Giggle Magazine-Tallahassee Oct/Nov 14 by Irving Publications, LLC

GREATER

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM OCT/NOV 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 2

Meet the Singh Triplets! Raaz, Dev & Maya

Adorably Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

Tallahassee's Must-See Fall Festivities

New Pumpkin Favorites

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014 1 www.gigglemag.com

WE DELIVER Over 75% of Big Bend moms choose to have their babies at the Tallahassee Memorial Women’s Pavilion. With the region’s only Newborn ICU and our experienced team of doctors, nurses and lactation consultants, it is easy to see why moms trust the expert care at TMH. Your hospital for life... starts here.

TMH.org/Women

Kidders, born at TMH

The region’s only NICU.

more pediatric

SPECIALists Big Bend’s Only

Pediatric ICU Region’s Only certified

Childlife Specialist

TMH.org/children

PUBLISHER Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Allison Raber MANAGING Editor Dana Kamp GRAPHIC DESIGNER Claire Stortz Vice president of sales Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jessica Kerr executive assistant Sayeh Farah Contributing Writers Alicia Chapman Mauldin, Dr. Edmond J. Dixon,Wendy Eckhardt, Nicole Germany, Kelly Goede, Allen Haynes, Nicole Irving, Dana Kamp, Lisa Katz, Alexis King, Helen Kornblum, Olivia Pitkethly, Ale Russian, Cindy Vance-Starnieri, Rebecca Vitkus, Dan Waldschmidt Contributing Photographers Terri Smith Photo Interns Annaleigh Bonds, Sydney Brodie, Nicole Germany, Alexis King, Haley Ponnock, Ale Russian, Rebecca Vitkus Mission Statement Giggle Magazine is a modern and refreshing parenting publication that brings together families and their community. We make it our mission to find the joy and humor in parenting, focus on key topics and issues that relate to today’s parents and give parents the resources to be engaged, connected and present with their children during these important years. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications, LLC is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in Giggle Magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by Giggle Magazine writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. Giggle Magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

irvingpublications Mailing address

Physical address

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gigglemag.com giggle@irvingpublications.com Giggle Magazine is a registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Giggle Magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. © 2014

from the publisher

WHAT'S MAKING ME GIGGLE THIS MONTH!

oing back and reading my publisher’s letters from the last few October/November issues, I realized there was a constant theme. The fall season brings back so many memories of my childhood in New York. There is something about autumn that brings all those sweet memories alive again.

In honor of our “DIY Creative Halloween Costumes” on page 18, I went back to see what I adorned on “All Hallows Eve” when I was younger. I found most Halloweens I was dressed head-to-toe in a creation personally made for me by my grandmother. A talented seamstress, my gram’s skills were unmatched, and not even Halloween would throw her off. I only wish I had the time and talent to sew like her. But I, like most of you, have a career and a crazy family schedule…so we have come up with the most adorable, super affordable and EASY creative costumes fit for trick-or-treating! Have fun!

NICOLE'S FALL FAVORITES!

HAZELNUT CREAM CANDLE FROM WALMART Only $5!

Me, circa 1981, in one of my gram's creations.

One of the most amazing parts of bringing Giggle Magazine to Tallahassee has been meeting all the wonderful local families and welcoming them into our own little family. We had so much fun meeting the Singh triplets and we share their story from birth until now in “The Thrill of Having Three.” What awesome little balls of energy! We also had the pleasure of hearing from the Gardner family for our Happy Family feature! If you are interested in sharing why you love living in Tallahassee and being featured in an upcoming issue, send us a little note! We would love to hear from you!

COOKING THANKSGIVING DINNER!

BOOTS

In the season of thanks, I want to thank you for welcoming us into your home and family. We adore and treasure each and every one of you! Nicole Irving, Publisher nicole@irvingpublications.com

Age: 2

TRADITIONAL TRICK-ORTREATING WITH FRIENDS!

Favorite food: Veggie nuggets and pasta, which they would eat every day if Mom let them!

& MAYA RAAZ, DEV Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGTALLAHASSEE

Favorite cartoons: “Cars,” “Planes” and “Thomas,” along with a long list of educational videos from YouTube. Extra, Extra: The triplets also like music videos like Giggle Bellies and they love to sing and dance! follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGTALLY

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Cover Cuties!

meet our

October * November 2014 happy family • happy community

life 8 lifesavers Our Countdown of the 8 Most Annoying

Parenting Comments

10 happy family

The Gardner Family

learn

13 Just the two of us

Merging Family Traditions While Creating New Ones!

39 family learning

14 grandparents

Keeping the Generations Connected

15 two cents Overcoming Excuses: Tips to Gain the

Study Strategies for Every Grade Level

happy community

Edge and Meet Your Goals

16 GIGGLE STAMP

Subscription Boxes

50 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

forks & spoons

conception 2 college

26 in the fridge Tasty Apple Treats! 27 DELISH Spice Up This Thanksgiving!

26 17

The 6 Secrets to Your Son's Success in School

40 in the classroom

42 expecting

Party of Two (Or More!)

health

44 infant

31 get HEALTHY

Beyond the Latte...

One Parent Over the Other

45 TODDLER

Calming Those Morning Mood Swings

32 get MOVING

Picking Favorites: When Your Child Prefers

Downward Dog to Warrior: Today's Children Use Yoga to Center

46 early years

Surviving Dining Out With the Kids...One

happy home

Bite at a Time!

33 Our Space

48 tweens

47 kids

Let's Talk About the Birds and the Bees Tips for Your Tween's First Dance

The Kids' Table 34 organized Chaos

49 teens

Queries From the Curious

Raising a Confident Teen

35 make it. fix it. clean it. GREATER

Make Your Own Mason Jar Gifts

TALLAHASSEE'S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

happy family • happy communityTM OCT/NOV 2014 • Volume 1 • Issue 2

17 Get Ready for Fall Fun! Trick or Treat and Something Sweet! DIY Halloween Costumes Tackling Black Friday As A Couple • Halloween Pet Safety Just Add Pie! • Fall Festivals & Family Fun

Meet the Singh Triplets! Raaz, Dev & Maya

18 24 31

Adorably Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

Tallahassee's Must-See Fall Festivities

Pumpkin 11NewFavorites

GIGGLEMAG.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2014 1 www.gigglemag.com

Photo by Terri Smith Photo gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

life

L I F E S AV E R S

Our Countdown of

{

The 8 Most

My most jaw-dropping moments have been when other women have been critical.

Annoying Parenting Comments BY KELLY GOEDE

From the moment I first set foot in public sporting the teeniest baby bump, I felt like I had a sign affixed to my forehead that said, “Please comment.” Now as I venture out with my four not-so-little “bumps” who are all in elementary school, someone inevitably offers unsolicited, uber-helpful parenting criticism (er, advice). “Are they all yours?” (Eye roll), “No, I rounded up the neighbors to go shopping.” I usually just err on the side of kindness and eye-rolls in the moment. However, if I detect even the teeniest hint of judginess in their tone, then I attempt to “educate” them and call them out on their rudeness. My most jaw-dropping moments have been when other women have been critical. Let’s all promise not to do this to each other! In the spirit of arming you with a phrase or two to combat the rampant unsolicited analysis spouting from strangers, I present a Lifesavers list of some of my favorite scenarios and their antidotes.

Walking into Publix with four kiddos, attempting to navigate the parking lot, and an elderly gentleman called out, “You’re going to lose one of them!” If I had my wits about me, I would have told him that there used to be five…and just let that hang ambiguously in the air.

My friend Stacy attempted to shop while her children were climbing, hitting and pushing each other and a woman told her to “Enjoy these days,” since she just sent her own daughter off to college. Really? Enjoy this moment right here? Since this woman was more well-meaning

Is your toddler wreaking havoc on Aisle 5? Got an audience? Just smile and announce that this is the LAST time you give him Redbull!

Sometimes the offending individual comes right over and speaks to your child about your parenting infraction: “You should tell your mommy that your little piggies are cold and you need socks.” Your move? Smile sweetly, copy her saccharine tone and tell your child, “Aren’t you glad she’s not your grandma?” Passive aggressive? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely!

Is your 3-year-old still sporting a pacifier? Inform the “concerned citizen” asking you about it that Junior wants the paci all the time now that he’s kicked cigarettes…

Ah, the open invitation to the world to touch your belly and ask when you’re due (even if you delivered months, or even years, ago) and refute your doctor’s diagnosis of only one baby. These people need a reminder about personal space, both physically and emotionally. Rub their belly back! Tell them you

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

aren’t even pregnant. Or, tell them it’s sextuplets and you’ve got your own show lined up on TLC.

Everyone’s idea of how many kids or what combination of genders make up the perfect family is really a personal decision based on many factors, most of which are out of your control. When questioned about your unique collection of kids, whether all boys, adopted, a singleton, etc., the commenter needs a reality check. Asking her, “You don’t really expect me to answer that, do you?” might make her pause. You can also repeat back the comment for effect. “Did I REALLY just hear you say…” and see how she answers.

Some comments are beyond personal and might throw you off a bit. Be ready. My friend Deb's daughter has a limb difference and a man behind them in the grocery store was checking out her hands. He asked Deb, “Did you do drugs?” and without missing a beat she told him, “Yes, and it was worth it,” and walked away.

Regardless of how prepared you may be to combat offsetting comments, some may slip past the goalie and attempt to wound you. My best advice is to arm yourself with humor. Chances are, you will never again see the guilty parties and instead of sinking to their level, you can have a good laugh at their expense when you swap stories with your mama friends later. ✽

than judgmental, a nice “Thanks for your input” would suffice. This reeks of the woman’s sadness over her daughter being gone—she gets a pass.

parent

iPhone image courtesy of Scripps Networks.

app!

The Food.com app puts the web's recipes in your pocket and makes meal planning easy! You can browse over 500,000 yummy recipes or use the "What's in your fridge?" feature to build a meal from what you already have at home. Select recipes that are recommended for you using your dietary requirements or food preferences and save your favorites in an organized recipe box. The app shows you instant savings at your local grocery stores and builds your shopping list with the ingredients of the chosen recipes. Thank you, Food.com, Thank you.

Food.com

life

happ y fa m i ly quality time with some of our closest friends while boating and relaxing on this gorgeous lake is always the most fun and special time. We know the kids are making wonderful memories each year on these trips, and the best part is that the adults are too! What makes our kids laugh: The little things. Wrestling matches, hide-and-seek around the house, bedtime snuggles and games of chase bring on giggle fits every day.

The

Gardner

Family

Chad, Kristin, Hudson (6), and Leyton (4) Occupation(s): Chad is an insurance agent with McKee Insurance and the owner/operator of Super Suds Car Wash. Kristin is an attorney with Dunlap & Shipman, P.A.

Favorite date spot: Sidecar Gastrobar for appetizers and drinks. We also love The Front Porch, Bella Bella, Kiku and Masa. Movie in our DVD player right now: “Aladdin” and “Doc McStuffins” (obviously the kids have reserved all of the rights to our DVD player). The kids’ favorite books: Hudson really enjoys the “Magic Treehouse” series and Leyton loves “Pinkalicious.” “Ladybug Girl,” “Skippy Jon Jones” and any “Magic School Bus” books are favorites as well. Mommy and Daddy’s favorite TV shows: “Flip or Flop,” “Modern Family,” and “The Mentalist.” Websites we love: Warchant.com and Urbantallahassee.com (Chad), Pinterest (Kristin). Of course we both love our daily Facebook time too.

Favorite sports to watch: Easiest question yet...Noles football! Pets: We have the world’s sweetest (and laziest) golden retriever named Layla. The kids absolutely adore her. And we have a beta fish named Candy Cane. Favorite day trip: The coast. We love the short drive down to Alligator Point and St. Teresa and go whenever possible! And although it’s not really a day trip, the beaches of 30A in Walton County are just a short two-hour drive west and they are hands down some of our favorite places to go. Favorite vacation: For the past four summers we have gone to Lake Martin, Alabama, with two other families for a few days. Spending

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Favorite picnic spot: Our backyard on a nice fall or spring day. Why we love living in Tallahassee: It’s a great place to raise a family in a beautiful setting. From fall festivals to football games; from southern cooking to sweet southern people; from charming gardens to beautiful plantations; from

Photos by Terri Smith Photo

Favorite family meal: Tacos! We try to do “Taco Tuesday” whenever possible; shrimp tacos are a family favorite.

Favorite sports/extracurriculars to do: Hudson loves T-ball/baseball and Leyton is our little ballerina. Chad and Hudson enjoy going fishing together while Leyton would much prefer getting pedicures with Kristin (are pedis a sport/ extracurricular? Ha!).

Favorite family activity: The kids are now at the ages where we can go on family bike rides around our neighborhood, which we are really enjoying and will enjoy even more once the fabulous fall weather makes its way to Tallahassee.

incredible nearby beaches to Wakulla Springs; from Whole Foods to Trader Joe's (love all our new grocery options...yay!); the list goes on and on. Something that we want our children to have that we didn’t have growing up: Honestly, we both had pretty great childhoods so we are not sure what we can give our kids that we didn’t have growing up. We were both blessed with parents that gave us loving Christian homes to grow up in and wonderful memories. We really just want our kids to have the same experiences that we did. We did give Hudson a sister... neither one of us had a sister. First word you think of when we say “family”: Love. Three words that describe our family: We will give you two phrases and one word… Sense of humor, hard working and blessed. Anything else you want us to know about your family? Hudson just started his Kindergarten year at Hawks Rise Elementary and Leyton just began Pre-K 4 at Faith Presbyterian Preschool. We have been so incredibly happy with our experiences at these schools and are so thankful for the wonderful educational opportunities that Tallahassee has to offer. We attend Wildwood Church and are forever grateful that we discovered this special church home that is literally in our neighborhood. Tallahassee has been very good to our family and we are proud to call it our hometown!

It’s a great place to raise a family in a beautiful setting.

life

j u st the t w o o f u s

Merging Your Family Traditions While Creating New Ones! BY OLIVIA K. PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

The holiday season is just around the corner! Like many of you, while planning and decorating, the holidays always bring back memories of my own childhood. Our whole family would gather at my Cuban grandmother’s house on Christmas Eve for a Noche Buena feast, complete with roast pork, rice and black beans, yucca and sweet plantains. Now that my grandparents are gone, my mother has taken over to continue the traditional Cuban dinner, and I know someday I will do the same. Before my husband and I were married, we talked about traditions: which to keep, which to let go and which ones to start on our own. We managed to compromise, but this can be a difficult conversation to have. Here are some tips to help your family have a happy holiday filled with old and new traditions.

Make a list, check it twice

Each of you should write down any and all traditions you had as a child. Include all the holidays throughout the year that your family celebrated. (Added benefit: Sharing your childhood memories will bring you closer together.) Who carves the turkey? Who lights the menorah? How old should the kids be to ring in the New Year? Should you trick or treat in the neighborhood or at a local shopping plaza? Then pick the top two that are most important to you. Have an open discussion, noting the value in each other’s choices. Next, peruse the list and decide which to keep and which to leave in the past.

Location, location

Deciding where to spend the holiday can be tricky, especially if your family does not live locally. You don’t want to offend anyone and you don’t want to play favorites either. You could dedicate one holiday to spend with your family, and

the other to spend with your in-laws. To go a step further, swap the holidays the following year. And there’s always the choice to have everyone celebrate at your house!

What are your family traditions for the holidays?

Talk about it

Avoid hurt feelings and misunderstandings by talking openly with each other’s families about your decisions. Let them know you made these choices together and would appreciate their support. Most likely they encountered the same issue when they were newly married and may even have some advice or ideas to share.

Start something new

Bringing traditions together is important to many families, but implementing new ones is equally important. Both my husband and I had fake Christmas trees growing up, but now we enjoy taking the kids to cut down our tree at a local farm. If they are old enough, include your children in coming up with creative ways to celebrate, such as decorating placemats or baking cookies.

Go beyond the holidays

The more you and your spouse explore your childhoods, the more memories will come up. What other rituals did your families have? Speaking with several local families, I learned about annual Easter egg hunts, wrapping birthday gifts in the Sunday comics and making matching T-shirts for the 4th of July. ✽

"We host Thanksgiving and wanted to plan something everyone could do, regardless of age, that was fun and active. Kickball seemed like the perfect solution. We are so glad it has turned into a tradition that everyone looks forward to. As all of our kids get older, it will be more and more fun." Marcia Ise, Mommy of two "The Easter egg hunt began with friends I've had since elementary school. The annual event brings our families together during a busy but special time of year. We knew it would help us stay connected and allow our children to feel that community. Today the egg hunt has grown as we have welcomed more families into our circle of friends." Christie Davis, Mommy of four

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

life

g r a n d pa r e n ts

Keeping the Generations Connected by ALLEN HAYNES

Have you ever heard a grandparent or great-grandparent say something like, “I think the computer deleted the Internet”? Odds are you have, and since technology continues to advance each and every day, computers, tablets and smartphones will only become more prevalent in communicating with grandparents. So, how do you streamline this journey without getting frustrated when Grandma accidently resets the iPad to factory settings? While this can happen to anyone who hasn’t stayed up-to-date with modern technology, we’re focusing on grandparents so they aren’t left in the dark when the grandkids only want to communicate digitally. Try our Giggle-approved tips for setting up the grandparents for tech success.

Communication — as with everything — is key First and most importantly, practice patience when questions arise and confusion sets in. It’s likely Grandpa just wants to know how to post his selfie with the kiddos and is less worried about Cloud storage and pixels.

Our advice is to stick to the basics and use familiar language when explaining the technical aspects.

iPads, tablets and smartphones Tablets and smartphones can be a great learning device for grandparents. With the touch of one button, they can instantly connect and hear about Jimmy’s touchdown or Claire’s straight A’s. Here are a few things Grandma and Grandpa need to know their iPad can do. ✽ Open and close apps from the home screen Make sure they can open every app and get back to the home screen by pressing the button. Also, make sure they know there can be a few different screens and how to access them.

A Story Before Bed – Grandma and Grandpa can record audio and video of themselves reading and send it to the grandkids. Pill Reminder by Drugs.com – Set daily/weekly reminders for taking medicine. Silver Surf – Web browsing is made easier with large navigation buttons. Voice Reading – Hear text, web pages and files read out loud for those needing visual assistance.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Computers The computer will likely be a more challenging teaching experience. Here’s our advice: ✽ Clear out the desktop Whether PC or Mac, most computers come with lots of preloaded programs on the desktop or start screen. Much like we suggest above, clear these out and replace them with popular programs like an Internet browser and email. ✽ Set the browser up with bookmarks Google Chrome is an amazing web browser that showcases most used and favorite websites. We recommend setting this one up for the grandparents. It’s easy to use and their favorite websites can be showcased as big, easy-to-see icons on the start page. ✽

4 Great Apps For Grandparents

✽ Put the apps they use most on the dock Clear out the preloaded apps from the tablet’s dock and replace them with the ones they’ll use the most, e.g. Facebook, Skype/FaceTime, email, etc. This simple switch will make a huge difference. Also, help them become comfortable with opening the Internet, finding the address bar and using the touch keyboard. Investing in a plug-in keyboard may be worth it if Grandpa keeps typing “I lobe yoy” instead of “I love you.”

life

t w o ce n ts

Overcoming Excuses: Tips to Gain the Edge and Meet Your Goals

Refuse to let yourself wallow in self-doubt. You’re alive to succeed. Stop comparing your current problems to your last 18 failures. They are not the same. You are not the same. Here’s something to remember: Your entire life has been a training ground for you to capture your destiny right now. Why would you doubt that? Stop whining. Go conquer.

■

Ask yourself, “What can I do better next time?” And then do it next time. If you spend a decade or two earnestly trying to be better, that’s exactly what will happen. The next best thing to doing something amazing is not doing something stupid. So learn from your mistakes and use the lessons to dominate.

■

Proactively take time to do things that fuel your passion. Exercise is a great example. Living in the moment requires you to live at peak performance. A huge part of mental fitness is physical fitness. A sparring or running partner is a great way to refresh physical competition. Physical activity accelerates mental motivation.

■

BY DAN WALDSCHMIDT

Great people throughout history often fail, quite miserably, before finally reaching their goals, says international business strategist Dan Waldschmidt. “Van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime; Winston Churchill lost every public election until becoming prime minister at age 62; Henry Ford went bankrupt five times; Albert Einstein was a terrible student and was expelled from school; Sigmund Freud was booed from a stage,” says Waldschmidt, author of “Edgy Conversations: How Ordinary People Achieve Outrageous Success.”

“Ideas, brilliance, genius – they all mean nothing without the guts, passion and tenacity necessary to make your dream a reality. But often, people fall back on excuses and give up on trying to reach their goals.” Most of us have dreams, and many of us have big ones, but few of us actually see them through, he says. He offers six tricks for jumping off the excuse train and forging the path to your goals. Avoid the need to blame others for anything. Mean, small-minded people know they are terrible. That’s why they are so cranky and eager to point out others’

■

mistakes. They hope that by causing others to feel inadequate, everyone will forget about how woefully off the mark their own performance is. Don’t blame anyone, for any reason, ever. It’s a bad habit. Stop working on things that just don’t matter. Not everything needs to be done in place of sleep. If you work for a boss, then you owe him or her solid time. You can’t cut that out. You can, however, cut out television time, meetings and anything else that gets in the way of achieving your goals. Replace entertainment with activity toward your goal.

■

Apologize to yourself and those around you for having a bad attitude. Do this once or twice and you’ll snap out of your funk pretty fast. When you start genuinely apologizing for being a bad influence on those around you, you learn to stop whining and start winning. ✽

■

Stop whining. Go conquer.

 Dan Waldschmidt is an international business strategist, speaker, author and extreme athlete. Visit his website EdgyConversations.com for more information. Reprinted with permission. gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

VE IT. WE

•

S u bsc r i pt i o n b o x e s

E LO

VE IT. WE

giggle!

great boxes to make them

•

giggle stamp

Attempting to shop with children in tow conjures up images in my mind (either from experience or watching others) of crankiness, forgotten items, spills and tantrums. Where is the fun? The relaxation? Behold, the subscription box! This service is quickly becoming the answer to many parents’ dreams. Here’s the skinny on some of the many subscription services created with you and your little ones in mind. BY KELLY GOEDE

Sproutkin

Sproutkin offers two subscriptions, one for ages 0 – 35 months and one for ages 3 – 6. The first includes one monthly Sproutkit, and all materials can be kept. The second includes 9 – 10 books with a central theme. Purchase books for 10 percent off retail price and return the rest. Just $24.99/month affords your little reader unlimited Sproutkits, and shipping is free! Sproutkin.com.

Darby Smart

Little Passports

Can’t afford to travel the world? This box is a “ticket to an exciting global adventure… as your child learns about a new country every month.” Pay $11.95 per month plus $3 shipping, or consider a one-time payment for 6-month or 12-month plans. Adventure kits include souvenirs, photos, stickers and more. Check out the USA Edition to learn about two states each month. Littlepassports.com.

Little Pnuts

Looking for mentally stimulating fun for your babe? Little Pnuts delivers eco-friendly and engaging toys for little ones ages 0 – 6, hand curated based on your child’s birthdate. They send three to five toys every three months for a $240 one-time annual payment or $25 monthly payment spread over 12 months. Shipping is free with the annual subscription. Littlepnuts.com.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Appleseed Lane

Perfect for children ages 4 – 8, these kits are created by teachers and parents to spark interest in science and engineering. Subscribe monthly or order a single box for $23.95, and allow your little ones to explore the ocean, light and color, music and other fun topics. They also offer a “sibling add-on” option, providing extra materials for $9.95. Appleseedlane.com.

Photos provided by individual companies. Appleseed Lane photo by Giggle Magazine.

Looking for outside-the-box crafts for tweens, teens and adults? With projects like the “gilded tic-tac-toe” set and “urban oasis terrarium,” this box arrives with all you need. Choose from a monthly “TO DIY FOR box” for $19, three months for $47 and one year for $199. *Exclusive Giggle discount: Receive your first box free on a one-year TO DIY FOR subscription. Darbysmart.com.

Get ready for

Fall

Fun!

With spiced cider in hand and pumpkin muffins baking in the oven, enjoy these costume designs, fall festivals and other autumn features as you prepare your family for a season of excitement. STYLED BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE | PHOTOS BY TERRI SMITH PHOTO | CREATIVE BY KELLY GOEDE SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE BOLAND FAMILY

Trick or Treat and

Something Sweet!

T his Halloween,

we tapped into our creative juices for some cute costumes that are more sweet than spooky! Easy as 1-2-3 and sure to be a hit, these costumes are a parent's dream (Can you say simple and cheap?), and the kiddos will be the envy of the neighborhood! Come and hang out for a spell and have a look! Materials on page 23!

Gnarly Gnome Our funny gnome is planning Halloween shenanigans in his plaid shirt, felt hat and beard, rain boots and a mischievous twinkle in his eye!

Pretty Peacock A blue top, tights and a homemade tutu and mask in pretty blues and greens are all our peacock needs to be the most beautiful bird on the block.

Silly S'more Slip on the graham cracker goodness over khaki pants and a white button-down shirt, add the felt flame crown and "blazing" marshmallow stick, and our campfire-favorite s'more is complete!

Sweet Snail Our darling snail is the most precious mollusk you'll ever see in a sweet cream dress, headband and kraft paper "shell."

SURVIVAL TIPS! »» Ads and sales will begin before Black Friday. Register for email updates as well as access to all of the sale fliers before the big day at Blackfriday.com or download their app. Also check out BFAds.net and Dealnews.com.

Tackling the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year As a Couple BY WENDY ECKHARDT

here are only a few more weeks until the holiday shopping season is upon us! For years, my husband and I have started our Christmas shopping on Black Friday, the infamous day for retailers everywhere when the official day of holiday shopping is to begin. For some, Black Friday is just another day. For others, it’s the day to avoid the stores at all cost. But, in my family, Black Friday is an event. Several years ago, my husband asked me to go Black Friday shopping with him. I thought he was crazy. He wanted to see what it was all about and if we could get any good deals. I obliged just to appease him. We had some ideas in mind and woke up at 3 a.m. to be there when the stores opened.

We learned from our first Black Friday outing that we needed to be prepared. In the ensuing years, I learned to scour the newspaper fliers and find the best prices for the items we had on our shopping list. We figured out that items like electronics and toys are the “hot” items and that if we know exactly what we are going to buy, go to those stores first and be ready to stand in line. We once waited in line for an electronics purchase for several hours. It was a successful venture and we ended up saving a few hundred dollars. Well worth the wait! Our Black Friday shopping is a well-organized event. We make lists of things that we are considering buying for our families and I scour the Black Friday ads weeks before the big night. There are plenty of websites and apps out there that post Black Friday ads weeks before November’s shopping extravaganza. We know exactly what stores we want to go to and exactly what we are going to purchase. We could always shop online and avoid all of the lines and chaos that comes with going to the stores that evening. But, to my husband and me, it’s an evening together, alone, that we rarely have. Shopping for our children and our families without having to split up, or hide what we are buying as the other keeps the kids busy, makes it a fun experience. I look forward to his excitement of “the hunt” and having the chance to complete our Christmas shopping early. ✽

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

»» Shop for electronics and popular toys first. These seem to be the items that sell out the quickest.

»» Eat a good meal before you leave home. You don’t want to be hungry, tired and standing in long lines. That’s not a good combination!

»» Leave the kiddos at home. The crowded stores and long wait times don’t result in happy children. »» Don’t plan on doing anything early the next day. Give yourself some time to sleep when you get home.

We didn’t really have a plan other than going to the big stores early and seeing what we could find. I remember how excited he was, saying it was like opening day of lobster season (his favorite hunting season). All I could do was laugh…I was delirious from sleep deprivation.

»» If heading out to the stores, plan your evening/ morning. Know what items you are looking for and where the best deal for that item is before you leave home. Use the “Get in and get out” strategy.

dos & don'ts

• DON'T store the treats where pets can

reach them. Halloween candy – chocolate, in particular – is extremely hazardous for both dogs and cats. Any sweet treat containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can also be dangerous to your pet’s health. Lesser known toxins include grapes and raisins, and even glow sticks and candy wrappers should be kept out of reach. If your pet does consume a toxic treat, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

• DO remember to keep a protective eye on your

black cats, especially if they wander outdoors. Untruthful myths that associate black cats with dark forces have become familiar in our culture, making these kitties a target for mischievous Halloween tricksters. If possible, keep your cats indoors, providing them with all the love and care they need rather than unwanted attention from insensitive pranksters.

• DON'T let pets near any open flames.

halloween

by rebecca vitkus

Although jack-o’-lanterns don’t always display grimaces and scowls, they can be a scary sight if your curious kitten gets too close to the candle. If you choose to illuminate your pumpkin decor, exercise caution to prevent your pet from being burned by the festive flames. Also keep wires, electrical cords and other fire hazards out of the way.

• DO keep animals away from the door.

There are few sights more adorable than a cat dressed like a pumpkin or a princess puppy. However, with great cuteness comes great responsibility, so remember to keep your pet’s safety as the primary focus when joining in the Halloween festivities.

Unfamiliar noises can cause excessive stimulation for your pets, so remember to help them stay calm and collected. With every ring of the doorbell or “trick or treat” cry, your dogs and cats are susceptible to being startled and acting out. If you are spending the night at home, consider putting up a baby gate to keep Fido out of the trick or treat action and alleviate his anxiety.

costumes for your furry friends Although playing dress-up with Cleo and Ace can provide hours of laughter for you and your family, it is important to ensure that your pets are comfortable in their costumes. These outfits should never restrict movement or obstruct the ability to breathe. Only place your pet in Halloween attire if they seem to enjoy it, as wearing a costume may cause stress to pets who would rather strut around the neighborhood in their “birthday suits.”

Whether your pet dons a tiara and a tutu or chooses to dress down for the occasion with a simple bandana, always remember to make sure your dog or cat is properly identified with an ID tag, greatly increasing your chances of reuniting with your fluffy friend if you become separated. If you do take your pets for a festive stroll, remember that even well-behaved pets can become spooked around large numbers of children who may also feel uneasy around animals. ✽ gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

"Easy as Pie" Pie Plate

Threshold Stoneware, $12.99. Target.

American Flag Pie Plate Uncommongoods.com, $38. Uncommongoods.com.

Serrated Pie Server

Rada Mfg. Co., $8. Available locally from Independent Resellers, on the website RadaKitchenStore.com or by calling 888-771-7798.

Fire Blue Pie Plate

The Pot Spot, $35. Available made to order on Etsy.com/ThePotSpot.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Photo by Giggle Magazine.

Don't forget the vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to serve with your favorite pies!

