(Photo by Diana Shabtai) Help reduce anxiety in kids during the back-to-school season through these fun art projects. Many kids experience back-to-school anxiety. Different feelings can come up for kids during this time and it’s important to introduce and practice coping skills — such as art. This will allow them...
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) Find out how to get your athlete in back-to-school shape for fall. Looking to get a solid start for the new school year? Put these recommendations into play to help improve performance both in the classroom and on the field, court or floor. Get into a...
(Photo Courtesy of iStock) Tips for getting your family back-to-school ready. Heading back to school after the summer break is a big moment for any child. Returning to school requires a shift of gear from the relaxed months of summer. Each new school year brings its own new challenges. For...
(Photo Courtesy of Stratford School) Stratford School — Outstanding Outcomes through Intentional Balance At Stratford School, high expectations yield extraordinary results. Their advanced yet intentionally balanced curriculum starts as early as preschool to inspire and nurture the minds and hearts of every student. From the outset, they simplify challenging concepts,...
(Q&A with Orange County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares) The superintendent talks mental health, resources and the school year ahead. The new school year is upon us. How do you see the 2022/23 school year playing out? I think the last few years have presented us with valuable lessons about...
(Photo Courtesy of Kelly Sikkemma/Unsplash) When news of pandemics and school shootings create anxiety, and cyberbullying causes fear, artistic expression, and present-moment awareness can instill calm. If the world feels more stressful to you than ever before, you’re not alone. COVID-19 and its unending variants, school shootings, cyberbullying, threats of...
(Photo Courtesy of Fairmont Schools) As the pandemic evolves, schools and families take a look at what a post-COVID campus looks like. As the 2021-22 school year ends, most students were able to go to prom, graduate on stage, throw their caps up and hug their friends. This school year,...
(Photo courtesy of Canva) Learn about all the potential benefits mindful journaling offers to students. Parents looking to make the most of their child’s educational experience may want to encourage the use of the mindfulness tool, journaling. Some of the benefits of journaling include reduction of anxiety, improved grades, students...
(Photo Courtesy of CUSD Palisades) County Superintendent of Schools Al Mijares answers Parenting OC’s questions about what families can expect for this fall’s return to campus. Parenting OC: What do you want all OC families to know about starting school this fall? Al Mijares: In many ways, I believe the...
(Photo Courtesy of Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash) Ease some of the stress of this school year’s return to campus with these expert tips on getting your kids back to class. Parents and professionals agree, the best place for children to learn is in the classroom. “We want to recommend kids start socializing...
(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...
SAFETY Babyganics Hand Sanitizer Hand sanitizer is a hot topic these days, but not all of them are suitable for children. Babyganics offers an alcohol-free hand sanitizer made specifically for little ones. It is offered in a mandarin scent and also comes fragrance-free for sensitive children. Besides this hand sanitizer’s...
(Photo by Deleece Cook/Unsplash) District officials, educators and families navigate their way back to school for fall on a road paved with uncertainty. It’s normal to be nervous about the first day of school, but back-to-school jitters are amplified this year, as an unparalleled pandemic creates uncertainty surrounding the 2020/21...
The fall school year will be like no other. What can families expect from OC public schools for the 2020-21 school year? Back to school is typically a time of preparing and planning. This academic year was unexpectedly interrupted when COVID-19 pushed Southern California schools into distance learning indefinitely. Now...
The new school year brings many unknowns. Here’s how you can emotionally prepare. As the days in quarantine continue on, millions of stressed parents and kids continue to try and navigate home schooling and life in close quarters in this COVID-19 “new normal.” The new school year may bring a...
Q: [All Ages] How do I deal with the emotional ups and downs my kids have about going back to school? A: Going back to school can be an emotional rollercoaster for your kids and yourself. Kids are excited to catch up with their friends as much as they are...
Incorporate mindful intentions during the back-to-school season to set your family up for success. The start of a new academic year can be overwhelming for parents and children. Mindful intentions help with the transition and will lay a foundation for a successful school year at any age. Intentions are different...
From left to right, Greyson Mino, Gianna Acacio and Savanna Pablo hang out on the Ocean Institute’s brig Pilgrim in Dana Point, ready for the new school year ahead. Greyson is wearing Billabong Sundays Mini shirt ($42.95 at Jack’s Surfboards) and Quiksilver Wax Out shorts ($35 at Jack’s Surfboards) with...
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...
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...
A day at Outlets at San Clemente for these kids (left to right)—Gavin Acacio, Kailyn Hukriede, Gianna Acacio, William Hukriede, Kaleb Fisher—meant larger-than-life games, a visit to the Ruby’s Diner ice cream shop and back-to-school shopping with Pacific breezes. Practical meets personal, when you make this year’s back-to-school shopping a...
Peek Clothing Empowering messages, internationally-inspired trends and unique graphics are among the finds kids can make at this Fashion Island shop. Peek carries Bohemian-inspired dresses, rompers and playful shorts for girls. The boutique clothing store is also stocked with laced eyelet dresses, embroidered trench coats and knit, multi-color cardigans. Accessories...
Send your kid back to class in style with these sweet feet treats! Choo Choo Shoes Skip any sort of “confusion and delay” in getting out the door in the morning, your little conductor will always stay on track and remember where these train-themed shoes have been put away for...
Out-of-the-Box Classroom Learning During the beginning stages of Pegasus School’s Outdoor Classroom, a group of teachers, teacher assistants and administrators researched the importance of children exploring nature and visited several schools with outdoor classroom space. The Pegasus team had a goal of creating a dedicated environment to provide hands-on sensory...
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...
Eagle Creek No Matter What Top Load Backpack Moisture-wicking 3D air mesh back panel with reflective accents keeps kids cool and safe on the go. This top loader offers enough room for the essentials and even sports a side handle to carry suitcase-style for those days sporty students are hauling...