Giggle Magazine April/May 2023

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

2023

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

APRIL/MAY 2023 Volume 15 • Issue 2 gigglemagazine.com

Baby the

ISSUE

Moms spill the beans on their TOP PREGNANCY CRAVINGS

The pacifier SAVING debate THE PLANET is a family affair HEATS UP

A SMOKEY TWIST on a party classic

JONESVILLE PREP SCHOOL

JONESVILLE PREP SCHOOL

ADVERTISE M EN T

HELPING YOU ACHIEVE

Healthy SKin ACROSS A LIFETIME

GAINESVILLE DERMATOLOGY

ADVERTISE M EN T

GAINESVILLE DERMATOLOGY

Entrust your skin’s health to Gainesville’s Premiere Board Certified Medical, Surgical + Cosmetic Dermatology experts!

Aesthetic Center

Medical Center

Our experienced aesthetic center providers specialize in skin rejuvenation, body contouring, laser hair removal, BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, PDO Threads and all of your cosmetic skin care needs.

The dermatologists with Gainesville Dermatology & Skin Surgery specialize in the treatment of a wide range of skin conditions, including skin cancer, acne, moles, rosacea, psoriasis, warts, photo damage, eczema, and more.

COSMETIC CENTER | (352) 333 - 3223 120 NW 76th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32607

MEDICAL CENTER | (352) 332 - 4442 114 NW 76th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32607

@gainesvilledermaesthetics @gainesville.dermatology www.gainesvilleflderm.com

NCFLAC

CAMPUS USA

CAMPUS AUTO LOANS ARE THERE FOR YOU

FAST, EASY APPROVAL

COMPETITIVE RATES & FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS

GET UP TO $300

when you bring an auto loan from another lender1

START YOUR ENGINE! Apply online at campuscu.com Call 352-335-9090 and press 4 Visit any CAMPUS Service Center today!

Membership is open to anyone in Alachua, Clay, Columbia, Levy, and Marion counties.2 Offer not available on existing CAMPUS loans. Offer is for new loans only. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer subject to change without notice. 1. Lines of Credit, Commercial Loans, CD/Shared Secured Loans, Signature Loans, and Real Estate Loans are not eligible. Cash bonus is 1.25% of amount financed up to a maximum of $300. Limit one per household. Must present offer at time of loan closing. 2. Credit approval and initial $5 deposit required. Insured by the NCUA.

KIDDIE ACADEMY

8

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

INDEPENDANCE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

9

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving ART DIRECTOR Aníbal Rodríguez VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Shane Irving COPY EDITOR Hannah Shelton ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ashley Strayhorn, April Tisher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julia Bauer, Nicole Irving, Lindsey Johnson, Crystal Ladwig, Danielle Michels, Katie Osterhout, Olivia Pitkethly, Tracy Wright

MAILING ADDRESS

HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS

5745 SW 75th Street 101 SW 140th Terrace Unit 286 Suite C Gainesville, FL 32608 Jonesville, FL 32669 Gainesville Office: Phone: 352.505.5821 Fax: 877.857.5140

TYRONE MD AESTHETICS & PLASTIC SURGERY

99 FACIAL $

FOR NEW PATIENTS 352-332-1150

gigglemagazine.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. © 2023

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.

ADVERTISING

For more information on advertising with Giggle Magazine, please visit irvingpublications.com, call 352.505.5821 or email shane@irvingpublications.com.

Applies to enzyme or hydrafacials for first time patients. While

2021

2020

8

supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.

2021

2021

dental place CALL (352) 335 - 7777 www.kidsonlydentalplace.com

WE ARE A SPECIALTY PEDIATRIC DENTAL OFFICE TRUSTED BY THE GAINESVILLE AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 20 YEARS! At KODP your child will actually look forward to dental visits - and who can blame ’em with cartoons on the big screen and our famous toy tower?!

KIDS ONLY DENTAL PLACE

KODP has two locations: Haile Plantation & Northwest Gainesville for your convenience!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends age one for a child’s first dental appointment. Our goal is cavity prevention at this pivotal time and truly believe every child can be cavity free!

DR. ROBERT MIXON & DR. KRISTEN DREYER [Pediatric Dentists]

publisher's letter

the auntie phase I think sometimes the hardest part of watching my children grow up is knowing that the baby years are over for our family.

No more diapers, pacifiers, pregnancy journals, picking out names or watching the ultrasound screens. I loved being pregnant, and I loved the baby years even more. The best thing for our family was having all the boys close together, but in doing so, the baby years for us were clumped into three very fast and furious years of all things baby all at once. Now, as I am on the other end, I miss it. Anyone else feel my pain?

As the oldest sibling of three, I also had my children much earlier than they did in life.

As my oldest prepares to graduate from high school this May, my sister, being almost a decade younger than me, is just beginning her journey with my beautiful niece. While I am so excited for this journey for her, it’s bittersweet, as I know those baby days are

Like us on Facebook /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

12

over for me. So, there is only one thing to do I guess… relish in being an auntie!

And Auntie Nickie I am! And, you know what, I think that is just what the doctor ordered to mend my heart. Slowly, I have realized that being an aunt to my niece and my two little nephews, and cousins and best friends’ kids, is the perfect balance of being involved and not having to pay for their college education. I mean, when can you hand off a crying baby to someone else and feel no guilt? Aunt life. When can you walk away from a toddler having a meltdown over nothing and you aren’t in charge of fixing it?

Aunt life. When can you spoil them rotten and say “shh...don’t tell your Mom,” and know you aren’t the mom? Aunt life!

father in the rear view mirror, I will continue to embrace these teen years with my sons, and relish in the baby years of my nieces and nephews, I feel this might be the sweet spot my heart needed.

So, while I watch my oldest walk the stage at graduation, most likely bawling my eyes out, knowing that his baby years are farther and

Follow us on Twitter @GIGGLEMAGAZINE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Visit us on Pinterest /GIGGLEMAGAZINE

Nicole Irving, Publisher nbirving@irvingpublications.com

Follow us on Instagram @GIGGLEMAGAZINE

ELEVATE YOUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE.

BMW OF GAINESVILLE

XPRESS SHOPPING

GETTLE AUTOMOTIVE OF GAINESVILLE

Treat yourself to a first-class driving experience with a 2023 BMW 5 Series Sedan. Indulge your wildest dreams with a vehicle that perfectly combines elegance with unparalleled performance. You’re sure to be mesmerized by all the BMW 5 Series Sedan offers. Ready to make this luxury vehicle yours? When you shop with BMW of Gainesville, you’ll be surprised at how seamless it is to order your perfect BMW model with our Xpress Shopping Program. Take the reins of this powerhouse and buy your 2023 BMW 5 Series Sedan today.

BMWOFGAINESVILLE.COM 2853 NORTH MAIN STREET

BMW OF GAINESVILLE

GAINESVILLE, FL 32609 SALES • 352-571-1054 SERVICE • 352-376-4551

© 2023 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, BMW logo, model names, and other trademarks are trademarks of BMW AG.

NEXT LEVEL ORTHODONTICS

We feel honored to be part of this well-known, locally-owned orthodontic practice that has been creating beautiful smiles and serving our community for over 25 years.

—Dr. Amir Akhavan

Pappas & Tapley Orthodontics is officially changing its name to Next Level Orthodontics.

The same great quality orthodontic care will be provided, and we are so grateful for your continued trust in our team for our shared patients.

Elevating the health and beauty of your smile to the next level and unleashing the power of joy!

We understand that no two smiles are alike. Therefore, we design and plan every aspect of your treatment to meet your specific goals and needs.

Dr. Amir Akhavan has built a reputation for using state-of-the-art orthodontic techniques with a gentle touch.

We leverage state-of-the-art orthodontic technology, including clear aligners (Invisalign), InBrace Smartwire™ hidden behind the teeth, digital impressions, 3D printing, laser, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), and more to obtain your desired results in less time.

320 NW 76th Drive | Gainesville, Florida 32607 info@thenextlevelorthodontics.com 352-332-7466 | thenextlevelorthodontics.com

Schedule an appointment today and see how we can make Gainesville smile!

PROVIDING ORTHODONTIC SERVICES T O G A I N E S V I L L E , T I O G A , N E W B E R R Y, A L A C H U A AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

APRIL MAY 2023 ●

happy family • happy community™

conception 2 college™ 72

EXPECTING

Baby Bag Must-Haves 74

72

INFANT

Pacifiers— Yay or Nay? 76

TODDLER

Spring Fever 78 EARLY YEARS

Save the Drama! How to Have a Positive Playdate 80

KIDS

Raising an Introvert in an Extroverted World

44 parents' corner 17 # PARENTHACKS How DoYou KeepYour Baby Swaddled?

forks & spoons 19 IN THE KITCHEN Beyond the Pickles and Ice Cream 22 IN THE KITCHEN Smoked Deviled Eggs: A Tasty Twist to a Classic Holiday Dish

health 24 GET HEALTHY Help! I am Pregnant and My Wrist Hurts?

82

TWEENS

What is With the Attitude?

84 TEENS

Activities to Do as a Family When Your Teen Would Rather Be with Friends

28 GET PRETTY The Colors of Mother Earth

giggle stamp 33 15 Luxurious Gifts to Spoil Mom This Mother's Day

22

happy home 36 2 CENTS Are We Financially Ready to Have a Baby?

learn 44 HOMESCHOOL CORNER Choosing the Best Curriculum

39 CRAFTING WITH KATIE Celebrating Earth Day with Easy and Fun Crafts!

47 FAMILY LEARNING Saving the Planet Family Style

On the Cover:

special needs

happy community

MOMS SPILL THE BEANS ON THEIR TOP PREGNANCY CRAVINGS PAGE 19

42 A Gift of Grace This Mother’s Day

86 CALENDAR April/May 2023

SAVING THE PLANET IS A FAMILY AFFAIR PAGE 47

fe a t u res

THE PACIFIER DEBATE HEATS UP PAGE 74

52 Summer Camp Guide 2023 As the school year starts to wind down, it's time to begin planning those summer camp adventures for the kids. We have all the latest camp options available coming this summer.

A SMOKEY TWIST ON A PARTY CLASSIC PAGE 22 ...AND MORE!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

15

we accept most insurances!

(352) 559-8911

With you at every step!

milestonespedsclinic.com

Dr. Priyanka Vyas

100 SW 75th St, Suite 101, Gainesville, FL 32607

MILESTONES PEDIATRICS

Find us on social media!

Milestones Pediatrics

B'NAI ISRAEL COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL

Milestonespedsclinic

# parenthacks

parents' corner | #parenthacks

How do you keep your baby swaddled?

Whether it is adding things to your blankets or finding the most perfect swaddle out there, our Giggle parents share their #Parethacks for swaddling perfection!

Use a swaddle with Velcro!

-LINDSAY KRIEG

The newborn Halo Sleep Sack

*Photos provided by manufacturer

- ROBIN MASTERS

When they didn’t have Velcro, we added them to the swaddle. The Sleeper Sack was an option too!

- KELLY BRADLEY

The Miracle Blanket

Ollie Wrap!

- JENNIFER CARTER

- JENNY BENSON

The only thing that worked with my three escape artists was the Miracle Blanket!

- CHRISSY HOWARD

As my daughter got bigger and still loved to be swaddled, I had a friend make a bigger blanket that fit her.

Found baby blanket material at Walmart.

- MICHELLE ELLISON

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

17

We deliver

UF HEALTH OBGYN

so much more.

At UF Health, delivering your baby is our labor of love. Our Women’s Center team will work with you to create the perfect birthing plan and ensure you receive the warm, nurturing experience you and your baby deserve. At UF Health, you have the option to choose an obstetrician or a nurse midwife for delivery.

Both come with the peace of mind in knowing that UF Health offers the highest level of advanced care in North Florida for both you and your baby. Spend your special day in a cozy, beautifully decorated labor and delivery room. Rest assured, our experts — from pediatricians to lactation specialists — are focused on supporting you as you care for your little one. From bump to bundle and everything in between, UF Health delivers so much more for you and your family.

Visit UFHealth.org/pregnancy for more information about what to expect for you and your family.

18

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Beyond the Pickles and Ice Cream

BY NICOLE IRVING

For me it was Cool Ranch Doritos, lemonade and Keebler Soft Batch chocolate chip cookies. When I was pregnant with all three of the boys, I craved these three foods more than anything else. For my sister’s first pregnancy, it was hot chocolate and pineapple. Pregnancy cravings are as unique as the pregnancy itself! Our Giggle Mom’s share what they craved during their pregnancies.

4 Rivers BBQ Whitney Spellicy

With my daughter, it was girl scout samoas. I was obsessed. Then, Edy’s released a line of ice cream based on the girl scout cookie and I literally ate it almost every night of my third trimester. With my son, it was big burgers!

Tracy Wright

I craved strawberry milk. I drank 1/2 gallon every day!

To this day, my daughter can’t touch the stuff.

Jennifer Bhatia

Spinach Shirley Baker

Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Every single day (almost).

April Schroeder

Pineapple and watermelon Katie Osterhout

Fruit punch and jolly rancher gummies Stevie-Leah Doyle

McDonald’s cheeseburgers and mustard Paige Lunger

Pickles and fresh squeezed grapefruit juice! Oh, and all the things I couldn’t have (oysters, sushi, cold subs).

Ashley Herman

Salsa Heather Gordon

I craved spinach salad and Wendy’s frosties.

Tanya Banks

I craved Subway sandwiches of all things and with baked BBQ Lays. It was very specific!

Ashley Frankel

Peaches, cake and Luna bars!

