17 minute read
Gifts for the Student on the Go
For the Person Who is Always on the Go
Never be Stranded The Shell 12,000mAH
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This Jump Starter and Charger is capable of jump-starting dead batteries on most vehicles. It works with cars, trucks, motorbikes, ATVs, lawnmowers, and boats. As an added bonus, this jump starter can be used as a portable mobile device charger, LED flashlight, and lighting signal for emergencies; it’s a handy gadget you should have in your car. Also available in 16,000mAH and 24,000mAH to power larger engines. $89.99 and up.
Purify Personal Air Space
The PureAir Personal is a sleek, quiet wearable air purifier that creates a personal 3 feet clean air zone- reducing your exposure to dust and other allergens- so you can breathe clean air on the go. The rechargeable battery will last more than 24 hours per charge, $149.
Ultra-portable
Waterproof Speaker
The JBL Clip 4 is an ultra-portable and ultra-rugged Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly big sound for such a small size. The durable and fully integrated carabiner clips to your clothes, backpack or workout station. It’s also completely waterproof and dustproof and comes in a wide variety of colors, with 10 total hours of playtime. $69.95
Bold Sounds for Every Adventure
Flip 5 amplifies JBL Signature Sound and delivers crisp highs and deep bass. The JBL Flip 5 sports a waterproof, compact design that easily fits in any suitcase for mountaintop soirees, beach excursions or wherever adventure takes you. Boasting 12 hours of playtime and a new USB-C charging port, the Flip 5 is equipped with stronger battery support than ever before. $119.95
Sleek Transport for Electronics
Fleece lined compartments for your Macbook, Chromebook, thin laptops, tablets and smartphone keep devices organized and protected against scratches. The
Kensington Triple Trek™ Ultrabook™ Optimized Backpack provides compact design with enough storage for what you really need. $49.99
Adjustable Comfort
Combine the ergonomic benefits of raising your screen height with the technological benefits of increased air circulation for your laptop with the Kensington’s Easy Riser Adjustable 17” Laptop Riser. The sleek 2-in-1 design is height and angle adjustable to improve posture, promote proper eye alignment and support neck and shoulder comfort while keeping the laptop’s internal components cool. $29.99
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Ideas for Fall Theme Walks to ExploreYour Neighborhood
By Katy M. Clark
Fall is the perfect time of year to get outside. And what better way to experience all the season has to offer than by taking a walk? Walking is fun and easy, plus it provides a boost to your physical and mental health. Going on a walk with your kids lets them notice new things and meet new people along the way.
1SENSORY WALK On this walk, have your child focus on their senses. Ask your child what colors they see. Touch the leaves that have fallen. Smell the air and ask if it smells different than in the summer. Listen to the birds or squirrels. Don’t forget to taste fall, too, by sampling apples or cider when you get home.
2SCAVENGER HUNT There are many printable scavenger hunts available online or you can get creative and make your own. Have your kids look for distinctly autumnal items like fallen leaves, acorns, or pumpkins. Once they find an item, have them check it off their list. Most kids love carrying the list on a clipboard, too. It’s very official!
3TALK THE WALK Use descriptive words to engage your child in talking about fall. Ask them why they like this season. Then tell them why you like it. For example, “I like fall because the colors of the leaves are red, orange, and yellow.” I used to tell my kids that I liked fall because the weather is cooler and it feels good to wear sweaters.
4BIRD WATCHING WALK Does fall bring the arrival or departure of different kinds of birds in your area? Talk about the birds you saw this summer and imagine where they live now. Notice which birds fly in V-shaped formations as they prepare to head south. Keep track of how many different birds you see on a walk in a field journal.
5ART WALK The object of an art walk is to collect as many items related to fall as you can, such as leaves, sticks, and acorns. Then take them home and create! You can glue twigs and leaves together to make forest creatures or try your hand at making leaf prints. One of the easiest projects my children enjoyed when they were younger was sticking fallen leaves of all colors, shapes and sizes onto contact paper.
