Parents Press May 2021

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May 2021

In Appreciation of Motherhood This Mother’s Day, take notice of the hard work moms do every day.

BRAIN GAINS 7 Foods to Boost Kids’ Academic Performance

Summer Camp Programs Your Child’s Best Summer Ever Starts Here! Pg. 17

PS CAMPUS

PS HOME

At Prospect Sierra, whether on campus or at home and caring people who strive to build a bette

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Parents Press | May 2021

Bay Area Green Business - NAIS Model School of the Future - Ashoka C

PS JOY

e, we help your children become successful students er world. At the heart of everything we do is joy.

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Changemaker School - US Department of Education Green Ribbon School

Parents’ Press

2020

BEST OF

WINNER 3 May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

Contents

www.parentspress.com

MAY 2021

24

NOW OPEN

17

Summer

Camp Programs WHAT’S INSIDE 8 Good to Know • • •

2021 Bay Area Summer Camp Guide Camp & Summer Virtual Expo How to Help Your Child During Stressful Times

12 New Media: Not to Miss

The Mighty Ducks, BIG Shot and Last Kids on Earth Graphic Novel

14 Product Roundup

Just for Mom and Get Ready for Summer

Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 www.ParentsPress.com 4

Parents Press | May 2021

28 How Motherhood Made Me Appreciate My Mom

A Mother’s Work is Never Done

32 Brain Gains

7 Foods to Boost Kids’ Academic Performance

34 Memorial Day

4 Ways to Celebrate with Kids

COVER PHOTO BY: VIVEK KUMAR, UNSPLASH.COM

Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc. Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area.

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Volume 40 • