Giggle Magazine June/July 2021

ALACHUA

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THE SUMMER ISSUE

JUNE/JULY 2021 • Volume 13 • Issue 3

THE NEXT GENER ATION OF

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Megan Sapelak, Aníbal Rodríguez VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Betsy Langan, April Tisher

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flipping into the future All of my sons have been involved in some genre of sports since they were 18-months-old. At one time or another over the last 17 years we have been enrolled in soccer, t-ball, golf, lacrosse, football, basketball, horseback riding, water polo (for a hot second), swimming, track, cross country and gymnastics. As every sports parent out there can attest too, we have and will go the distance for our kids’ dreams, no matter how many frequent flyer miles we use up or miles on the car we will rack up.

While two of my boys have dabbled in many sports to try out their skill sets (and they are skilled athletes in their own genres), my middle son has dedicated the last 11 + years of his life to one sport, gymnastics. Around the age of two I enrolled him in a gymnastics class at Sun Country. He played, he tumbled, he laughed. As he got older, he showed less interest in the “play” aspect and more interest in the sport. At four years old, I had him try out for the Developmental Team, one more focused on the sport of gymnastics and, as they say, the rest is history.

Today, Nick is a Level 10 competitive gymnast. He practices six days a week, four hours a day, 52 weeks a year. He is pure muscle, his hands are callused, there is a permanent dust of chalk that follows him and he has sacrificed so much to get to this point in his gymnastics career. When I think of all the missed family dinners, birthday parties, dances, friend time and family time, my heart aches for a moment. But, as I watch my son, so dedicated to his coach, team and sport, I know that his hard work and sacrifices will pay off ARE paying off. His sport has taught him to be a teacher,

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a friend, a cheerleader and a role model. He is one of the most compassionate, loyal and fearless kids I have ever met. Don’t get me wrong, the road has not been easy. There have been tears, disappointment, wavering dedication, extreme exhaustion and fear. But through it all, he has pushed himself and worked so hard to get to where he is now. His father and I couldn’t be any more proud.

And, he is not alone in his dedication to the sport he loves. Our feature "Aspiring Olympians" features some of the most talented young athletes in our community. They share a desire to compete and strive for GOLD! I am often asked if the Olympics are in his future. I like to say we are focused on college and we are excited to see where this sport will take him. However, we will be watching the Summer Olympics proudly, cheering on Team USA and dreaming of what could be!

Nicole Irving, Publisher nbirving@irvingpublications.com

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happy family • happy community™

conception 2 college™ 63 EXPECTING

How Your Breasts Change During Pregnancy and After

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Baby Rashes: Causes and Treatments

68 TODDLER

Toddler Tantrums: From Destructive to Constructive

70 EARLY YEARS

Can Playing a Musical Instrument Benefit Your Kiddos?

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Is it Wrong to Cry in Front of Kids?

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mom's corner

Dad's

15 A DAY IN DAD'S LIFE Cody Sheppard 18 #BOSSDAD Joel Searby

PANDAS: What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?

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Keep Your Kids Active This Summer: Setting Up an Obstacle Course Right in Your Own Backyard

Teen Cha-Ching: Help Your Child Learn About Investing!

32 GET HANDSOME

The Essentials: Products Taylored to Help Men Look and Feel Great

giggle stamp 34 2021 Father's Day Gift Guide

happy home 36 2 CENTS

Things to Do For Free (Or Almost Free) This Summer 38 CLEAN IT

Love Your Skillet: 3 Helpful Tips For Using and Maintaining Your Cast Iron Pan

learn 54 HOMESCHOOL CORNER Learning, Serving, and Conserving

ALACHUA

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MAGAZINE

THE SUMMER ISSUE

56 FAMILY LEARNING Fold Into Family Fun

• Issue 3 JUNE/JULY 2021 • Volume 13

THE NEXT GENER ATION OF

OLYMPIANS PLUS

happy community 78 YOUR COMMUNITY

A Ray of Light in the Darkness of Infant Loss

2021 FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE MUCH MORE! FREE SUMMER ACTIVITIES • AND

80 CALENDAR

June/July 2021

fe a tu re 42

Our Aspiring Future Olympians

Meet 11 local athletes that are passionate about their sport and have their eyes set on GOLD!

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• Issue 3 JUNE/JULY 2021 • Volume 13

23 GET HEALTHY

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On the Cover: 2021 Father's Day Gift Guide PAGE 34

Photos on cover by Jimmy Ho Photography

health

Mosquitoes: The World’s Deadliest Animal

Tweens and Social Media: Yay or Nay?

THE SUMMER ISSUE

20 DELISH Go Gluten-Free with These Tasty Snacks

30 GET HEALTHY

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

forks & spoons

74 TWEENS

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mom's corner | a day in dad's life

Dad's

A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F :

Photo by James Hardy

Cody Sheppard Cody is a fourth grade teacher at Talbot Elementary.

He and his wife Kichelle have been married for five years and they are the proud parents to Kameron, who will be five on June 20th.

MORNING 6:00 a.m. After hitting the snooze button half a dozen times it is time to wake up and start my day. I pick out my clothes for work and hop in the shower.

6:15 a.m. I get dressed, brush my teeth and make up

the bed. While my wife gets ready for work, I feed and let out our dog Honey.

6:30 a.m. Time to wake up Kameron. After pulling her

blanket down and forcing the walking dead out of her bed, I help her get dressed and brush her teeth.

6:45 a.m. While my wife does Kameron’s hair, I begin the

tedious job of feeding all of my many turtles. Approximately 25 plus turtles make up my Turtle Breeding Business “Swamp Life Reptiles.” Feeding time usually takes about 15 minutes to make sure that every turtle gets the right food and the right amount.

7:10 a.m. I am rushing out of the house to get to work (even

though I live six minutes from my job). While on my way to work, I usually contemplate the meaning of life, what I am going to eat for lunch that day or listen to music to mentally prepare me for the job which is teaching elementary school.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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mom's corner | a day in dad's life

Dad's

7:17 a.m. I walk in my classroom

and typically have students waiting at the door for me. I put on a Discovery Education video and wait for the morning announcements. I usually scroll Facebook looking for inspirational memes or answer emails from the previous evening because I am not really a morning person but oddly enough all 23 of my students are and always decide that early morning is the best time to tell me stories.

7:45 a.m. The morning

announcements come on and we start our day. After announcements I take attendance to make sure everyone is present and ready for a fun day of learning.

8:00 a.m. We get started with

English Language Arts. I work with students that are struggling to grasp the new concepts we are covering and find strategies that they might find useful.

Once we learn and review our skill of the week it’s time to dive into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and complete our novel study.

9:30 a.m. Reading time is over and

now my students get to enjoy indoor recess time watching Kidz Bop dance along videos and GoNoodle videos. This is when I begin counting down internally for my bathroom break and my lunch which is really breakfast.

9:50 a.m. We line up and head to

lunch. Yes, lunch at 9:50 in the morning, even McDonalds is still serving breakfast.

AFTERNOON 12:35 p.m. It is finally outdoor recess

time or “Teacher P.E.” as they call it in the school system. It is now a known fact that in fourth grade we play flag football during recess. We have three adult captains, we draft teams every two weeks, we play a championship with a trophy and this year we started lining the field. I would like to consider myself the Russel Wilson of fourth grade flag football.

1:45 p.m. I pick my kids up from

specials and dismiss my students. They get to go home and I find some papers to grade or some work to do for the next hour because my contract says that I am on contract until 2:45 p.m. each day.

2:45 p.m. I rush to my truck and

pull out of the parking lot with a quickness because softball practice starts at 3:30 p.m.

3:15 p.m. I arrive at Gainesville High School, unlock the gates and field and open up the bathroom for my players to change and get ready for practice. We begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. and end right at 5:15 p.m. every night, Monday through Friday, provided there are no games.

This is probably the most fun part of my day. There is something relaxing about hitting softballs at people and not getting arrested for it. Coaching is my outlet and my way of giving back and investing in the next generation of softball and baseball players.

immediately help my wife with whatever she needs, typically this would be giving Kameron a bath or helping her with her homework while my wife finishes cooking dinner.

6:00 p.m. We eat dinner together as

a family, share about our days and really get to enjoy each other’s presence. This usually doesn’t last long because I usually inhale my food.

7:00 p.m. My wife straightens up the kitchen and the living room and I give Kameron a bath. Some days this takes longer than others because she likes to play in the bathtub with her collection of dolls.

8:00 p.m. We put Kameron down for bed. Since her birth we have maintained a very strict schedule with her. It is important that she gets her sleep but also that we get our sleep. We are very fortunate that Kameron has slept through the night since she was about six months old.

8:30 p.m. Once Kameron is down

for the count my wife and I get to spend alone time. This is when we can be adults, we like to watch T.V. together, set goals and talk about our day.

9:30 p.m. My wife is usually asleep

EVENING

relatively early in comparison to myself.

Once she is asleep, I usually go and sneak a snack or two. Somehow she always figures it out the next morning. Once she is asleep, I also get control of the remote and I usually put it on something completely different from whatever she was watching.

5:15 p.m. By this time I look like a

11:00 p.m. My eyelids are rolled to

10:20 a.m. We start math right after

lunch and this is when Mr. Sheppard is really in his element. Teaching math is my favorite part of the school day and it’s not because I had a bathroom break before class. After we complete math we go straight into science and then follow that with our social studies time.

5:30 p.m. I arrive home and

zombie and probably smell like one also.

I head home to see my wife Kichelle and my daughter Kameron.

the back of my eyes and I am usually dreaming about my life as a famous wildlife conservationist. My adventures are pretty amazing if only I could remember them the next morning.

Want to submit a friend (or yourself!) to be featured in A Day in the Life? Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit now!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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mom's corner | #bossdad

# bossdad

Dad's

As a dad, you tackle many things each and everyday and you do it with pride! This issue's featured dad shares with us what makes him a #BossDad, and we are all for it!

Joel Searby Dad to: Evan (13) Lydia (10) Husband to Jen

What is the hardest part of being a Dad? Sass and Laziness. HAHA! What parent doesn’t deal with this from their kids? If you don’t please call me and tell me your secrets!

What gets you up in the morning?

Knowing that God loves every human and we get this amazing life to know and love each other, no matter who the “other” is - that enriches and gives purpose to my life every day.

What makes you laugh?

Chris Farley. Man, I miss that guy.

What has been the biggest life lesson that you have learned being a parent?

Play the long game. Sometimes life, and parenting, is really hard in the moment. Thinking about preserving your long-term relationships will help us make good decisions now - which often just means being patient and holding our tongue.

What is your parenting mantra?

Raise healthy adults, not well-behaved kids.

How do you balance it all?

How do you relate to other #BossDads Where do you work and what do you do?

Jen and I own and run Sycamore Lane Vintage Market in Newberry.

We have a brick and mortar retail store in Historic Downtown and also host large seasonal vintage flea markets on our rural property between Jonesville and Archer.

What are some of your goals with it?

