Autism and Fanfiction
‘Harry Potter’ fanfiction may help those with autism tell their stories. A study led by UC Irvine researchers and published in January in the Journal of Literacy Research found that those with autism—along with family members, teachers and advocates—use “Harry Potter” fanfiction to cast autistic characters in their stories that can help challenge stereotypes. “We expected to find that fanfiction authors with autism, or friends, family members and close advocates of autistic individuals, would write about autism in ways that challenged pervasive stereotypes about neurological difference that are often found in popular media,” said Rebecca W. Black, UCI associate professor...
Editor’s Picks: August 2019
PICK OF THE MONTHVans U.S. Open of SurfingJuly 27 - August 5 For the past 60 years the US Open has stood as one of the world’s top surfing events. Over the years, however, it has evolved to include world-class BMX and skateboard competitions as well.Some new additions this year are the Vans Showdown, Vans Rebel Jam, Vans Vert Demos, Duct Tape Festival and Vans Street Market. The Vans Showdown is an invite-only street jam skate competition, featuring trick contests and cash prizes. The Vans Rebel Jam is an invite-only BMX street contest. The Vans Vert Demos showcase high-flying action...
Holiday Help for Parents of Kids With Autism
Parents of kids with autism may face added challenges around celebrations. The holiday season is my favorite time of year. The tasty, homemade food, warm embraces from visiting relatives and lots of laughter, expand my heart. But as much as I now look forward to this time of year, I remember when it caused me great anxiety. Having three children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), my husband and I were always on high alert waiting for a behavior to happen — such as a 30-minute meltdown or inappropriate loud yelling in the middle of a room, or our child’s non-stop...
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...
Create a DIY Summer Camp for Your Kids at Home
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash With a little research, you can design a fun, enriching and free summer camp experience for your kids this summer. Now that social distancing has moved from spring to summer, parents have shifted, too, from their school-year roles as academic tutors during a time of remote learning, to summer camp counselors. That wasn’t an easy end to the school year, was it? It also wasn’t the same kind of instructional experience — many students didn’t learn as much as they would have in the classroom. Then there’s the phenomenon of summer learning loss, in...
Art Therapy for Emotional Healing
Feeling the stress of recent world events? Art therapy may help. Art is a fantastic coping mechanism and tool for emotional healing, wellness, self-care, stress relief and therapeutic creative expression — particularly when dealing the aftermath of this pandemic. Art making aids in healthy mindful communication and expression of feelings and emotions — such as grief, depression and trauma ... what we’ve all been experiencing lately. It is a fantastic mindful coping mechanism, helps healing and brings more clarity. There are many beneficial creative ways to utilize art in our daily lives to practice healthy expression. If possible, it’s always...
Reader’s Choice Awards 2020: Camp Winners
Best Girls Softball League Mission Viejo Girls Softball Mission Viejo Girls Softball puts instilling good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and courage at the center of their program. With the goal of creating well adjusted, stronger and happier children, young girls between the ages 4.5 to 14 get the chance to bond with teammates through sports. And with no initial cost needed to register, young girls get the chance to experience the excitement of softball. mvgs.org | Mission Viejo Best Baseball Camp Coach Ballgame James Lowe, often referred to as Coach Ballgame, helps kids fall in love with baseball by emphasizing a...
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...
Teacher Inspired
OC teachers reflect on what the past year has been like and what they expect from this new school year…
A Healthy Outlook
(Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Reality TV star and OC mom Ashley Wahler talks about helping others feel beautiful through hair, and raising awareness about mental health and addiction. For as long as Ashley Wahler can remember, she’s always had a passion for hair. “My great-grandfather was a hair stylist who immigrated here from Italy, so it is definitely in my blood,” said Wahler, of Laguna Hills, who works at Indigenous Salon in Laguna Beach. In fact, she loves hair so much that she recently launched her own hair accessories line called The Gold Collection by Ashley Wahler. If Wahler’s...
Tutor Help
Katherine Dang is a local college student helping kids experiencing homelessness through education…
Fourth of July Fun
(Photo Courtesy of Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort) Whether it involves fireworks or not, there’s plenty to do this July 4th holiday across OC. WITH FIREWORKS June 30 Huntington Beach Annual 4th of July Celebration www.hb4thofjuly.org Huntington Beach devotes five days celebrating the Fourth of July. June 30 has a Block Party on Main Street, with the Pier Plaza Festival, featuring carnival rides, live music, food trucks and vendors, happening July 1-4. July 4th starts with the Surf City Run & Kid's Fun Run, followed by the 10 am Independence Day Parade along PCH at 10 am, and concludes with majestic...