6NIGHTTIME WALK Just because the days are get-
ting shorter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside when it gets dark. On your nighttime walk, see if you can find Dedicated to finding you the constellations like the Big Dipper. Watch for the blinking perfect nanny! lights of planes as they cross the sky. Take flashlights or headlamps and look for critters in your neighborhood. Servicing the entire East Bay for over 20 years! 7BUDDY WALK Sometimes all that is needed to make a walk more No fee unless nanny is placed! exciting is a friend. Invite one or two buddies to traverse the neighborhood with you or pick a new location for your walk. Simply traveling through a novel area can be – Full and part time – permanent nanny placement an exciting change of pace for most kids. Go for a walk – All candiates –around the block or take a friend on any of the eight personally screened walks here. Phone 925.743.0587 8 SCIENCE WALK Gather leaves that have fallen from trees as well www.nannyconnection.com as those from plants. Ask how the leaves are different. Is one kind changing color but the other is not? Look for BEST OF Parents Press 2021 2021 ’
WINNER
any black spots on leaves and talk about decay. Notice the evergreen trees in your area and discuss why they do not change color. For extra credit, bring home leaves and press them between sheets of newspaper weighed down by books for a few days. This will preserve their shape and color without the leaves curling and drying out. Y Katy M. Clark is a writer whose work has appeared in national and regional parenting magazines. She blogs at ExperiencedBadMom.com. Ballet is Back!
Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. July 2014 Issue over. Even diapering can be “quality time” Even better, Moms can encourage (even for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.
As new parents you need to be very Fortunately, nature designed babies to aware of each other’s needs right now. rapidly move through this period of comMothers are often so overwhelmed with plete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby caring for a new baby that they don’t have will become a delightfully social being. By much energy left for the couple relation- the time you read this, she will be smiling ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get and flirting as she discovers that there is to enjoy the baby as much and may feel de- more to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just see- www.parentspress.comlike with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll no wonder thatboth parents can wind up all emerge intact.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 Specializing in the care of: www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections
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caring for a new baby that they don’t have much energy 2 Online Polls • VOTE Today!left for the couple relationship. ounces of warm water.The slightly sweet water is more appealing than plain but can meet other fathers for discussions, activities or a hike through local resources WIN Prizes! won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. her next meal. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com).
Bath time can also be fun, if your baby If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed likes the water. Most babies like a little or stressed out, the extra support of a massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that Deadline is APRIL 19 “quiet alert” stage for the best experience dads feel the baby blues just like moms, for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will and dads can also experience postpartum Results Revealed in often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even 2014 July 2014 Issue for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to push) dads to use these resources to get her while he is cleaning and changing her. together with other dads in real life.
As new parents you need to be very Fortunately, nature designed babies to aware of each other’s needs right now. rapidly move through this period of comMothers are often so overwhelmed with plete dependency on mom. Soon, your baby caring for a new baby that they don’t have will become a delightfully social being. By much energy left for the couple relation- the time you read this, she will be smiling ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get and flirting as she discovers that there is to enjoy the baby as much and may feel de- more to life than a good meal and a nap. In prived of both their mate and their expectations of what fatherhood would be like. No one can imagine what daily life will be fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll be so delighted to see her dad that you’ll see her get excited and animated just see- www.parentspress.comlike with a new baby. Of course, no one has ing his face. So be patient, support each the time or energy to talk about this, so it’s other through this difficult time, and you’ll no wonder thatboth parents can wind up all emerge intact.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 Specializing in the care of: www.alamedadentist.com Ear Infections
Sinus Infections Tonsillitis Snoring
ThesedocTorsareamong thebestfamilydentistsand ortohodontists inThe Bay area PINOLE Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way,Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com
You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding You may be eligible for no-cost nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods!support, community referrals, and EBT to buy healthy foods!
