strategies for allergy season. As we fully embrace the sights and sounds of spring—birds singing, bees buzzing, butterflies migrating and the super blooms that recently overtook Southern California—there’s another bit of imagery that pet owners are less happy about: seeing our pets itch. Spring often brings with it a set of less desirable symptoms for allergic pets, which is why spring is often known as allergy season for our pets (and many of us). “Pollens, plants and grasses are more abundant,” said Dr. Kathy Wentworth, holistic veterinarian at PetPoint Medical Center &...
Editor’s Picks: October 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHRoger’s Gardens Halloween Boutique: Malice in Wonderland Tuesday, October 1-Thursday, October 31 Roger’s Gardens has gone all Lewis Carroll for its Halloween Boutique (open 9 am-6 pm daily). Let the White Rabbit be your guide into this strange den of Halloween decorations, a labyrinth of decor ready to help make your home Halloween-ready. Explore the Mad Hatter’s treasure-stuffed workshop and perhaps sit down to celebrate a very merry un-birthday by pulling up a chair for a cup of tea at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. And watch out for the Red Queen — or you may just...
Cooking Camp for Kids
[caption id="attachment_34808" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Cute Kid Winner Aliya Wallace at Lil Chef School in Irvine. Photo by Ralph Palumbo[/caption] Lil’ Chef School in Irvine celebrates 10 years of teaching local children a passion for cooking. Tracey Doty started cooking with her mom and grandma at a young age. When she was still in elementary school and around the holidays, they would spend the whole day cooking during a given holiday. As she got older, she started doing more cooking and even made dishes ahead of time, so the family could devote more time on their other holiday tradition: a family...
Science and Craft
Take this time at home to create these educational and fun science projects with the kids. With schools closed, the kids have been home for weeks now and you’re running out of ideas for them. Remote learning might be going well but in any case, children are antsy and looking for new activities. The best possible solution is to combine some real learning with novel fun. Kids aren’t in classes where science experiments can take place, but there are plenty of science-related activities you can conduct at home. Of course, there’s a little extra challenge to this, given the stay-at-home...
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