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...
Where Are They Now?
(Phillip Chow and students at Beckman High School in Irvine) We sit down with past Top Teacher winners to find out what they’ve been up to since their big win. (Elizabeth Zoellner/Photo Courtesy of Ralph Palumbo) Elizabeth Zoellner Top Teacher 2022 Background: Zoellner is currently teaching a combination class with kindergarten and first grade. When winning the award, she was teaching first grade. She has spent her entire 27-year teaching career at Commonwealth Elementary School in Fullerton. Why She Won: Zoellner was known for really engaging her students and sparking excitement with the subject matter every day. She went above...
Gaming Insights
(Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock) Learn how to set healthy limits for your video-gaming kids. Over the last several years, there has been a steady upward trend in the amount of time our children spend engaging in video game play. As a parent, you may find yourself questioning how to monitor and set limits on video game use without becoming “the bad guy” to your child. Before setting limits on video games, a good starting place may be exploring and reflecting on your relationship with your child. Research suggests that when parents have open communication and explore ideas and concepts with...
Nominate A Mompreneur
Know a mom who balances work with family life? Use our form to tell us about a mompreneur in Orange County who can be featured in our Moms at Work Issue.
Glacial Escape
Luxury Sailing Meets Alaskan Adventure on the Re-imagined Celebrity Millennium. The southbound glacier sail on the Millennium starts with a two-hour scenic drive
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!...
DIY Halloween Style
Here are five easy-to-create, popular Halloween looks sure to make a statement for costume season. Put together iconic costumes without breaking the bank.
Take a Holiday Fun-cation!
Stay local and booked with these festivities. Experience snowfall at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm and warm sunlight while you skate on the ice.
Enter to Win Tickets to Southern Califorina’s Premiere Outdoor show at the Orange County Fairgrounds
Winner will receive a four-pack of tickets Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel, and Outdoors Show where there is so much free activities for kids and families to enjoy Are you ready for a full day of fun and outdoors? Then the Pacific Coast Sportfishing Tackle, Boat, Travel, and Outdoors Show is for you. March 7 – 10 at the Orange County Fairgrounds. In addition to all the boats and outdoor vendors, there are so many FREE kids’ activities including two trout fishing ponds to try their hand and catching and releasing fish, falconry, Jay Prehistoric Reptiles kids get up...
Keep Moving
Learn how children with special needs benefit from sports, dance, swim and other types of physical activities.
Beat the Summer Slide
Educational experts offer proactive tips for lessening summer learning loss. It’s time for summer break, while that means free time and vacations for many kids
The District at Tustin Legacy to Host Learn & Grow Family Fun Fair
Join us on September 14 for a free, fun, family-friendly fair that features learning resources and after-school activities at The District at Tustin Legacy.
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!
Halloween Spooktaculars
Have a scary good time at all the fun Halloween events and pumpkin patches in and around Orange County.
Math Solutions
Learn the unique approach of the Russian School of Mathematics and how it shapes students mathematical abilities and critical thinking skills.
Beet Smoothie Boosts
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing, tangy blend or a creamy, indulgent treat, this recipe offers two delicious ways to enjoy beets in your smoothie.
Postpartum Fitness
Having a baby is a life-changing experience that can impact you both physically and emotionally. New moms may struggle with their post-pregnancy fitness while..
Talk About Curing Autism This Holiday Season
The Sensitive Santa program is ideal for those who struggle with the chaos of meeting Santa at a nearby mall. Launched more than 14 years ago in November 2000, the Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) organization began as a local support group for OC parents with autistic children. Founded by Lisa and Glen Ackerman, parents of an autistic son, the grassroots program had its humble beginnings in Huntington Beach, with TACA's first meeting held in the Ackerman's living room amongst 10 other families. Since then, it has spread to over 45,000 families, becoming a nationwide non-profit organization focused on supporting...
I Chews You!
Beat the chewy-blues with these clever teethers and gum soothers your baby will love. Eco-Teether Crib Rail Cover We all cringe at the sight of our little ones gnawing on the crib rail, toxic-free paint or not. These handy crib rail covers offer a comfy textured fabric that is machine washable and free of chemicals or dyes. $49, www.BabeeTalk.com Chubby Gummy Zoli’s toothbrush’esque version of a teether is made with BPA & phthalate-free thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and polypropylene (PP). The handle is easy to grasp, with an anti-choke shield ensuring they don’t poke those soft-textured nubs in too far. $12,...
The Top Five Mental Health Myths
To truly end the stigma surrounding mental health, it’s important to understand the truths behind the causes, symptoms, and treatments of these disorders. It’s imperative to dispel the myths surrounding these illnesses in order to eradicate the fear and misconceptions so prevalent in families. Debbie Hutchinson, Psy.D., Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs and the Psychiatric Emergency Team at the Laguna Beach campus of Mission Hospital, identifies the following as common misperceptions about mental health: 1. Children with a mental illness are more prone to violence. When a tragic and violent crime occurs, people are too often quick to blame...
Meet our New Social Media Mama!
As if she didn’t have enough going on, we decided Jennifer Hulick needed to add a bit more to her plate and tagged her as our new Social Media Mama. What’s it like to raise a very full house of two teens, triplet kindergarteners, husband and boxer-mix Marley? “We’re busy, but that’s how I grew up – we had a big family and were always on the go. On Sundays, we spend time as an extended family at my parents’ in Huntington Beach. We’re all no more than a bike ride away, which is great. The kids all play in...
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...
Backyard Pool Safety
Q: [Infants & Toddlers] My husband surprised our family by announcing we were getting a backyard pool. The kids are thrilled, but with a toddler in the house and two often distracted or forgetful older kids running in and out, how do I keep my little one safe? A: Keeping a toddler safe around a body of water is difficult. Throw in a couple of older siblings and it becomes a much tougher task. There is hope though. Although you can never fully substitute for good adult supervision, you can offer yourself peace of mind by enrolling your toddler in...
Mon Reve Dance Studio
The latest dance studio to hit OC’s “culture of character” is defined by “Le Gros Trois” (the big three):1. Hard work 2. Respect 3. Kindness. Mon Reve offers ballet, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop classes for children ages 2-12, but was created to combine a strong culture of character within the beauty of dance for all children. “Establishing the ballet program for children with Down Syndrome helped me realize that dance is about so much more than just dance,” says Paige Peplow, founder of Mon Reve (my dream). “It can help children build self-esteem, confidence, a work ethic, et cetera.”...
Starter Vacation Getaways
We’d all like to see our kids grow up as well-traveled citizens of the world, but they have to start somewhere. Here are our picks for easy first time trips to take with the kids. El Capitan Canyon Resort Cabin. Newbie Campers Ocean Mesa Campground & El Capitan Canyon Resort www.oceanmesa.com | elcapitancanyon.com If you want to add a dose of laidback nature to your kiddo’s hectic lives, there are few places more lovely than Ocean Mesa Campground and adjacent El Capitan Canyon Resort along the Santa Barbara coast. Pack up a rental RV with all the necessities and park...
Wagly
Tails will surely be wagging thanks to a new pet care facility that aims to offer kibbles of convenience to both Fido and his fur-baby mom. Wagly, which launched its first California location October 31, is a one-stop shop for pet owners. It offers veterinary services, boarding, grooming, training, consultations and more. A soon-to-be-launched app will also give pet parents access to a slew of Wagly home services. This includes hiking, walking, house sitting and nutritional support. Wagly says its goal is to help give pets the best possible care, while alleviating the workload of busy parents Tustin | www.wagly.com...
Mommy Works
Have you ever dreamed of bringing your kids to work with you? Well, now you can. Mommy Works is a child-friendly office that gives work-from-home moms a space to engage, collaborate and work with other professionals, all while keeping a watchful eye on their children. The office, which describes itself as a “co-working community for all moms”, offers desks, Wi-Fi, coffee and conference rooms for moms and a safe, supervised playroom for kids. Geared at children aged six months-to-six years, Mommy Works also features breastfeeding and pumping stations, a child-friendly kitchen and a quiet room with a children’s reading corner....
Why Camp is More than S’mores and Canteens
Parents spend a lot of time trying to motivate kids. We use chore charts, checklists, reminders and rewards to get them to feed the dog, clean their rooms, and complete schoolwork. But these techniques don’t change behavior long-term. Real motivation must come from within. The Psychology of Summer Camp Time at camp may be all it takes to spark a little self-determination in your kid. I know it sounds too good to be true. Your school-age slacker — the one who expects you to find his homework and pack his lunch — might start doing some things for himself. And...
Family Camp?
Q: [School-Aged] We are looking at camps for the summer. Some have sibling discounts, which has us wondering — is it a pro or con to send sibs to camp together? We don’t join up with other friends for camp because we like our child to branch out and make new friends and get a fresh perspective on life, but should that extend to picking different camps for our kids, too? A: The question of whether to send siblings to the same camp is an interesting one and has a variety of considerations. If your camp of choice offers a...
The Power of a Wish
Taylor Mayes is the spunky Make-a-Wish child who graced our cover last April. We met Taylor and her family as we joined forces with businesses and organizations across Orange County, and Ellen K of 103.5 KOST FM, to help make Taylor’s wish of becoming a singer and living the popstar experience come true. Taylor had been fighting Ewings Sarcoma, a cancer of the soft tissue, and had only been released from the hospital after a grueling final round of chemo a few days before our cover shoot. We have had so many readers want to know how she is doing,...
Seeing Double (or Triple!)
If your joy (and possibly panic) has been multiplied by news of twins, triplets or more — fear not. We’ll help you keep your sanity with these tools for new little bundles of bliss. Pump In Style Advanced Backpack Not only might you need to pump to enlist helpers during group-feeding time, when on the go you will likely need a hands-free tote, as yours are bound to be occupied. Sling on this backpack-style double pump set and you are good to go. This will also work well for those observing post-cesarean lifting restrictions and those in need of a...
Talking about Mental Health Issues
Q: [Tweens/Teens] Mental Health month just passed, which is great and so important to get awareness raised in the community. But I feel like a bit of a hypocrite when I am supporting the cause as my teen deals with eating disorder issues, and rather than share it at orientation with her new high school, I feel like it might be better to keep it to ourselves. This just feels like a new start and I don’t want her judged. A: One of the hurdles that people living with mental illness continue to face is stigma. A child with a...
Theme Park Staycations
When your bag of tricks is nearing that mid-summer empty point and you can’t handle hearing one more “I’m boooored” it’s time to bust out the big guns…theme parks. Amp up the fun with these overnight extenders to turn your long day into a long weekend to remember. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park www.disneyland.com Even before donning the gear from the Studio stores, the kids will look at you like a hero for bringing them to Disney California Adventure Park to get a glimpse of their favorite Supers and characters from Guardian of the Galaxy. Epic dance offs, chance...
Overwhelmed to In Control
It is Back to School season, so more likely than not the word “overwhelmed” has popped up in your mind, if not out of your mouth. The life you had before kids looks a lot different than the one you’re living now. I struggled with finding balance. Balance between who I wanted to be and the reality of responsibilities, tight schedules and unforeseen complications that seeped into every crevice of my life. I am here to tell you there is hope for women who feel overwhelmed. The first step is taking a deep breath, grabbing a pen (or the nearest...
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...
Tunes in the Parks
Pack a family picnic and head out to one of these outdoor summer concerts Brea’s Summer Concerts in the Park Add a little excitement to your hump day slump at Brea’s City Hall Park, where summer concerts will be held each Wednesday. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic and relax while groups take the outdoor gazebo stage. A different genre will be featured each week. This is a family friendly event – even dogs are welcome. Shows run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 401 S. Brea Blvd. | July 11 to August 5 | www.ci.brea.ca.us/...
Editor’s Picks: August 2018
Pick of the Month The OC Fair Don’t let the summer pass you by without a visit to the OC Fair. With a theme of “Free Your Inner Farmer” this year, it’s the perfect time to teach your little ones more about agriculture. Wander over to Centennial Farm for photos of the adorable baby piglets and the energetic goats. Also, among the new attractions are the Selfie Pop-Up Museum and the nerve-wracking Daredevils & Wheels stunt show. And of course, there’s carnival rides and games, live performances, action sports events, agricultural demonstrations and animal competitions. You definitely don’t want to...
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...
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