Managing ‘Chatter’
Learn how to empower your children to develop healthier internal dialogues. In today’s fast-paced world, parents are no strangers to the constant stream of…
Spring Journeys
Cultivating mindful parenting on the road. As spring unfolds, it brings a spirit of renewal and adventure, inspiring many families to embark on memorable…
Chocolate Chip Cookies
(Photo & Recipe by Madison Amirehteshami) There’s something magical about the way chocolate chip cookies can turn a regular day into a sweet memory. For me, it's time spent with my mom, measuring flour, sneaking a taste of dough and watching the cookies bake in the oven. These cookies have always been a family favorite — golden brown edges, a chewy center, and of course, a few extra chocolate chips for good measure. Whether you’re baking alongside loved ones or just indulging in a quiet moment, these cookies never fail to deliver that warm, comforting feeling. Ready to share a...
Summer Tutoring
Help avoid the summer slide and encourage intellectual passion with a summer tutor. As a teacher and tutor for more than 20 years, I have seen the tremendous…
Community Comments
Discover Orange County’s best in food, family fun, classes & more with our Readers’ Choice Awards. Celebrate community favorites chosen by locals.
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...
Controlling Your Child’s Diabetes Helps the Whole Family
The beginning of the new year is a great time to get your family’s health back on track. But what does this mean if your child is living with diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose (sugar). People with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that cannot make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin but the insulin does not work the way it should. Because of this, the glucose or sugar from food stays in the blood and your child can have “high blood sugar.” Your child may feel tired or low...
Alana Yarbrough: Odysseo by Cavalia
As a parent, experiencing a sense of sheer wonder like you did as a child can be a rare experience. From stunning horses to enthralling riders, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and singers, Cavalia is a family affair. Created by the Latourelle family and their sons for your family’s delight, the internationally acclaimed show is an epic journey of nature’s greatest wonders while showcasing the beautiful relationship of horse and human. Take your eyes, ears, mind, and heart on a galloping adventure with 65 horses of 11 different breeds and 45 artists from around the world, including the United States, Canada,...
Super Finds
The whole country is super excited over the latest hero movie. Your kids might be a little young to take in the flick, but they can still look the part with these heroic picks. DaphDaph Giggly Goggles They’ll be swimming faster than a speeding bullet with eyes protected by these goggles (and hair protected from tangles and pulling thanks to the neoprene-like band securing the back). $25, daphdaph.com Bumkins Super Diapies! Mom can be super-earth friendly, while kiddos are super adorable in these DC Comics printed cloth diaper covers…complete with CAPE! Snap-In-One diaper comes with soft Minky insert and is...
Food Portion Management
The Magic Trick to Meet Your Goals It’s almost always bikini season in OC, but with the kids about to hit the waterparks and invites to family pool parties rolling in, a little maintenance never hurt anyone. Rather than deprive yourself of favorites because they might not be on your personal plan, indulge…in moderation. Dr. Caroline Cederquist, M.D., founder of bistroMD (www.bistroMD.com) offers some tips on how to keep portions under control. When eating out at a restaurant, have the server box half your meal before it is served so you aren’t tempted to overeat. Don’t eat from the box...
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...
Best Foot Forward
One of the most exciting things about the first day of school was busting out your new kicks for the year. Share the tradition with your little one with these picks for every personality. For Your Beachy Keen Kid If your little ones are in denial about summer’s end, these sneaker-sandal hybrids by Keen might put the skip back in their step. With a full back structure (that should satisfy those picky school restrictions) and open weave toed front, these reverse-mullet shoes are party in the front, business in the back. KEEN Newport H2 & Uneek Sandal $40/$60, www.keenfootwear.com For...
Secretly Straighten
Less visible solutions to new smiles. October is National Orthodontic Health Awareness Month. As new “invisible” technology has expanded and improved, it’s becoming more and more common for adults to seek orthodontic treatment. Research shows that having a “good bite” can improve dental health and prevent the need for dentures later in life. As a child, Tina McDermott received dental advice that was commonly given in the ‘80s. “My teeth weren’t horribly crooked,” she says, “so my dentist told my mom that I didn’t need braces, and that I could keep my wisdom teeth.” Once considered to be primarily cosmetic,...
Baby-to-Boardroom Bags
Moms don’t have to give up style to be prepared for every toddler trauma or baby blowout, and these carryalls pull double duty at the office or at home. Work it, Mama! Robert Matthew Jordan Tote We are so thankful for the perfectly harvest-inspired look of this Animal-Friendly pu Leather, we don’t even mind that it might not technically be a diaper bag. It’s big enough to handle a full sized laptop for work, while offering enough room for the odds and ends your little one would be lost without. The attached mini-wallet can carry the necessities for those time...
Inspiring Families of OC
Sometimes life can seem overwhelming, even in the idyllic environs we enjoy in Orange County. As reflections about the past and new year kick in, we wanted to share the inspiring stories of a few OC families. The Brown Family 100 Miles and Counting Last December, Kelly and Allen Brown sat their small children, Eden 5 and Elijah 3, around the kitchen table. They felt it was important to teach their kids about the rewards of hard work and began an elementary conversation about goals. As January approached with resolutions soon to follow, the Brown family comtemplated setting a goal...
Play Ball!
Is Sport Camp Right for My Child? The ides of a camp that pairs summer fun with skill building in a sport seems like a no brainer. But what if your child isn’t a lifelong gymnast or soccer player? Will they fit in and be happy at a sports camp? Perhaps you want to encourage your child to try a new sport or to consider taking a stab at junior high or high school tryouts. We talk with Sport Psychologist, Dr. Casey Cooper, about how athletic camp can be the answer. “Evidently, there was a time when high school sport...
Trappings of Gold
Q: [School-Aged] I have just been informed by my first grader that I am to help make a ‘leprechaun trap’ that will somehow result in a leprechaun leaving gifts on March 17th. I am all for celebrating holidays in fun ways, but why does everything have to involve the expectation of getting ‘stuff’? Even if we balk, there will be kids that score and then mine will feel sad when she gets to school empty-handed. Is there any hope of raising a child who is not materialistic in OC? A: What a wonderful opportunity to battle “entitlemania”. Entitlemania is a...
Family Resiliency, Supporting Autism and ND Disorders
Raising a child with a disability brings a unique set of joys and challenges for a family — increased struggles with daily routines, finances, and navigating the maze of doctors and support services. This can be complicated by decreases in the amount of time parents spend engaged in the community, with friends or as a couple. However, research demonstrates that many families who have a child with a disability are able to balance these demands and believe their family is closer, stronger and happier because of their challenges. Resilience is the ability to withstand hardship and rebound from adversity, becoming...
A Good Foundation
Mom might love a box of chocolates, but these collections of natural beauty-booyah will earn a (perfectly glossed) smile from even the most careful of mamas. LOVE GOODLY This eco-beauty company’s April/May box features a selection of 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, and stylishly vegan beauty + wellness essentials. Each purchase benefits Farm Sanctuary, a leading farm animal protection organization. Treat Mom with a one time gift or every other month subscription. $29 (with value over $125), www.LoveGoodly.com Whole Foods Beauty Bag Want to show you have good taste in eco-makeup? Head to Whole Foods. While they might be known for organic...
Pool Party Concerns
Q: [All Ages] My first grader wants to have a birthday pool party at our house, but I am nervous. Is this a safe idea if we hire a lifeguard and have plenty of floaties on hand? A: For young families, water represents a challenging paradox: It can provide hours of enjoyable, carefree fun, but it can also quickly lead to tragedy. You’re no doubt familiar with the public-service admonition about water and young children: “Children drown without a sound.” In California, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under age 5. I’m not trying to ruin...
The Summer Fun Guide
The Chill List If climbing temps have kids climbing the walls, let off some steam with these cool options for summer fun. Seven New Water Slides at Knott’s Soak City One of OC’s best places to chill out just got cooler, with seven new slides making a total of 22 speed, tube and body slides plus the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wave pool; the one-third-mile long Sunset Lazy River; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Four of the new slides start with guests climbing a 60ft tower, stepping inside an Aqua-Launch...
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...
Helpful Hairstyling Tools
Try these hair helpers to look polished, even if you’re in full holiday meltdown mode! Dyson Supersonic Blowouts are the bomb, but you don’t always have kid-free time (and during the busy holiday party season, it can be tough to score an appointment). This genius dryer can focus for speed drying or diffuse if you’re a curly girl. Magnetic attachments are simple to pop on and off and the whole process can be safely accomplished with one toddler wrapped around your leg. $399, www.dyson.com Pai-Shau A darling of the Fashion Week set, these silky concoctions can smooth even the most...
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...
SoCal Summer Must-Have Items
Comfy and summery items from local vendors and beyond. OC Girl Hello Kitty Tankini This adorable baby blue Tankini with seashell pattern features a Mermaid Hello Kitty on the chest with bow detail on the back. Comes in sizes 2T-6. $54; available online at Oneill.com, Sanrio.com and at select Sanrio stores and independent specialty retailers. OC Reusable Bag Stash your beach essentials, toys, or snacks while reppin’ your roots. This reusable handmade bag is water-resistant and is big enough to tote around your beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and more. Choose from two sizes and black or white ink. Made by...
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...
Great Park Ice & Fivepoint Arena
At the new Great Park ice rink, you can enjoy winter fun all year round. An affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks’ network, this new rink is open to the public and offers four different arenas. Three of the ice sheets meet National Hockey League size regulations, and the fourth meets the Olympic requirements. Two arenas are open now for family fun and special events from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. A grand opening is planned for March 7, when the rest of the facility, including a new restaurant and multiple retail spaces will be completed. The Anaheim Ducks will use...
Tips for Picky Eaters
Packing a healthy and tasty school lunch can seem like an overwhelming task. If you are like most parents, you spend a fair amount of time and energy on preparing something healthy for your kids. And it can be discouraging to open the lunchbox at the end of the day to find that lunch half eaten … or not eaten at all. If you have a picky eater at home—which according to WebMD, is one in five kids today—packing lunch is even more challenging. No kid can live on PB&J only, can they? So, to make it easy, here are...
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...
Setting the Bar for Hot Chocolate
[caption id="attachment_34219" align="aligncenter" width="346"] Photo by Sarah Mosqueda[/caption] In-N-Out That’s right, OC’s favorite burger chain serves hot cocoa. In-N-Out’s tightly edited menu includes a cup of hot cocoa reportedly made with Ghirardelli Chocolate and freeze-dried marshmallows. Honesty, drinking hot cocoa out of a palm tree-adorned cup is about as California as it gets. Bonus points if you are wearing flip-flops. Multiple Locations [caption id="attachment_34221" align="aligncenter" width="402"] Photo courtesy of Sugarbuzz[/caption] Sugarbuzz With milkshakes, ice cream, and cake by the slice, it is hard not to achieve a sugar high at Sugarbuzz in Anaheim. There is also a selection of hot...
Camp James Summer Day Camp
Serving OC Families for over 30 years offering children ages 5-17 an opportunity to connect with friends and the outdoors. Camp James is an ACA Accredited Camp located in the beautiful Back Bay in Newport Beach. Activities include swimming, canoes, archery, Gocarts, kayaks, SUP, climbing wall, crafts, laser tag, drama, dance, STEM, martial arts, mini golf, Gaga, ping pong, Legos, and more. Hours 8:30-4:30 Campers and Parents love the unique setting, quality staff and wide variety of activities. Winner of Parenting OC Magazine Readers Choice Best Day Camp for ten years. 101 N Bayside Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660...
City of Tustin Parks & Recreation
The Tustin Parks and Recreation Department offers a large variety of summer activities and camps for kids ages 3-16. Day and teen camps for 1st through 8th grade and half-day camp for pre-k kids. Other summer camps include basketball, Lego, manners, science, engineering, lacrosse, dance, baseball, football, tennis, and more. Check us out at tustintodaymagazine.com or call 714-573-3326 today!
Road Trip!
On the go with tot-in-tow? No problem. Use these gadgets to make sure you never hit a bump in the road. Diono Dreamliner Travel Bassinet Naps are no small thing, it can be the crucial do-or-die element when on the road or in unfamiliar places. Keep them cozy in this Dreamliner, that sits nicely next to your beach chair under an umbrella, or the hotel pool while the older kids are splashing away. The travel bed even boasts an insect net, sun canopy and breathable sides for extra zzzzz’s. $99 us.diono.com 7AM Enfant Voyage Bag Packing for a...
6 Spooky Goodies to Inspire the Halloween Spirit
Get the family into the Halloween spirit this year with these fun products. Feeling Witchy Gift Box Feeling that Halloween itch? This gift box from Peace Organics includes a black charcoal cold-process soap bar, a candle of choice and a box of matches. The candle is available in several fall fragrances including Autumn Wreath, Black Amber & Plum, Fallen Leaves, Fireside and Pumpkin Spice. They made sure not to leave out any dads either with their masculine scent Oakmoss & Amber. Overall the perfect gift for anyone wanting to add some spooky vibes to their self-care routine. $29, peaceorganics.com Embroidered...
Reader’s Choice Awards 2020: Kids Play & Places Winners
Best Mommy & Me My Gym A fifth-year winner, My Gym in Yorba Linda is the perfect place to get kids and babies moving. Arts and crafts, music and games help keep kids engaged and active. From tumbling to handstands, classes grow with your kids, and drop-off programs and pay-by-day options make choosing My Gym easy. Birthday party packages are available too, with so many themes to choose from like Hello Kitty and Star Wars. mygym.com/yorbalinda | Yorba Linda Best Party Caterer Chick-fil-A With multiple locations throughout Orange County, Chick-fil-A’s quality and customer service keep fans coming back. As one...
STEM Survival
(Photo Courtesy of Bionerds) How STEM programs survived and continue to thrive in public schools and throughout the county. The massive, nationwide experiment that was the 2020-2021 school year is now essentially over. Whether parents, teachers or students liked it or not, every student got a taste of being home schooled. The ability to adapt — either financially, technologically or logistically — was often the key to success. As an entire school year operated on a makeshift plan, some subjects fared better than others. So while it was not a great time to be a P.E. teacher, others were seemingly...
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...
Easy Holiday Craft: Christmas Wreath
(Photo Courtesy of Adriene Madden/Adventures in the Schoolhouse) The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you and your family on how to create a Christmas wreath. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3FYZ6bRkME&t=3s Craft Supplies 1 wooden ring from any craft store floral or fabric section Faux or real festive greenery Baker's twine Scissors Ribbon (optional) Enter Our Craft Photo Contest Submit a picture of your child with this craft or any other craft of your choice below for a chance to be featured in Parenting OC Magazine, on The Little Red...
Circus Vargas Ticket Giveaway
See Circus Vargas’ amazing 2023 production at Laguna Hills Mall May 5-May 22! A must-see, show-stopping spectacular certain to spark the imagination.
Sharing Secrets
IMAX filmmaker, activist and local Greg MacGillivray talks about his upcoming projects, the ocean and his optimism for the future…
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...
Looking Back and Ahead With Disney100
(Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Resort) Disneyland Resort celebrates Disney100 with new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride, new Nighttime Spectaculars and more — while honoring the history of Disney. Oh, how different the country was in 1923. Just five years removed from World War I, women had just won the right to vote and the population of California was less than the population of Los Angeles today. Barely a third of Americans owned a phone, even less had indoor plumbing and electricity and Orange County was an agricultural community. When local developers erected massive letters on a hillside overlooking LA,...
Rescue Therapy
(Photo courtesy of FarmHouse Rescue) Danielle Judd during storytime at the chicken coop on the farm. Children can tune in to live cameras through the farm's Smile Club program. A local mom founds a nonprofit that saves animals and brings healing to others after her own near-death experience. Danielle Judd is the first to tell you: She. Is. Exhausted. Not that you’d ever guess hearing about her days of juggling three kids ages 6, 7 and 18, 10s of volunteers and 60-plus farm animals in her front and backyard while still finding time for her husband and side projects. But,...
10 Picks for Summer Fun
Start your summer off right with some of our favorite options for family fun in Orange County. Take a Family Hike Crystal Cove TrailsCrystal Cove State Park has
Mindfulness for Back to School
Tips for getting your family back-to-school ready. Heading back to school after the summer break is a big moment for any child and requires a shift of gear
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
Ocean Lessons
The Dana Point-based nonprofit has been educating 100,000 children, teachers, parents and visitors with 60 plus marine science and maritime history programs.
Letter from the Publisher
This February issue marks a milestone for me as the publisher of Parenting OC. Twenty years ago was the first Parenting OC ever published by Tierney Publishing.
Pixar Haven
Get immersed at Disneyland Resort’s new Pixar Place Hotel. Splashes of color are everywhere you look at Disneyland Resort’s Pixar Place Hotel
Moms Who Care
Get to know some local Orange County moms who give back to the community in their own unique and charitable ways.
Coaching for Success
Learn what to look for in an Olympic-level coach for your young athlete. With the Olympics approaching this summer — July 26 to be exact — fans will wonder
In the Green
Learn about the Orange County public schools that are California Green Ribbon Schools award winners, and one school district awarded for environmental efforts
Mindful Monsters
Try these Halloween activities to enchant your kids’ minds. Halloween is a season filled with excitement, creativity and a sprinkle of spookiness!
Have a Balanced Holiday
Find joy in all feelings and keep holiday stress at bay with these mindful tips. As the holiday season approaches, it is essential to embrace festivities…
Valentine’s Day Art
Show you and your family some love with these arts and crafts projects. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, and why not show yourself some love in the…
Magical Mint Pudding Cups
These yummy, minty and chocolatey pudding cups are a fun and festive treat for St. Patrick’s Day! With creamy avocado and rich cacao, you’ll make a smooth and…
Sponsorship Opportunities & Exhibitor Information
Hosted by... As an exhibitor, you’ll have the opportunity to directly engage with thousands of families who are actively planning their children's school-year schedules. It's a chance to build awareness, share offerings, and connect face-to-face with your target audience Exhibitors will receive: A dedicated booth space Promotion in event materials and digital outreach Opportunities to provide demos, giveaways, or interactive experiences Direct contact with parents, educators, and caregivers making decisions for the 2026–27 school year Spaces are limited and fill up quickly—register early to secure your place! More photos from our latest 2025 event at The District at Tustin Testimonials...
Know Your Sound Frequencies
Do those baby sound machines really work? Babies: It’s a question I’ve been getting a lot lately. The short answer is “yes.” But before we put the matter to…
Apple Cinnamon Tart
This apple puff pastry tart is a perfect fall recipe for kids to join in on. It’s super simple, but looks amazing when it’s done — like something you’d see…
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...
SOL Cocina
Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com This hotspot boasting coastal Baja-inpired cuisine, featuring authentic flavors reminiscent of surf trips and street carts served up in surrounds with a decidedly upscale flair, is helmed by James Beard nom’d Executive Chef & Partner Deborah Schneider. Chef Deb is not only an award-winning cookbook author and successful restaurateur, but a mom. But is this trendy eatery good for families? “It sounds cliché, but there is something for everyone to enjoy; and we like kids!,” says Schneider, who believes in expanding culinary horizons for little ones. “I raised two! My rule was, ‘Just try it —...
Insect Protection
Zika-Freaked? We’ve got you covered. Spring break vacation plans might not look so inviting for those expecting or trying, with the latest in the Caribbean and countries south of the border. We get it. Arm yourself with the latest knowledge from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/zika) and these safe items to ward off the day-biting bugs. Insect Shield Buffs and Yoga Pants When your first trimester-tummy is already whirling, rubbing scented spray around your nostrils isn’t very appealing. You can still save face with these odorless treated buffs and scarfs. IS maternity leggings offer comfy coverage, though yoga pants one size up...
Special Products, Born in the OC
Babies hit developmental milestones at their own pace, and those with sensitivities (emotional to physical) can especially benefit from products with their needs in mind. Bonus —these goods were born (or their creators were) right in OC! Laceez Anaheim Hills dad, Jason Flores, has created a simple fix to the stress of trying to get tiny shoes on, and keeping those laces tied. These brightly colored accessories look like real laces, but are elasticized and stay put with a t-aglet design. $8, www.laceez.com Cibo Made by Ladera Ranch mom, Amy Chandler, who got tired of crawling under the table and...
Hot Musical Products
Get those tiny (or tween) toes tapping with these fun musical products that will be harmony, or at least a lot of fun, to your household. Karaoke Machine Portable Speaker System This all-in-one machine plays CDs or allows streaming from smartphones/tablets, with 3.5” screen display for lyrics (or show on TV for parties and sleepovers). Auto-tune and “voice coach” keeps things sounding great and even fills in the blanks when a singer forgets a line. $69, www.ElectroHome.com Aquatune Floating Water Speaker A lot of speakers claim to be waterproof, but this puppy actually floats. Let them get their groove on...