Krystal Radlinski

Cheetos and dark chocolate HäagenDazs ice cream Alison Walker

Watermelon and slushies Amy Leigh

Beans and rice Amanda Carreon

Red meat, mainly steak (which I rarely eat), all 3 pregnancies. And I was not anemic!

Francesca Griffin

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

19

Dr. Pepper and Snickers. It was the '90s!

Shae Mondul

Fountain orange soda Jeanna Mastrodicasa

French fries, pickles, sweet tea and green beans Sarah Graves

Coldstone “Founder’s Favorite,” steak, salads and pepperoni!

Mary Schmidt

Cream cheese wontons Kristal Ferguson-Ennis

Decaf frappuccinos during my first pregnancy and, glazed donuts during my second Wendy Eckhardt

Subway subs, mostly the lettuce and vegetables and french fries!

Jennifer Van Riper

Soft serve ice cream Eunice Jin

Mandarin chicken salads from Wendy’s with my first child (a boy). Carbs, carbs and more carbs (most I craved in my entire life even to this day) with my second (a girl). Surprisingly, I gained the same amount of weight with both!

Kelly Bradley

Eggplant parmesan sub and pasta fagioli daily during my first pregnancy, watermelon and salad with a ton of ranch dressing during my second, and Chick-fil-A sandwiches during my third.

Kelly Warm

Donuts Jamie Valentine

Watermelon with the oldest boy and nachos with jalapeños with the youngest boy.

Sarah Beck

Wendy’s frosty! I think I could do a commercial for them based on how many I had.

Amanda Bryan

Tostinos pizza.

Chris was absolutely mortified by me.

Brittany Forbes

Cherry tomatoes for my first, McDonald’s cheese burgers for my second and microwave hot pretzels for my third.

Catie Carey

Citrus during the first trimester.

I literally left work and went to Publix while drooling and got grapefruit and oranges (must have been for the folic acid?).

Susannah Peddie

Orange soda and sauerkraut Danielle Munson

Moe’s homewrecker burritos. I was supposed to be on the diabetes diet, so the name was even funnier to me because I would sneak them in secret and eat them in my car.

Caroline Lentz

Cool whip Meghan McGriff

Banana split with my first and sauerkraut with my second. Before I was pregnant I hated sauerkraut!

Teata Bonfiglio

Strawberry milkshake Heather Parker

Buffalo chicken.

I had a buffalo chicken pizza with a side of buffalo chicken!

Megan Kinson

Georgia peaches Michelle Staab

Spurrier’s cheesecake Stephanie Frank

Bloomin Onion from Outback.

And tons of watermelon.

Caroline Chance Earls

Frosted Flakes Jennifer Brown

Ice cream, pizza and Kraft mac ‘n’ cheese Betsy Pepine

French fries with honey mustard... and ice!

Melissa Hough

Salmon and strawberry cheesecake blizzard.

Not together.

Just saying.

Rachelle Lee

Chocolate chip cookies!

Erica Owen

Watermelon juice from Mi Apa Morgan Lampp

Little Debbie cakes with one and Lemon flavored anything with twins, plus Sweetberries chicken salad Kelli Ann Winkel

Sonic French fries… for breakfast! They would make them for me each morning in the drive thru!

Michelle Grabow

Chick-fil-A diet lemonade Stacey Hall

Strawberry Quick.

Every time I was pregnant, this is what I would buy. I would go to the grocery store and buy a bottle upon bottle of that pink Strawberry Quick with a little quirky bunny rabbit on it.

Ironically, I never once opened or used them.

After my third child, my husband went through the house and threw away about 20 bottles. I have no idea why I was so compelled to buy it as I am allergic to milk!

Kelly Potter

Grapefruit juice with my son and banana Laffy Taffy with my daughter Olivia Pitkethly

Certain cravings can happen anytime during a pregnancy and are commonly linked to the hormone changes. Some cravings, however, can signify a vitamin deficiency. “Craving fruit may indicate body levels low in vitamin C, or craving dairy may mean a deficiency in calcium,” according to Hawaii Pacific Health. In extreme cases, some pregnant women are known to crave dirt, clay, laundry detergent or ice. Hawaii Pacific Health states this is known as pica and can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia.

When the cravings take a turn for the worst or extreme, it is always best to call your doctor right away!

20

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

EMBERS

STUDIO 32

BEACHER'S LODGE

forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Smoked Deviled Eggs:

A Tasty Twist to a Classic Holiday Dish

BY ROBBIE THRIFT

Not sure what to do with all those leftover Easter eggs? Well, we have a twist on a holiday classic. If you are already a fan of deviled eggs and love barbeque, this alternative way of preparing your holiday eggs will sure get your guests talking.

Ingredients

• Eggs

• Mayonnaise

• Paprika

• Relish (Optional) • Bacon Bits (Optional)

Instructions • Pre-heat smoker to 225 F using smokehouse hardwood pellets.

• Place eggs on smoker Note: for this recipe the eggs are cooked completely on the smoker, but you can split the process by first boiling the eggs before you finish cooking them on the smoker.

• Turn eggs (1/4 turn) every 15 minutes for 2 hours (this will allow the eggs to get the same heat throughout) • At the 2 hour mark, pull eggs from smoker.

Put them in an ice bath to stop cooking and allow them to cool.

• Once cool, cut the eggs in half removing the yolks from the eggs and putting them into a bowl.

• Take the removed yolks and mix with mayonnaise.

Optional: for extra flavor add relish or bacon bits to the yolks as well to your liking • Once yoke mix is ready, reapply yolk mixture on to the eggs. Use a small amount of paprika to sprinkle on top of the eggs.

• Refrigerate until serving.

22

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

BANKS CARROLL GROUP

RESOLVING DIVORCES COLLABORATIVELY LAW OFFICE OF JENNIFER KIRKHART CURCIO

Trained in the Practice of Collaborative Law

Pledge not to litigate • Voluntary exchange of information • Cost effective Commitment to respect both parties’ shared goals • Negotiate without having courts decide issues

Divorce • Child Support • Paternity • Custody • Domestic Violence • Post Judgment F LO R I DA S U P R E M E C O U R T C E R T I F I E D FA M I LY M E D I ATO R

Law Office of Jennifer Kirkhart Curcio Family Law, Collaborative Law, Criminal Law

352.327.1201 | 2835 NW 41st Street | Suite 240 | Gainesville, FL 32606 | www.curciolawfirm.com

health | get healthy hand. Symptoms can worsen at night and may also intensify with certain hand positions or forceful activities, like typing, texting or using power tools.

Help! I am Pregnant and My Wrist Hurts?

Diagnosis

Most clinicians can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and a physical exam of the hand and wrist. According to Medical News Today, they may assess pain tolerance, flexibility, sensory testing and grip strength.

Healthcare providers may also order electromyography to assess the extent of nerve damage and help drive treatment.

Treatment Options

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1

When we consider the aches and pains of pregnancy, we usually think about an aching back or swollen ankles. However, many women experience pain in an unexpected place: their wrists.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Prevalence

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes defines carpal tunnel syndrome as “a common neurological disorder that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.” According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, only approximately 4% of the general adult population have carpal tunnel syndrome. This percentage skyrockets when assessed among pregnant women. A study

by Ablove and Ablove (2009) reports that up to 62% of pregnant women have carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS.

Pain and Numbness

Pressure on the Median Nerve Muscle Carpal Tunnel

Median Nerve Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendon

Flexor Retinaculum Median Nerve

Flexor Tendons

Right Hand Anterior View

Carpal Bones

Wrist Cross Section

What Causes It?

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center states that during pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume doubles. This extra fluid can cause swelling.

Narrow spaces like the wrist can be impacted by this as it can compress the nerves that run through it.

Another contributing factor during pregnancy is the hormone relaxin. The Cleveland Clinic describes relaxin as “a reproductive hormone produced by your ovaries and the placenta. It loosens and relaxes your muscles, joints and ligaments during pregnancy to help your body stretch. Relaxin can cause inflammation in the transverse carpal ligament in the

24

wrist, which can put pressure on the nerve, according to Medical News Today.

Pregnant women are most likely to develop symptoms after 30 weeks gestation, or nearing the end of the pregnancy, when weight gain, extra fluids and hormone levels peak.

What are the Symptoms?

Ablove and Ablove state that the most common symptoms are numbness and tingling in the fingers, primarily the thumb through middle finger. Painful or burning sensations in the wrist can be common, and some people may experience a weakened grip or reduced dexterity in the affected

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Conservative treatment options are the best place to start, particularly during pregnancy. Many providers will first suggest a splint to immobilize the wrist and limit the range of motion to allow the wrist to heal.

To help minimize discomfort, it is recommended to try home remedies such as ice, maintaining good hand and arm positioning, elevating hands to reduce swelling, limiting activities that cause pain and taking frequent breaks in repetitive tasks.

Your provider may also order physical or occupational therapy to improve circulation and range of motion, as well as building hand strength and easing nerve discomfort. Oral medications and topical numbing agents can also help reduce pain and swelling. In severe cases, providers may order cortisone injections.

Symptoms often resolve within a year after delivery as fluid and hormone levels resume baseline status. The tasks of early motherhood involve frequent diaper changing, bottle feeding and baby holding, which may initially aggravate symptoms. Pay attention to activities that irritate the hand and wrist and limit as much as possible.

If you are experiencing pain, numbness or tingling in your wrist, hands or fingers, talk to your provider about your symptoms. They will help create a treatment plan that is most appropriate for your individual situation.

What is Important To You... Is Important To Us!

CARPET SYSTEMS PLUS

HEALTH BY SERRANO

CarpetSystemsPlus.com • Premium Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Scotchgard Carpet Protector • Pet Odor Treatment

The Most Outstanding Cleaning Experience...

OR IT’S FREE!

• Tile and Grout Cleaning/Sealing • Oriental & Area Rug Cleaning • Carpet Stretching/Repair • Water Damage & Restoration

CALL TODAY! (352) 258-1357

Gainesville's only premium indoor cycle studio! CycleBar Gainesville is more than a ride. It’s a journey of self-discovery.

Whether you are an indoor cycling pro or entirely new to the experience, CycleBar offers energizing rides tailored to all fitness levels. CycleBar will inspire, motivate and invigorate you so that you can face your day.

CYCLE BAR 3597 SW 32nd Court, Suite 40 Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 545-4445 gainesville@cyclebar.com www.cyclebar.com/gainesville @cyclebargainesville

FIRST RIDE FREE

Lena Aguilar

Audrey Allen

Mason Bell

Dalton Dean

Tyler Dey

Nathan Kovarsky

Kaylee Lamberson

Jose Orduna Mondragon

Dhruv Patel

Aedan Schenck

Nikita Scohier

Ethan Williams

Landen Williams

Congratulations

Class of 2023!

Our students have been accepted to Auburn University • Belmont University-Honors Benedictine University • Berry College Wilnely De Los Santos Blinn College • Carthage College Colorado State University • Concordia University Duquesne University • Eckerd College Flagler College • Florida Atlantic University Florida Atlantic University-Wilkes Honors College Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Institute of Technology Florida Southern College • Florida State University Peyton Hebert Franciscan University-Steubenville Georgia State University • Hawai’i Pacific University Johnson & Wales University • Kansas State University Keiser University • Kennesaw State Univeristy Longwood University • Louisiana State University Murray State University • New College of Florida North Florida College • Notre Dame College Nova Southeastern University • Penn State Zachary Morrissey Purdue University • Saint Leo University Saint Vincent College • San Jose State University Savannah College of Art and Design Southern Illinois University • St. Norbert College St. Thomas University • Suffolk University University of Alabama • University of Central Florida University of Florida • University of Illinois-Chicago University of Kentucky • University of Louisville University of Maine at Machias Catalina Sanchez University of Mississippi University of Missouri-St. Louis University of North Carolina-Pembroke University of North Florida • University of Oklahoma University of South Florida • University of West Florida University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Valdosta State University • Valparaiso University Washington & Jefferson College Webber International University | APRIL/MAY Victoria Welch 2023 26 GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM

Ema Blake

Bryanna Carroll

Riley Cheronis

Tyler Cousins

Gabriella Crescioni

Isabella De Castro Suriano

Alaysia Faircloth

Daniel Frederick

Shelby Gingras

Jonas Gonzalez

Shiloh Hardee

Sarah Hayes

Olivia Lariz-McDaniel

Payten Leeds

Kendal Locklear

Justin Montgomery

Alexandra Morelli

Chiara Mornard

Rubi Ramirez

Cole Reddig

Allyson Romero

Isabelle Rosado

Ariana Russell

Edmund Ruzakowski

Matthew Stark

Christian Starke

Colin Stuckey

Juan Uribe

Nadia Vences

Enrique Viana

The mission of Saint Francis Catholic Academy is to inspire all students to Serve others, to preach the gospel through our Catholic Faith, to live a life of Charity as God’s instruments, and to seek understanding through Academic excellence in the tradition of St. Francis.

Scan the QR Code to see current information on the Savannah Wynn

SFCA Class of 2023!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

27

health | get pretty

The Colors of

Mother Earth

BY NICOLE IRVING

It’s all about the rich tones of green and gold this April as we celebrate all the glory Mother Earth has to offer in honor of Earth Day, April 22. With deep hues of green, glistening gold touches and a nod to sustainability, these beauty products are on point!

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Smokey Emerald This best-selling cream eyeshadow pencil is designed to enhance every eye color.

With its smooth finish, it is Ideal for a pop of color while brightening and widening your eyes.

Sephora.com | $27

28

In-vest inStyle by Essie Use this gorgeous shade of green nail polish in two easy steps: first, apply color then seal with a gel-like shiny top coat.

No base coat or UV lamp needed!

Mass Market Retailers | $13

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

No to-do from Essie Just do you in this deep coffee brown nail polish with red undertones. The 8-free*, vegan formula delivers rich color.

Mass Market Retailers | $10

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin SunKissed Glow Bronzer This bronzer is infused with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing sunshine vitamin D, improving the look of skin every time you wear it!

CharlotteTilbury.com | $56

*Photos provided by manufacturer

Charlotte Tilbury Eye Colour Magic Liner Duo in Green Lights These magical colored eyeliners use the laws of contrasting color to create an instant sparkle effect, making any eye color pop!

CharlotteTilbury.com | $30

EcoTools The Core Five Set Achieve a gorgeous full-face glow with the Core Five Set. This set of essential brushes are made with renewable bamboo handles and synthetic hairs. The fresh perfecting blender is made with plant-based material that works to bounce and apply product evenly across your face.

Ulta | $14.99

KIDSTRONG

HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

29

Sweetwater Branch Inn Lodging & Events Est. 1993

Rediscover the place people can't help but fall in love with

SWEETWATER INN

Upcoming Events April 9

Easter Brunch

April 27

Sweetwater Inn 30th Anniversary Party

May 7

Graduation Brunch

May 14

Mother’s Day Brunch

Reservations Required • SweetwaterInnEvents.com

30

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

SWEETWATERINN.COM 352.373.6760 625 E University Ave GNV FL

P urely PURE AESTHETICS

96 MONTHS • 2,920 DAYS • 70,080 HOURS 8 Years ago Pure Aesthetics began its journey to provide a medspa experience like none other in North Central Florida - a calm space to slow down and disconnect, while also providing tailored treatments and ongoing education that turn each client’s needs and goals into real results. We thank our clients for trusting and supporting our team over the past 8 years. It is your support and loyalty that has made Pure Aesthetics what it is today. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to Renew Beautiful You®.

Pure-aesthetics.co | 352-332-7873(PURE) 217 NW 76th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32607

CAROB DIAMOND CO

THE CADE MUSEUM

cademuseum.org

15

giggle stamp | mother's day gift guide 14k white gold Diamond 3 cts Hoop Earrings $3,000 Klaus Fine Jewelry

Luxurious Gifts TO SPOIL MOM THIS MOTHER’S DAY

14K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Necklace $995.63 Carob Diamond Co.

BY NICOLE IRVING

This Mother’s Day, go big and shower her with some of this season's most luxurious items that will make her jaw drop. From yummy candles to sparkly gems, spoil her this Mother’s day and leave her smiling all year long!

Pink Sand Shacket $175 | hadobody.com

Cubed Gold Ring $56 | smartglassjewelry.com

Roam Grapefruit Saffron Oversized Luxe Soy Candle $38 roamhomegrown.com

Theragun Mini $199 | West Health Spa

giggle stamp | mother's day gift guide

A.Jain Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring $1,995 | Lang Jewelers

Anna Zuckerman Sterling Silver Onyx Heart Ring $49.95 | Carob Diamond Co.

A.Jain 18K Gold Milky Aquamarine Two-Tone Bracelet $1,850 | Lang Jewelers

Mulberry Park Silk Pillowcase $55/single | mulberryparksilks.com

VOLO Hero Hair Towel $44 volobeauty.com/Amazon

Hibiscus Glass Pink Bud Vase $69 The Home Place

Happy Everything Vase and Attachment $44.95/ White small dot oval vase $21.95/ Flowers mini attachment The Home Place

Spa Gift Basket $85 Floating Lotus

Gucci Soho Leather Chain Backpack $1,200 | Klaus Fine Jewelry 34

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

WEST HEALTH SPA

happy home | 2 cents

Are We Financially Ready to Have a Baby?

BY NICOLE IRVING

Evaluate your lifestyle. Ask questions; do you want to continue to do all the things you currently do prior to having children?

Consider things like vacations, traveling and eating out—are you willing to cut back and save? Pending what you decide will have an impact on your financial saving cushion.

Plan For Curve Balls Plans don’t always go as expected, and this is especially true when having a baby. You may be envisioning a natural birth, but, as many first-time mothers know, sometimes you don’t have a choice. According to Health Care Insider, pre-insurance rates can top at $30,000 for a vaginal delivery and $50,000 for a cesarean section. Having a financial plan in place can give some peace of mind before, after and even during birth.

In addition, you may plan on breastfeeding because your sister did. She told you this would keep costs down; however, your baby may have other ideas and may not take to it well. And now, you need formula and bottles. According to the website Smart Asset, if a baby consumes 25 ounces of formula per day, the average, you can expect to spend is between $821.25 and $2,920 in your baby’s first year, depending on brand.

The Little Things Add Up

When is the right time to start a family? That is an ageold question that can only be answered by those doing the questioning. Many people wait until they are financially sound to have children, but what does this look like? Is there a specific amount to have in the bank, saved in retirement, stocks, bonds or property acquired, cash under the mattress?

Although everyone’s experience and situation is unique, there are some universal ways to strategically prepare and welcome a new baby into your world with less financial-related stressed.

How much to save before starting a family?

This is not a “one answer fits all” scenario. Jennifer Richardson, Director of 123 Financial Group, recommends that parents should have at least six months of living costs saved up. A good safety net will help with unexpected expenses or when a parent stays home for a period of time.

36

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Before you know it, you will find a reason you need every new baby gadget on the market to make your life during the newborn stage easier. From a diaper wipe warmer to a nose suction machine, there is a gadget for just about everything. When planning on starting your family, ask other parents what the most important items were that they had to have, not necessarily wanted. Be sure to consider if second-hand options are suitable or if buying new was always necessary. There are some items to never buy second hand, like car seats, but a collection of gently worn onesies can certainly help parents save.

In the end, only you can decide when the right time financially is to start your family, but with a little preplanning and homework it can be less stressful.

ONE CALL TO CASEY GETS IT ALL DONE! Your LOCAL insurance source FARM BUREAU INSURANCE Highest level of service

ONE SOURCE ACCOUNTING

Specializing in your family’s Auto, Home, and Life Insurance needs.

Casey Hahn, Agent 5650 SW 34th St Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 264-2228 casey.hahn@ffbic.com

ALLIANCE CREDIT UNION

SHADE SHIFTERS

This Mother’s Day, give Mom the GIFT of a sparkling clean home!

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR WINDOWS INCLUDED IN DEEP CLEAN. Please present coupon. Not valid with any other coupon or discount.

EXP. 05/31/2023

CLEANING GENIE

! n a Cle

VI S I T U S O N L I N E O R C A L L TO DAY FO R YO U R FR EE ES T I M AT ES !

Y O U R C L E A N I N G G E N I E .C O M 352.222.8333 VI S IT U S O N LI N E O R C A LL TO DAY FO R YO U R FR E E E S TI M ATE !

happy home | crafting with katie

CRAFTING

with Katie

Celebrating Earth Day with Easy and Fun Crafts!

BY KATIE OSTERHOUT

On April 22, we’ll join the billions of people worldwide to celebrate Earth Day!

Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout

What a great opportunity to plant the seed of caring for Mother Earth. Below are a few ways to make this Earth Day memorable and fun for your family.

The Nature Name Game

Our beautiful Florida spring weather makes it easy to head out on a nature hike any time of the day. Why not make a game out of your next hike with the name game! For this activity, carry along a bucket and collect items from nature that can be used to create the letters of your names. Think twigs, leaves, flowers, seeds, rocks, shells and even broken parts!

Have your kiddos think about letter shapes while on the hunt.

Once you get home, spread out your materials and let the puzzle begin. You can form the letters on the sidewalk or glue them to paper for a temporary piece of art.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

39

happy home | crafting with katie Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout

Earth in a Bowl

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Caring for our earth means being wise with our resources. Why not reuse your everyday materials before tossing them into the recycle bin?

Colorful cereal boxes can be used to make cardboard flowers.

Cut petals, stems and leaves of all different patterns to make a colorful piece of art. Egg cartons can be washed with soap and warm water then used as a fun way to serve up a snack or even a meal. Put bite-sized pieces of food into each egg tray. Some great options are cheese cubes, raisins, oyster crackers, grapes, banana slices, baby carrots, apple slices, olives, nuts and even small dollops of yogurt served with a small spoon!

Make breakfast or snack time more fun by making “Earth in a Bowl.”

A little green and blue food coloring turns a bowl of yogurt into a planet earth. You can keep it simple and just add a few drops then swirl it around or test out your painting skills by creating the continents. Water down liquid food color in a small bowl to use as your “paint” and grab a new or very clean brush to lightly create your earth on top of the yogurt. Have fun!

We’d love to see your book activities! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!

40

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Gainesville’s Store for the

Saltwater Reef Enthusiast

KORAL KING

Come see what everyone is talking about!

• Only saltwater marine life • Rare and exotics corals and fish from around the world • Wide selection of reefing equipment • Tanks as small as your phone • Amazing prices

4445 SW 35th Terrace, Suite 280 Gainesville, FL 32608 Mon - Fri, 10am - 8pm Saturday, 10am - 8pm Sunday, 10am - 6pm

(352) 579-8888 KoralKing.com Click here to walk through the store.

special needs | mother's day

A Gift of Grace This Mother’s Day

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

Motherhood is one of the greatest blessings that any woman can enjoy, but it also comes with tears, hard work and late nights. On Mother’s Day, we’re reminded of all we do as mothers, the little things we do to serve our children and families, sometimes at our own expense.

Mother’s Day is a time when we show our appreciation to the women in our lives who step up to serve graciously without asking for anything in return. For mothers who have children with special needs, there’s an additional consideration.

While we share the same joys and challenges as others, we also put in more late nights, worry more, and need more. This this Mother’s Day, here’s why and how you deserve to show yourself even more grace.

Find Your Tribe One of the greatest blessings I experienced as a mother of a child with special needs is a group of moms. We came together because of our shared experiences with our children and our faith. We stayed together because of the support and understanding we offer. Together, we vent, share, laugh and cry without fear of judgment. These relationships are a gift. Start sharing. You might be amazed at how many parents like these are around you.

Learn From Others In addition to being a great source of support, other parents are also valuable sources of information. Sometimes this is as simple as helping us learn how to take care of ourselves. Kris Hersom is a great example. As a mom of three children, one who has special needs, she reminds us of the love and service of parenting.

42

“Our normal state of functioning is in the red zone of this pressure gauge. The stress, the immense responsibility, the work both mental and physical, exhaustion, both mental and physical, never stop,” Hersom said. She also emphasizes the importance of finding balance. “You adapt. You learn to make the orange area (hovering between yellow and red on the gauge) a happy place," she said. "Most people that see us would never guess we are functioning that high on the pressure gauge, and honestly, most of the time, we are totally fine. We are used to a crazy life. I can’t even imagine how boring life must be in the green area.”

In discussing the pressures parents face, Hersom believes people can only operate in the gauge when they open the valve to release some of the pressure. “This momentary release of emotion keeps us sane,” she said. “We express it, release that pressure valve, and move on. It’s what we

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

have to do in order to survive. It’s the reason that most of the time, there’s a genuine smile on our faces, and we are enjoying our crazy life.”

The Gift of Grace If you are a parent of a child with special needs, give yourself a gift today. Connect with a friend or a loved one. Acknowledge when your pressure gauge is too high. Blow off some steam, lean into the comfort of those with shared experiences. Be genuine as you think about the stresses and demands of daily life, but also about the joys and the love that you experience with your child.

And if you have a loved one who is a parent of a child with special needs, consider how you can support their experience with love and lots of grace, on Mother’s Day and every day.

Women’s Health

Caring for every stage of a woman’s life.

Pelvic Pain· Urinary & Fecal Incontinence Minimally Invasive Surgery· Robotic Surgery Hormone Imbalance· Menopausal Treatment Wellness Exams MY SCHOOL CHILD CARE

SIMED 1

Stephanie Leiva, MD Board Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology

Meera Nair, MD

Board Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology

4343 Newberry Road, Suite 15 Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-1000 Also seeing patients in Chiefland SIMEDHealth.com

GATORBALL BASEBALL ACADEMY

learn | homeschool corner

Consider Your Teaching Capacity

Choosing the Best Curriculum

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

Consider Your Priorities

As we look forward to the end of the school year, it’s only natural for homeschooling families to start planning for the next. It’s often during this time that we begin our annual evaluations and reflect upon what worked well and what didn’t. It’s a natural time to start planning for the next school year and what curriculum will be best for each of our children. So how do we choose the best curriculum?

44

There are many factors that contribute to your capacity to teach your children.

You may be home homeschooling only one child, or you may be homeschooling seven. You may be working at home part-time, full-time or not at all. You may be very strong at teaching and leading some subjects but not others. You may have other demands on your time and abilities. As you select a curriculum for your children, make sure that it is one that aligns with your ability to implement it or to support your children as they work through it more independently.

Consider Your Children’s Passions

Consider Your Child’s Learning Style

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is being able to tailor instruction to the specific interests and passions of our children. When children have the opportunity to learn about what interests them, their natural curiosity and desire to explore and learn are encouraged and supported. They thrive as they learn about what they are passionate about.

Some children learn very well working independently, while others want nearly constant attention. Some children can read a book and recite it back to you almost verbatim, while others need that hands-on experience to help them relate what they learned to the real world. As you select a curriculum for your children for next year, consider how they learn best and look for a curriculum that aligns with the way they learn and what they want to learn about.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

While every family has their unique reasons for choosing to homeschool, the common factor is that we can prioritize the subjects, the values and the family activities that mean the most to us. As you select a curriculum for your child for the upcoming year, think about your family’s priorities. You may even find it helpful to write these down. Then, look at the curriculum and see if it aligns— does it increase your family's capacity to live the lives that you want?

Perhaps the greatest benefit of homeschooling is the ability to individualize for each child and family. So, as we bring this current school year to a close and begin to think about the next, consider how you can individualize your curriculum choices to meet the individual needs of your children and your family.

Prioritize your values, your time and your child’s interests as you choose the best curriculum for your family.

VIP

Programs Gold Platinum

$99

PROGRAM

PROGRAM

$199

GAINESVILLE DERM

Select one of our two exclusive VIP membership programs! Your annual membership will allow you to choose one FREE service from your program list each month, receive special program pricing & additional VIP benefits.

Member perks include special pricing on services such as Botox, Filler, Body Contouring, Laser Hair Removal & Skincare.

COSMETIC CENTER | (352) 333 - 3223 120 NW 76th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32607 MEDICAL CENTER | (352) 332 - 4442 114 NW 76th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32607

@gainesvilledermaesthetics

The journey to a better you begins now.

We offer parties and events for all occasions, including birthday parties, bachelorette parties, ladies nights out, bridal and baby showers, charity fundraisers, singles groups and more.

Create a Messy Masterpiece in our Splatter Room!

BOUNCE KING

PINSPIRATION

HOW IT WORKS: 1

Choose your DIY 2 Make a reservation 3 Have fun! 4 Take it home!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SUN, MAY 14, 2023 Come celebrate Mother’s Day with us!

1132 NW 76th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606 p: (352) 792-6270 • e: Gainesville@Pinspiration.com

www.Pinspiration.com

SUN COUNTRY HALF PAGE

learn | family learning

Saving the Planet Family Style

BY JULIA BAUER

Although Earth Day is April 22, our one and only planet should be cherished 365 per year. Teaching your children how to be environmentally conscious from a young age will not only help the planet now but as they grow up and have children of their own. It can also motivate you to maintain Earth-friendly habits! In honor of Earth Day, here are 11 ways you and your family can help save the planet all year long.

Conserve water

Ditch the plastic bottles

Stop using dryer sheets

Being conscientious of water use can help conserve one of Earth’s most important natural resources. On average, an American family uses over 300 gallons of water every day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Like plastic grocery bags, plastic water bottles are not biodegradable and take a very long time to break down. “Plastic bottles take 450 years to break down into tiny microplastic (that still pollutes and leaches toxins). In a landfill, plastic can take up to 1,000 years to break down,” according to the website theonemovement. co. Although these bottles can be recycled, ditching plastic all together can make a bigger difference. Plastic bottles that end up in the ocean break down into microplastics and harm sea life, according to the World Wildlife Fund. This makes using a reusable water bottle even more important!

Although everyone hates when their fresh, warm clothes have static cling, eliminating dryer sheets from your laundry routine can help save the environment. Instead of throwing a dryer sheet away every time you do a load of laundry, use wool dryer balls instead. They have the same effect, are hypoallergenic and last for over 1,000 loads, according to the website greenlivingdetective.com.

Easy ways to reduce your family’s water use are not leaving the water running when brushing your teeth, taking a shower instead of a bath, and only washing full loads of laundry.

Also, look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when shopping for new appliances; these use less water than regular appliances.

Reuse grocery bags Switching from plastic grocery bags to reusable totes significantly decreases land and ocean pollution; one reusable bag saves about 125 plastic bags each year, according to a life cycle assessment reported by the National Environment Agency.

According to Environmental America, “Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags each year, more than 300 bags per person per year.” Although plastic bags are recyclable, these bags typically end up as waste and never biodegrade, according to National Geographic. A helpful habit is to keep recyclable grocery bags in the trunk of your car, so you always have them ready for a shopping trip!

Recycle Of course, recycling can help save the planet. The EPA reported that recycled items “are sorted, cleaned of contaminants, and prepared for transport to a milling facility or directly to a manufacturing facility,” reducing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.

Taking time to separate recyclable items from trash will reduce pollution, conserve energy and conserve natural resources, according to Stanford University. Even minimal recycling can make a difference. USA Today reported that 295 million new aluminum cans can be made if everyone recycled just one can, according to 2017 Aluminum Association data.

Go thrifting Buying second-hand is a great way to reduce, reuse and recycle. Goodwill reported that thrifting leads to less resource consumption, less waste and less pollution. Thrifting is a way to avoid contributing to the increased demand for new products, which means less factory production and less pollution.

The UN reported that the fashion industry contributes between 2% and 8% of the world’s carbon emissions and is the second largest water consumer, so thrifting can certainly help make a difference.

Get your steps in If you live in a walkable area, choosing not to hop in the car every time you need to go somewhere can make a difference. The EPA reported that everyone walking to places less than one mile away would save about two million tons of CO2 emissions per year.

That’s the same as removing 400,000 cars from the road!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

47

learn | family learning Turn the lights off

Buy local

Incandescent lighting is extremely inefficient, according to the Department of Energy. About 90% of the energy these lights use is released as heat and just 10% as light. The EPA reported that LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent lighting and last longer, making them better for the environment.

But when you leave a room, don’t leave the lights on. Flip that switch!

Shopping at farmers markets and other locally sourced stores can help support small businesses and reduce pollution.

Big-name stores rely on transportation to receive products, and buying locally reduces transportation pollution, according to the Green Business Bureau. Burning fossil fuels releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide and formaldehyde which cause climate change, according to the Department of Ecology. Less gas means less greenhouse emissions.

Grow your own produce As with buying locally, growing your own fruits and veggies reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and these gases contribute to global warming, according to the EPA. Creating your own sustainable garden can help limit climate change because it reduces the need for harmful agricultural processes such as cutting down forests for farmland which produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, according to the UN. Plus, having your own garden makes for cute landscaping.

Compost Composting is the process of turning organic matter into fertilizer, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

This helps recycle home-made waste like leftover fruits and veggies that are rich with nitrogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. These leftovers can improve soil health and prevent erosion instead of ending up in a landfill.

Food waste negatively impacts the environment, and in 2018, the EPA reported that the U.S. produced 63.1 million tons of food waste. Not only does composting reduce this waste, but it also fuels the plants by enriching the soil they grow in. Consult a guide to see what you can compost!

From growing your own produce to the small changes like swapping dryer sheets for wool dryer balls, every environmentally friendly action counts.

Don’t let April 22 be the only day you implement these habits – let every day be Earth Day.

Your hometown community theater!

The Gainesville Community Playhouse at the Vam York Theater

352-376-4949

www.gcplayhouse.org

Nominate Your Favorite Super Dad OPEN SPACE

By April 17-IN-HOUSE AD?-

48

Visit gigglemagazine.com for more information!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

GAINESVILLE COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE

FUNDED IN PART BY VISIT GAINESVILLE/ALACHUA COUNTY. THIS PROGRAM IS FUNDED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.

THIS MOTHER’S DAY

GIVE THE GIFT OF A

H E A LT H Y

B O DY & M I N D Acupuncture | Anti-Aging Facials | Sauna | Far Infrared Therapy Therapeutic Massage | Waxing

GIFT BAGS WITH ORGANIC PRODUCTS

Gift ideasFLOATING for your loved LOTUS SPA ones....

• Sign up for a spa MEMBERSHIP • Purchase a Biomat© for home use • Build your own organic gift bags • Purchase a Sauna Journey Experience

Gift certificates available in any amount See our complete menu of spa offerings and services online. Please call or email for an appointment today! email: fls@floatinglotusspa.com

The Floating Lotus Spa

BIOMAT BENEFITS

MENTION THIS AD FOR A 10% DISCOUNT

• Relieves pain • Increases blood circulation • Soothes joint stiffness • Relaxes sore muscles • Reduces inflammation • Promotes restful sleep • Reduces stress and fatigue

Thornebrook Village | 2441 NW 43rd Street, Suite 3A www.floatinglotusspa.com | 3 5 2 - 3 7 8 - 8 1 2 5 MM #18362

EMPOWERED STUDIOS

M

E

E

CHECK US OUT!

T

–––––– 3 Classes for

katie

$33

Speech Language Pathologist, Flow Master, and incredible mamma; obsesses over her family and friends; gets goosebumps from people making progress in and enjoying her classes.

352-317-6951

hello@empowered.studio

9144 SW 49th Place Suite 102

www.empowered.studio

@empoweredgnv

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

49

Tips from GRU for a healthier and more efficient home.

OVEN

TOILET

Wash oven burner pans and the interior with mild detergent. Remove and wash your range hood filter. Check the door gasket so that it has a tight seal.

Replace warped or leaky toilet flappers. Only flush the 3 Ps: Paper, Pee and Poo!

REFRIGERATOR

Check temperature of the water coming from your water heater. 120 degrees is best.

WATER HEATER

Clean door gasket with baking soda solution. Unplug unit, clean coils and vacuum around the unit.

WINDOWS

FAUCET

Add aerators to your faucet and repair any dripping fixtures.

A/C UNITS AND PLANTS

GRU

Check the caulk on your windows and consider adding window film to those receiving direct sunlight.

FANS AND WINDOW A/C UNITS

Clear away plants and other items from the condenser unit and drain line of your air conditioner.

Clean ceiling fans, and turn them off when you leave the room. Consider replacing outdated ceiling fans or window A/C units with newer ENERGY STAR® units.

GRU.com/SaveEnergy

THE WEDDING CYCLE

KAELYN SCHMIDT DESIGN

CARPET ONE

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

51

GIGGLE MAGAZINE’S

Summer Camp GUIDE April/May 2023

P R E S E N T E D B Y:

52

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC ACADEMY UPDATE?

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

53

LEGEND Academic Arts Dance Equestrian Gymnastics Martial Arts Medical Mixed Activities Outdoor & Recreational Religious Science Sleepaway Sports This guide was generated through research of area summer camps. Inclusion in this guide should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. Camp directors are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections and for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Summer Camp Guide.

300 Club 3715 NW 12th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 378-2898 | 300clubswimandtennis.com

Abacus Learning Center 5205 SW 91st Dr., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 376-1492 | abacuslearningcenter.com

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool Summer Camp 2023 9700 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 331-7770 | preschool@abidingsavior.info abidingsavior.info Dates: June 5 - July 27 Ages: 2-8 Cost: Varies with program choice Summer Camp for preschool and elementary children. Choose from 1/2, 3/4 or full-day programs. Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Loving Christian environment and great prep for fall preschool program.

SEE AD ON PAGE 55

A Child's Academy 3401 NW 34th St.#2, Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 371-3360 | achildsacademy.com

Aikido Self Defense Camp 4424 SW 35th Terr., Suite 4 Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 494-7816 | aikidoofgainesville.com

Alachua County Public Schools Extended Day Enrichment Program Camp Discovery See website for camp locations sbac.edu

Alliance Southeast Youth & Kids Camps at Lake Swan 647 State Rd. 26, Melrose, FL 32666 (352) 475-2828 lakeswancamp.org/programs/the-alliancesoutheast-youth-kids-camps

Apex Martial Arts 1315 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 494-7323 apexmartialartsgainesville.com/summercamp.html

Archery Camps 24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry, FL 32669 (352)-722-3926 eastonnewberryarcherycenter.org/discover-camps

Aquatic Leadership Camp 1001 NW 31st Dr., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 334-5067 | cityofgainesvilleparks.org

P R E S E N T E D B Y: 54 GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Balance 180 Gymnastics Summer Camp 6527 NW 18th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32653 (352) 340-1180 | balance180.org

Blue Wave After School 1080 SW 11th St., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 692-3007 | bluewaveafterschool.com

B'nai Israel Community Day School 3830 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 376-1508 | www.bnaigainesville.com

Boys & Girls Club 1. Northwest: 2661 NW 51st St., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 373-6639 2. Woodland Park: 331 SE 20th Place, Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 377-8003 | bgcnf.org/alachua

Brentwood School 1111 NW 55th St., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-3222 gobrentwoodschool.com/summer-fun

Building Executive Function skills with Legos 13577 NW 2nd Lane, Suite 30, Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 240-3155 | speech4kidsgainesville.com hello@speech4kidsgainesville.com Times: 8:00 a.m.- noon Ages: 5-15 | Cost: $400/week Build executive function skills while building Lego creations. The camp will be led by a Speech Pathologist and will focus on developing skills of attention, planning & organizing, initiating a task, working as a group, and maintaining emotional control when unexpected things happen. Each day covers a different skill. Participants will take home their own Lego creations plus a goodie bag for building at home.

SEE AD ON PAGE 61

Cade Museum 811 S. Main St., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 371-8001 | cademuseum.org/camps

Cameron Dancenter Dance Camps & Summer Intensives 1. Ridgeway Village: 5003 NW 34th Blvd., Suite 120, Gainesville, FL 32605 | (352) 371-0761 2. Haile Village Center: 5211 SW 91st Terr. Ste A., Gainesville, FL 32608 | (352) 335-7785 camerondancenter.com

Camp Boggy Creek 30500 Brantley Branch Rd., Eustis, FL 32736 (352) 483-4200 | boggycreek.org

Camp Crystal Lake 6724 Camp Crystal Rd., Starke, FL 32091 (855) 651-2267 campcrystal.com/summer-camp/

Camp Dovewood 23221 101st Road | O'Brien, Florida 32071 (386) 935-0863 Dates: June 4 - July 18 Ages: Girls 7-17 | Cost: Depends on session A dynamic accredited Christian camp for girls in North Florida with an outstanding equestrian program and additional 24 fun-filled activities to select. One and two week sessions.

SEE AD ON PAGE 56

Camp Good News 120 Twin Lakes Rd., Hawthorne, FL 32640 (352) 481-3550 | campgoodnewsfl.com

Camp Invention: Recharge At-Home Presented by: Hidden Oak Elementary 2100 Fort Clarke Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (800) 968-4332 invent.org/camp-invention-connect

Camp Kulaqua 23400 NW 212th Ave., High Springs, FL 32643 (386) 454-1351 campkulaqua.com/kulaqua-s-summer-camp

Canopy Oak Trails Horseback Riding 15311 SW 107th St., Archer, FL 32618 (352) 443-9456 facebook.com/CanopyOakTrails/

City of Gainesville Adventures in Play Summer Day Camps (352) 334-5067 | cityofgainesvilleparks.org

Climate Change Resiliency Program students@cpet.ufl.edu | cpet.ufl.edu/ students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

College for Kids at Santa Fe College 3000 NW 83rd St., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 395-5193 | www.sfcollege.edu/cfk

Corks & Colors 3415 W. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 373-8847 | corkscolors.com

GIGGL E MAGAZ IN E ' S 2023 SU MME R CAMP GUIDE

ABIDING SAVIOR LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL UPDATE?

GATORBALL BASEBALL ACADEMY- UPDATE?

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

55

CHRISTIAN SUMMER CAMP for GIRLS Not only does Dovewood have one of the best equestrian programs in the Southeast with English and Western certified riding instructors but girls can enjoy one evening of vet care, end of camp horse show and trail rides.

Activities: • Riding • art • soccer • swimming • ballet • cheerleading • baton • flags • archery • volleyball • tennis • pickleball • music • drama • Bible • Christian leadership for girls 15-17 • gymnastics • cooking • board games • grooming and stable management • river rafting • trail rides • Christian concerts and spring trips.

Our program encourages each girl to find their niche, and realize God has an incredible purpose for their lives.

Camp Dovewood is a dynamic accredited Christian camp for girls 7-17 in North Florida with an outstanding equestrian program and additional 24 fun-filled activities to select.

One and Two week sessions June 4th-July 18th.

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.campdovewood.org

(386) 935-0863 • campdovewood@windstream.net

GAINESVILLE AREA ROWING

56

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

46 CELEBRATING

YEARS

of wonderful Christian camping for girls of all ages and denominations.

The Gainesville Youth Chorus Summer Workshops are a hit with emerging singers and more advanced performers! “In the Spotlight” is a fun packed session designed to refine the vocal skills you already have while challenging you to develop more advanced techniques. 9 AM to Noon.

Come Join the Fun!

Grab that mic and brush off those dancing shoes for “On Stage with GYC”! This dynamic session focuses on performance skills and is always a hit with kids who love being on stage. Got an audition coming up? This one’s for you!

1:00 PM to 4 PM Can't decide which workshop to attend?

Our all-day option includes both sessions and a brown bag picnic with the Directors!

Want to sing with GYC all year? You may audition at the end of your session!!

www.gainesvilleyouthchorus.com • workshops@gainesvilleyouthchorus.com • (352) 256-7283 Monday, June 5th through Thursday, June 8th: 9 AM to Noon, 1 PM to 4 PM or All Day! $150 per session or $300 For All Day • Workshops held at Glen Springs Elementary School!

JORDAN GLEN SCHOOL & SUMMER CAMP Ages: Pre-K through 8th Grade Cost: $450/week $1,200 for each three week session (ask about sibling discount!)

Celebrating 50 years, Jordan Glen is a hidden gem that has produced countless camp alumni that credit it with providing some of the happiest memories of their childhood summers. The camp is situated in SW Gainesville on 20 beautiful acres. Walk around our grounds and it will be apparent why our camp is such a special place.

Our camp harkens back to what camps were like before “specialty camps.”

Kids enjoy the outdoors - swimming, playing sports (tennis, baseball, soccer, archery...to name a few), and being in nature, while also having ample time to cool off indoors exploring their inner artist, participating in dance and the dramatic arts, and bonding with new and old friends. Jordan Glen Camp has something for everyone.

We are advocates of children and childhood. We want our children to enjoy their time spent away from home and to look forward to returning each day.

12425 SW 154th St., Archer, FL 32618 | (352) 495-2728 | jordanglen.org GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

57

LEGEND Academic Arts Dance Equestrian Gymnastics Martial Arts Medical Mixed Activities Outdoor & Recreational Religious Science Sleepaway Sports This guide was generated through research of area summer camps. Inclusion in this guide should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. Camp directors are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections and for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Summer Camp Guide.

Cub Scout Summer Resident Camp

Gainesville Area Rowing, Learn to Row Camp

1453 Baden Powell Rd. Hawthorne, FL 32640 (904) 388-0591 | campshands.org

151 SE 74th St., Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 327-8704 | gainesvillearearowing.com campinfo@gainesvillearearowing.com Dates: June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14, July 17-21, July 24-28 Ages: Rising 6th - 12th graders Cost: $150 Come row with us! Five one-week sessions offered in June and July. Pay for four weeks and the fifth one is free.

DB Racquet Club 5100 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653 (352) 377-9580 | dbtennis.com

Dream Oaks Camp 16110 Dream Oaks Pl., Bradenton, FL 34212 (941) 746-5659 | foundationfordreams.org

SEE AD ON PAGE 56

Earth Academy Day Camp

G.C.D.S. Summer Camp

3540 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32641 (352) 393-8240 | cityofgainesvilleparks.org

6801 SW 24th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-7783 luci@gainesvillecountrydayschool.org gainesvillecountrydayschool.org Dates: May 22 to July 28 Ages: 4 to 12 | Cost: Contact email or visit website for prices.

Earth Immersion SCUBA Summer Camp for Teens 14026 SW 72nd Terr., Archer, FL 32618 (352) 641-0350 | earthimmersion.com

Fear Facers Camp 7400 SW 41st Pl., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 265-4623 coard.psychiatry.ufl.edu/fear-facer-summer-camp

Florida 4-H Gator Adventures Camp 126 Cloverleaf Rd., Lake Placid, FL 33852 (863) 465-4884 florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/camps

Florida Diabetes Camp PO Box 14136, Gainesville, FL 32604 (352) 334-1321 floridadiabetescamp.org/summer-camps/

Florida Museum of Natural History Family Discovery Camps 3215 Hull Rd., Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 846-2000 floridamuseum.ufl.edu/kids/summer-camps/

Florida Track Club Junior Champs Kiwanis Challenge Park 2062 NW 36th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 538-3552 | floridatrackclub.org

Florida Youth Institute students@cpet.ufl.edu cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summerprograms/

Funworks Action Camp 1311 NW 76th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 332-0555 | funworks.com

P R E S E N T E D B Y: 58 GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

SEE AD ON PAGE 61

Gator Vet Camp students@cpet.ufl.edu cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Gator Volleyball Camp floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_ camps_volleyball_.aspx

GenCyber CyberSecurity Camp students@cpet.ufl.edu cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Girl Scout Camp 183 Shalom Camp Trail, Hawthorne, FL 32640 (352) 546-5271 | girlscouts-gateway.org

Girls Place 2101 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 373-4475 | girlsplace.net/summerdaycamp

Global Health Institute students@cpet.ufl.edu cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Gainesville Girls Rock Camp

Haile Equestrian Center

927 NE 7th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 448-5154 facebook.com/gainesvillegirlsrockcamp

7680 SW 46th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 665-7433 | haileequestrian.com

Gainesville Youth Chorus' Sing This Summer!

25 SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 375-4477 | thehipp.org/education/

Glen Springs Elementary School 2826 NW 31st Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 256-7283 | gainesvilleyouthchorus.com workshops@gainesvilleyouthchorus.com Ages: 7-18 | Cost: $150 per session, $300 full day Session 1 is a fun way for new and advanced performers to develop their vocal skills!

Session 2 focuses on performance skills, a hit if you love being on stage!

SEE AD ON PAGE 57

Gatorball Summer Camp 3401 NW 143rd St., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 514-4414 | sbarton@gatorballtraining.com Gatorballtraining.com Dates: June 5-8, July 17-20 and July 31-August 3 Ages: 5 to 14 years old SEE AD ON PAGE 55

Gatorland Band Camps 1556 Inner Rd., Gainesville, Florida 32611 (352) 392-3716 | ufbandcamps.com

Gator Sports Camps Baseball, Cheerleading, Golf, Gymnastics, Lacrosse, Softball, Swimming floridagators.com/sports/2015/12/10/_ camps_.aspx

Hippodrome

i9 Sports Camp 4000 SW 122nd St., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 283-8586 | i9sports.com

IndepenDANCE Studio Summer 2023 Dance Sessions 7050 SW Archer Rd., Suite 10 (Main Studio Location) Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 337-0017 | independancestudio.com office@independancestudio.com HAIR IN THE AIR! Trolls World Tour: Pop Star Dates: June 19th - June 23rd, 8:45 a.m.- noon Ages: 5 & Up | Cost: $188 ENCANTO CAMP! Dance, Arts & More Dates: June 26th - June 30th, 8:45 a.m.- noon July 17th - July 21st, 8:45 a.m.- noon Ages: 3 & Up | Cost: $188 TIK TOK! Hip Hop & Acro Camp Dates: July 10th - July 14th: 8:45 a.m.- noon Ages: 8 & Up | Cost: $188 MATILDA! Dates: July 24th - July 28th, 8:45 a.m.- noon Ages: 5 & Up | Cost: $188 SEE AD ON PAGE 59

GIGGL E MAGAZ IN E ' S 2023 SU MME R CAMP GUIDE

INDEPENDANCE UPDATE?

MILLHOPPER MONTESSORI SCHOOL UPDATE?

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

59

60

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

SUMMER DAY CAMP $150/WEEK

G A I N E S V I L L E C O U N T R Y

D A Y

S

O

C

H

O

L

JUNE 12 - JULY 21 | AGES 6-11 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACK INCLUDED

LAKE TIME ROCK WALL ARCHERY

OVERNIGHT CAMP

GROUP GAMES BIBLE STUDY ARTS & CRAFTS

GCDS - UPDATE?

PAYMEN T PLANS AVAILAB LE!

JUNE 16 - JULY 28 | ALL AGES LAKE TIME ROCK WALL ARCHERY HIGH ROPES CAMPFIRES

BIBLE STUDY TUBING ARTS & CRAFTS VESPERS AND MORE!

Visit our website for summer camp information!

FAMILY CAMP, YOU & ME CAMP, WILDERNESS CAMP, LEADERSHIP-IN-TRAINING CAMP, AND MORE!

GAINESVILLECOUNTRYDAYSCHOOL.ORG

Register Today !

24th Avenue Campus

352.332.9032

352.332.7783

Enrolling children ages 6 weeks - 4 years

WWW.MONTGOMERYCENTER.ORG

Building Executive Function skills with Legos!

Early Childhood Enrichment Center

Enrolling children ages 4 years old - 5th grade

?

Does your child struggle with the following:

developing skills of attention planning & organizing initiating a task working as a group maintaining emotional control when unexpected things happen.

Speech4Kids Executive Functions camp teaches these important social and academic skills through Lego building. Led by a Speech Pathologist experienced in school curriculum expectations.

Times: 8am - 12pm

Ages: 5-15

Cost $400/week

(352) 240-3155 • hello@speech4kidsgainesville.com • 13577 NW 2nd Lane, Suite 30, Newberry, FL 32669

speech4kidsgainesville.com

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

61

LEGEND Academic Arts Dance Equestrian Gymnastics Martial Arts Medical Mixed Activities Outdoor & Recreational Religious Science Sleepaway Sports This guide was generated through research of area summer camps. Inclusion in this guide should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. Camp directors are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections and for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Summer Camp Guide.

Ironwood Golf Course 2100 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609 (352) 393-8500 ironwoodgolfcourse.org/junior-programs/

Mermaid Synchronized Swimming Camp P.O. Box 358081, Gainesville, FL 32635 synchrogainesville.com/try-synchro/

Jonesville Preparatory Preschool Summer Art Camp

Millhopper Montessori School Summer Camp

379 NW 136th St., Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 300-7669 | jonesvilleprep.org

8505 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 375-6773 mmschool@millhopper.com Millhopper.com | Dates: June 12 - July 14 Ages: 2nd to 8th Grade | Cost: Varies Every summer, Millhopper Montessori School hosts a Summer Camp open to MMS students, as well as the public. Our camps take place over the course of five to eight weeks, and children ages 2 years old through 8th grade can attend, along with high school student junior counselor volunteers. Teachers base their curriculum upon weekly themes, while following the Montessori style learning and practices. Give us a call or stop by for more information about our 2023 Summer Camp themes, pricing, and availability!

Jordan Glen School & Summer Camp 12425 SW 154th St., Archer, FL 32618 (352) 495-2728 | jordanglen.org Ages: Pre-K through 8th Grade Cost: $450/week, $1,200 for each three week session.

SEE AD ON PAGE 57

Kiddie Academy of Gainesville 6476 SW 75th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 264-7724 kiddieacademy.com/academies/gainesville-fl/ programs/summer-camp

KidStrong 6020 NW 4th Pl., Suite G, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 244-9818 | kidstrong.com/gainesvillecamps

La Petite Academy Summer Camp 2755 SW Archer Rd., ​Gainesville, FL 32608 (877) 271-6466 | lapetite.com/educationalprograms/summer-camp/

Madonna's Equestrian Academy 7624 NE 62nd Dr., G ​ ainesville, FL 32609 (352) 222-3266 | horsebacklessons.com

Makos Aquatic Club of Gainesville P.O. Box 357194, Gainesville, FL 32635 (352) 372-5626 | makosaquatics.com

Master Builder Camp 3536 NW 8th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 339-5102 | masterbuildercamp.com masterbuildercamp@gmail.com Dates: 9 Weeks Running June 5th - August 4th 2023 | Ages: 5-15 | Cost: $215 - $245 MBC is an engineering and arts day camp for maker kids ages 5-15. We work hard as a team to build big things, then we play hard ending in a big event testing our creations. From Slime Wars, to Cardboard Castles Battles, to Monster Food Fights, you never know what we will get into, and the best part is the friends we make along the way!

SEE AD ON PAGE 59

Montgomery Presbyterian Center Camp 88 SE 75th St., Starke, FL 32091 (352) 473-4516 montgomerycenter.net office@montgomerycenter.org Dates: June 16 - July 28 | Ages: All ages Cost: Residential pricing online | Day Camp $150/week | Camp, Conference, and Retreat year-round on 167-acres surrounded by three lakes. Welcoming all to experience Christ and creation in ways that deepen faith and strengthen relationships. Residential and Day Camps!

SEE AD ON PAGE 61

Oak Hall Summer Program 1700 SW 75th St., Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-3609 dtripp@oakhall.org oakhallsummerprogram.org Dates: May 30 - July 28 | Ages: 3+ The Oak Hall Summer Program is a welcoming, diverse and supportive camp community helping campers discover their passion. Camps are open for ages 3-18, serving the Gainesville Community.

SEE AD ON PAGE 63

Orange Blossom Prep 6200 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 375-8900 orangeblossomprep.com Ages: 3 to 10 years old Cost: Varies according to age Come join the fun at Orange Blossom Prep!

We'll have Spanish, arts and crafts, field days, ice cream socials, sports, games, picnics, music, yoga and much more.

SEE AD ON PAGE 64

O2B Kids!

4 locations in the Gainesville, Alachua & Lake City area to serve you.

(407) 268-8833 O2bkids.com | info@O2bkids.com Dates: May 29 to August 11 Ages: Entering first grade and up O2B Kids Summer Camp offers FUN first to very child every day. We keep the fun rolling with phenomenal Field Trips included in your tuition plus lunch and snacks too!

SEE AD ON PAGE 65

Okito America 6900 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 338-7262 okitoamerica.com/services/camps/

Play Tennis Gainesville 1001 NW 34th St. Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 559-8860 playtennisgainesville.com

Pofahl Studios Summer Programs 1325 NW 2nd St., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 371-2986 pofahldancestudio.com judy@dancealive.org Dates: Summer Workshop: June 12- July 15 Summer Intensives: July 17-21 & July 24-29 Ages: Summer Workshop: 3 to adult Summer Intensives: Age 8- adult with placement Dance Alive National Ballet & Pofahl Studios CELEBRATE DANCE with exceptional classes offered June 12- July 28. DANB, Pofahl staff and Master Guest teachers provide for your special dancer.

SEE AD ON PAGE 60

Pony Paddock Summer Horse Camp 704 NW 202nd St., Newberry, FL 32669 (386) 853-0615

SEE AD ON PAGE 60

P R E S E N T E D B Y: 62 GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

GIGGL E MAGAZ IN E ' S 2023 SU MME R CAMP GUIDE

SUMMER 2023

r e m m u S l l A , All Fun OAK HALL SCHOOL

! p m a C One UPDATE?

(AGES 8 2 / 7 0 3 / 5 S: E T A D P M CA OGRAM.ORG R P ER M M SU LL A H K A REGISTER TODAY! O 3 AND UP)

erse, & supportive ram is a welcoming, div og Pr er mm Su ll Ha k The Oa passion. Over mpers discover their ca ng lpi he ity un mm ers ages 3-18. camp co are available for camp s mp ca ay lf-d ha d an 100 full unity. the Gainesville comm All camps are open to sistance Available.

Need-Based Financial As

P@OAKHALL.ORG

IP (352) 332-3609 | DTR

INESVILLE FL, 32607

, GA 1700 SW 75TH STREET

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

63

LEGEND Academic Arts Dance Equestrian Gymnastics Martial Arts Medical Mixed Activities Outdoor & Recreational Religious Science Sleepaway Sports This guide was generated through research of area summer camps. Inclusion in this guide should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. Camp directors are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections and for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Summer Camp Guide.

Pop Up Theater Camp (We the People Theater Arts Initiative)

Research Immersion in Science and Engineering

(352) 363-1294 wethepeopletheater.org/popupcamp

cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Precollege Scholars

4100 NW 115th Terr., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 376-6545 | sfcawolves.org

Saint Francis Catholic Academy

students@cpet.ufl.edu cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summerprograms/

Service Learning and Leadership Program

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy Camp

cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Sonshine Day Preschool

10900 SW 24th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 332-8808 dscoogan@qopacademy.org qopacademy.org Dates: June 5th - July 28 Ages: PreK to 5th Grade Cost: Varies

10000 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 333-0017 | sonshineday.org

St. Patrick Interparish Catholic School 550 NE 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-9878 | spsgnv.org

SEE AD ON PAGE 53

Research Explorations

Star Martial Arts

cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

500 NW 60th St., Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 374-4950 star-tkd.com/summer-camp

Student Science Training Program cpet.ufl.edu/students/uf-cpet-summer-programs/

Summer Band at Fort Clarke 9301 NW 23rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 333-2800 sites.google.com/gm.sbac.edu/ summerband/home

Sun Country Sports Center Camp Sunny Summer Camp 333 SW 140th Terr., Jonesville, FL 32669 (352) 331-8773 camp@suncountrysports.com suncountrysports.com/campsunny-summercamp/ Dates: Entire Summer, June 5th until last week before school starts back Ages: 2 1/2 year old to rising 6th graders Camp Sunny provides children an opportunity to learn, socialize and stay active while also incorporating unique fitness opportunities. Kids will make friends, share adventures, and try new activities each day!

SEE AD ON PAGE 66

GIGGL E MAGAZ IN E ' S 2023 SU MME R CAMP GUIDE

P R E S E N T E D B Y:

MAKE THIS SUMMER

Amazing!

ORANGE BLOSSOM PREP CAMP GUIDE AD

Calling all preschool and elementary children.

Come spend an exciting and fun summer with us.

At Orange Blossom Prep, we have lined up some amazing activities just for you:

Art • Spanish • Sports • Dance • Games Reading • Learning • and so much more!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up today!

(352) 375-8900 | OrangeBlossomPrep.com | OrangeBlossomPrep@Gmail.com 64

6200 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville, FL 32608

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

License #C08AL0480

s d i K O2B

P

CAM

10 Fun Weekly Themes!

• Kids Entering 1st Grade to 12 Years Old

O2B KIDS

• Indoor PlayVillage & Huge Playgrounds • Tuition Includes Lunch, Field Trips, T-Shirt, Backpack & Snacks • ELC Accepted • Create Memories & New Friends!

Contact us TODAY! Alachua

Archer Road

Hunters Crossing

Lake City

Midtown

Newberry Park

(386) 204-3315 (352) 290-4710

(352) 268-9097 (352) 268-9266

(352) 268-9367

(352) 280-3322

Supercenter

(352) 268-8833 Lic # C08AL0072

| APRIL/MAY 2023 65 PRESCHOOL • AFTERSCHOOL • CLASSESGIGGLEMAGAZINE.COMo2bkids.com

LEGEND Academic Arts Dance Equestrian Gymnastics Martial Arts Medical Mixed Activities Outdoor & Recreational Religious Science Sleepaway Sports This guide was generated through research of area summer camps. Inclusion in this guide should not be mistaken as an endorsement by Giggle Magazine or Irving Publications, LLC. Every attempt has been made to be comprehensive and accurate. Camp directors are encouraged to send an email to nbirving@irvingpublications. com with corrections and for possible inclusion in future editions of the Giggle Magazine Summer Camp Guide.

Swimming Lessons

UF Entomology Field Camp

(352) 334-5067 cityofgainesvilleparks.org

1881 Natural Area Dr., Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 273-3974 entnemdept.ufl.edu/outreach/ufentomology-field-camp/

The Academy at the Family Church 2022 SW 122nd St., Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 642-1290 academyatfamily.com

Traveling Art Camp for Kids 1717 NE 9th St.-A, Gainesville, FL 32609 (858) 692-7303 travelingartcamp.com

Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653 (352) 376-6615 trinitygnv.org

Winshape Camps at Westside Baptist 10000 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville, FL 32606 (352) 333-7700 camps.winshape.org/day-camps/gainesville-fl/

UF/IFAS 4-H

YMCA

Camp Cloverleaf : (863) 465-4884 florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/camps/campcloverleaf/summer-camp/ Camp Timpoochee: (850) 897-2224 florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/camps/camp-timpoochee/

5201 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605 (352) 374-9622 | ncfymca.org

University of Florida Summer Media Institute jou.ufl.edu/summermediainstitute/

Vision Volleyball Club Summer Camp 3200 SW 122nd St., Gainesville, FL 32608 (352) 514-3073

GIGGL E MAGAZ IN E ' S 2023 SU MME R CAMP GUIDE

P R E S E N T E D B Y:

PARTICIPATE IN EVERYTHING WE HAVE TO OFFER IN ONE CAMP OR BE A PART OF ONE OF OUR SPECIALTY CAMPS

Where can you find the latest Summer Camp info?

GYMNASTICS ROCKWALL NINJA DANCE SWIMMING

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! Visit gigglemagazine.com for all your summer camp needs!

IN-HOUSE AD

Summer Camps

66

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

CAMP SUNNY JR. FOR AGES 2.5 - 5

CAMP SUNNY

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH RISING 6 TH GRADERS

FULL AND HALF DAY WEEKLY OPTIONS AVAILABLE

SUN COUNTRY CAMP SUNNY

MARTIN KIDS DENTAL

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

67

Holden, Roscow & Caedington, PL Real Estate • Business Law • Estate Planning • Probate

HOLDEN, ROSCOW & CAEDINGTON, PL

Jesse Caedington, Esq. LL.M. in Taxation

Jesse Caedington is a triple Gator, with his undergraduate, J.D., and LL.M. (Master of Laws) in taxation from the University of Florida. Jesse specializes in estate and business planning, including wills, trusts, advance directives, probate, trust administration, real estate, business transactions, and taxation.

(352) 373-7788 | GNV-LAW.COM 5608 NW 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32653

MILLHOPPER FAMILY

68

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

If any of these causes your eyes to water or your skin to itch, we can help.

Allergy & Asthma

Providing evaluations and treatments for allergy, asthma SIMED& 2immunologic conditions:

4343 Newberry Road, Suite 1 Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-3502

Also seeing patients in Chiefland & Lake City

YOUR LOGO

YOUR LOGO

YOUR LOGO

YOUR LOGO

new ink.

YOUR LOGO

SIMEDHealth.com

YOUR LOGO

Jordan Heath, MD Board Certified Internal Medicine Board Eligible Allergy & Immunology

JOHN TESH RADIO SHOW

• Adult & Pediatric • Fast Access • Food Allergies • Rhinitis • Recurrent Sinus Congestion • Insect Allergies • Medication Allergies • Pet Allergies • Immunodeficiencies

YOUR LOGO

Brian Reed, MD Board Certified Allergy & Immunology

OPEN - IN-HOUSE AD?

352.240.3762 | shophellobranding.com LOGO DESIGN | BRANDING PACKAGES COLLATERAL MATERIALS | PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

69

G A I N E S V I L L E C O U N T R Y

D A Y

S

O

C

H

O

Amidst the pandemic, GCDS students continue to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.

L

Registration Now Open!

Limited Spots Available

GCDS

Providing a warm, positive and academically enriched environment for your child.

• SMALL CLASS SIZES • ACCELERATED CURRICULUM

• NURTURING ENVIRONMENT • EXPERIENCED FACULTY

GAINESVILLECOUNTRYDAYSCHOOL.ORG

Early Childhood Enrichment Center

Enrolling children ages 6 weeks - 4 years

352.332.9032

24th Avenue Campus

Enrolling children ages 4 years old - 5th grade

352.332.7783

Celebrating 40 years of educating the children of Gainesville!

conception2college™

EXPECTING Baby Bag Must-Haves

INFANT | 0-1 Pacifiers— Yay or Nay?

TODDLER | 2-3 Spring Fever

EARLY YEARS | 4-5 Save the Drama! How to Have a Positive Playdate

KIDS | 6-9 Raising an Introvert in an Extroverted World

TWEENS | 10-13 What is With the Attitude?

TEENS | 14-18 Activities to Do as a Family When Your Teen Would Rather Be with Friends GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

71

c2c | expecting

{PREGNANCY}

Baby Bag Must-Haves

BY NICOLE IRVING

!

Leaving the house with your newborn for the first time can be a daunting task. The amount of things the baby requires at home will never fit in your baby bag. But, with a little prep and strategic packing, you can narrow down that list of essentials and be well prepared for your outing!

Giggle Tip: When you get home from an outing, restock baby bag, that way it is ready to go for the next outing!

Diaper Duty Diapers Wipes Diaper Rash Cream Wet Bag/Zip Lock bag Changing Pad Hand Sanitizer

Outfit Changes

For You

Socks

Phone Cord

Onesie x 2

Cash

Light Sweater

Granola Bar

Feeding Time (depending on method) Water Bottles Formula

Soothing Time Swaddle Blanket

72

Bottle

First Aid

Cooler Bag

Pacifier x 2

Gas Drops

Feeding Cover

Pacifier Container

Baby Tylenol

Burp Cloth x2

Portable White Noise Machine

Baby Nail Clippers

Portable Bottle Warmer

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Hair Ties Lip Gloss

EDUCATION STATION

c2c | infant It is generally accepted that pacifiers in the first year of a child’s life are good for self-soothing a baby. However, once a child turns 1, the debate becomes a bit ruffled. For example, pacifier use is sometimes tied to delayed speech development, although there has not been conclusive studies to prove this.

“As a speech language pathologist, I think they are the worst!

They can delay speech development,” said Lauren Brewer, a speech language pathologist in the Orange County school system. “Kids can’t develop normal speech patterns if there is an object in their mouths for years. I am all about them for the first year for soothing.

After that it has to go. They need to be taken away at after year one.”

{ 0 -1 Y E A R S }

Pacifiers— Yay or Nay?

BY TRACY WRIGHT

Pacis, loveys, binkeys, babas—they are known by many names (known as “wubby” among my kids), but all refer to the infamous pacifier. The pacifier is an instrument that allows your baby to self-soothe by sucking. According to the National Institute of Health, babies are born wanting to suck, and many may even suck on their fingers or thumbs while in utero. According to Healthline, after birth, “the baby will begin to suck when this area is stimulated, which helps with nursing or bottle feeding.”

But pacifiers can also be a controversial topic among parents and Helpful and cute as they may look, pacifiers can also be a controversial topic among parents and medical professionals who tout the benefits and drawbacks of the instrument. One thing most agree on is that pacifiers are not harmful, especially in the first year of a child’s life. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) actually points to evidence that says pacifiers can actually prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in babies.

Even in the first year of life, there are some definite do’s and don’ts when using pacifiers: • Never use pacifiers instead of feeding. Try to establish regular breast or bottle feeding before using a pacifier.

• Do not tie pacifiers to a crib or baby’s neck, as this could be a choking hazard for the baby.

• Only use pacifiers that are approved by your pediatrician (for example, do not use the top of a bottle as a pacifier).

• Pacifiers should be regularly sterilized, and parents should check that they are intact without any broken pieces.

“The shield between the nipple and the ring should be at least 1-1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) across, so the infant cannot take the entire pacifier into her mouth. Also, the shield should be made of firm plastic with ventilation holes,” according to the AAP.

74

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Pacifiers can also cause dental problems if used for too long long. “One of the most well-known risks from pacifier overuse is a misaligned bite. This can include a crossbite, an open bite, or other types of malocclusions,” according to Healthline. “In particular, these dental issues are more commonly seen when older children are still using pacifiers. Prolonged pacifier use may force a child’s teeth to move and can even change the shape of the roof of their mouth to accommodate the constant presence of a foreign object.”

However, parents also claim that these experiences vary across children. Chances are if you kid needs braces, that won’t change, but prolonged pacifier use may make it worse.

“My older two children were heavy paci users,” said mom Erin Wolfe. “My youngest struggled with bottle nipples, never took a paci, had a speech delay and now needs the most extensive orthodontic work.”

Most medical professionals recommend that you try and stop pacifier use by 12-18 months of age. Involve your child in the process to give up the pacifier.

The National Institutes of Health recommends the following: • “Limit the time you allow your child to use a pacifier. Use it only for sleep time and comfort until about 12 months old and then plan to give it up.

• Never use punishment to force your child to give up using a pacifier.

• Start a reward chart to mark your child’s progress.

• Praise your child when your child has given up the pacifier and tell them you are proud that they are growing up.”

And I will be quite honest as a mom here. Both of my kids were not fully done with their pacifiers until 4 years old. But after 1-2 years old, we did limit it extensively. I would not allow them to just always have it in their mouths and by the time we got to 3 years old, it was strictly used for bedtimes. Often what I would find is they mostly stopped using it after they fell asleep anyways.

Just like everything else with parenting, the use of pacifiers is very individualized for each child. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician to make sure you are following all medical guidelines.

HEALTHY STEPS PEDIATRICS SONSHINE DAY PRESCHOOL

EARLY LEARNING COALITION

c2c | toddler

{2-3 YEARS}

When to Worry and When to Chill

Spring Fever

BY DR. ANA MOROS-HANLEY, M.D., FAAP

As parents, we hate to see our little ones suffer in any way. We wish we could keep them healthy and safe at all times. So when they have a fever some parents may panic. What should we do? When do we call the doctor? Which thermometer should we use? Let’s talk about it and hopefully fight the “fever phobia.”

Fever is a normal immune response that actually helps us fight infection.

Overall, fevers are harmless. We should always worry more about how the child looks and feels than about what the thermometer says.

What is a fever? A temperature over 100 degrees is considered a fever. There are normal body temperature fluctuations throughout

the day and there are also reasons for a child to have a temperature of 100 degrees that may not be due to illness. For example, the baby is bundled up and the room is very warm, the toddler just woke up from the best nap ever (yes, wet hair and all) or the child just came in from playing outside. In those cases we usually recommend taking the covers off, waiting a few minutes and rechecking the temperature.

When should I worry?

At any age, look at the child and not so much at the number on the thermometer. What this means is it doesn’t matter what the thermometer says, if the child looks very sick, they should be seen, but if they are happy and playful you can wait.

For a child over 3 months-toddlers:

For school-age children:

Is it teething? This could cause a very low grade temperature (usually under 100.5 degrees) but at this age children also put everything in their mouths, so they get frequent viral infections.

But what if it’s the flu? Don’t we have to treat it in the first 24 hours? Yes, that’s right, but usually children with the flu feel pretty bad, are lethargic, vomiting, have the chills, etc. When in doubt call the doctor’s or practitioner’s office, so they can tell you if the child needs to be seen.

Children in this age group, especially when attending daycare, have frequent viral infections (up to 10-12 in a year). Again, worry if the child is lethargic, not playing or refusing to drink. A good test is to give the child a lukewarm water bath or a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen and see how he acts once the fever improves. They usually bounce right back and start running around. Please don’t wait until the doctor or practitioner sees them to treat, especially if they don’t feel well. We believe you when you tell us they had a fever! Always call if a fever persists for more than three days.

76

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Again, worry about how they look, not the number on the thermometer. Especially in older children, we can wait and observe.

If they have a low grade fever of less than 101 degrees, hydrate them well and make them comfortable. Viral infections can cause fever for two to three days, so if the fever is lasting more than three days, call your doctor.

What about seizures and brain damage?

The biggest fear I hear from parents is the possibility of a febrile seizure or brain damage from the high temperature. Only about 4% of children have febrile seizures. They are actually not caused by the high temperature but how rapidly it changes (up or down). So if a child has the “propensity” for febrile seizures this can happen with a fever less than 101 degrees. Febrile seizures are harmless and usually very short in duration. These seizures last less than five minutes and do not cause permanent damage.

Febrile seizures usually don’t happen in children over 6 years of age. A child who has had a febrile seizure for the first time should be seen by his doctor or practitioner. If a seizure lasts more than 10 minutes or only part of the body is affected he should be seen immediately.

OUR SERVICES

• 61/4 weeks ORANGE BLOSSOM PGto age 12

A PRIVATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SCHOOL

• Open Monday-Friday year round

The Best Choice in Early Childhood Education!

• Nutritious hot mealsbreakfast, lunch, and snacks prepared and provided daily

(352) 375-8900

OrangeBlossomPrep.com OrangeBlossomPrep@Gmail.com 6200 SW Archer Rd Gainesville, FL 32608

• 6:30 am - 6:00 pm

• Learn and play in a clean, safe and nurturing environment

• Bilingual, certified and experienced teaching staff License #C08AL0480

Chatterbox Kids INTRODUCING

KID'S DOC PEDIATRICS

Chatterbox Kids is not your typical toddler playgroup.

Our program is led by a speech-language pathologist incorporating evidencebased strategies to build your child’s language and social development.

Children will enjoy book reading, music, sensory play, and crafts with their peers. Parents will leave with SPEECH 4 KDS strategies to use at home.

Ages: 1-3

We understand the need for flexibility so an extended commitment is not required.

Sign up weekly for the class you wish to attend.

Register Today !

(352) 240-3155 • hello@speech4kidsgainesville.com • 13577 NW 2nd Lane, Suite 30, Newberry, FL 32669

speech4kidsgainesville.com

c2c | early years not timing it too close to nap time. As described by the website whattoexpect.com, “there's no sense squeezing in a playdate right before your [child’s] nap. That's a surefire recipe for a fatiguefueled meltdown.”

Even children who may not nap anymore may have a time where they like to wind down…typically this is not the best time to plan a playdate. According to the blog Step2, an ideal time for a playdate is usually about an hour or two.

Local mom Dayra Marie O’Neill Maldonado said she tries to visit the playground after her kids eat breakfast or lunch so she knows they are not tired. “Usually when their behavior starts to change, it’s because they are hungry or thirsty so I definitely bring snacks. This is a good way to redirect them if they are in an overwhelmed situation with another child,” Maldonado said. “The most important practice is leave the park before they are really tired because they won’t follow instructions. When all else fails, I carry a bubble wand so when cranky situations occur, I play with it and redirect the attention.”

Mount Sinai Parenting Center also recommends having a plan before the activity. Know what your “social agenda” will be for the playdate. This can help to set things off on the right foot, and be sure to pick something that is well matched to the children’s age, ability and personality.”

{4-6 YEARS}

Communicate with your kids before a playdate. Explain the importance of sharing and taking turns and be prepared to cut the playdate short if arguing gets out of hand. As noted by Mount Sinai, “telling children what we expect of them can help their behavior. It can also keep things positive and avoid a lot of ‘don’t’ or ‘NO!’ on a play date.”

How to Have a Positive Playdate

If you are hosting the playdate, it may be a good idea to put away “special toys” that your child may not want to share. Similarly, if you are visiting someone’s house, talk to your child about respecting people’s belongings. Discuss this with the other parent as well. If sharing is an issue, it may be a good idea to have a playdate at a neutral place, like a playground or a library.

Save the Drama!

BY TRACY WRIGHT

Playdates are supposed to be a time when your child gets to play with their peers, all while the parents are hopefully relishing in some adult time, and even a break, as kids run around together.

Well, that’s the hope, right? Unfortunately, sometimes playdates can go awry. What was supposed to be fun, or even relaxing, becomes a full-blown drama fest. Often, the source of drama is usually accredited to sharing toys or not agreeing on the “rules” of a game.

Regardless of where you’re planning to take or do with your little, here’s some tips on how to ensure your playdate is drama-free.

First, make sure you pick the correct time, place and activity for a an enjoyable play date. Do your kids take naps? If so, make sure your child is well-rested before engaging in a playdate and

78

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

“Open communication is key. I just finished dealing with my 6-year-old and his friend fighting over a toy,” said local mom Laura Lough. “I sat them both down and was like, ‘Look guys, friendships can be tough. It's OK to get frustrated with each other or want to take a break from playing, but you have to talk to each other about what's going on. It's OK to have a special toy you don't want to share but leave it inside. If you bring a toy out when you have a friend over, they are going to assume they can play with it.’”

Finally, remember that despite some struggles, playdates are very good for kids.

“Playdates allow children to develop independence, gain experience interacting with other children in an unstructured setting, and have fun with a friend,” said Sarah Clark from the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.

TIOGA DENTAL

c2c | kids { 7- 9 Y E A R S }

Raising an Introvert in an Extroverted World

BY OLIVIA K. PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

When most people hear the word “introvert,” they think of a quiet, painfully shy homebody. Parents Kristin* and Jay* never considered their talkative, fun-loving boy as an introvert, until his 5th birthday.

“We planned this great birthday weekend,” Kristin explained. “We stayed at a nice hotel and met up with friends and family at a theme park, but JJ just didn’t seem happy about it.” She said her son was withdrawn at the theme park and didn’t appear relaxed until they stopped at a restaurant on their drive home.

“It was just us having a regular meal, nothing fancy, but he was happy,” Jay described. “That’s when I thought, maybe he’s an introvert.”

In her book, “The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child,” psychologist Marti Laney writes that though introverted children, or “innies,” as she calls them, are very in tune with themselves, they are often fatigued and overwhelmed by interacting with the social world.

She states the main difference between innies and extroverts is the source of their energies. While innies gain their energy from thinking and processing, extroverts gain their energy from outside of themselves, which is why they may seem very outgoing and active.

So, when JJ had the opportunity to regroup and be with familiar surroundings, he was able to reenergize and just be himself.

Other qualities that introverts possess are a strong sense of selfawareness and capacity for depth. Because they spend so much time inside their heads, they are stimulated and energized by processing their feelings and developing ideas.

In the classroom, an introverted child is able to focus and listen well, but may get lost in her own thoughts. Due to her quiet nature, she also runs the risk of being overlooked, so be sure to keep in communication with her teacher. She may also need time to process her thoughts and feelings, so if she doesn’t immediately tell you about her day, don’t be alarmed. It may take her up to a day to figure out how to express herself.

As with anything, though, there needs to be balance in an innie’s life. Don’t be afraid to introduce your child to new people or experiences, and model relaxed, friendly behavior toward others to promote confidence in your child. Understand if he needs down time afterward in a less-stimulating environment. Many parents may feel conflicted about how their innie can succeed in an extroverted world. They may feel pressured to help their child adjust his or her personality. Laney strongly advises against this.