Our vision is to use our businesses to build community and bring people together. We love hosting events, giving people unique experiences and telling stories. Our tagline is really the heartbeat: It’s not about the stuff, it’s about the stories.

What is the most rewarding part of being a Dad? The most rewarding part about being a dad for me is watching my kids develop their own sense of character, values and vision for their lives.

Even at 10 & 13, I’m starting to see their strengths and talents emerge and that’s really fun. And when they make good decisions about how to treat people and help make the world a better place, that means so much to me.

I get biscuits at Maple Street every Friday morning with some of my closest friends, most of whom are dads. We talk about parenting a lot and it’s always great to know you’re not alone.

What is some advice you have for other #BossDads trying to balance it all?

Stay grounded in what matters most, every single day. This means making time to be quiet and not just rushing into your day. I find that taking an hour of quiet every morning - to think, pray, meditate, journal, read - really centers my day and reminds me what matters. I can’t recommend it enough. It takes commitment, but it’s worth it.

How have you had to change/pivot parenting/schooling since COVID-19?

In the early days, when everyone was home together, we just reshaped our daily routines and did a lot of them as a family, which was wonderful. Since school has been back in person (our kids are both at brick and mortar) we’ve tried to keep at least some of those routines, especially family dinners together.

Are you a #BossMom, #BossDad or do you know one?

Do you work hard at home and at work? Giggle Magazine wants to hear your story!

Visit Gigglemagazine.com to submit your mom or dad for a chance to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Photo courtesy of Joel Searby

For us, it’s less about balance and more about boundaries. We guard our Sundays very closely as a total day of rest, fun and relationships.

No screens on Sundays. Lots of family and friend time. Great food and laughing. We also follow the old, seemingly boring mantra, “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” We’ve not yet got the wealthy part, but we do go to bed no later than 10 p.m., and usually more like 9 p.m. in our house, and I’m up by 5:30 a.m. every day.

If you could have any superpower to help parent your kids, what would it be?

A power-up button for when I’m exhausted and they want to play basketball or frisbee and all I want to do is sit on the couch and drink a beer. :) You want to play with them, but it’s hard to get motivated!

Photo courtesy of Joel Searby

What is your go to meal at home that you cook?

Can you share the recipe?

A ribeye on the grill from local ranch Quincey Cattle at the Newberry Farmer’s Market. Season it with ONLY salt and pepper, sear it at high heat then cook to medium. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus and a bottle of Chilean Carmenere Red Wine.

What do you do for YOU on a weekly basis?

I try to spend time with at least one friend each week in some way - fishing, working on my 1978 Ford truck, grabbing a beer, coffee or breakfast. Being with my friends, talking about life, recharges me.

Joel's GO-TO STARBUCKS DRINK Dark Roast, black FAVORITE GAINESVILLE RESTAURANT Satchels FAVORITE MOVIE Saving Private Ryan FANTASY DINNER PARTY GUESTS? Chip and Joanna - teach us your ways!

FAVO RITE S TYPE OF BEER? IPA, especially Jai Alai from Cigar City in Tampa FAVORITE THING TO EAT Steak SOUNDTRACK PLAYING IN YOUR HOME Classic Country - John Prine, Willie Nelson, Dolly, Johnny Cash FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR KIDS Travel

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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l forks and spoons | delish

Go Gluten-Free with These Tasty Snacks

Banana Chips Banana chips are great for many reasons!

They don’t have to be refrigerated, they are lunchbox/backpack friendly and they are considered “healthy” (as long as you know there is no added sugar.) If your kiddo craves crunchy, salty and sweet snacks, try banana chips.

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Gluten-free foods have become extremely mainstream in grocery stores and restaurants, and for good reason. The Celiac Disease Center at the University of Chicago Medicine says that celiac disease (an immune reaction to eating gluten) affects every 1 in 133 healthy people in the United States.

If you are wanting to introduce some gluten-free foods into your household, here are some kid-approved snacks to try!

You can usually head to your local health food store to find these foods, or maybe your store has a designated gluten-free section. If you are buying any packaged foods, look for the Certified Gluten-Free label that should be clearly displayed on the packaging.

Hummus Dip Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are naturally gluten-free. It is a great source of plant-based protein, offering 1.2 grams of protein per tablespoon.

Eat hummus with some dippable veggies or with cauliflower crackers.

ThriveMarket.com has an endless selection of health foods to choose from on their website, and you can have it all shipped directly to your house. If there is a gluten-free product that you have been wanting to try but can’t find it in the store, check out Thrive Market online.

Chocolate Covered Almonds This sweet treat can be a great substitute when you are craving sugary snacks. You can easily make these at home with raw almonds and semi-sweet chocolate. Just melt your chocolate per the package instructions, dip in the almonds one at a time and set aside on parchment paper to cool. When the chocolate has set, start snacking!

Banana chips are also great for adding crunch and texture to some of your favorite foods. Crumble them on top of your next salad, or mix them in with your ice cream for a salty-sweet crunch.

Harvest Snaps Green Pea Snack Crisps Get your kiddos to eat their veggies with green pea snack crisps from Harvest Snaps. These crisps come in so many different flavors, so you are bound to find a flavor that your kiddos will love. Each serving packs 5 grams of protein and is a great source of iron, calcium and potassium.

Beef Jerky Another great source of protein, beef jerky can be a lifesaver when hunger strikes.

However, not all beef jerky is made glutenfree. Make sure you check the labels or try making it yourself with a food dehydrator!

Cauliflower Crackers Cauliflower is a common ingredient in a lot of gluten-free foods. Its neutral flavor and binding properties make it great for things like crackers and pizza crusts! Pick up some of these crackers at your local health food store.

Honorable Mention: Limited Edition Gluten-Free Oreos Finally a tummy-friendly version of milk’s favorite cookie! Now, this snack is not healthy in any sense… but everything is good in moderation, right?

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health | get healthy

Michael was three years old when he was diagnosed with PANDAS after showing first signs of a "tic".

Many people don’t understand the severity of OCD and how debilitating it can be for patients who are suffering.

Joseph McNamara, Ph.D. University of Florida associate professor of psychology

asymptomatic but still possessed the bacteria. Once a child gets infected, the bacteria attaches molecules on the cell wall and evades detection through “molecular mimicry,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Once it’s in the child’s system, it creeps into the part of the brain the controls obsessions and compulsions.

PANDAS:

What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?

PANDAS can manifest itself in a number of symptoms. Besides obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), the condition can cause anxiety, mood changes, joint pains, sleep problems, changes in fine motor skills and frequent daytime urination. Despite the growing amount of evidence that PANDAS is a real and difficult condition, it is still controversial in the medical community due to what some doctors refer to as a “lack of sufficient evidence,” said the Child Mind Institute. However, the National Institute of Mental Health has classified it as a condition, and there is more growing acceptance of the disorder.

Photos courtesy of Tonya Cowart

BY TRACY WRIGHT

When local mom and hairstylist Tonya Cowart’s oldest son Michael was three years old, out of the blue she noticed he began sucking on his fingers. His preschool teacher told Tonya that he had been doing it all day, and she worried it may be a problem. Out of caution, Tonya took him to the pediatrician that day. After quizzing Tonya about his symptoms, the pediatrician diagnosed him with PANDAS, an autoimmune disorder which results after exposure to strep bacteria.

Tonya didn’t know it, but Michael was experiencing one of many “tics” that would follow him for the remainder of his life.

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) is a condition which occurs when infections like strep throat trigger a misdirected immune response, which results in inflammation of a child’s brain. As a result, the child can begin to exhibit dramatic life changing symptoms such as obsessions, compulsions, motor and/

or vocal tics. Luckily, Tonya had Michael diagnosed the day that the started exhibiting a tic, which may have played a key role in dealing with this condition and not making it worse.

Once PANDAS is suspected, a throat culture or blood test can confirm whether the child had been infected with strep bacteria. In Michael’s case, he was

Despite this challenging diagnosis, Tonya was determined to help her son, as any parent would. Her pediatrician first prescribed a heavy dosage of Augmentin, a strong antibiotic to treat the strep infection. He took a 10-day dose which was difficult on his system. However, it did seem to help his symptoms. Other medications prescribed to Michael included ADHD medication and clomadine (a low dose blood pressure medication).

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

23

health | get healthy

Over the years, Michael has had many tics and symptoms.

Unfortunately, it was difficult at the time for Tonya to identify if some of these were his personality or tics from PANDAS. Now in retrospect, she knows that most of these tics were related to PANDAS. “Michael had separation anxiety with me or special objects, suffered from different facial tics that would evolve over time, constant fidgeting, obsessively playing with certain toys like Legos, and irritability and mood changes,” Tonya said. “He also had high anxiety and a period of frequent daytime urination. He also went through a very difficult period where he had major joint pain. He hurt every day and had to take Epson salt baths for some relief. I also had him prescribed massages.”

“Many people don’t understand the severity of OCD and how debilitating it can be for patients who are suffering,” said Joseph McNamara, Ph.D., University of Florida associate professor of psychology in the Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry. McNamara is the co-director of the UF Center for OCD, Anxiety and Related Disorders. “Typically, compulsions are actions people with OCD perform to obtain relief from their obsessions. These actions can be physically or mentally performed.”

Now at almost 13 years old, Tonya said that maturity has really improved his condition especially when it comes to coping strategies.

Staying regular with medication, some cognitive behavioral therapy and items like fidget spinners

“I was stressed out as a little kid. I wanted to stop ‘ticking,’ Michael said. “I got all that pressure off my back, and I am free of it.”

Although he has done better, Tonya says Michael knows his childhood was difficult. But she still thinks that he was one of the lucky ones.

Even a delay of a few days can have a great impact on how a child develops and responds to treatment.

Tonya Cowart

Michael still can have quirky tics, but he understands this. He now takes his medications in addition to fish oil for his brain health, vitamin D, and a probiotic in case he needs to get back on an antibiotic.

Once more private about Michael’s condition, Tonya has felt empowered about communicating about PANDAS and how parents can advocate for and help their child. She and Michael hope some parent reading this could help their child.

“I know it can be hard and frustrating because you can easily miss things that you think are normal habits and may not be,” Tonya said. “My advice to parents is to get them to their doctor immediately and diagnosed.

Medication worked for us and may help your child.”

What is Michael’s advice to children diagnosed with PANDAS? “Take your medication. You can get through this,” Michael said.

Photos courtesy of Tonya Cowart

“Michael also went through some major sensory issues with clothing and socks as well as sensitivity to loud sounds like fireworks and loud music. And like many people who suffer with OCD, he has repetitive behaviors or feeling the need to hoard collection of items. Michael’s focus at school also suffered which led him to repeat a year at school.”

I know it can be hard and frustrating because you can easily miss things that you think are normal habits and may not be

have helped. Tonya happily reports that Michael does well in school, his handwriting has improved and he’s a very happy child.

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

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

health | get healthy

Keep Your Kids Active This Summer: Setting Up an Obstacle Course Right in Your Own Backyard

BY ANÍBAL RODRÍGUEZ

Summer is finally upon us. If you are like most parents, you are faced with the ever-difficult task of keeping your kiddos entertained during their summer break. And we are not just talking about them fending for themselves playing video games on their tablets or phones. We are talking about those good-old-fashion outdoor activities that can help them balance their everyday routine.

What better way to get those youngsters outside in the fresh air than with a fun and engaging obstacle course. What started as a less than $100 dollar “why not gamble” from Amazon turned out to be my daughter’s favorite outdoor activity last summer.

There are many options available online for all budgets to get you started. You can get a starter kit and add to them as your children grow and want new challenges and adventures. They are customizable for all skill levels and interests and they are very easy to change around. You just undo the clamp and hang the new item in; it is that simple!

!

Monkey fist

Setting up your own obstacle course, here are our favorites! There are many obstacle options to choose from: • monkey bars • gymnastic rings • obstacle net • swings • monkey fist • and much more.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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health | get healthy For our family, the ultimate benefit that made our obstacle course a big win for us was that it allowed our kids to get outside to play and be challenged by something new and fun. This alone made our course worth every penny invested. In addition, there was no added pressure to leave the house. Having an obstacle course was a great way to draw friends over to your backyard for socialization and fresh air fun.

!

Here are some of the many benefits kids can obtain from an obstacle course: • Strengthening their core, shoulders and forearms • Boosting their balance and coordination • Improving their focus • Building stamina and confidence • Boosting their immunity by getting a daily dose of vitamin D from outdoor sunlight • Getting them outside to play. This is especially important for those of us without easy access to a local park.

• Social interactions with friends that can improve how they cope in a group setting and how to socialize with different personalities with their own opinions.

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health | get healthy

Mosquitoes: The World’s Deadliest Animal

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Over ONE MILLION people worldwide die from mosquito-borne diseases EVERY YEAR.

What do you think is the most dangerous animal in Florida? Would you guess rattlesnakes, sharks, alligators or water moccasins? Believe it or not, the most dangerous animal in Florida is the size of a fingernail! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have deemed the mosquito “the world’s deadliest animal.”

How could an insect so small have such a major impact?

Mosquitoes Carry Disease

Some mosquitoes are called “nuisance mosquitoes” because they only irritate and bite humans. Other types of mosquitoes carry diseases that have the potential to be deadly. In recent years, Florida has reported cases of Zika, Dengue, Yellow Fever, Malaria, West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

These diseases are right here in Florida, not just other countries.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

There are many ways to prevent mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes are most active in Florida from June to August but are present from April to October.

Mosquitoes tend to be the worst right after sunset but can bite any time of the day.

In the home, having screens on the windows or using air conditioning can help keep them out of the house. On the exterior of your home, once per week, empty any standing water in buckets or areas where water collects. Clean thoroughly if possible. Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water so frequently emptying water will help prevent a mosquito outbreak.

When you head outdoors, protect skin with long sleeves and long pants. Apply an insect repellent to clothing, gear, and skin as appropriate. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a site to help users find the best repellent for their needs. Some insect repellents include common ingredients such as DEET, Picardin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Permethrin is an insecticide that is used to kill and repel mosquitoes. While not safe to use

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

directly on the skin, permethrin is a chemical good for treating gear such as backpacks, tents and other supplies. Some clothes are also treated with permethrin and hold up to several washings without losing their impact.

Babies and young children may not be good candidates for insect repellent.

When going out, use mosquito netting to cover strollers. Mosquito netting may also be used when camping or sleeping outdoors.

Community Efforts

In May 2021, a company named Oxitec released the first genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys as a pilot test in an effort to prevent disease. Only female mosquitoes bite humans and spread disease. The genetically modified mosquitoes are males that pass along a gene that kills female offspring before they mature. Male offspring retain the gene and continue to pass it along as they mature and mate. Similar projects have proven successful in Malaysia, Brazil, Panama and the Cayman Islands.

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance.

While mosquito bites can be annoying and itchy, they can also carry disease with much greater health risks. When going outside, take precautions to protect yourself from bites. Insect repellent, mosquito netting and protective clothing will help you stay safe.

Are Some People More Susceptible Than Others?

According to Healthline, there are certain qualities that make some people more attractive than others.

Clothing Color Experts claim that mosquitoes are especially attracted to darker colors.

Alcohol Consumption A small study by Shirai et. al (2002) found that mosquitoes are more attracted to hosts who ingested beer.

Heavy Breathing When humans exhale, we release carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes can sense this gas and gravitate towards areas with greater carbon dioxide. Under exertion, we release more gas and notify mosquitoes that we are nearby.

Sweat Mosquitoes can detect heat and water vapor and may select their host accordingly. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to mosquito bites as they tend to have a higher body temperature and exhale more carbon dioxide.

Body Odor While some of a person’s natural odor is genetic, other factors like skin bacteria play into the odor they emit. Certain compounds such as ammonia, lactic acid and sweat are particularly attractive.

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health | get handsome

Wooden Beard Pick (Red Sandalwood) This 100% red sandalwood beard pick is designed to detangle your beard and reduce spit ends. Handcrafted to the highest standards to be strong and get the job done. $12.97

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Saje Crystal Fresh Deodorant Spray in Peaceful Warrior

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This natural deodorant contains mineral salts that chase less-than-fresh smells away with a decadent blend of patchouli, rosewood and sandalwood. Saje products are 100% plant based.

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Products Taylored to Help Men Look and Feel Great

BY NICOLE IRVING

Go Smile BLU HandsFree Toothbrush and Whitening Device

Here are some of the hottest trends in men's grooming products that will not disappoint!

$119 Available at ulta.com and gosmile.com

Manta SILK Mask The only anti-aging mask optimized for deep sleep combining luxurious, skin-protecting silk with the deep-sleep-boosting power of true 100% blackout.

$64.99 mantasleep.com

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Brush, clean and whiten up to 7 shades in 7 days with virtually no sensitivity. Let this hands-free device do all the work with its sonic vibration to thoroughly brush teeth - with BLU, you get the convenience of athome teeth whitening with professional results for a healthier, cleaner, whiter smile.

Ultimate Dapper Gent Kit The ultimate gentleman's combo! This amazing kit will keep them looking, feeling and smelling their best all year round!

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Photos courtesy of manufacturers.

Gone are the days when men's skin and hair products can all fit in a small corner of the bathroom. Just a quick tour at the men's grooming section at Target is a quick proof of this new trend. Men today care more about personal grooming than ever and tend to look for products that fit their everyday needs.

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giggle stamp | father's day gift guide June 20th is Father’s Day so we have put together eight fabulous finds for Dad this year!

#SHOP LOC AL

Photos courtesy of manufacturers.

1. 24 oz. Americana Tumbler $22, mybevi.com 2. Napili Truckers Hat $19.99, humusurf.com 3. The Flipping Awesome Backyard Griddle Cookbook $18.95, barnesandnoble.com 4. The Infrared Grillmaster $14.99, Target 5. GoPro HERO7 Black $249.99, gopro.com 6. Bugout Benchmade Knife $140, Lang Jewelers 7. Sidetrak $299, Amazon 8.Classic HydroJug $19.99, thehydrojug.com

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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JUNE/JULY 2021

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happy home | 2 cents

The Cornell Fine Arts Museum

Things to Do For Free

1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park The museum offers an intimate and unique experience with more than 5,000 works of art ranging from antiquity to contemporary. Register for tickets before your visit.

(or almost free)

FREE

This Summer

Bok Tower Gardens

Worried about breaking the bank this summer with activities to entertain the kiddos?

Don’t worry, there are many wonderful and FREE activities to do within a day's drive from Gainesville and in our own amazing backyard.

1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales The Bok Tower Gardens offer unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment.

Kids 5 and under FREE

Movies at Tioga Town Center 13085 SW 1st Ln, Newberry Trolls World Tour Friday, June 18 8:30 p.m.

Onward Friday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m.

FREE

Matheson Museum 513 E University Ave, Gainesville The Matheson History Museum has permanent and temporary exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history. Open Fridays and Saturdays 1 - 4 p.m.

FREE

Appleton Museum of Art 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala The Appleton Museum of Art has a permanent collection of over 18,000 objects, plus an outdoor sculpture walk and garden.

Free First Saturday Saturday, June 5 Saturday, July 3 No admission fee to see their permanent collection and special exhibitions FREE

Haile Homestead 8500 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville The Haile House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, restored in 1996 and since April 2001, the house has been open to the public for tours. Adults: $5

Micanopy Historical Society Museum 607 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy The Micanopy Historical Society Museum is located at the Thrasher Warehouse which is one of thirty-nine sites in Micanopy listed on the National Register of Historic Places. $2.00 donation encouraged FREE

Tioga Concert Nights 13085 SW 1st Ln, Newberry Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the summer concert series.

Fridays 7:00 to 10:00 p.m June 11 - Elio Piedra June 25 - Hogtown Slayers July 9 - The Shambles July 23 - The Project FREE

Levitt AMP Ocala Music Series 1501 W Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala Come on out for the FREE live concert on Friday night.

June 11 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics June 18 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Love, DEAN! June 25 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Thomas McClary’s Commodore Experience FREE

Kids 12 and under FREE

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Harry P. Leu Gardens 1920 North Forest Ave, Orlando Minutes from Downtown Orlando, this 50-acre botanical garden aims to inspire it’s visitors.

Free Daytime Admission Days at Leu Gardens: - Monday, June 7 - Monday, July 5 - Monday, August 2 FREE

Harn Museum of Art 3259 Hull Rd, Gainesville The Harn Museum of Art has more than 13,000 works of art including loans from private lenders, artists and other art museums.

Hal Brady Recreation Splash Pad 14300 NW 146th Ter, Alachua Come and play at the splash pad!

Monday - Sunday, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

FREE

Santa Fe Teaching Zoo 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville The Santa Fe Teaching Zoo offers a diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy.

Kids 3 and under FREE

More free family fun and activities!

FREE

Florida Museum of Natural History 3215 Hull Rd, Gainesville The Florida Museum has eight permanent exhibits and hosts limited-time-only special exhibits. Donations accepted.

Fees for special exhibits.

FREE

Mennello Museum of American Art 900 E. Princeton St, Orlando The Mennello Museum of American Art is the home to the permanent collection of paintings by Earl Cunningham, as well as special exhibitions.

FREE Family Funday admission every second Sunday of the month and dad’s get in free on Father’s Day! FREE

• Play time at Depot Park • Birdwatching at Sweetwater Wetlands Park • Stroll around historic downtown Micanopy • Nature sightings at Lake Alice, University of Florida • Watching the bats leave the Bat House, University of Florida • Visiting the Disney magic at Disney Springs • Walk around downtown St. Augustine • Florida beaches!

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE CHECK WITH EACH LOCATION FOR SPECIFIC COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, HOURS AND MASK REQUIREMENTS.

Your hometown community theater!

The Gainesville Community Playhouse at the Vam York Theater

352-376-4949

www.gcplayhouse.org

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.

Jan. 23-Sept. 12, 2021

Come hang out!

Meet LIVE animals that are slow, small or weak and learn how they have used these traits to survive and thrive!

Esta es una exhibición bilingüe.

3215 Hull Road, Gainesville • www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu Funded in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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happy home | clean it

Love Your Skillet

RESEASONING

3 Helpful Tips For Using and Maintaining Your Cast Iron Pan

BY BONNIE RODRÍGUEZ

So you've listened to all of the hype surrounding cast iron skillets, watched all the videos and now have decided to buy your very first one. Congratulations! You have embarked on a journey of many delicious recipes and years of tradition.

Before you get cooking, there are a few recommendations I would like to pass on to you from what I have learned; 3 helpful tips that will help you not only properly use your pan but also keep it in shape for years to come.

Always re-season your pan with oil Canola after cleaning it. This is essential Oil to keep the seasoning intact and to maintain the nonstick finish. You need an oil with a high heat threshold, meaning how high of a temperature the oil can stand before reaching its smoking point. Heating the oil until it's smoking creates polymerization which gives it the nonstick finish. The most common ones are canola, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed and corn. Canola is used the most because it's more commonly available but a lot of people say that grapeseed is the best. The process of re-seasoning is simple in itself; heat up the pan on high heat, apply about a teaspoon of oil, give it a swirl for even coverage and let it heat up until it starts to smoke. Turn off the heat, carefully wipe out excess oil and let the pan cool before putting it away.

COOKING

The best way to keep your cast iron well maintained is to use it. The more you use it the more of a seasoning it will build up. Always make sure your pan is thoroughly heated and oiled before putting food in it. This will ensure a good sear and help with not sticking. Silicone, wood and metal utensils can all be used in your pan. I use metal in mine almost exclusively. You'll just want to use precaution with metal so that you don't gouge the seasoning.

CLEANING

People go either way about soap – some say to never ever use it while others say it's ok. For me the solution has been moderation. I only use it when absolutely necessary. For tougher jobs I use oil and kosher salt, add about 1/4 cup kosher salt and a few tablespoons of oil to make a paste and scrub away until the food residue is gone. For stubborn food particles you can simmer water in the pan for a few minutes to loosen it up and use a brush to scrub it out. Never let your pan sit with water in it or put it away wet because cast iron rusts very easily. A last ditch effort is to use steel wool but you have to be very diligent and careful not to gouge your seasoning or in extreme cases scrub it off. There are available chainmail scrubbers made specifically for cast iron cleaning that offer a viable alternative. Finish up by giving your pan a quick rinse with warm water and dry well with a towel or paper towel then place it on a burner over medium heat to dry it completely and reseason.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Kosher Salt

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39

happy home | fix it

Pests Be Gone With These DIY Natural Pest Repellents!

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Looking to get rid of those pesky, winged, eight-legged or sometimes scaly house guests? Here are a few DIY natural pest repellent solutions for you to try this summer around your house!

Get Rid of Ants:

Make a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, and pour it into a clean spray bottle.

Spray the mixture on the areas where you have seen ants marching around. The vinegar will naturally repel the ants because of the unpleasant smell, and it will mask the scent trails that the ants use to get around.

Keep Flies Away:

Flies detest the smell of cloves! Cut a lemon in half and stick cloves into the cut side of the lemon -- you should be able to stick about 10 or 15 cloves in the lemon depending on the size. Set this lemon and glove contraption in a bowl and place it in your home where the flies are the worst, or make multiple and place them all around the house! Just remember to throw the lemons away after a few days to avoid rotting.

Get Rid of Spiders:

According to Smithsonian Education, spiders taste and smell through sensory organs on their legs — as if spiders could be any creepier! This means that they hate walking on anything that tastes or smells bad to them. This is where essential oils come in! The Journal of Economic Entomology published a study in 2018 deeming peppermint oil and chestnut oil hated by spiders. So, get a small spray bottle with dark glass and mix 10 drops of mint oil or chestnut oil, one cup of water and a few drops of dish soap. Shake the bottle and spray the mixture on spidery areas in your house.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Flytraps If you are trying to actually catch the flies, you can make a fly trap by pouring some apple cider vinegar into a small bowl, covering it with plastic wrap and poking holes in the plastic. The sugar in the apple cider vinegar will attract the flies into your trap, and the plastic will keep them from escaping. Or, you could always buy a Venus Fly Trap!

Keep snakes away: Snakes are a little trickier than bugs, but there are definitely some ways that you can decrease the presence of snakes around your house.

One way is to plant snakerepelling plants like garlic, lemongrass and marigolds around your house. Most snakes do not like to slither over strong-smelling plants like this.

Another lesser-known and slightly stranger method is to spread hair from your hairbrush or laundry lint around your house and yard. This basically sends a “humans live here” message to snakes as they pass through your yard, and their dislike of humans will hopefully keep them away.

Turns out they hate us just as much as we hate them!

Other SnakeRepelling Tips • Keep your lawn cut, as snakes don’t like to hang out in short grass.

• Use a water hose to shoo away snakes instead of trying to chase them off.

• Don’t keep wood piles or rock piles close to the house, these are great hiding places for snakes.

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PHOTOS FOR FEATURE TAKEN BY JIMMY HO PHOTOGRAPHY

It takes grit, sacrifice, passion and countless hours of hard work and dedication to become an Olympic athlete. This summer, the United States will be represented in The Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020, to be held in 2021, by hundreds of competitors who started their journeys as young athletes, with big dreams and a competitive spirit, very much like our 11 featured Gainesville athletes. These young super stars, many of them champions already, share with us what their sports mean to them and what inspires them to be the best in their field.

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

g n i l r i w T Baton

LORELEI AND NIERY TURNER AGE 9 AND AGE 7

How long have you been involved in baton twirling?

Lorelei: I have twirled since I was four.

Niery: I have twirled since I was three.

What do you like best about it?

Lorelei: I like to do x-strut (a type of event) because of the fun dance combinations combined with twirling. I also like that you can see your hard work pay off.

Niery: I like everything about baton, especially solo because of the hard tricks.

What team do you twirl for?

Our team is Allstars Twirling Academy.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in baton twirling?

Lorelei: I want to catch hard tricks at the end of my solo at nationals in the twirl off. If baton ever becomes a sport in the Olympics, I would want to go there and try to win and represent my country. In the meantime, I would like to be a feature twirler and have the opportunity to show people what I can do.

Niery: I set hard tricks for myself and try to achieve them.

I want to do a solo at nationals with no drops. I want to twirl in college for the Crimsonettes at the University of Alabama.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

Lorelei: Braelynn Neely because she was a feature twirler at Georgia and she is great at demonstrating my new tricks. I also love Liz Stoeber, a current Gatorette and all of the other Gatorettes that were my former teammates.

Niery: Liz Stoeber, who twirls as a Gatorette at the University of Florida, and helps me with my routines.

Although baton twirling will not be in this summer Olympic Games,

the re-scheduled 2020 World Championship will now be held in Turin, Italy between August 1 and 7, 2022.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Share anything else you would like us to know!

Lorelei: I want people to try the sport and know that you can start at any level and with any skill set. I would like to have a world duet title with my sister.

Niery: I would like to twirl at Worlds one day and represent my country.

Soccer

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

CHRIS ZEPPIERI AGE 14

How long have you been involved in soccer?

I have been playing since I was three. I started at I-9 and other community leagues I played recreational soccer, then moved to competitive soccer at Gainesville Soccer Alliance (GSA). I have played in many 3V3 tournaments and other tournaments as a guest with an Orlando league, was part of a Central Florida competitive team and have played soccer for Queen of Peace Catholic Academy for middle school. I play mid-field as my position.

What do you like best about it?

I love all sports, but soccer is my favorite because of the teamwork, ball skills, strategy, and endurance involved.

What team do you play for?

I play for GSA on the 2006 boys premier team.

My jersey is lucky number three, also my birthday.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in soccer?

The Olympics would be such a huge honor, as that is like the pinnacle for any non-professional athlete. I do want to play in college if I can. My only reservation is that SEC colleges don’t have male soccer, so I would not be a GATOR officially if I did get a soccer scholarship somewhere. I have always been driven to push myself in sports and academics, and I want to compete at the next level...but first, I need to get through high school which I start in the fall.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic´ Share anything else you would like us to know!

In baseball, I can pitch and play third base. I used to play travel ball before focusing on soccer. I believe that strong academics and athletics should both be possible, and I work hard to stay focused on both. My family and my faith are my greatest allies.

Men's football made its

Olympic debut at the 1900 Games in Paris.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

D E Z I N O R SYNCH G N I M M I W S ANNABELLE DAVALOS AGE 10

How long have you been involved in synchronized swimming?

I have been involved for two years.

What do you like best about it?

Synchronized Swimming was originally referred to as water ballet in the beginning of the 20th century and

Synchro combines swimming with gymnastics, music, makeup, fashion and performing. I love all of these so much! Also, I love my teammates and how much time we get to spend together. We practice together, compete together, hang out together and get to travel together.

has been an event at the Summer Olympics since the 1984 Games.

I swim with Suncoast Waterworks.

They are based out of Largo, FL.

What team do you swim for?

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in synchronized swimming?

I would love to get a college scholarship for synchro and go to the Olympics! I hope by the time I’m in college The University of Florida has a scholarship for artistic swimming.

Share anything else you would like us to know!

My team, Suncoast Waterworks, qualified to go to the Junior Olympics in Colorado this June.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

BASEBALL

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

GUNNAR KENDALL AGE 7

How long have you been involved in baseball?

I have been playing baseball since I was three years old.

What do you like best about it?

Hitting dingers!

What team do you play for?

I play with the Williston Youth Athletic Association (WYAA) 8U Marlins.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in baseball?

Yes! I want to play all the baseball because then it will get more challenging and hard.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

Austin Langworthy

Share anything else you would like us to know!

I’m a lefty who plays first base and catcher. I love baseball. I strive to be coachable and work hard to be the best. Players make plays!

DID KNOW? Major League Baseball players have not historically played in the Olympics, as it would halt the regular season. In 2008, the last year baseball was seen at the Olympics, the US roster was filled by minor league players and one college player.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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Soccer

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

LAYLA ALEXANDER AGE 12

How long have you been involved in soccer?

I have been playing for four years.

What do you like best about it?

Team building and working together.

What team do you play for?

I play for Westwood Middle School and Gainesville Soccer Alliance and I play center defense.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in soccer?

Yes, I plan to play soccer long term and plan to go to the University of Florida and possibly the Olympics one day.

Who is your Athlete inspiration?

Serena Williams

The US women's soccer team has won

four Olympic gold medals: 1996, 2004, 2008 and 2012.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

L acros se

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

DOMINIC MORESCHI AGE 12

How long have you been involved in lacrosse?

I have been playing for about seven years.

I think I played my first youth lacrosse game when I was four or five years old.

What do you like best about it?

Lacrosse is a fast game and I like that no game is ever the same.

My teammates are from different schools around Gainesville like Kanapaha, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy and Oak Hall School. I like meeting new people and making new friends.

What team do you play for?

Locally, I play for The Gainesville Redhawks and Florida Generals. My travel team is North Florida Stars. My positions are midfield and face-off.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in lacrosse?

I want to play high school lacrosse at Oak Hall School and definitely want to play college lacrosse.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

My older brother Michael. He is a junior at Oak Hall School and plays for the team. My professional idol in lacrosse is Paul Rabil.

He is an awesome player.

Share anything else you would like us to know!

Lacrosse was designated a

medal sport in the 1904 and 1908 Olympics.

My dad and uncle both played lacrosse growing up in Virginia, so lacrosse is in the family. Also, both of my sisters play lacrosse. My dad, brother and I like to watch college lacrosse on television too. Basketball and soccer are other sports that I like to play but lacrosse is my favorite sport.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

S C I T S A N GYM MILA STINSON AGE 7

How long have you been involved in gymnastics?

Just over four years since I was two and a half years old in Ms. Debe’s class at Sun Country.

What do you like best about it?

My coaches.

What team do you compete for?

Team Sun Country. I compete on bars, beam, vault and floor. Floor is my favorite!

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in gymnastics?

Yes, I want to continue on in gymnastics in college and make it to the Olympics because gymnastics is so much fun!

Who is your athlete inspiration?

Simone Biles and my gym buddy, Joy!

Share anything else you would like us to know!

My favorite event is vault and my favorite memory from this past season was at the state meet where I earned 1st place All Around!

In 2012, the “Fierce Five”, Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wiebe, took

home the gold for the United States at the 2012 Olympics in the women’s gymnastics competition.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Track& Field

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

CHASE MUNSON AGE 12

How long have you been involved in Track?

I have been involved in track since third grade.

My brother was in fifth and so the coaches let me run with them. I actually started running club at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy (QPA) when I was three. My brother was in Kindergarten and Coach Jim (the coach) let me run with them.

What do you like best about it?

I love the competition of running. I love the excitement when the gun goes off and if I beat my previous time, that is a great feeling.

What team do you run for?

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy track team and cross country team. I do the 100, 200, 400, 4x1 relay.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in Track?

I would love to run track in high school and college. I’m hoping by practicing now that I improve enough to be a great high school runner. If I was able to make it all the way to the Olympics that would be awesome! Running is my passion and I hope I can do it forever.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

Usain Bolt is one of my inspirations. My dad bought me a book about him once and it was inspiring. I would love to run that fast someday. My coach at QPA, coach Ami, gives me a lot of feedback to help me become a better runner. She is very encouraging.

Share anything else you would like us to know!

I also run cross country. I’m lucky to be able to run long distance and sprint. For middle school I run 3Ks, but I try and run 5Ks on the side to keep my endurance up and improve my times.

Michael Holloway, the track and field and cross country coach at the University of Florida, has been named the USA Track and Field coach for 2020 Olympics!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

GRACE MCDANIEL AGE 10

How long have you been involved in softball?

I have played softball for two and a half years.

Two seasons of rec softball and two seasons of travel ball.

What do you like best about it?

I love spending time with my friends on and off the field.

My favorite part of softball is being on the mound pitching.

I’ve work very hard at it every week and people can see the progress I’ve made.

What team do you play for?

I play for Santa Fe Inferno 10U. I pitch, and play both outfield and infield positions but short stop and center field are my favorite.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in softball?

Yes, I would like to play in the Olympics and play softball in college. It would be fun to represent the United States in the sport that I love and continue playing in high school and in college if possible, and the Olympics one day.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

My big sister, Olivia. She played softball at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy two years ago and currently plays at a Buchholz High School. She has helped me learn things I wouldn’t have learned until later and she has taught me to always put my team’s needs before mine.

Share anything else you would like us to know!

I also enjoy playing soccer, tennis and I plan to run track next year at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy. I enjoy playing sports because of the competition and the progress that is made by hard work.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Softball will return this summer to the Tokyo Olympic Games being gone for thirteen years.

OUR ASPIRING

future Olympians

24 volleyball teams and 48 beach volleyball teams will participate in the Olympic Games in 2021.

AALIYAH RAY AGE 10

How long have you been involved in volleyball?

I have been playing for three years.

What do you like best about it?

I like to spend time with my team and block the other teams ball.

Also, I like just getting better at the sport.

What team do you play for?

I play club volleyball at Gainesville Juniors.

My position is middle blocker.

Would you like to go to college or the Olympics and continue on in volleyball?

I would love to play volleyball at The University of Florida. It is a great school and my family can come to my games.

Who is your athlete inspiration?

I just enjoy watching great players at any age play the game.

I am inspired by the great players skills and the love they have for volleyball.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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learn | homeschool corner

Learning, Serving, and Conserving

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.

One of the best things about homeschooling is being able to help our children learn and grow as we do life together. We do that when we go to the store, when we volunteer, and of course when we do school. Learning about conservation is one way that kids can learn, serve and contribute to their community all at once.

Talk with them about the fresh air, the clean water, and the healthy trees and vegetation you see. If you travel with your family, look online or stop in at ranger stations for youth education guides. Most state and national parks have educational programs available. You may even choose to participate in an environmental clean-up event in your community.

Finally, when you are out with your family, remind them to leave no trace. The best way to interact with our environment is to leave only footprints behind. Help them understand the importance of not damaging anything they find or see. Talk about the importance of properly putting out any campfires you may have. You may even bring an empty grocery bag and gloves with you when you go out to pick up any trash or debris you may find. Show your kids how they can make the world a better place through the small act of picking up what someone else left behind.

We live in a beautiful state where we have the ability to enjoy being outside year round. By learning, serving and conserving, you can teach your children to appreciate what we have and make sure it’s available for their kids, too.

LEARNING, SERVING AND CONSERVING AT HOME Learning doesn’t stop just because you’re “school time” is over. It happens all day long. Talk with your kids and model conservation habits in the home. Pay attention to how you use materials in your home. Do you reuse, repurpose and recycle? If so, don’t just do it. Talk about it.

Model it. Encourage your kids to do those same things.

One particularly meaningful and educational activity you can do is an experiment with your kids. For one month, stress the importance of turning off lights and fans in rooms that aren’t being used. Limit water usage. Lower your air conditioner one or two degrees.

At the end of the month, compare your utility bill to one from the same month last year. You should be able to get that online through your utility company.

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Compare how much water and electricity your family used. How much did you save? You might even treat the kids (and challenge them along the way) by using that money saved to go out for an ice cream treat!

Don’t forget those virtual field trips, too! Just google “virtual field trip clean energy,” and you’ll find a host of resources where you and your kids can learn more about clean energy sources by visiting power plants and seeing how clean energy sources conserve resources.

LEARNING, SERVING, AND CONSERVING IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS We live in Florida, so we have to get outside and enjoy our beautiful weather, right? Of course! Go outside and do things you enjoy with your family this summer.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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learn | family learning

Folding Into Family Fun!

Summer in Florida is well-known for bringing rainy afternoons and intense heat, which can make it hard to plan for the usual outdoor family-bonding activities. This year, when the weather is being less than tolerable, try taking the family indoors for some low-budget family crafting fun with origami!

BY MEGAN SAPELAK

WHAT IS ORIGAMI? Origami is simply the art of folding paper.

The word itself comes from two smaller japanese words: ori meaning folding and kami meaning paper. Origami is made by folding parts of a sheet of square paper. The beautiful creations are made without the use of tape, glue or scissors.

Origami is most commonly made to look like various animals, but other items such as hearts and flowers are popular as well.

A BRIEF HISTORY: There are limited records on the origin of origami, so it is unknown whether it started in China or Japan.

Paper was invented in China in 105 AD, and was brought over to Japan shortly after. The first record of origami came about in the 1600s when a poem

by Ihara Saikaku referenced butterfly origami. It is believed that the Japanese perfected the art and the country’s elite often used it as artistic decoration at formal Japanese ceremonies. Once paper became cheaper, more people became interested in origami and soon after it became increasingly popular throughout Europe. Origami eventually made its way to the United States after World War II.

try making this

TRADITIONAL ORIGAMI WHALE

A HOBBY WITH

perks!

Origami has many benefits for both the young and old.

It has been shown to help with:

STEP 1 Start with square piece of paper.

(Mine was 6 in. by 6 in.)

STEP 2 Rotate the paper to a diamond and fold the right point over to the left point.

STEP 3 Unfold the previous step. You now have a central vertical crease.

STEP 4 Fold the lower left and right diagonal edges to the central vertical crease.

STEP 5 Flip the paper over to the other side and rotate it counter clockwise.

STEP 6 Fold the right point over to the left to meet the left point.

STEP 7 Flip the paper over to the other side.

STEP 8 Fold the top and bottom diagonal edges inwards to meet the horizontal middle.

STEP 9 Unfold the previous step.

STEP 10 Open the lower section as shown.

• Sequencing skills for the kiddos • Hand-eye coordination • Mental concentration • Development of fine motor skills • Math skills such as fractions and geometry

Directions from origami.guide

learn | family learning

STEP 11 Pull the lower section fully over to the right, creating a new crease, and flatten it out.

STEP 12 Repeat the same process on the top section.

STEP 13 Unfold the back layer out to the right.

STEP 14 Fold the front flaps to the left.

STEP 18 Fold both of the whale's flippers to the right at an angle and fold the tail up.

STEP 19 Open the paper back up to this point.

STEP 15 Flip the paper over, from top to bottom.

Dr. Priyanka Vyas

STEP 16 Fold the left point to the central vertical crease.

STEP 17 Fold the bottom section up to the top, revealing the shape of the whale.

STEP 20 Reverse inside fold the tail. Fold the sides of the whale back up.

Your origami whale is complete!

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learn | featured teacher

Jacob Van Wagner Why were you inspired to teach?

I’ve always loved history and I never had the experience of learning history in a really fun and engaging way. Because of that, I really wanted to teach history and make it fun for students to learn it.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

Right before first period when I’ve finished getting ready for the day and the students start to come in for class.

WHERE DO YOU TEACH? Fort Clarke Middle School

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER? This is my first year teaching, so since August.

WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH? Gifted U.S. History and Reading & Research

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students?

An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!

Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

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This year, I created a “history in pop culture” assignment which compared the cabinet battle from Hamilton (the musical) to the textbook’s account of his financial plan.

How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?

I come home to my family and we talk about how our days went. Since I’m a new teacher, I usually have experiences to share.

What do you like to do outside of teaching?

Spend time with my wife, Abbie, and 5-year-old son, Benjamin. I love to watch the Colts play football, and we go to Disney whenever we can.

We love to travel, but that’s been on hold for the last year and half, so we’re looking forward to being able to do that again soon hopefully.

Share a funny teaching moment/day.

I don’t have one specific moment that was particularly hilarious so far this year, but for test reviews we play Kahoot! (it’s a trivia game that I create questions for). I try to sprinkle in some funny questions. It’s also really entertaining to see how competitive the students get.

What is your favorite book?

A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn.

Who was your favorite teacher?

Mrs. Wells, she was an amazing math teacher. I hate math and I’m really bad at it, if that tells you anything about how great of a teacher she was.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Batman.

How has being digital or teaching both in person and digitally affected your teaching style? Share your feelings and how digital teaching has been going.

Digital teaching has been extremely challenging. It’s been doubly hard as a firstyear teacher, because I’m already creating all of my content and materials from scratch.

Doing HyFlex requires that I have to create everything in two formats, including modifying assignments for digital. It’s also been disappointing to miss out on the personal connection with some of my students who I’ve never met in person all year, and I know it’s hard for them to stay engaged when they’re sitting in front of a computer for the entire school day. It’s definitely not how I ever imagined my first year of teaching.

What are your plans for this summer?

I’ll be spending most of the summer getting ready for next year, especially since it’s going to be much shorter than normal. However, my wife and I really like to travel, so we’re hoping to at least get one domestic trip in. Maybe Washington, DC or Las Vegas/Grand Canyon.

What was your favorite subject in school?

American History

Share anything else you would like about your teaching journey!

Teaching was something that I always wanted to do, but life took me on a different career path initially. I never stopped wanting to teach, so I took a leap of faith (at almost 30 years old) and quit my job at Publix to go back to school to pursue teaching. I wasn’t even sure if I would get hired for this school year because of my lack of experience. Mr. Taber, the principal at Fort Clarke, called me for an interview last summer, and I was beyond excited when I was offered the job. I am so grateful to him for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity to pursue my dream career. I always imagined myself teaching high school, but since being at Fort Clarke, I can’t imagine doing anything other than what I’m doing now.

Photo courtesy Jacob Van Wagner

WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH? 8th Grade

Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?

If you were a superhero, who would you be?

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conception2college™

EXPECTING How Your Breasts Change During Pregnancy and After

INFANT | 0-1 Baby Rashes: Causes and Treatments

TODDLER | 2-3 Toddler Tantrums: From Destructive to Constructive

EARLY YEARS | 4-5 Can Playing a Musical Instrument Benefit Your Kiddos?

KIDS | 6-9 Is it Wrong to Cry in Front of Kids?

TWEENS | 10-13 Tweens and Social Media: Yay or Nay?

TEENS | 14-18 Teen Cha-Ching: Help Your Child Learn About Investing!

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How Your Breasts Change During Pregnancy and After

BY TRACY WRIGHT

c2c | expecting When you become pregnant, changes in your body are inevitable. One of the first that many women notice is the subsequent changes to your breasts soon into your pregnancy. Women may notice that their nipples become tender and their breasts become heavier.

“From the early days of pregnancy, there are hormonal changes that come into play to support the growing baby and to provide for the baby's nourishment after delivery,” said Mary Ryngaert, MSN APRN IBCLC, lactation consultant at the University of Florida Pediatric Breastfeeding Clinic. “It's a complex system that takes a ‘resting’ mammary gland and builds a factory that secretes first colostrum and then mature human milk as the baby is delivered.”

In addition to tender nipples and heavier breasts, Ryngaert said that areolas could also be darker (which will lighten after delivery) or drops of colostrum may be felt in the bra or clothing.

After delivery, for moms who choose to breastfeed, as the placenta is delivered, the rapid decrease in the hormone progesterone allows that milk factory to go into production and a process called Lactogenesis II begins. According to Ryngaert, lactogenesis II (the surge of milk volume, also called the "milk coming in") typically occurs around day three or four, often sooner in subsequent babies.

“Babies are designed to have all that they need from colostrum in those first few days and, unless there is a specific medical issue, do not require anything else to drink. Common early issues in new parents include breast engorgement (inflammation and increasing milk supply make breasts uncomfortably heavy) and sore nipples.

When the infant is latching well and feeding on demand, these problems can usually be avoided,” Ryngaert said.

Breastfeeding can be challenging in early days if the baby is not latching well. Some women experience sore, abraded or even bleeding nipples.

“Good lactation support for latching help women to avoid these issues. If the baby has oral restrictions, like tongue tie, then it is important to identify those issues early and get the family on track for pain-free feeding in early days,” Ryngaert said.

Ryngaert suggests mothers even seeking out helpful breastfeeding YouTube videos to help guide them with techniques for latching and different types of holds for breastfeeding.

What about pumping and its effects on the breasts?

Pumping should also not be painful in any way, however, it’s also important for mothers do their homework on the best types of pumps for breastfeeding.

“There has been really exceptional work in breast pump research, but there are some poorly made pumps on the market. Some are too strong, some not strong enough. At a minimum, pumps should not be less than $100-$200. Always get advice from other parents or health care professionals about pumps that are effective. Choosing the correct breast shield for the nipple size, setting the suction strength and speed correctly are important for efficient and non-damaging pumping,” Ryngaert said.

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A common and more serious condition that some women who are breastfeeding experience are clogged ducts or mastitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, mastitis is breast tissue inflammation sometimes tied to an infection. Mastitis is related to milk stasis and can be prevented by feeding a baby on demand. The resulting symptoms can be fever, chills, pain, swelling and warmth on the surface of the breasts. Mastitis infections should be treated with antibiotics.

Local mom Dania Posada had mastitis twice with her second child.

“I had an excessive amount of milk to the point that I had to set an alarm to pump in the middle of the night even though baby was sleeping through the night. What worked best for me is in a hot shower I put some Epsom salt in the Haakaa hand breast pump. Fill the rest with warm/hot water from shower and attach to the affected breast. This helps to pull that clog right out,” Posada said.

With any breastfeeding problem, especially one that may cause pain or irritation, seeking the advice of a lactation consultant can be very helpful. Luckily in the greater Gainesville area, there are many lactation resources, Ryngaert said.

Breastfeeding Resources IN NORTH CENTR AL FLORIDA

Alachua Women Infant and Children Program (WIC) Postpartum breastfeeding education, pumps available for medical needs and working mothers. floridawic.org La Leche League of Gainesville Free monthly meetings for breastfeeding support lllgville.com North Central Florida Lactation Services northcentralfloridalactation.com Both UF Health and North Florida Regional Medical Center have lactation specialists and services available.

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

Baby Rashes: Causes and Treatments

BY TRACY WRIGHT

The first year of a baby’s life comes along with many challenges, and one of the most common is skin conditions that may pop up. Rashes are often associated with diapers, but they can also come in many forms all over their bodies. As a mom to a 9 and 13-year-old, I pretty much saw almost every type of rash between both of my children.

Roseola Let’s talk about one of the most common types of rashes— roseola. Roseola is extremely common with babies under three years old. Roseola usually begins with two to three days of unexplained fever followed by a red rash on the chest and stomach, according to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The good news is that by the time the rash appears, the child is typically done with their fever and feel better.

Fifth's Disease Similarly, many other types of rashes are caused by viruses.

Typically, a child who has a fever may have rashes on their cheeks or their stomach and chest area. Common early childhood viruses that produce rashes are Fifth’s Disease which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says is caused by the parvovirus B19 virus. The rash typically occurs on the face with rosy cheeks and can also arise on arms and legs. When my daughter caught this virus, she had no other symptoms.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Another sometimes painful viral condition that causes rashes is Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. Although the CDC reports that most children get it under the age of 5, unfortunately, it can be spread to adults as well. Painful blisters can occur in the mouth as well as bumps in the hands and feet (as indicated by the name). It is usually accompanied by a fever.

Eczema Eczema is a common skin condition that affects many children and adults. It causes dry rough skin, and a quarter of cases occur within the first year of life, according to the Seattle Children’s Hospital. There is no cure, but there are a myriad of therapies and products that can help with symptoms which includes special bathing and moisturizing products.

My baby had bad eczema, and almost all of the products marketed to treating eczema contain oatmeal and made his rash worse. I tried a glycerin-based lotion (Cerave Baby) and it cleared right up.

- Local mom Christina Moreau

Causes Some specific causes for rashes include early conditions like cradle cap (scaly patches on babies’ scalps) and baby acne (generalized bumps usually found before 6 weeks of age). Both of these will typically resolve themselves with time.

Other skin conditions that cause rashes are generalized allergies to drugs or external stimulants (like plants, insects, detergents or fragrances). If rashes occur often, it is a good idea to check in with your pediatrician to see if more allergy tests are needed. My son had a grass allergy when he was much younger that he finally grew out of.

Remedies For itchy rashes, Seattle Children’s Hospital recommends some home remedies like cool baths without soap (baking soda may be added). Hydrocortisone cream or ointment can be applied as well.

Another of the more common rashes is the dreaded diaper rash.

Bad cases of diarrhea can cause diaper rash. Babies are also prone to developing yeast infections, which can be treated by keeping baby dry and clean as much as possible. If that alone doesn’t work, your pediatrician can prescribe an antifungal cream or ointment.

For general diaper rash, it seems like every parent has their own favorite “miracle cream.” But common brands are Aquaphor, Desitin, Calmoseptine or Boudreax’s Butt Paste. Some moms even turn to breast milk as a solution. “During bad rashes, we didn’t use wipes, applied a little breast milk and blow dried the area on very low heat for a couple seconds. It always cleared it up,” said local mom Susan Keen. More serious rashes like petechiae or purpura cause very red or purple dots and are caused by bleeding into the skin from bacterial infections. These should be addressed immediately with your pediatrician. *If you notice any type of rash on your child, reach out to your pediatrician immediately.

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c2c | toddler {2-3 YEARS}

Toddler Tantrums: From Destructive to Constructive

BY AMANDA ROLAND ILLUSTRATION BY ANÍBAL RODRÍGUEZ

We all have our moments. Moments when emotions get the best of us, anger consumes us and scream-crying seems to be the only appropriate response. As adults, we can (hopefully) control these emotions and constructively deal with them. However, our kiddos can have a hard time sorting through their emotions, leading to tantrums, screaming contests and tornado-like destruction of the living room. At times, even our little angel babies could give the Tasmanian Devil a run for his money.

This is why the “terrible twos” seem so terrible. “Two-year-olds undergo major motor, intellectual, social and emotional changes,” according to an article by the Mayo Clinic. “Children at this age can understand much more speech than they can express — a factor that contributes to emotions and behaviors that are difficult for parents to interpret.”

This communication barrier can be just as frustrating for the child as it is for the parents, as every adult knows what it is like to be misunderstood. The difference is toddlers think that destruction and explosive behavior is a good way to tell you that they are upset and frustrated. And, if your child is exhibiting behavior that is extreme or could be harmful to themselves or others, it may be time to talk to your pediatrician.

It’s important to remember that every toddler is unique, so the toddler stage will look different for everyone and might not include any destructive behavior at all! Mary Strauch, local mom of two, had a completely different experience with both of her children.

When Strauch’s son was 18 months old, he was triggered by everything, couldn’t be consoled and started to digress from other kids in his age group. “You can tell when something is not right,” she said. She documented his behavior, and he was later diagnosed with Autism after seeing a specialist.

Strauch’s daughter on the other hand went the defiant route — spitting out the food she didn’t want to eat, throwing off the clothes she didn’t want to wear and dancing around during time out. “I slowly learned that a lot of that was personality and her being her own person, she just didn't have a healthy way to express it,” she said.

The good thing is that the terrible twos (and threes) don’t last forever. Most children grow out of their tantrum and destruction phase as their language skills improve. Once their communication becomes more effective, it will be easier to know and understand how they are feeling — leading to more constructive behavior instead of destructive.

Avoid big blowouts by using these tips: 68

• Create a safe space for your toddler. If you sense a tantrum coming, try to move your kiddo away from throwable objects, find an open space and have ideas on hand to help calm them down.

• Don’t let your emotions get in the way. Your frustration and anger could make the situation worse. Remember you are the adult.

• Recognize your child’s positive behavior! A simple “good job!” will go a long way.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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c2c | early years {4-6 YEARS}

Can Playing a Musical Instrument Benefit Your Kiddos?

BY TRACY WRIGHT

Parents who are considering a first activity for their children should strongly think about starting with a musical instrument. Not only is it fun to make music, but science has shown that even small amounts of music education could produce major benefits to a child’s development.

A 2014 study from the University of Vermont followed more than 200 children over a number of years and found that children who had undergone musical training had an increase in cortical thickness in the areas of the brain that dictate functions such as memory, organizational skills and attention span.

Furthermore, when students learn to play instruments, the stimulations in the brain of distinguishing between different sounds can contribute to further academic success.

Musical education cannot be passive— children should be engaged in musical activity and learning an instrument.

Beyond just the science, experts and parents have found some other tangible benefits.

SELF-ESTEEM

As children learn an instrument, they listen to constructive feedback to improve and refine their skills and technique, and positive growth can greatly boost self-confidence.

PATIENCE

We’ve all heard the joke—“How do you get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE!” When children are dedicated to learning and perfecting an instrument, they have to go through many hours and days of practice. This can give your child a serious dose of patience, which is never a bad thing.

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IMPROVED READING AND MATH SKILLS

Researchers at Northwestern University found that children who not only regularly attended music classes, but also actively participated in the class, showed larger improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their lessinvolved peers.

COORDINATION

There are many elements involved in playing an instrument.

Children have to figure out how to hold their instrument while learning to read sheet music and eventually balance all of these actions.

RESPONSIBILITY

Learning an instrument teaches a child to protect and be responsible for their instrument, carrying case and sheet music.

MEMORY

Children who play instruments boost memorization skills because music enhances ways for kids to effectively create, store and retrieve memories, similar to a workout for the brain.

BOOST SELF-EXPRESSION AND SOCIAL SKILLS

Learning to play an instrument allows an outlet for creativity which can allow children to express possibly suppressed emotions.

“There are many benefits of playing a musical instrument. As a music teacher, I love it when my students achieve their goals— learning a new song or doing well during a performance,” said Prentiss Ladkani, a music teacher who holds a bachelor’s degree in music-violin. “It shows them that their hard work and patience has paid off. Plus, playing instruments with others is fun!”

If your child seems to enjoy music, remember to follow your child’s lead when it comes to the instrument they may enjoy and do not push them into an instrument or activity they do not enjoy. More than anything, playing an instrument is about your child’s healthy selfexpression. So, sit back and enjoy the music!

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

Is it Wrong to Cry in Front of Kids?

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Many parents feel that shielding their children from tough life scenarios is a cardinal responsibility of parenting. They keep their children from learning about difficult situations or hide their own emotions as a way to provide a sense of peace and security.

While young children are not necessarily ready for exposure to some of the horrors of the world, some difficult situations are unavoidable. The family may experience the loss of a loved one or pet, a job loss, a move, a new sibling or many other scenarios accompanied by a range of emotions. In these situations, parents may try to hide how they are feeling for fear of making the child feel unsettled.

While there is no right or wrong way to handle Teaching children emotions, parents can take into account the the value of accepting situation, the maturity of the child and the and expressing emotions in amount of details they wish to disclose. a safe environment prepares Whenever appropriate, allowing children them for success and to see parents demonstrate emotions can be resiliency as they grow beneficial. When children witness parents into the teenage experiencing sadness, it offers an opportunity argument, do not despair. Allow them to see and adult years. to discuss why this situation made the parent sad how a healthy disagreement happens and how it is and talk through coping strategies. Being open resolved in a mutually agreeable fashion. and honest about feelings and emotions within ageappropriate boundaries teaches children that their own Allowing children to see an occasional fluctuation of emotions or emotions are valid, even if they differ from others. Talking with disagreements is a healthy part of their development. Talk openly them through situations where the parent is angry, frustrated, with them about the situation, the emotions involved and coping sad or even stressed opens the door of communication and strategies. It is not necessary to discuss every situation with demonstrates to children that talking about their emotions is a children just as it is not necessary to avoid it. If conflict or sadness healthy way to wade through difficult times. are pervasive, consider seeking professional help. While it is not necessary to share specifics, letting children see that parents are As the mental health crisis grows, teaching children the value of seeking help demonstrates that this action is acceptable. accepting and expressing emotions in a safe environment prepares them for success and resiliency as they grow into the teenage While many parents are hesitant to let their children see them and adult years. If children never see the range of emotions cry, allowing them to witness parents experiencing emotions modeled in a healthy way that also demonstrates resolution, they makes them human. This models that a range of emotions is unconsciously learn to keep their emotions inside. healthy and the children are processing the best way to recover and rebound from a hard time. An open dialogue about emotions The same holds true for disagreements with others, whether and what you and they are feeling will prepare them for a lifetime it be a spousal argument or a disagreement with a friend or of identifying and addressing problems. Tough times for parents other family member. The children do not need to know or see are often teachable moments for children. every disagreement, but if they are in earshot during a marital

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73

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

Tweens and Social Media:

Tweens today face a whole new set of obstacles in the social landscape that did not exist when their parents were at that stage. With evolving technology, there are numerous benefits but also some causes for concern. How do parents help guide children through this?

Yay or Nay?

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

Asset Links

WHICH APPS ARE Most Popular?

Ghost Logo Click here to access the Ghost Logo assets.

SNAPCHAT

App Icon

TIKTOK

Snapchat is a program that allows You may have noticed your child doing Click here to access the App Icon asset. users to send photos, videos and choreographed dances when certain chats directly to other users who songs come on the radio and wondered they have added as a friend. These where they learned the moves. TikTok messages disappear immediately is an app where users upload videos up after viewing and can only be to 60 seconds. Videos can be created replayed one time. Users can also within the app or can be uploaded from add photos and videos to their outside sources. TikTok is popular story, which is viewable by all of with the younger crowd for learning their friends, but disappear in 24 dances but there is content of all topics hours. Because these messages available. Users under 13 cannot post disappear quickly, children may videos or comment and the content is have a false feeling of security edited to appeal to a younger audience. in the information they send.

Children ages 13 to 15 have private Receivers can screenshot messages accounts by default and only friends can but the sender is notified of any comment on videos posted. Ensuring screenshots. Snapchat contains that your child enters the correct an option to show your location to birthdate in the setup process can friends, a security feature that can shield some of the content and ability to S N A P C H AT be turned on or off. interact with others.

INSTAGRAM Instagram allows users to post photos or videos in a post that remains on their page permanently. Users may also post photo or video stories that expire after 24 hours unless a user saves the story for future reference.

Instagram accounts can be public, allowing any other user to follow them, or they may be set to private and other accounts that wish to follow them must be approved. What users see on their home page Instagram feed relies heavily on what topics and users they follow.

As a parent, how do I navigate this online social media landscape?

As a parent, the decision is yours as to what you think is appropriate for your child. A child’s age, maturity, social group and other factors will weigh into how you wish to address this topic. Tweens connect with each other through social media apps as well as interact with the larger world outside of the classroom.

Social media is where they hear the latest news, interact with their friends and expand their horizons. In many senses, social media has replaced television as a downtime activity.

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Because social media has become such a big part of tween life, children who do not have access to social media accounts may feel left out or ostracized by their peers. Whether intentionally or not, friends may discuss information they saw on social media or practice dances they found on TikTok. During COVID, more children gravitated towards social media as a way to stay connected to peers when they could not physically be together.

This is a habit that is likely to stick beyond pandemic times.

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of people see instances of cyberbullying on social media daily. (Statista)

How Can I Protect My Children?

Social media has been tagged as a platform for bullying.

Sometimes people feel bolder behind the safety of a screen than they would in a face to face interaction. This may cause them to make hurtful comments that they would never make in person.

If you decide to allow your children access to social media apps, there are some safeguards you can put in place to help create a positive interaction. Sit with your child as they set up accounts.

Know their passwords. Check privacy settings and ensure that all accounts are set to private. You may also have the child request your permission for accounts they wish to follow and permission to allow requests to follow them. Privacy settings may also remove the location finder. Have an open and honest discussion about the dangers of posting personal information such as name, location, where they live, or other personally identifying features.

Be open and honest about online predators to the extent of what is age appropriate. Reiterate that once something is posted online, it is always out there, even if it “disappears” after 24 hours. Discuss that they should not post anything that would be uncomfortable if a parent or principal saw it. Check accounts regularly for private messages, comments on posts, and anything else you want to see. One way to help monitor accounts is to set up your own accounts and connect with your child online. You may also wish to have them use the apps only in your presence.

Check in regularly with your child to look for bullying or other potentially harmful situations.

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c2c | teens { 1 4 -1 8 Y E A R S }

Teen Cha-Ching: Help Your Child Learn About Investing!

BY AMANDA ROLAND

Money talks and teens are listening! The stock market, investing, trading, shares — these are all terms floating around the minds of today’s teens. While these things all might seem a little confusing to even the most educated parents, there are many apps and other resources for teens and parents to use to learn all about investing!

First things first, you must be at least 18 years old to invest in the stock market in the United States without the help of a parent or legal guardian. However, it is never too early to start learning.

Helping your kids understand investing could set them apart as they become legal adults.

Parents can set up something called a custodial account through a broker to help their child invest under their name. The child will be able to access their account on their own once they become a legal adult. “[Your] parent will have to sign you up for a custodial account offered by an online broker,” according to TeenVestor.com. “You would own the assets in the custodial account, but your parent would control the investments in it (hopefully, with your help) until you are no longer a minor.”

TeenVestor.com is a very useful resource for teens and parents when it comes to learning about the stock market and investing.

Some of the most helpful resources are stock market simulators.

These are online “games” that simulate the real ebb, flow and thrill of investing in the stock market. This can be very helpful for your teen to learn all the different terms and rules regarding investing. TeenVestor.com has both a stock market simulator game and a stock certification course, not to mention countless articles with some really valuable information.

If you are looking for some apps for your teens to download, here are some that will help fuel their investing curiosity: ACORNS This popular microsavings app operates by rounding up every purchase you make and investing the extra cents for you. So, if your morning coffee costs $3.30, the app rounds the purchase up to $4 and invests the 70 cent difference. Again, for a minor to use the app to invest, you have to set up a custodial account through the “Acorns Early” product that is available under the Acorns family plan. “Making regular contributions over long periods

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of time can go a long way toward building lifelong wealth,” according to Acorns. You and your child can invest these extra cents together!

GREENLIGHT This company works more like a debit card for kids that is funded by the parents. However, the app can help teach valuable lessons about spending, saving and investing!

“Families on the Greenlight Max or Greenlight + Invest plans have access to our investing platform designed just for kids,” according to the company’s website. “Kids learn about the world of investing with their own Greenlight investor profiles while parents approve every trade. Families can research, buy and monitor real stocks and funds all from the Greenlight app.”

There is a monthly subscription fee, but there are no age limitations for those who can use the app! The entire family can get involved.

YNAB (YOU NEED A BUDGET) So, YNAB is not an investing app — it’s actually a budgeting app! It can help teach your child how to properly budget, spend and save their money so that when it is time to start investing, they have money of their own to invest! There is a monthly/yearly subscription fee, but it could really help bolster your child’s savings account before they reach adulthood. And the better your child is with their money, the more secure their finances will be when they start investing.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

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community | your community

A Ray of Light in the Darkness of Infant Loss

BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES

After seeing that little blue line on the pregnancy test, parents’ lives change forever. In the months that follow, expectant parents spend countless hours preparing and planning as well as daydreaming about the future with their child. While nobody can predict exactly what that looks like, most parents do not expect a tragedy that results in the loss of their loved one.

By the Spring of 2020, with the encouragement of friends and colleagues, Kelli started exploring the idea of creating her own care packages and began testing products for potential inclusion. As the ideas evolved, Kelli set a goal to officially open by October 2020 at the one year anniversary of losing Graham. While brainstorming ideas for a business name, Kelli wanted to include words that brought

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

light to a dark point in parents’ lives. She also wanted to continue to honor Graham and his memory. Thus, the name “Finding Fireflies: Gifts from Graham” became the title for the new business.

Finding Fireflies: Gifts from Graham is a non-profit organization that creates care packages for grieving families who have recently lost a child. Boxes contain items such as devotionals, books about infant loss, journals, mugs, tea and honey sticks, Forget Me Not flower seeds, candles, bath bombs, lotion, chapsticks, ornaments and remembrance jewelry. The company relies solely on donations to fund the boxes. Kelli and her team make stock boxes for the UF Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Labor and Delivery (L&D) units. The nurses and staff on these units offer the boxes at no charge to families who have experienced loss as part of bereavement support. Finding Fireflies also makes personalized boxes that can be shipped throughout the United States. When creating a personalized box, they may also include items specific for fathers or siblings to provide support and comfort for the entire family.

In the first seven months of operation, Finding Fireflies shipped 57 boxes to 22 states and created 56 boxes for the hospital. The response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. The care

Photos courtesy of Kelli Stewart

In October 2019, Kelli Stewart and her husband Dillon were pregnant with their second child when the unexpected happened.

Kelli, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, had a healthy first pregnancy and had no reason to think anything would be different the second time. In her position as a NICU nurse, she has witnessed other families who experienced difficulty in pregnancy and early infancy. Suddenly, at 21 weeks pregnant, Kelli developed symptoms that caused concern and she went to the hospital for evaluation. The doctors told her there was nothing that could be done to change the outcome. Kelli delivered her son, Graham, and Kelli and Dillon were able to spend a few precious hours with him before he passed. In the weeks that followed Graham’s loss, Kelli received a care package from a non-profit agency with items to lift her spirits, along with a note from another mother who had also lost a child. This package touched Kelli and the impact lingered with her for months.

community | your community

In the first seven months of operation, Finding Fireflies shipped 57 boxes to 22 states and created 56 boxes for the hospital.

FINDING FIREFLIES: Gifts from Graham

Photos courtesy of Kelli Stewart

Boxes contain items such as: packages bring comfort to those in the acute phase of grief and provide a sense of community with other parents who have experienced similar loss.

Kelli has received feedback from recipients such as, “Sometimes I don’t feel like a mother because of how short my child’s life was.” These gifts provide validation and a tender embrace.

Thus far, Finding Fireflies is operating solely on private donations but they are looking to connect with companies for additional sponsorships. They are also making connections with other hospitals to offer the packages to grieving families in other locations. Word of mouth has helped share the importance of these boxes with others. The value of each box ranges from approximately $60-$100. The packages are not available for purchase in the standard sense. For a family to receive a box, friends or family can nominate a grieving parent on the website to receive a package at no cost. If the person nominating wishes to do so, they may provide a donation on the website to help with the cost of the package. Any individual or business may also donate to help provide comfort to grieving families.

Kelli Stewart is a hometown hero. Besides caring for babies in the NICU, she found the strength within to turn her loss into a positive experience for others going through tough times. She honors her son daily and finds purpose in his life as together they help bring light and joy to others.

Devotionals Books about infant loss Journals Mugs Tea and honey sticks Forget Me Not flower seeds Candles Bath bombs Lotion Chapsticks Ornaments Remembrance jewelry To learn more or to donate, visit the website at

Findingfirefliesgfg.squarespace.com

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community | calendar

june | july FRIDAY, JUNE 4 - SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Coon Hollo Sunflower Festival Friday 5 - 7 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. $7 Coonhollo.com FRIDAY, JUNE 4

Stay and Play 2.0 Sun Country Sports Center 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 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 in the Star Gym. They can also take advantage of the activities and obstacle course in the SunBurst room. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. It also includes a KidZone exploration play structure.

This event repeats every Friday.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Walk

Ninja Jam

10 a.m. – Noon Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org Take your family out for a guided tour of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ 24 major collections. This tour is $8 for adults and $4 for children (1-13).

This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Carnival Classic Balance 180 Gym 5 - 8 p.m.

Balance180.org Join in for an evening of carnival games, performances, activities and gymnastics!

Registration is $20 and includes a t-shirt and 5 raffle tickets!

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Stay and Play 2.0 Sun Country Sports Center 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. 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 in the Star Gym. They can also take advantage of the activities and obstacle course in the SunBurst room. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. It also includes a KidZone exploration play structure.

This event repeats every Saturday.

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

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2021

Sun Country Sports Center 12:15 - 1:10 p.m. suncountrysports.com Learn the ways of the Ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up. (West Location Only).

This event repeats every Saturday.

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Kids Day Out Sun Country Sports Center 1 – 3 p.m. suncountrysports.com Let Sun Country be your babysitter for a couple of hours and enjoy some “me-time!” Our expansive multipurpose facility allows kids ages 3 and up to let out some energy in a safe environment while you run errands, or just relax!

(West location only).

SATURDAY, JUNE 5

Little Sparks (0-5 years old) Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. cademuseum.org Little Sparks is a fun and interactive program that introduces littles (ages 0-5) to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, story time and more. Each child will receive a personal Little Sparks kit with all of their own supplies, that extends the fun and learning at home.

This event repeats every Saturday.

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community | calendar SATURDAY, JUNE 11- SUNDAY JUNE 12

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Reeling for Kids Saltwater Challenge Steinhatchee, Florida reelingforkids.com The Reeling for Kids Saltwater Challenge was founded in 2003 by Doug Johnson and several volunteers, in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County.

SUNDAY, JUNE 6

Little Sparks (0-5 years old) Story Time Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention 12:15 - 12:50 p.m. cademuseum.org The Cade educators bring to life stories that are both fun and educational for children between 0-5 years old.

This event repeats every Sunday.

THURSDAY, JUNE 10 - SUNDAY, JUNE 27

Gainesville Community Playhouse Presents The Odd Couple Vam York Theater Showtimes vary Tickets: $23 Senior Tickets $19 Student Tickets $12 gcplayhouse.org Leave the kiddos at home and plan a date night to watch this classic comedy organized by Gainesville Community Playhouse.

SUNDAY, JUNE 20

First Day of Summer

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens Annual Summer Daze Car Show Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Spectator Admission: $12.00 for Adults $7.00 for Children 6 to 13 years of age Children 5 and under FREE! cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com

Father's Day

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

IndepenDANCE Studio Presents: iDANCEfest- First Annual Outdoor Dance Experience!

Heartwood Sound Stage 1 – 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12 independancestudio.com

Stay and Play 2.0 Sun Country Sports Center 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 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 in the Star Gym. They can also take advantage of the activities and obstacle course in the SunBurst room. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. It also includes a KidZone exploration play structure.

This event repeats every Friday.

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Walk 10 a.m. – Noon Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org Take your family out for a guided tour of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ 24 major collections. This tour is $8 for adults and $4 for children (1-13).

This event repeats on the first Saturday of every month.

SATURDAY, JULY 3

Sun Country Sports Center 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. 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 in the Star Gym. They can also take advantage of the activities and obstacle course in the SunBurst room. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. It also includes a KidZone exploration play structure.

This event repeats every Saturday.

Come spend the day with us! There will be food trucks, local vendors, activites and dance!

The event is outside and will be safe and socially distanced.

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Kids Day Out Sun Country Sports Center 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. suncountrysports.com Let Sun Country be your babysitter for a couple of hours and enjoy some “me-time!” Our expansive multipurpose facility allows kids ages 3 and up to let out some energy in a safe environment while you run errands, or just relax! (West location only).

SATURDAY, JULY 3

FRIDAY, JULY 2

Stay and Play 2.0 SUNDAY, JUNE 20

SATURDAY, JULY 3

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SUNDAY, JULY 4

Independence Day

Little Sparks (0-5 years old) Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. cademuseum.org Little Sparks is a fun and interactive program that introduces littles (ages 0-5) to science concepts through music, dancing, crafting, story time and more. Each child will receive a personal Little Sparks kit with all of their own supplies, that extends the fun and learning at home.

This event repeats every Saturday.

SUNDAY, JULY 4

FREE admission for Veterans for Independence Day Florida Museum of Natural history 1 - 4:30 p.m. floridamuseum.ufl.edu On Independence Day, veterans will receive a free value admission to the Butterfly Rainforest and Survival of the Slowest exhibits. Valid forms of identification for veterans include a military ID, DD Form 214, VA card or driver’s license with a blue “V” in the bottom right corner. Veterans receive a 10% discount on all ticket prices year-round.

SATURDAY, JULY 10

Florida Discovery Camp: Water Florida Museum of Natural history 9 - 11 a.m. floridamuseum.ufl.edu/visit Explore the natural world with scientists and Museum staff in this outdoor experience for the whole family. Camps are designed for children grades K-6 and their family. Register by July 8.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

Florida Discovery Camp: Insects Florida Museum of Natural history 9 - 11 a.m. floridamuseum.ufl.edu/visit Explore the natural world with scientists and Museum staff in this outdoor experience for the whole family. Camps are designed for children grades K-6 and their family. Register by July 22.

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