From page 18

Materials for Easy, Affordable and FUN Halloween Costumes BY KELLY GOEDE

Pretty Peacock | Approximately $16 “If you can tie a knot, you can make a tutu” — Kelly

• 10 yards of tulle in colors of your choice (cut into strips 3 inches wide)

• Elastic (loosely fitted around child’s waist and tied into a knot) • Five – 10 sheets of felt in coordinating colors (for tail and mask) • Ribbon for tying the mask • Hot glue *For a pretty finish, cut the edges of the tulle into a point

paint

• Skinny duct tape in black, silver and yellow • Gray foam tubing • Pacifier • One bamboo chopstick • Red felt and white felt (for the dive flag) • Swim goggles or mask

Gnarly Gnome

• Four sheets of

Back

Super Scuba Diver | Approximately $12

• Empty 2-liter soda bottle (for oxygen tank)

• Brown kraft paper • 1 yard brown

• Can of silver spray

| Approximately $10

white felt (for beard) • 10 inches of skinny elastic (to attach beard to ears) • ½ yard red felt (for hat) • Hot glue

Silly S’more

fleecy fabric (for "chocolate") • Two plain white 18” pillow forms (for "marshmallows") • Glow-in-the-dark skinny duct tape (for straps) • Red, orange and yellow felt (for crown and wand) • Two white pom poms • Small stick

Sweet Snail

| Approximately $12

• Two rolls brown

| Approximately $20

• One medium size moving box, cut into two squares (for "graham crackers")

kraft paper (for snail shell) • Yellow skinny duct tape (for straps and headband) • Plastic headband • Pom poms (for “eyes”) • Lots of hot glue

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

BY REBECCA VITKUS

The Pumpkin Patch

September 28; October 5, 12, 19, 26

Tallahassee Heights United Methodist Church 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The “Pumpkin Patch Church” has been providing us with holiday tradition for 27 years, and they are back with even more pony rides, face painting, music and more. Ponies will be present from 11 a.m.– 2 p.m., and food is available for purchase, with proceeds from the event going to various missions around the world. Heightsumc.com

and family fun! As the weather cools and the Seminole spirit intensifies, it's often hard to remember there is more to the fall than football season. In between pumpkin decorating and costume designing, take an afternoon to spend some family time at one of these festive events.

TCC Theatre Presents: “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” October 16 – 18, 23 – 25

Come see the experiments of Dr. Jekyll come to life at this festive show. This famous novella-turnedplay promises to bring you to the foggy streets of London as you get wrapped up in the excitement. Tcc.fl.edu

Turner Auditorium 8 p.m. Adults: $15; Seniors: $10; Students and children: $7.50; TCC students, faculty and staff: FREE with ID

Halloween Howl October 24 – 25

Tallahassee Museum 6 – 10 p.m. Adults: $12; Children: $10; Ages 3 and under: FREE Enjoy a night of trick-or-treating, a costume contest, spooky and not-so-spooky trails and more at the Tallahassee Museum. With live bands and tasty treats, this event promises to provide fun for both the young and the youngat-heart. Tallahasseemuseum.org

Ghost Walking Tours October 23 – 26

Downtown Tallahassee Departs every half hour Adults: $15; Children age 5 and under: $5 Begin your adventure at Andrew’s Capital Bar & Grill and stick together for a 45-minute tour. This voyage will take you to downtown haunts and introduce you to characters from the past who have woeful tales to tell. Toursintallahassee.com

Do Knott Hyde: “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” October 24

Knott House Museum 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Admission: $3 Get into the Halloween spirit with the Knott House and the Tallahassee Film Society for this film presentation, and learn about this classic horror film before the showing from Internet critic Eric “ERod” Rodriguez. Enjoy a free bag of popcorn, with pizza and drinks for sale. Museumoffloridahistory.com

The FSU Flying High Circus Halloween Haunted Harvest Performances October 24, 25, 31; November 1

Fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy this fun and spooky production to join in the holiday spirit, complete with dancing zombies and flying skeletons. Circus.fsu.edu

North Florida Fair November 6 – 16

Times vary by day Adults: $7; Ages 6 – 12: $4; Ages 5 and under: FREE Come celebrate the 73rd annual North Florida Fair to enjoy animal presentations, a demolition derby, carnival rides and more. Northfloridafair.com

forks & spoons

i n the frid g e

BY NICOLE IRVING

Halloween candy isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for the kiddos! Combine some of those treats with traditional caramel apples for yummy fall sweetness.

st us... DON'T pu t your caram el apples in th e freezer to harden!

How to: Make caramel apples as instructed on Brach's caramel bag. Let cool. Then roll apples in (or hand-place) pieces of cut-up

Halloween candy of your choice (we used Oreos, Reese's Pieces, Snickers, Kit Kat, candy corn and mini M&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s). Place in fridge until party or ready to serve. Perfect for the family to make together!

Photo by Giggle Magazine.

gle Tip GigTru

forks & spoons

delish

Spice Up This Thanksgiving! BY ALE RUSSIAN

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turkey time! The great

American holiday of gratitude and delicious food is upon us. As the centerpiece of good family fun, how your turkey is cooked is arguably the most important detail. Why not branch out this year and impress your holiday guests? Here are some simple methods of cooking to put a new spin on the main course.

BRINE

Soak your bird in saltwater solution for a few hours before roasting and enjoy a more seasoned and moist meat!

Smoking is a more tender and flavorful option. Use a kettle style grill to slow cook your bird in a fun way!

BBQ Cover with herbs and oil inside and out before grilling and you will never be able to eat it any other way!

BAKED This simple and traditional way of ovenroasting the turkey will yield a delicious result and satisfied tummies.

FRIED Deep-fry your bird in peanut oil for a crispier and juicy alternative to the traditional!

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

THE thrill

OF HAVING 3 Three sippy cups. Three pairs of little shoes. Three sweet faces to kiss. Sets of three abound in the Singh home. Krishna and Angela Singh, along with daughter Courtney, welcomed three little additions into the family in May of 2012. Here they share a little taste of their life with 2-year-old triplets! What led you to choose in vitro when trying to expand your family? After I (Angela) completed my degree in Pharmacy, we tried to expand our family for several years without success, which led us down the path of in vitro fertilization. We went to the Florida Institute of Medicine and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say enough about their staff and Dr. Daniel Duffy. We would never have our three little angels without their excellent care.

How far along in the pregnancy were you when they were born? How was the pregnancy? Were there any major issues? The babies were born at 30 weeks and 5 days. The pregnancy was challenging but went rather smoothly, with the exception of having to take medicine daily to prevent nausea and vomiting. We had amazing doctors (Dr. Kenneth McAlpine, our obstetrician, and Dr. Roderick Hume, a maternal fetal specialist) who kept a watchful

STYLED BY GIGGLE MAGAZINE | PHOTOS BY TERRI SMITH PHOTO SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE BOLAND FAMILY

L-R: Raaz, Dev and Maya

eye on the babies and on me. I spent the last six weeks on bed rest, with three of those weeks being spent in the hospital. Krishna would visit twice each day and at times would stay overnight. Did they have to spend time in the NICU? After they were born, Maya was flown to Shands Hospital because she required special care for a life threatening condition called diaphragmatic hernia, and the boys remained in Tallahassee in the NICU. They all received excellent care and came home six weeks later. Dev was the first to come home, followed by Raaz two days later and Maya two days after Raaz. We are always amazed that even though Maya required major surgery, she still came home with her brothers. It is a testament to her strong-willed spirit and the excellent care she received at Shands from Dr. David Kays.

What was the hardest part of having three newborns at home? The hardest part was the lack of sleep. The babies required feedings every three hours and it typically took us about an hour to get all of them fed and back to sleep, then it was time to wash and sterilize bottles, which took an additional 30 – 45 minutes and left about one hour of sleep for us in between feedings. Essentially, each night we got two hours of broken sleep before it was time to get up for the day. People would say, “ I just don’t know how you do it,” and our response was, “All you have to do is take one look at them and get all the motivation you need.” I used to say I was “blissfully exhausted.”

Did you have any help from family or friends? We did have some help from family, especially our nieces and moms. They would take turns staying the night to help with the feedings and sterilizing of bottles. Describe each child’s personality. What makes him/her unique? Dev is our little dare devil. He is also an outgoing, social child. He is very inquisitive and loves to learn new things and then loves to show off what he knows. Raaz is our comedian. He is always doing something funny, whether it be a funny new saying or making a funny face. He is also very inquisitive, but he is more reserved than Dev and often you will find him playing alone or trying to figure out how something works. Maya is a very strong-willed, determined, loving child. I often call her “Little Mama.” She loves taking care of people, especially her brothers. She often tries to feed them part of her meal or will try to comfort them if they are upset. On the flip side she is also quick to point out when they are doing something wrong. She is a very independent child and wants to do everything herself. Do you have any advice for parents of multiples? You know the saying, “Take it one day at a time”? I would say take it one minute at a

time and live in the present moment. Don’t let your “to-do” list consume you and then you will see the joy and beauty that is right before you. Otherwise, your focus becomes all the things you have to do. Also, if you have the opportunity, talk with other people who have multiples for advice regarding what works and what doesn’t. They can be a source of encouragement since they have been through what you are going through and they truly understand the challenges you face. Anything else you’d like to share about your family? When we first found out we were having triplets we were a little overwhelmed by the idea. Would they be born healthy? How would we afford to take care of them? We have another daughter, Courtney, who brought nothing but joy to our lives and raising her had truly been the most rewarding thing we had done together, so we knew that we would be blessed, but we had no idea just how much. Courtney is a wonderful big sister and she gets so excited about her little brothers and sister. All together they bring so much life and happiness to our home and now we can’t imagine life with just one. God has truly blessed us with four beautiful children and has blessed the triplets with an older sister who loves them dearly and serves as an excellent role model for them. ✽

A day in the life... Describe a “typical” day in the life of your family. We wake up around 5:30 a.m. and usually the kids all end up in our bed watching some type of educational YouTube video and eating breakfast while Krishna and I drink our coffee and have breakfast too. After about an hour we all get up and if it is a workday I head to work around 7:40 a.m. Our nanny, Michelle, arrives around 8 a.m. and Krishna leaves for work. Over the course of the day, Michelle does scheduled activities with the children focused on teaching them their ABCs, numbers, shapes, etc., along with art or music and reading books. I usually get home around 5 p.m. and spend time with them either playing outside on our back porch or inside playing chase or hideand-seek. They eat dinner around 6 – 6:30 p.m. Krishna is usually home between 6 – 7 p.m., at which time we take them for a walk in the neighborhood. Then it is bath time, followed by watching their favorite nighttime cartoon, “Thomas the Train,” which helps them wind down. They know when “Thomas” comes on it is close to bedtime. They may play a little more and then lie down with me on a futon that we have in the living room and fall asleep, and then we put them in their beds. The boys generally get up in the middle of the night and either climb in our bed or I’ll sleep with them on the futon, depending on how restless they are and how much space is in our bed. Maya usually sleeps through the night but sometimes she will climb in bed with us as well and then the whole cycle starts over again. The weekends vary. We try to take them to the park, play with them a lot, but we don’t generally follow a structured day on the weekends and just try to enjoy the kids.

health

g et healthy

Beyond the BY DANA KAMP & NICOLE IRVING

Latte...