Working families may be eligible for WIC! Working families may be eligible for WIC! We are providing services over the phone during COVID-19, call 510-981-5360
For more information and to For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: see if you qualify, contact:City of Berkeley WIC Program City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave 830 University AveBerkeley, CA 94710 Berkeley, CA 94710 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. Do you need help with health care? Do you need care while you are pregnant? Please call Berkeley Public Health at 510-981-5300. (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider. We can help with community programs for low and middle income families. We can help with programs for low and middle income families. (Medi-Cal, Healthy (Medi-Cal and CHDP) Families, CHDP and other community programs) This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Berkeley
City Ballet PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11 berkeleycityballet.orgPP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11 Our staff is fully vaxxed 2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609 2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609
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A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you? A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens
Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? • Is your teen no longer listening to you?Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same
Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked?situation?
Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. situation? Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a
This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times.Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com
For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting Cindy Rasicot, MFT | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463
For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting Cindy Rasicot, MFT | cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463 March 2014 | East Bay | Parents’ Press 11
March 2014 | East Bay | Parents’ Press 11 2/25/14 11:27 AM
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A Sensory Sensitive Halloween
By Sarah Lyons
Costumes, Halloween parties with sugary treats, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations are fun and exciting for most kids, but for a child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Halloween celebrations can be very overwhelming. A child with SPD has trouble processing input from any of the five senses in a normal way—what is background music to others may be loud and distracting to a kid with SPD, costumes may feel too itchy, make-up may feel sticky, and masks may have a strong scent or may be too restricting for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder.
As a mom of a child with SPD, I have learned first hand how challenging Halloween can be. My daughter struggles daily to find clothes that are comfortable and are not too distracting. Typically, if we find a pair of pants she likes, I buy as many pairs as we can find. Loud noises or new situations can also be very stressful for her. She has the desire to be part of the fun on Halloween, but as the day approaches the pressure is too much, the costume is uncomfortable, and walking around in the dark knocking on strangers’ doors is scary. I end up frustrated and she ends up disappointed. This year we are taking a different approach to the holiday and I hope these tips help other families dealing with SPD enjoy Halloween too. Prepare your child
Prior to Halloween, talk about how you will celebrate the day. Discuss what situations may be challenging and talk about what will help them feel more comfortable. If going door to door trick-or-treating is scary, do a practice run. Ask neighbors, friends, or family if your child can practice knocking on their door before the day of Halloween so they know what to expect. Try on the costume and make any adjustments needed so that they can feel as comfortable as possible. Costumes
Costumes are usually a huge challenge for the child with SPD but luckily there are a lot of options. My daughter prefers to wear her favorite clothes and paint her face. This is what makes her feel comfortable. Other kids may like wearing their favorite pajamas or other soft clothing under a costume so they cannot feel the itchy fabric on their skin. If your child does not want to dress up at all, try letting them ride in a wagon and decorating the wagon like a car so that they can be part of the fun without having to actually dress up. Other simple ideas may be - using a prop, wearing a silly T-shirt, or incorporating tools, such as noise cancelling headphones, into your child’s costume. Never make your child feel that they are odd because they don’t like to dress up or go trick-ortreating. Plan ahead
Try to be flexible and prepare a backup plan, just in case things do not go as planned. My daughter was very excited about Halloween and even wore her costume to school, but when the time came to go trick-ortreating with her siblings, she was overwhelmed. It is okay if your child decides to stay home and hand out candy, needs to take a break during trick-or-treating, or wants to head home early. Parents may also look for alternative activities that are just as fun. Many communities or churches offer fall parties that are not scary, are offered during the day, and where costumes are optional.
Halloween can be fun for everyone if families work together to find a way to celebrate that works for all of them. It is understandable that these traditions do not always sound appealing or make sense to kids that have SPD. Consider coming up with your own Halloween traditions such as painting pumpkins, baking treats, or going to dinner or a movie. With a little extra effort, planning, practice and flexibility, Halloween can be something your whole family enjoys. Y
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including triplets. She has been published in over 160 parenting publications and is a regular contributor to Parents’ Press.