Practicing in the Heat
Q: [School-Aged] You hear these tragic stories of kids who suddenly drop in the middle of a game or match, passing away from heart issues. Is this genetic? Is it from the heat or overworking during practice? I know the odds of anything like that happening are remote, but is there anything the parents can do? A: Thank you for the question. Definitely excess heat, overworking and exhaustion can impose health risks. However, it sounds like what you are thinking of is sudden cardiac death (SCD) from unknown pre-existing cardiac disease. The chances of these SCD events are rare and...
The Science of Fear
Q: [School-Aged] My little one has heard her older brother complain about ‘how hard’ science was for him and now as second grade looms, is worried she won’t be able to cut it. How can I build her confidence? A: The misconception that science is difficult to learn – or that kids either naturally understand subjects such as science and math, or they don’t – is pervasive. A highly publicized theory (Dweck) proposes that children either have a growth mindset (a belief that their abilities can be developed) or a fixed mindset (a belief that they have innate abilities). According...
Ciao’ing Down at Brio Tuscan Grille
As we ramp up into the hectic fall weekends filled with soccer tournaments and football games, hours spent scouring a massive shopping center for just the right Halloween accessory for our little ghoul or boy, the Irvine Spectrum seems like a great spot to get everything knocked off the list at once. The problem? You’ll only get halfway through before the “I’m staaaaarving!”s start. We checked out Brio Tuscan Grille, partly because we liked the wine list (and the sound of those Black Raspberry Cosmos and Italian Lemonades!), but also because a quick spin around their children’s menu left us...
Stylish Finds
Coyuchi Handwoven Stripe Scarf This silky, translucent scarf rests lightly across the shoulders as a perfect chill-chaser for those first brisk days of fall. Hand-loomed from yarn-dyed cotton with hand-twisted yarns, it’s crafted in partnership with Indigo Handloom, whose products help sustain centuries-old weaving practices support local artisans and their families in rural India. $84, www.coyuchi.com Ebony & Silver Earrings West African tradition of fine silver jewelry is seen at its best in these graceful hook earrings. Hand-engraved silver falls to five decorative bands of inlaid ebony. This Fair Trade Product supports Nigerian Artisans working with the Union of Peasants...
New Year, New Family Dynamic
Families going through separation and divorce often struggle with how to talk with each other about all the transitions their family may be experiencing. Often, changes in the family situation take place after holidays, with both parties wanting to wait until after the festivities to make big changes that could cause upset. Here are a few tips during this time of transition: Be consistent with rules/boundaries: Kids need your guidance, and that includes firm rules or boundaries. Try to keep the children’s rules/boundaries the same as they were before the separation or divorce, if you can, and consistent between homes,...
Picking the Perfect Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
She carries a wand, she wears a crown, and she loves healthy smiles! We all know and love the tooth fairy—even though she may force you to make regular trips to the ATM, but the tooth fairy could not do her job if there wasn’t a healthy mouth to work with. Long before the tooth fairy takes flight, children as young as age one should be making trips to the dentist at least twice a year to prevent cavities and gum disease. In fact, this preventative work is so important that tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in...
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...
Sand in Their Hair?
Q: [School-Aged] My kids spent their whole vacay in the hotel kids’ club, much of it mashed in with new friends taking group selfies. Now I am looking at the pics with a shudder after catching both of them itching their scalps…yep, lice. How could this happen? A: As school vacation approaches, families look forward to a break from the demands of the daily routine. You want to come home relaxed and renewed after travels. You certainly do not want your children to return from hotel kids’ clubs or a cruise with an unexpected souvenir like head lice, turning a...
MOhM
MOhM = Mom + Ohm…or at least it will after a few classes at this center of education, community, and support for moms and families. Parenting courses like “Surviving the Toddler Years” join pre-and-postnatal yoga, Mommy and Mini-Me and Sensory or Music classes geared toward babies and toddlers — all taught by doctors or parenting experts in their field. Other classes help expecting parents prep for baby, while moms wanting to breastfeed can benefit from tips by a lactation expert. Mission Viejo | www.mymohm.com Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids Costa Mesa Whether they’re in for a trim or a proper makeover,...