Pumpkin is THE flavor of the fall season. Rich with amazing nutrients such as vitamins A and C, pumpkin can now be found in foods and beauty products to enhance both your inside and outside beauty.

11. Revision Skincare Refining Mineral Mask $30, Revisionskincare.com. In addition to Kaolin and vitamin E, this warming mineral mask also includes pumpkin enzymes that gently exfoliate with an amazing scent.

10. Pereg Israeli Couscous Pearl Pasta & Pumpkin Seeds $3.50, The Fresh Market. High in iron and festive flavor, this couscous combines with red bell pepper, dried onions, garlic, currants and parsley and cooks in just 15 minutes.

1. Meaningful Beauty® Glowing Serum by Cindy Crawford $52, MeaningfulBeauty.com. Formulated with antioxidants, including pumpkin serum, that revitalize the complexion.

E 2. Pumpkin Seeds $5.99 per pound, The Fresh Market. Toss some pumpkin seeds into your oatmeal, sprinkle them over your salad or bake them and enjoy as a sweet or salty snack.

B L

9. Eminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel $47, FragranceNet.com. Yam and pumpkin pulp purees in this peel enrich your skin while phytocollagen hydrates and plumps.

H I

3. June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Enzyme Masque $78, JuneJacobs.com. This spicy, detoxifying masque contains a powerful pumpkin enzyme that improves skin’s tone and texture.

4. G.M. Collin’s Bio Organique Energizing Mask $35, GMCollin.com. Formulated with citrus oil, lemon oil and pumpkin extract, this brightening mask brings a healthy glow to tired and dull skin.

5. Pumpkin Pasta Sauce $5.99, The Fresh Market. Pumpkin puree, Italian plum tomatoes, heavy cream, basil and spices mix to create a warm fall flavor perfect for cool autumn nights.

6. G.M. Collin Bio Organique Treating Serum $52, GMCollin.com. Formulated with pumpkin to strengthen skin, this all-natural serum helps prevent visible signs of premature aging.

7. Doctor Kracker Pumpkin Seed Cheddar Crispbreads $4.49, The Fresh Market. These whole grain crackers are high in protein and fiber, ready to be devoured alone or paired with any complementary dip.

8. Eminence Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque $53.50, FragranceNet.com. This product nourishes your skin, eliminating the impurities as pumpkin puree and orange pulp fortify your skin and promote resilience.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

health

get moving

Downward Dog to Warrior... Today's Children Use Yoga to Center by ALICIA CHAPMAN MAULDIN

When parents tell me their child needs yoga, they erroneously think my classes are quiet, peaceful rooms filled with children silently stretching and breathing. Well…we breathe, we move, we learn and we play…all while doing yoga! The practice of yoga is over 4,000 years old and is meant to keep the body healthy, aligned, supple and strong. Just as it does for adults, yoga physically benefits kids. It improves strength, flexibility, coordination and balance. It also helps to build self-confidence, cooperation, and compassion with ourselves and those around us.

A wonderful benefit of children practicing yoga is their ability to learn to control their energies and self regulate. Yoga is everywhere…and you are probably already doing a little yoga and just don’t know it! A recent visit with the eye specialist suggested my 9-year-old son take 10 deep breaths, balance on one foot and do repetitive spinal twists to improve his eye function... all yoga! Working with Parisi Speed School (speed and endurance training for kids), I noticed many of their stretches and body movements are also yoga! Stress management techniques? Yep, yoga! Back issues? That is right, those exercises are often yoga!

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

• When your child is upset or agitated, he can calm his mind and body by trying a forward fold, allowing his head to be lower than his heart, or he can try a Child’s pose. Children should also focus on their exhale, and try to empty their lungs completely before inhaling again. • Does your child have trouble focusing on homework? Ask him to balance on one leg while he looks at a single focal point, or have him take a “brain break” by crossing the mid-line of the body and giving himself a hug. Have him focus on smooth, even inhales and exhales (Take five breaths – breathe in through the nose for five counts and out for five counts). • Is your child slow and sluggish in the afternoons? It is time to energize! Have him move through the Yoga Sun Salutations, Warrior poses or simply do jumping jacks! Get the blood pumping, focus on deep inhales and send fresh oxygen to the brain.

*Alicia is the owner of Tiny Turtle Yoga and program director for YogaKids. Visit TinyTurtleYoga.com for more information about yoga for kids.

A wonderful benefit of children practicing yoga is their ability to learn to control their energies and self regulate. The movements and breathing techniques can help children calm, focus or energize themselves. As children practice yoga, they notice their energy levels change and can then duplicate that desired result when not in class. My 10-yearold daughter has been doing yoga with me for many years and loves to do Candlestick pose before bedtime, because she says it “calms her mind.” What a great tool for kids to have, especially as they grow up in today’s fast paced, high-tech society. ✽

Using yoga for everyday benefits:

happy home

OUR S P A C E

For dessert, handsome cookies and cake pops dressed in theme, perfect for petite palates, sit atop mini bales of hay. (Hobby Lobby, $4.99)

A special space is decorated for welcoming thankful thoughts.

Photos by Giggle Magazine.

Kids can decorate their "placemat" and the kraft paper makes for easy cleanup after dinner!

Making tBhLe E KIDS' TA

more fun!

As your little ones sit down to the table to celebrate all they have to be thankful for, inspire them to play, create and share.

Our simple Thanksgiving kids' table showcases kraft paper with painted mini terracotta pots filled with crayons and Legos. This calls for creativity and using those busy little hands while they wait for dinner to be served!

Cake pops and cookies by Dream Day Cakes Styled by Giggle Magazine

happy home

ORGANIZED CHAOS Teens are ready for vertical bookcases, organized by subject matter – school, sci-fi, adventure, hobbies…however the collection subdivides.

len... e H r a e D

Keep the book selections updated. Pull your sentimental favorites off the shelves and pass them down the line as your younger children become developmentally ready for new reading challenges. Your children will tell you which books are keepers forever.

Queries from the Curious

need. Putting material things back into the cycle of use has its virtues, perhaps enough to soothe even your tender heart.

BY helen kornblum

Our house is overflowing with books. What would you suggest for organizing books so that they are accessible to all our children, yet have a definite space to keep them in good condition?

My husband wants me to get rid of dishes and glassware that were passed down to me from family members, but that we rarely, if ever, use. It would break my heart to let them go. What should we do?

A: Let’s not break any hearts – or dishes

– yet. If the dishes and glassware are too special for everyday use, why not display a few pieces and make a point of using them on special occasions? Take photos of the sets to keep in a memorabilia file, with notes about their provenance, and send these to relatives who might want the sets.

A: What a wonderful organizing problem: lots of books! Books for toddlers can be stored upright in rectangular plastic dishpans on bottom shelves of just about any furniture. A dishpan is portable and if the toddler dumps everything out, cleanup isn’t too daunting. The limited space allows the pre-reader to flip through the books to find a favorite. Having a few book dishpans around the house makes reading always an option for the next activity. Elementary school kiddos like having books in their rooms, so low horizontal bookshelves are suited to their needs. Ask them for their organizing help. You may be surprised to hear that they like grouping by color, subject or size. These preferences may seem illogical but don’t argue if it makes sense to them.

A: Thanks to our digital devices, we’re

drowning in photos that document our special occasions as well as our daily silliness. It’s time to consolidate! The right way to organize photos depends on your intuition about where you would look to retrieve them. Most of the current digital third party storage systems (like iCloud) or management software (like Picasa) offer filing systems based on date, event and subject. You have to pick the folder tabs that work for you. For example, you might create a folder for Vacations and then have sub-folders using dates for each vacation you have documented. You can keep photo files on your computer if you have enough disk space. Make frequent back-ups using an external hard drive, CDs or DVDs. Note that online storage providers give at least five gigabytes of storage space (and sometimes more) for free. Toss the bad photos, please. For those that earn the right to stay, save the originals in case you want to make edits for a special use. ✽

 Helen Kornblum is a life coach and organizer in Gainesville, FL. She owns www.CoachandOrganizer.com. Her specialty is coaching teens and young adults who have ADHD or ADD.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

If nobody claims them and you don’t have storage space, maybe it’s time for an honest reckoning. Keeping household goods that you don’t use may honor the past but it crowds the present and blocks the future. Donating them can positively affect the future of a family in

We have a ton of family photos on our phones, cameras and posted on social media. How should we organize them so they are all together and accessible?

happy home

M A K E I T . F IX I T . C LE A N I T .

Make Your Own Mason Jar Gifts BY NICOLE IRVING

Tea Time

Sew Thoughtful

Fur the Cat Lover

Created with the tea connoisseur in mind, our “Tea for Two” mason jar has all the treats for someone to share a warm cup of tea with a friend, Grandma or while enjoying a good book.

Our sewing jar is full of all the necessities for that budding seamstress, designer or even creative crafters.

For the cat enthusiast, our mason jar is filled with a collection of goodies “purrfect” for your feline friend.

Complete with a measuring tape, needles, buttons, pins and spools of thread, our mason jar is ready to go. Complete with a pincushion top!

We added a collar, cat treats, a new play toy and string. We personalized it with a small photo of the recipient’s pet!

Photo by Giggle Magazine.

Our mason jar was made with a natural honey stick twirler, tea diffuser and specialty tea bags. Tips: • Use a variety of tea bags for an eclectic collection. • Add a fresh lemon or a small bottle of honey to complete the jar. (Make sure to give it in a timely manner.) • Pair with their favorite book or box of homemade cookies. • Can also be given as a get-well gift!

Tips: • Pincushion top was found in a pack of two at Hobby Lobby for $4.99. • Use colorful and fun pins for the top of the jar. • As with all pins/sharp objects, keep out of reach of children. • Add small knitting needles and a package of yarn for a mix of mediums.

Tips: • The photo frame was found in the jewelrymaking section of Hobby Lobby. • Make sure to measure the opening of your jar so that all the goodies will fit. • This is a great gift for the new pet owner. • You can make it specific for any animal! • A homemade coupon for free pet-sitting is a great addition.

Style Me Pretty What girl doesn’t love to be pampered? Our “Home Pedi” mason jar screams “Spa Day with friends.” With a bright colored polish, pedicure tools and a plethora of cotton balls, this mason jar will be a hit with your girlfriends, sisters, tweens and teens alike. Tips: • The travel section at your local store is a perfect spot to find smaller bottles of products. • You can also fill the jar with only nail polishes for a colorful pick-me-up. • Make sure all jars with polish remover or any other chemicals are kept away from children and heat. • Add some favorite fingernail stickers for a fun manicure/pedicure option.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Once the winter weather passes, it will be time for spring flowers. Our “Garden Collection” mason jar will brighten any gardener’s day!

We chose gardening gloves, a small terracotta pot and a variety of vegetable seed packs for our jar. For added flair, we sprinkled sunflower seeds at the bottom. Tips: • Use flower herbs or seeds instead of vegetable seeds. • Spray paint a small flowerpot in a bright color. • Add a gift card to the local nursery or gardening center. • Include a recipe card for one of your favorite recipes using the ingredients she will be growing.

Have you and your kids made any fun homemade gifts? We'd love to hear about it! Send a photo and short description of your family project to dana@irvingpublications.com and you might just see your family on our Facebook page!

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

Kick Bullying to the Curb BY NICOLE GERMANY

Sometimes it isn’t easy telling the bullies to back off, which is why parents, schools and communities are coming together and standing up to bullying. In 2006, October was declared National Bullying Prevention month, and since then the campaign to raise awareness has expanded to involve hundreds of schools and community members. Many participants around the country will wear orange shirts, hats or ribbons on October 22 as a sign of unity against bullying.

According to the National Education Association, 160,000 students stay home from school every day due to bullying, and another two-thirds of students who are targets of harassment later become bullies themselves. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to get involved by discussing the issue with their children and being proactive when it comes to interacting with school guidance counselors and administrators on the issue.

Organizations Making a Difference...

The Bully Project (Thebullyproject.com) – This social action campaign, inspired by the award-winning film “Bully,” sparked a national movement to stop bullying.

The other side of bullying is when your child is the culprit behind the harsh words and behavior. While bullying can begin for a number of reasons, dealing with a child that is threatening others isn’t easy.

It Gets Better Project (Itgetsbetter.org) – In 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video to inspire hope for young people facing harassment, inspiring more than 50,000 user-created videos viewed more than 50 million times.

➜ Parents should talk to their child to better understand why the behavior demonstrated is threatening to others.

The Youth Alliance (Theyouthalliance.com) – This organization hosts interactive assemblies that help address bullying with activities, community nights and workshops.

➜ Visit your child’s doctor for a full check-up and discussion. The Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights notes that sometimes a child’s behavior can be due to a disability causing him to act in ways that are mistaken for bullying.

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center (Pacer.org/bullying) – This “parents helping parents” organization is spreading the message of their campaign, “The End of Bullying Begins with Me,” through school, community and online events.

Dr. Dan and Bli Dugi are authors of a book series called “The Principle Gang,” a collection of six books intended to help parents better convey messages, like the harms of bullying, through text and pictures. They created the No Bullies Allowed campaign to better assist conversation in elementary schools concerning bullying.

➜ Ask for help. Reach out to teachers, doctors or friends who have been through a similar situation to decide the best possible way to mediate the situation.

➜ Understand that your child won’t change overnight. If a child is bullying others, it may take some time for him to understand why what he is doing is wrong. gigglemag.com | october/november 2014 37

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

learn

fa m i ly l e a r n i n g

3He Learns With Humor.

The 6 Secrets To Your Son’s Success In School

Boys love “funny” things. They often can veer into inappropriate or crude topics, but humor is an important tool for boys’ learning. It helps them feel comfortable with new concepts, engage in teamwork and take on new challenges. It is therefore a very effective way for adults to leverage boys’ interest and commitment to learning.

BY DR. EDMOND J. DIXON

Learns Through 4HeChallenge.

In their desire to release testosterone by winning, boys are drawn to challenge. It helps them learn because through challenge they discover things about themselves and their environment. When parents and teachers present challenges, they can improve the motivation and resilience of boys faced with difficult learning tasks.

“Let's face it; I'm stupid. You know it, I know it, and my parents know it!"

I was a principal and these words were spoken in anguish and anger by Chad, a 12-year-old student sent to my office for incomplete work. He reflected a profound problem that I could no longer ignore. I had seen too many boys who did not succeed in school. I knew he was not stupid, and his parents saw him as a smart, if unfocused, child. But our opinions no longer mattered. His experience in school had convinced him otherwise. He dropped out a few years later and I was saddened, but not surprised. Your own son may not become a drop-out, but if he is like many boys I know, he dislikes school, does not apply himself to the fullest and is willing to let the girls in his class achieve more. Statistics show that this leads to boys who are increasingly unprepared for a world in which high levels of education and social-emotional intelligence are required. Without even knowing it, many of our sons are falling behind.

If we change how we approach their learning, we can help these boys be more successful, productive and happier – without disadvantaging girls. More importantly, I have identified six “secrets” parents can use to profoundly affect a boy’s learning success:

1He Learns Where the Action Is.

Neuroscience has confirmed that boys develop more brain-wiring for movement than girls at early ages. This is why they love to move, fidget in class and want to be wherever there is action. It also explains why they can sit still for so long playing video games: Those games are saturated with movement!

2He Learns In the Game.

Boys have profound learning experiences within the context of games because they receive a shot of testosterone when they set goals and achieve them. If they see learning as something they can compete and “win” at, they achieve higher. However, if they don’t think they can win in school because they aren’t smart enough, they will often refuse to play the game.

5He Learns By Mastery.

Success for any boy ultimately comes when he takes ownership for his own learning. He longs for mastery and will work very hard to achieve it if he sees the pathway to attain it and is allowed to control the way he pursues it. When boys make decisions about attaining mastery in school learning, however, their brains have evolved to want to know its usefulness. And that’s why the final secret is so critical…

6He Learns For Meaning.

“Why do we have to learn this?” is more than a way for a lazy boy to avoid doing work. It is essential for him to understand the importance and meaning of the task at hand and where he fits into it. Boys long to commit themselves to “heroic” tasks if they see that their efforts can make a difference. We have found that when a parent helps a boy to do this, his success can be amazing! ✽ *If you aren’t sure where to start, take the quiz on helpingboyslearn.com and check out the Parent Community on the site. Together, we can help every boy reach his potential as a learner!

➜ Dr. Edmond J. Dixon is a human development specialist with 30-plus years of experience as a teacher, administrator, researcher, author – and parent of boys! Reprinted with permission. gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

learn

i n th e c l ass r o o m

Study Strategies For Every Grade Level BY LISA KATZ

Whether he is studying for a chapter test, midterm exam or even the SAT or ACT, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Of course it helps to be as prepared as possible. Cramming in all of the information the night before typically is not the best course of action. Here are several helpful tips and study strategies to share with your children that will reduce their anxiety and increase success.

➜ FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:

• Set up your study area in a quiet space with few distractions.

• Plan a study schedule. • Break studying into manageable chunks of time and information.

• Be flexible with ways of learning different material. • Read together with parents or siblings.

Test Day Tips to Share with Your Child

➜ FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:

• Outline a study plan. Divide information into digestible amounts.

Start the day well-rested.

your notes or textbook and review carefully.

Eat a healthy breakfast (no PopTarts, please).

• Have memory refreshers. Go back to the beginning of • Use flash cards. This will help in memorizing the basic test information. • Rewrite notes from class. • Partner up. Peers can offer different perspectives or interpretations of the lesson or have different notes. • Reread. Study in stages. Divide the material into three categories: what you’re confident with, what needs more review and what you’re not comfortable with yet. • Hold a rapid-fire study session with a friend.

➜ FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:

• Get creative. Don’t just read the material; act it out, create a rap or draw a picture that answers the question.

likelihood of late-night cramming. • Use visual clues to boost memorization skills. • Study in short spurts. • Use your senses. Read it, write it and say it. • “Teach” the information to a friend and have him “teach” you the next chapter/section.

Visit Scholastic.com for more great study-prep ideas! 40

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Dress comfortably and use the bathroom beforehand. Take deep breaths and try to relax your mind. Take note of the time and pace yourself throughout the test. Avoid spending too much time on any one question.

Read the instructions and questions carefully. This prevents careless mistakes. Stay as focused as possible on each question and test section. Don’t think about what is next. Underline, circle or highlight key words and concepts as you read. Don't spend time rewriting your answers or worrying about neatness. If there is time, read over each of your answers before turning in your test.

Regardless of the child’s age, parents can cultivate their child’s study habits as well as his test-taking strategies. Developing a sound routine to tackle both daily homework assignments as well as tests is one of the key ways that your child can excel in school. Being consistent will also improve your child’s confidence. Encourage a good night’s sleep, using a quiet study area (without cellphones, tablets and televisions) and having a positive attitude. That goes for parents too! Even if you are nervous about your child’s upcoming test, try to keep it to yourself. It’s beneficial to provide as much support and encouragement as possible. ✽

• Develop a study schedule. This will reduce the

Make sure to bring along any supplies you will need.

Look over all multiple-choice answers before picking one.

conception2college  expecting Party of Two (Or More!)

 infant | 0-1 Picking Favorites: When Your Child Prefers One Parent Over the Other

 toddler | 2-3 Calming Those Morning Mood Swings

 early years | 4-5 Surviving Dining Out with the Kids... One Bite at a Time!

 kids | 6-7 Let's Talk About the Birds and the Bees

 tweens | 8-12 Tips for Your Tween's First Dance

 teens | 13-18

Photo by Terri Smith Photo

Raising a Confident Teen

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

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expecting Party of Two (Or More!)

pregnancy

BY KELLY GOEDE

From the moment the line turns pink on the pregnancy test, you know you’re in for a wild journey. And when the doctor confirms that more than one babe is along for the ride, the ascent gets steeper and the climb a bit more taxing. A pregnancy with twins or other multiples places demands on a woman’s body that seem to defy its already amazing capabilities. Beginning in the first weeks of pregnancy with multiples, moms may experience increased nausea, fatigue and other early pregnancy symptoms. Consider that more than one baby means double or more hormones circulating and wreaking havoc on a mama. In my own twin pregnancy, I had epic morning sickness, and my belly poked out around week two. Before I even knew there were two babies, my body told me something was up. Trying to eat the additional 600 calories that doctors recommend was increasingly difficult when keeping food down was impossible.