“Trying to impose a new personality onto an introvert will only lower his self esteem, increase his guilt and shame about who he is, and add crippling shyness to his introverted temperament,” she states. “Confident introverted children will forge adult lives of meaning, value and creativity. By supporting their natural resources, you will allow their gifts to grow.” *Names changed for privacy.

Tips for raising an introverted child • Respect her preferences. Introverts often value quality over quantity. If she is happy and comfortable with one or two close friends instead of a whole social group, thats okay!

80

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

• Celebrate her when she steps out of her comfort zone. Let her know when you notice that she talked to the new kid on the playground and praise her for it.

• Understand and respect her need for "alone time." Socializing can be draining and some quiet time reading or playing alone in her room can help her recharge.

QUEEN OF PEACE REGULAR AD

JORDAN GLEN SCHOOL

c2c | tweens { 1 0 -1 3 Y E A R S }

What is With the Attitude?

BY OLIVIA K PITKETHLY, MA, LMHC

Rolling eyes. Slamming doors. Deep sighs.

Welcome to the tween years.

I try to respond, not react, and to address the behavior, not the attitude,” said Richards. “I use a lot of empathy, which seems to dissipate the tension they are feeling, but sometimes it’s just better to ignore the attitude or just respond with humor, which sometimes works best.

Kids at this age are not little children anymore, but they aren’t quite teenagers either. Nevertheless, they are going through a stage of development where they are building self-confidence and running the risk of failure at the same time. They are finding new interests, developing their identities and recognizing challenges every day.

Naturally, with every stage comes a period of change and adjustment. Kathy Richards* is a mom of a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl. She has seen a full range of attitude in the past few years from both her kids and recognizes that it is a normal stage of development.

“They’re going through extreme changes on all levels, and it’s uncomfortable for them,” said Richards. “I think it’s a release of the tension they are feeling, but it’s also their way of fitting in with their peers. Mom and Dad aren’t cool anymore. They are finding their own voice, having their own thoughts separate from me and my husband.”

The brain does not fully develop until a person is in their early 20s, so even though your child might be looking and acting more “adult-like,” his brain is still going to need more time to mature. The frontal lobe, which is responsible for decision-making, empathy and impulse control, will be the last part of the brain to fully develop. So, if your tween is quick to rebel by talking back or engaging in risky behaviors, it’s because his brain is still growing.

Other areas of a child’s body are growing, too. Enter puberty and the wealth of hormones that comes with it.

“While every child has their own temperament, with the onset of puberty comes hormonal changes that may contribute to a roller coaster of emotions some tweens experience,” said Allison McAlhany, ARNP, with Healthy Steps Pediatrics. “Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels change as tweens develop, and each tween will handle these changes differently.”

In addition to brain growth, your tween is learning how to adjust in this world, socially and emotionally. She is beginning to figure out who she is and will often assert her independence in defiant ways, such as talking back or breaking the rules.

82

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

As the parent, you are adjusting too, and it can be frustrating and exasperating. In my counseling practice, I validate the parents’ emotions and also teach them to see it from their child’s point of view. Growing up is tough.

“I try to respond, not react, and to address the behavior, not the attitude,” said Richards. “I use a lot of empathy, which seems to dissipate the tension they are feeling, but sometimes it’s just better to ignore the attitude or just respond with humor, which sometimes works best.”

However, parents should recognize the difference between a typical tween attitude and blatant disrespect. Richards addresses it immediately in her own house and sets a boundary with her kids.

She also sees that when her son challenges her, it’s a healthy and safe way for him to enter that transition from childhood to adulthood.

Using empathy with your tween is an effective tool. Tweens are entering an anxious world. They are beginning to have real fears (violence and wars) versus previous fantasy fears (monsters and witches). They want to “belong” in a group and acceptance is just as terrifying as rejection. They are being targeted by marketing gurus who want to sell them the latest gadget, brand or “look.” Add in a few hormones and the best friend is now an object of affection.

Considering all of the changes occurring for your tween will help you understand her perspective and hopefully calm your own frustration level. *Name changed to protect privacy

Is youR child struggling?

We have THE

solution To learn more, visit our website at:

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES FUNDAMENTAL THERAPY SOLUTIONS

PHYSICAL THERAPY

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA)

(352) 505-6363

Tower Hill Office Plaza 250 NW 76th Dr., Gainesville, FL 32607

FUNTHERAPYSOLUTIONS.COM

MILLHOPPER MONTESSORI SCHOOL

c2c | teens

HUNT FOR TREASURE

Give geocaching a try! Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices like a phone or tablet as your map. Your family can navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache–usually a trinket in a container–hidden at that location. Make sure to leave a little surprise of your own before you leave!

GO ADVENTURE SEEKING

Popular now are the “mud runs.” Sign you and your teens up for a local mud run, color run or savage race. Not only will you be exercising and getting fit but spending time together and having fun!

SIMPLY GET THE FAMILY MOVING

Indoor rock climbing, paddle boarding or rollerblading are options that provide a variety of environments so you can do something active even in the midst of summer or on a cold, rainy day.

{ 1 4 -1 8 Y E A R S }

Activities to Do As A Family

When Your Teen Would Rather Be with Friends

BY DANIELLE MICHELS

The key to making a family activity something your teen wants to participate in is making it different and interesting enough so that it doesn’t feel like he is being dragged along. Sometimes all you have to do is ask your teen what he thinks would be fun to do as a family, but if he seems indifferent, give him some of the suggestions below to see if one sparks his interest.

FUN IN THE FLORIDA SUN

A day at the beach is generally fun for everyone. Teens can do more adventurous activities in the water with a boogie or skim board, or if your teen just wants to hang out and relax she can sunbathe or read. They’re still spending time with the family either way.

TRY SOMETHING COMPETITIVE

Bowling, go-kart racing or mini golf are great ideas for teens..

Create a prize that will make your teen want to participate, like a gift card to his favorite store, a pass to get out of one of his chores for a day, or his choice in the next movie you all see as a family.

84

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

An alternative option is to offer family time on a more one-on-one basis; the whole brood doesn’t always need to be present to have quality time. The important thing is to always let your teen know you want her there and you want to do things she enjoys too.

Top Things to do with Your Teen Before he turns

Twenty Take a road trip See a Broadway show

Take him to vote for the first time Take her to get her driver's license Take him on college tours Schedule dinner/lunch dates Get her a passport

AND JUST IN CASE…WHAT NOT TO DO: Be a third wheel on dates Post baby photos of him on Facebook Show any signs of affection in front of her crowd of friends Show up to his job with bag of lunch and note with a smiley face

Forgot the physical?

Problem solved.

Back To School & Sports Physicals Vaccinations & Immunizations Colds & Flu Sprains & Strains Children Aged 3 & Older

First CareSIMED Urgent Care #3

MONTINI

Walk Ins & Appointments Welcome

4343 Newberry Road, Suite 10 Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 373-2340 Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm Now Open Weekends!

Calvin Martin, MD Saturday - Sunday Board Certified 9:00am - 2:00pm Family Medicine SIMEDHealth.com

CAMERON DANCENTER

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

85

community | calendar

april | may Recurring Events NOW THROUGH THE END OF MAY

Sweetwater Wetlands Park Wednesday Bird Walks 8:30 a.m.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park alachuaaudubon.org Tour Sweetwater Wetlands Park for 2 to 3 hours to view a variety of birds and wetland species. Because of the park’s open prairie and cypress domes, viewers can expect rare birds that migrate for the Winter and Spring months.

This event repeats every Wednesday. (Free)

Haile Farmers Market

Splash Jam

8:30 a.m. - Noon Haile Plantation hailefarmersmarket.com

11:30 a.m. - noon Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com

Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more!

This event repeats every Saturday. (Free)

Come for some extra time in the pool to improve your skills! Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only).

This event repeats every Saturday.

NOW THROUGH MAY

Living History Days 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Morningside Nature Center cityofgainesville.com Travel back in time to feel what it was like to live on a farm in the 1870s. Experience a rooster waking you up instead of an iPhone alarm and enjoy nature alongside a few farm animals.

This event repeats the first Saturday of the month. Sept - May (Free)

Stay and Play 2.0 Friday 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and Saturday 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com Stay and Play 2.0 is a safe and fun environment for kids 5 and under and their parents. Kids will enjoy open play and obstacle courses. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones.

This event repeats every Friday and Saturday.

86

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Ninja Jam 12:15 - 1:10 p.m.

Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com Learn the ways of the Ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up.

(West location only).

This event repeats every Saturday.

Looking for even more local fun?

Visit gigglemagazine.com to browse our online calendar and find your next family adventure!

GRINS & GIGGLES

community | calendar SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Butler's Best Buddies 4th Annual Eggstravaganza 10 a.m.

Art Bernardi Stadium allevents.in This event includes a 5K race, 1-mile fun run/ walk and a 10 and under Easter Egg Hunt!

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Gator Clot Trot

8th Annual Tree Fest

8 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Park raceentry.com

noon - 11 p.m.

Swamp Head Brewery

Help those suffering from blood disorders by participating in this 5K walk or run.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Orange and Blue Game 7:30 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium floridagators.com Come support the Gators and experience a spring football game in the Swamp!

SATURDAY, APRIL 15 + SUNDAY, APRIL 16 SATURDAY, APRIL 1

O2b Kids Eggstravaganza 9 a.m- noon O2B Kids Supercenter Join us for a family fun event and egg hunt!

Party for the Planet 9 a.m – 3 p.m Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Explore the zoo and participate in fun activities such as games, crafts, training demonstrations, keeper talks, animal encounters, and more! There will be food trucks. Tickets purchased day of event.

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

The Water State Festival noon - 6 p.m.

Depot Park

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Paint Party at the Zoo 10 a.m. - noon Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Pinspiration Gainesville is hosting a paint party at the zoo! You'll explore behind the scenes of the zoo to create a work of art near our Galapagos tortoises and more!

Showpass.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

UF IFAS Family Fishing Day and Easter Egg Hunt

Enjoy a day of water-themed science, crafts, art vendors, environmental nonprofits, government agencies, live mermaids, adventure outfitters, and entertainment. Also, festival goers will be able to visit the Cade Museum (FREE admission) to see Play Hard Florida's State of Water Juried Art Exhibition!

SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Easter Sunday

34th Annual Fantasy Event: Masquerade Ball 6 - 11 p.m.

J. Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom Dress up for a night full of cocktails, music, dance, and a silent auction! Come have fun and make a change in children’s lives and a difference in childhood cancer research!

Spring GLAM Craft Show noon- 5 p.m.

Cypress & Grove Brewing Company glamcraftshow.com Check out local eye-catching artwork at this display! The majority of items will be on sale.

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

GCM Food Festival Celebration Pointe Enjoy a night of music, cornhole games and lots of delicious food from over 40 restaurants!

Tickets: eventbrite.com FRIDAY, APRIL 28

23rd annual Mary Wise Scramble for Pace Mark Bostic Golf Course pacecenter.org

FRIDAY, MAY 5 Cinco de Mayo SATURDAY, MAY 6 - SUNDAY, MAY 7

8th Annual Garden Show and Spring Festival 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com Enjoy live music and visit vendors from all over Florida who will be selling plants, crafts, food and more while experiencing the botanical gardens at a discounted admission price!

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure Crawfish Boil 2 - 9 p.m.

Momentum Labs tylershope.org Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder which forces the body into abnormal postures.

This event aims to raise money toward finding a cure. Guests can listen to live music and enjoy some Cajun-style seafood.

88

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

8 a.m. – noon Enjoy an Easter egg hunt and family-oriented fresh-water fishing.

Come celebrate the environment with the Alachua Conservation Trust in an event that features food trucks, family-friendly activities until 5pm, live music, and of course, Swamp Head beer. This event is to raise money by planting trees.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

SATURDAY, MAY 13

A Swallowtail Farm BRUNCH Experience 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Swallowtail Farm swallowtailcsa.com Join Swallowtail Farm for an exciting brunch experience!

ALTSCHULER

GCM

community | calendar FRIDAY, MAY 19

Sun Country Sports Center Kids Night Out

SUNDAY, MAY 14 Mother’s Day

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com/kidsnightout/

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Mother’s Day at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens kanapaha.org On Mother’s Day, all mothers get free admission into Kanapaha.

SUNDAY, MAY 14

FAFO’s Symphony Under the Stars 3 - 9 p.m. | Ocala Golf Club festivalnet.com Bring food and drinks and enjoy this family friendly event on Mother’s Day! Watch a performance by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra followed by a Fireworks display.

FRIDAY, MAY 19

Cade After Dark Family Fun Night 6 - 9 p.m.

Cade Museum cademuseum.org Come out to the Cade and enjoy a night of family fun! There will be finger foods, science experiments, games and more. Tickets include one adult beverage for the grown-ups.

Tickets are $15 adults ages 18-64, $10 for youth 5-17 and free for kids ages 0-4.

KISS 105.3

90

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | APRIL/MAY 2023

Take your kids to a night out at Sun Country Sports. Here, your children will get to play group games and enjoy a ninja zone and outdoor playground. Pizza is included, and pre-registration is recommended. This event happens on the third Friday of each month.

MONDAY, MAY 29 Memorial Day

LYRICS FOR LIFE

CAMP SUNNY JR. FOR AGES 2.5 - 5

CAMP SUNNY

KINDERGARTEN THROUGH RISING 6 TH GRADERS

SUN COUNTRY

COME SEE WHAT’S NEW!

OUTDOOR WATER ACTIVITIES INCLUDING A GIANT WATER SLIDE, SLIP ‘N SLIDE AND SPRINKLERS!