Picking the Right Sunscreen for Your Family
Daily sunscreen use is essential to the prevention of skin cancer, skin damage and premature aging. But with so many options, picking the right one can become a daunting task. My recommendation? Choose one that meets your family’s skincare needs and lifestyle. So why so much emphasis on regular sunscreen use? Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 5 million skin cancer cases are diagnosed annually. While some people are at an increased risk, individuals of all ethnicities and skin tones can develop skin...
Simple and Delicious Summer Broccoli Salad
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. This is a great recipe if you need a new fun salad or want something yummy to bring over to a friend’s home. I dress this with a simple olive oil/balsamic vinegar mix. For some crunch sprinkle some almonds on top, put the salad in a pretty bowl, and you have a beautiful...
Back-to-School Fashion
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 experiences for pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten students. They strove to make a space where critical thinking skills and mathematical and visual spatial skills would be strengthened, where students would learn to master physical challenges in order to gain self-confidence and control over their surroundings. Their hard work and dedication was rewarded...
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...
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...
The Hula Children
Competition is fierce but the aloha spirit presides over this event on Maui for young dancers, the Hula O Na Keiki. According to our annual Parenting OC Reader’s Choice survey, Maui was the top choice for the family vacation. One reader explained its popularity by saying it’s a place that feels “comfortably exotic.” All islands in the Hawaiian chain are simultaneously far-flung and filled with friendly folks who spread the aloha spirit, but Maui, with the most activities available of all the Hawaiian Islands, is uniquely qualified to fulfill any type of goal for summer travel. There’s downtime goals to...
Editor’s Picks: November 2018
PICK OF THE MONTH The Mom-Made Market Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, 18th This market is truly the mother of all invention. More than 150 local mompreneurs make this holiday market a very unique shopping experience. Come out for a weekend of gift-buying, food, and fun. This event is too monumental to miss so come on out to support these moms in business. Kids can get a free photo with Santa each day from 10 am-11:30 am. The market is open on November 17 from 10 am-5 pm and 10 am-4 pm on November 18. The Hangar at the OC...
Editor’s Picks: March 2019
PICK OF THE MONTH 48th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales March 2-3, 9-10 This whale-sized festival crams an incredible number of events into two weekends at Dana Point Harbor during the gray whale’s annual winter migratory ritual. The Festival of Whales Parade kicks off the festivities on Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. Attendees can view the parade from the side of Pacific Coast Highway between Selva Road and Street of the Golden Lantern, where they can enjoy the parade featuring giant helium balloons, community organizations and more. The sand sculpting competition, the clam chowder cook-off, the Diamond Dig,...
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
May the 31st be with you — a day that will be extra special for all of our “Star Wars” fans around Southern California as the newest addition to the Happiest Place on Earth opens its doors to the public! The much-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening on May 31 so all of our young padawans, smugglers and clone troopers can step into the world of the Jedi. Separated into two opening stages, the newest region of Disneyland is set in the Outer Rim destination Batuu, a smuggler haven far from the prying eyes of the First Order. Guests...
Back-to-School Fashion 2019
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 Robert Kids Stance Socks ($12 at Stance at Irvine Spectrum Center; stance.com). Gianna is wearing Billabong Baja Cove sweater ($55.95 at Jack’s Surfboards) and Billabong Mad for You shorts ($29.95 at Jack’s Surfboards). Savanna is wearing a Billabong Artic Oasis jacket ($59.95 at Jack’s Surfboards) and Billabong Little Bella Day...
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...
Editor’s Picks: July 2020
PICK OF THE MONTH: Knott's California Marketplace Knott’s Berry Farm’s first public “attraction” was its roadside stand, so it makes sense that, during its 100th anniversary, Knott’s re-opens its Marketplace first while exiting its pandemic hiatus. Folks now can go to Marketplace stores and restaurants (like Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Peanuts Headquarters, Candy Parlour, and The Knott’s Berry Market and Bakery) — and perhaps more of the park will be open too by the time you read this. Knott’s is following state and CDC health guidelines and has implemented safety measures at the Marketplace — including that all employees...