Before I even knew there were two babies, my body told me something was up. My fellow twin-mommy and mom of four, Sarah Sawyer, can attest to feeling extra green when she was carrying her twins.

When the nausea subsides, it may be tempting to eat for three. Doctors do recommend gaining 3545 pounds (if you start at a healthy weight), which is higher than with a singleton. But gaining extra weight beyond that recommendation puts you at risk for higher blood pressure, gestational diabetes and difficulty getting the weight off down the road.

As your multiple pregnancy progresses, you may find yourself visiting the OB-GYN more often, as twin-specific complications may arise. Identical twins who have a monochorionic placenta may suffer from twin-to-twin-transfusion, which means one twin gets the lion’s share of nutrients from the shared placenta, while the other baby does not receive enough. Make sure you discuss your concerns about complications with your doctor. One possible bright side to all this nausea, stretching and weight gain is that twin pregnancies are considered full term at 37 weeks. Small consolation, considering you will be full-term size starting around 28 weeks. But at the finish line of this journey are two or more sweet babies who will steal your heart, even if they can’t erase your stretch marks. ✽

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

Help for the

Mama of Multiples: A twin or other multiple pregnancy should be an experience you share with someone who understands what you are going through. You can connect online with other expecting mamas at nomotc.org, the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs. Plug in your zip code and find the closest club to you. Tallytwins.com also offers a local place to connect and access resources. Drbarbaraluke.com/multiplesquiz. aspx is a quiz to test your knowledge on multiples pregnancies.

Recommended Reading:

“When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads,” by Dr. Barbara Luke, who created the University Consortium on Multiple Births. Her website, drbarbaraluke.com is a valuable resource as well.

“I was sick all the way until I delivered,” Sawyer said, adding that, “it was really difficult to actually gain weight.”

Plus, the more weight you gain the more your skin has to stretch, which means the more souvenirs (er, stretch marks) you may be left with once your little ones arrive. Deeper inside, your abdominal muscles may also split, forming a diastasis recti, as your growing uterus pushes up and out.

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infant

a g es 0 - 1

Picking Favorites: When Your Child Prefers One Parent Over the Other by ALEXIS KING

It’s a common scene. You’re in the middle of a busy moment when you hear your little one crying. Concerned, you rush over to him, only to hear “No! I want (insert whomever he replaced you with here)” and you’re left standing shocked and a bit heartbroken. According to a poll by Parenting.com, 90 percent of families have experienced this kind of preferential treatment. Experts believe this preference for one parent or caregiver is a toddler’s way of showing independence. Even though it may seem counterproductive to assert independence by showing dependence on a caregiver, the focus is on the child’s ability to make decisions. When he constantly demands one parent in certain situations he is showing you he is able to make his own choices, no matter how small they might be. Thankfully this phase is temporary and your child will eventually learn more effective ways to assert his independence. During this time it is important to remember not to take any of this too personally. It can be hard to feel second best to someone you hold as #1, but remember what is important here – the child. When you feel rejected or hurt, remind yourself that this is just another stage in your child’s development, not a reflection of your parenting skills!

When you are the preferred parent: 1. Share. Continue to divide the parenting responsibilities. It is okay for your child to not always have his way.

When you are the underdog: 1. Be playful. Make an extra effort to get involved with your child’s playtime. Seeing you doing a fun activity may make him forget you were “second best” minutes before.

2. Be unseen. Take time for yourself when your partner is feeling

rejected. If you’re not there your child will have to rely on the other parent for awhile.

2. Get support. If you’re feeling down, reach out to your family members or friends to talk about what’s going on with your child. Sometimes it just feels nice to have a “support group” that understands what you are going through.

3. Communicate. Be sure this phase doesn’t cause lasting damage to your relationship with your spouse. Stay supportive and respectful of his or her feelings.

3. Stay positive. At this age kids are always playing favorites. Stay calm and remember that the odds will eventually turn back in your favor. ✽

Sometimes your child isn’t overly attached to you or your partner – but rather to an object. While it may seem strange or hard for adults to comprehend, many young children form strong bonds with a favorite doll, blanket or toy. This attachment is the strongest around the ages of 1 and

2, but could occur anytime during toddlerhood. This object gives the child a sense of security as he explores his world and transitions through phases. This is why they are often referred to as “transitional objects.” This phase is nothing to worry about and will become less intense with age. Set clear

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

limits on where the toy is allowed and how long it can go between cleanings. Make sure you have a duplicate or second favorite in case the dog decides to play tug-of-war with the beloved toy.

Transitional Objects

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toddler

a g es 2 - 3

Calming Those Morning Mood Swings by CINDY VANCE-STARNIERI

As a mother, a grandmother and a teacher of young children, I am all too familiar with the early morning “mood swing” dance. I understand what has probably happened prior to school. Your Lil’ Miss Sunshine woke to a house filled with the smell of burnt toast. Your son couldn’t find his homework and your middle child argued with you over her clothing choices. You rushed out of the house, quickly kissing the dog and patting your husband on the head. After dropping the eldest two at their schools, you have finally arrived at mine. I am eagerly waiting to welcome your little one but she announces that she is never, ever going to school. Here is where it gets tricky.

the way her sibling did. Remind your child that you know this task is tough, but she’ll get through it. When she succeeds, praise, high-fives or a thumbs-up is in order.

Parents usually worry when their child is having a rushed, upset or moody morning. They will coddle and create a nurturing departure/separation scenario. The child clings, holding on tighter and anxiety begins to build. Next thing you know, Mommy is hanging out, doing a puzzle and preparing snacks for all 18 children.

Mood swings come in all kinds of displays from stubbornness to crying to tantrums. This is a normal stage in the life of a toddler. You are not alone and, as you’ve heard, this too will pass.

I, on the other hand, go into my super savvy “Save the Day” teacher mode. I ask Mommy to say a quick goodbye with a hug and kiss. Add a kiss in the palm of your little one’s hand, squeezing her tiny fingers around it, to hold it all day (we call it a Kissing Hand after the book, “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn). Just as Mommy exits, a quick diversion is the key. A bravery cape, if needed. I’ll sweep that little mood maker into a super hero in the blink of an eye! Off we go, to the sandbox, the slides, or indoors to the play dough table where we can pound out our morning madness. Your child has now forgotten about her grumpy mood and might even cry when you pick her up because she doesn’t want to leave! Your child may experience emotional meltdowns, in short, because she is learning to communicate and she is growing in self-control. Sometimes frustration must be expressed. It could be over sharing a toy, not wanting to do something or go somewhere, or not being able to complete a project or a puzzle

If fatigue is an issue, make sure your child rests (I call it “down time”), even if she won’t nap. Set the scene for her: a dark room, cool air, a blanket, soft music, no talking, etc. When she achieves an acceptable “quiet time,” give a healthy snack and a sticker for great behavior.

I suggest you get personal. When things are not so easy with your little one, get down on your knees, shoulder-to-shoulder, eye-toeye and tell your little mood swinger that you are in this together and you’re both going to be okay! ✽

Through the years, I’ve helped parents with a few tips for getting preventing morning meltdowns. • An earlier bedtime (especially if your child wakes

grumpy, upset or crying) • Soothing music while driving to school • Warm baths the night before • Lots of one-on-one time with no distractions • Special reading time with her favorite books as often as possible • A favorite cuddly toy for added comfort

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

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early years

a g es 4 - 5

Surviving Dining Out With the Kids...One Bite at a Time! by ALLEN HAYNES

Whether you have one child or five, going to a restaurant is probably not only a rarity, it’s an adventure in patience dependent on “Kids Eat Free” days and how “family-friendly” the eatery is. For those times you do venture out for a family meal, your little one’s behavior during down time is often a concern. Below are several tips for teaching your child the proper manners required to eat out as a family.

The art of distraction – pre food order and waiting for the food to arrive

The best family-friendly restaurants have turned their children’s menus into games or coloring books. One way to be ahead of the curve is to not plan on this ready-made entertainment. Bring your own crayons and coloring books to keep your child busy during the wait between sitting down and when the food actually arrives. You can even turn this into a game. All family members must complete a picture before the food arrives. You can designate a part of your fridge as the restaurant “gallery.” Every time you go out to dinner, everyone works to complete a new masterpiece for the gallery.

Ordering for himself – practicing at home

Put the whole family’s orders in together, rather than the children’s first. Hopefully this means everyone will be eating (quietly) at the same time.

Let your child order his dinner. This gives him a great lesson in social skills and independence. Show him the menu as soon as you are seated and help him choose his meal before he starts playing tic-tac-toe. This way he is ready to order when the waiter comes to the table.

or a clean plate = dessert, make sure your child knows ahead of time that what goes at home, goes at a restaurant.

The best way to prepare him is to have mock restaurant scenes at your own dinner table. We’re not suggesting you create a menu and let him pick from a bunch of items (although that could be fun to do for a family night every once in awhile); what we’re suggesting is letting him “order” at home by treating it like it’s a restaurant setting.

Even the best plans can turn to chaos when it involves 5-year-olds and food. If things aren’t looking good, give him a warning. If the misbehavior continues, don’t be afraid to end the dinner abruptly by asking for to-go boxes and heading home to eat. ✽

Here’s some sample dialogue:

Staying seated and waiting patiently for dinner to begin is a difficult task for curious kiddos. Practice it each time your family goes out to eat, but don’t be afraid to take a break and walk around outside if the wait is longer than expected. A change of scenery is a magical thing. Ask your child to pick three favorite things he sees outside, so he can share them with everyone when you take him back to the table. Hopefully dinner will be waiting when you reenter the restaurant.

Practicing at home is important because he learns that good behavior is expected at any dinner table, and especially at an occasion like going out to eat.

“What would you like to drink, Sir? We have water, juice or milk.” “Milk, please.”

Eating politely – preventing dislike meltdowns

Discuss rules beforehand and remind him as dinner is served. Whether your family rule is that everything on the plate must be tried, all vegetables must be eaten first

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It’s okay to leave – sometimes it has to happen

Family-Friendly Waiting Time Activities • Coloring books and crayons • Dolls/action figures that don’t make sounds • Picture books • Legos or small building toys • Stickers and sticker books • Play-doh and a few cookie cutters • iPad and headphones

Another option to keep your child happy in his seat is to bring his favorite non-sound-making toy, stuffed animal or action figure (preferably one without projectiles). Have him create an adventure storyline with the items on the table.

Giggle Tip!

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kids

a g es 6 - 7

Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees by OLIVIA K. PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Are you ready for “the talk?” Around age 6, children start becoming more aware of their bodies and others’ bodies as well. School-aged children become more curious, less concrete and more reflective. Be ready when they start asking questions by keeping these basic tips in mind: u Take

into consideration the age and maturity of your child. Every child

is different. Your first-born may have had the emotional maturity to hear the details at age 7, but your second-born may not. Some children will wonder out loud about body functions and issues and some will ask more specific questions, such as how a baby is made. Be honest and speak in generic terms when possible. This will allow the conversation to move forward. u Explore exactly what she is asking you. If you suspect the questions go

beyond a simple definition, find out what she has heard. You can respond with, “I will answer all of your questions, but first I’d like for you to tell me what you know.” Identify body parts by their official names, not the cutesy ones we are prone to use!

“I will answer all of your questions, but first I’d like for you to tell me what you know.” u Pick up on cues from your child. For instance, when your daughter says, “I’m

different from the boys in my class,” ask her what she means by that and take the opportunity to discuss further differences if you feel she is ready. If you see her body is changing early, then you may have to approach the subject before she does. u Find a teachable moment. The doctor’s office, the car ride to school, even when she is stalling before bedtime. Observe your child’s play. Is he making his action figures kiss? Is she undressing her dolls? Recognize their behaviors. Tell them that it’s absolutely normal to be curious about their bodies and relationships.

u Find out why she is asking. Perhaps one of her friends said something or asked to play “doctor.” It’s also a good time to check in to see if any inappropriate behavior is going on. Whatever the reason, do not judge or shame your child. You want to be the safe place for your child to go when she has questions. If you listen now with an open mind, she will continue to approach you into her teenage and young adult years. You are laying the groundwork for more meaningful opportunities to discuss safe and healthy relationships as your child gets older. ✽

Want to know more?

"It's NOT the Stork!" by Robie H. Harris Young children are especially curious about their bodies, and some of their questions are difficult for parents to answer. Harris spoke with parents, teachers, librarians, nurses, doctors, social workers, psychologists, scientists and clergy to make sure all of the material in this book is comfortable, reassuring, age-appropriate and scientifically accurate. gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

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tweens

a g es 8 - 1 2

Tips for Your Tween's First Dance Ah, the first school dance... by kelly goede

As I think back to my own, I see visions of purple taffeta puffed sleeves, mile-high bangs and a mouth full of braces. I thought I was quite becoming, although the photographic evidence betrays my deluded self-confidence. It was 1990, after all. And now, as I stare down the preteen years with my oldest daughter boldly rushing toward growing up at an alarming rate, I wonder if her first school dance will be anything like mine. I cringe and chuckle all at once and realize it’s best to look for someone who has walked this path ahead of me. Have things changed that much? How do I prep my child for an evening where she will be dressed to the nines and boys will ask her to dance (gasp!)? Enter Cheryl Tyrone, mom to two daughters, one of whom has already crossed that first dance bridge and lived to tell the tale. “Thank goodness we started shopping early,” Cheryl attests, “There are a lot of dresses out there, but many of them were not ageappropriate for my daughter.” Both boys and girls alike will be spending time and money crafting just the right look, so Cheryl recommends setting a budget and sticking to it.

Parent-to-Parent Tips: • Set a budget for apparel shopping with your child and stick to it. • Allow your child to plan her night and step in to help tie up loose ends.

• Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior and conduct. • If you chaperone the event, give your child space to experience the evening without Mom’s camera following her around. • Share your own first-dance memories with your child, letting her know you too were once a giggly and awkward tween.

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

And as with so many parenting conundrums, guiding your child toward modest and age-appropriate attire requires lots of discussion and boundary setting along the way. Beyond looking fabulous, your child may also be thinking of how she is going to get to and from the dance, and whom she will be with before and during the event. Does she want you to drive her? Will a group be going together? What about a pick-up time when the dance is over? Cheryl says of her daughter, “I let her take the lead regarding our involvement. She and her friends discussed pre-dance preparations and transportation, and then parents helped finalize the details. It made them feel a little more grown up and responsible.” Once all the details have been worked out, it’s time to quell any anxiety brewing over what to expect once the dance gets underway. Ask your child if she is nervous about anything. Tell her stories from your first dance – chances are she will look way more stylish but feel the same apprehension and excitement. Explain what the venue will be like when she arrives (refreshments, music, decorations) and discuss what kind of dancing you both feel is suitable for each style of music. The more you can engage her in conversation and allow her to talk, the better. And above all, remind her to just be herself and have fun! ✽

• Ask your child about her expectations for the night. Is she expecting to hang out with her friends? Dance with boys?

“Katie understood the dance was only three hours long, so there was no need to spend a lot of money on the dress. And chances are, she won’t wear it again.”

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teens

a g es 1 3 - 1 8

Raising a Confident Teen by REBECCA VITKUS

Starting high school, learning to drive and attending prom are just some of the many teen milestones. However, these formative years often bring peer pressures and insecurities that damage a teen’s self-esteem. Although every teenager is different, it’s important to know what you can do to strengthen your teen’s confidence. Let your teens make their own decisions, including the bad ones. Give your teens options when making a choice, like which college to apply to or which sport team to join. If they make the wrong decision, be ready to comfort them. If they want to quit, remind them why they started. If they fail, be ready to encourage them to try again.

Tell them that asking questions is never a bad idea. Remember, your teens are watching you as an example. Mom, speak highly of yourself to show that self-confidence is always in fashion. Dad, stand up for what you believe in to show that it is OK to stand out from the crowd. Spend time talking with your teens and reassuring them of their incredible value. Talk to your teens about why confidence is key. Encourage them to make eye contact when they speak to both their peers and their authorities. Tell them that asking questions is never a bad idea. Advise them that taking risks may not always pay off right away, but in the long run, pursuing your dreams is always beneficial. Show them that being the best version of themselves is better than being copies of anyone else. ✽

Confidence Boosters to Share With Your Teen

Photo provided by Briana Berger.

Teenshealth.org Designed for both teen boys and girls, this website includes articles to help deal with issues like parents divorcing, feelings of anxiety and abusive relationships. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey If your teen enjoys picking up a book, this guide to growing up is filled with important bits of wisdom like “Put first things first” and “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” iCounselor: Anxiety For just 99 cents, this app asks users to rate their anxiety and responds with basic instructions on how to cope with the situation, like a personal pocket therapist.

Briana Berg

Dear Fellow Teens, Confidence. It’s actually quite rare to find in teenagers. Even the “popular kids” have their insecurities. My self-doubt isn’t fully absent; but over the past few years, it has slowly evaporated. It all started four years ago when my mom signed up this shy little girl, with her nose always in a book, for Tae Kwon Do. Initially, I was skeptical about participating because I considered it a boy sport. Yet, within a couple weeks, I considered it my second home. They don’t celebrate belt graduations or have family events, and I liked it that way. It gave me the ability to make friends on my own by training and rising through the belts together. This may seem insignificant to my confidence, but it wasn’t. Forming friendships has always been a weak point for me. When I was able to make friends who accepted me, my confidence exploded. Plus, Tae Kwon Do taught me to embrace the positive aspects of life and to always give 110 percent. Those small lessons were essential in becoming who I am today. I’m able to love the little things about myself and not worry about societal pressures. Selfassurance frees me up to appreciate who I am for being me. Now, when walking down a hallway or through a mall, I don’t feel eyes judging me. I walk into places with my chin up, a smile on my face and I make eye contact.

“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” This quote from Malcolm Forbes can sum up the human race and one of the reasons why confidence is infrequent to see. Confidence is perceived and silent, not something that is boasted. Step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to rock your smile! Sincerely, Briana gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

happy community

cale n dar o f eve n ts

October & November

OCTOBER 2

Lecture Series Featuring Paralympic Athlete, Chris Waddell 7 – 8:30 p.m. Holy Comforter Episcopal School Student Center hwilbourn@holy-comforter.com OCTOBER 4

Blessing of Animals

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mission San Luis Missionsanluis.org/visitorInfo/specialEvents.cfm OCTOBER 4

OCTOBER 13

Happy Columbus Day! OCTOBER 18

Little Scientists STEM Class (Kindergarten – 3rd grade)

NOVEMBER 8

Saturday Public Mission 10 a.m. – Noon Challenger Learning Center Challengertlh.com

9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Comforter Episcopal School Holy-comforter.org/littlescientists

NOVEMBER 8

OCTOBER 18

NOVEMBER 11

11 a.m. Challenger Learning Center Challengertlh.com

NOVEMBER 15

Kid’s Day at the CLC

FSU Football vs. Virginia Doak Campbell Stadium

Happy Veterans Day! FSU Football at Miami (FL)

OCTOBER 18

NOVEMBER 15

10 a.m. Challenger Learning Center Challengertlh.com

Doak Campbell Stadium

11 a.m. Challenger Learning Center Challengertlh.com

OCTOBER 4

10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church Hmog.org/festival

“Sky Guy” Planetarium Show

FSU Football vs. Wake Forest Doak Campbell Stadium OCTOBER 5

Tallahassee CROP Walk for Hunger

FSU Football vs. Notre Dame OCTOBER 24 – 25

Greek Food Festival 2014

OCTOBER 24 – 25

Halloween Howl

1:30 p.m. North Monroe Street and Lake Ella Drive Hunger.cwsglobal.org

6 – 10 p.m. Tallahassee Museum 850.575. 8684

OCTOBER 9

OCTOBER 30

Mommy and Me Music Class (Ages 2-3) 11:15 a.m. Holy Comforter Episcopal School Holy-comforter.org/mommyandme

FSU Football at Louisville OCTOBER 31

happy halloween !

OCTOBER 11

NOVEMBER 1

Goodwood Jams

10 a.m. – Noon Challenger Learning Center Challengertlh.com

5 p.m. Goodwood Museum & Gardens Goodwoodjams.com

OCTOBER 11

NOVEMBER 6

2nd Saturday Family Program 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Museum of Florida History Museumoffloridahistory.com OCTOBER 11

Mommy and Me Class (Ages 2-3)

11:15 a.m. Holy Comforter Episcopal School Holy-comforter.org/mommyandme

FSU Football at Syracuse

gigglemag.com | october/november 2014

NOVEMBER 22

Bradley’s Country Store Old Fashioned Fun Day Time: TBA Bradley’s Country Store 850.893.4742 NOVEMBER 22

FSU Football vs. Boston College

Doak Campbell Stadium NOVEMBER 27

Happy Thanksgiving! NOVEMBER 29

FSU vs. Florida Doak Campbell Stadium

Saturday Public Mission

Kid’s Day at the CLC

happy community