Wayfinder Family Services
In our special education school, students ages 5 - 21 with moderate-to-severe disabilities get a chance to thrive. We believe in their potential and foster strong partnerships with our families. Students enjoy spacious classrooms, compassionate, credentialed teachers and a 1:2 staff-to-student ratio on a beautiful eight-acre Los Angeles campus. Speech, occupational and physical therapies are available, as well as vision impairment services. We are a California state-certified non-public school with students from districts throughout Southern California. www.WayfinderFamily.org
Going for Gold
These products that make the lives of elite athletes (and their parents!) easier deserve medals, in our book. Team U.S.A airweave Sleep like an Olympian with this luxury mattress topper constructed with an ergonomic, temperature-regulated breathable design and choice between a firm and soft side. In partnership with the United States Olympic Committee since 2014, Olympians Ryan Lochte and Bubba Watson are among the product’s big fans. From $610, www.airweave.com Diono radian rXT Designed with safety as top priority, the narrow design and steel alloy frame allows a comfortable ride even when carpooling with the soccer team, or if accommodating...
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: Health Winners
Best Cosmetic Surgeon CosmetiCare CosmetiCare is not only a recognized name in Southern California but throughout the nation. Offering treatments ranging from non-surgical to surgical treatments, CosmetiCare prides itself on its top-of-the-line MedSpa treatments and results for every patient. CosmetiCare’s social media is a fan favorite, with videos from beauty gurus that are informative for anyone curious about beauty or cosmetic treatments. cosmeticare.com | Corona Del Mar Best Dermatologist Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Located in the Fashion Island area of Newport Beach, Newport Beach Dermatology and Plastic Surgery specializes in individualized comprehensive dermatological care and plastic surgery for...
Ballet Academy & Movement (BAM)
A new dance studio has opened in South Orange County. Owner and mother of two Amanda Cobb teaches ballet, hip-hop, jazz dancing, modern, gymnastics and more at Ballet Academy and Movement (BAM)…
Reader’s Choice Awards 2021: Community Comments
Best Fair / Festival: OC Fair & Event Center “The most complete fair around with rides, games, awesome food, entertainment, concerts, cute animals and more.” — Debbie Moretti Best Place to See Sea Creatures: Aquarium of the Pacific “So many different sea creatures to see and fun activities for the kids as well, like face painting!” — Maria Montalvo Best Science Museum: Discovery Cube Orange County “Great variety and interactive attractions for the kids. They also switch up themes and attractions regularly to keep it fresh and engaging.” — Sayda Alongi Best Bilingual School: Orange County Educational Arts Academy “Kids...
Pine Cone Birdfeeder
The Little Red Schoolhouse’s (adventuresintheschoolhouse.com) latest crafting video is ready to instruct you and your family on how to create a Holiday Wreath. As you craft, don’t forget to snap some photos…
Small Zoo, Big Cats
https://youtu.be/kDPMq3XzFc8 The OC Zoo in Orange has expanded its ‘pawprint’ to house a new Large Mammal Exhibit and five large felines for families to enjoy year round. A waterfall flows through the rocky scenery of Santiago’s new digs. He’s still exploring the space, but the sound seems soothing. That, and the meaty treat he gets from a zookeeper who has stopped by to give him a quick health check. It’s barely been 48 hours, but the OC Zoo’s new big cat exhibit appears to be a hit. Especially with its oldest cat. Santiago, an 11-year-old mountain lion found orphaned in...
Top Teacher & Employee Awards 2023 — Winners Announced
We celebrate our 10th Annual School Heroes — Top Teachers, Top Employees and Top Leaders — of Orange County Awards and Issue. With more than 200 nominations, we were impressed as we are year after year with the caliber of teachers, employees and administrators that are clearly making the lives of our students and families so much better. This year we expanded our criteria to include all kinds of education — from private and public to alternative and online schools — and the response was truly overwhelming. Adrienne Kessler Speech & Language Development Center Rebeca Martinez Los Amigos High School...
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...
Top Leader of Orange County 2023
(Photo by Ralph Palumbo) Adrienne Kessler Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park Adrienne Kessler strives to help others do the right thing. She was first introduced to autism spectrum disorders in 1995. Her work in the special needs community has evolved over the years and she now serves as CEO of Speech and Language Development Center in Buena Park. “All too often individuals with special needs are looked over, forgotten or excluded from society, be it accessibility to places in our community to inclusion from activities, programs or events,” she says. “Individuals with special needs are just that...
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- …
- 10
- Next Page »
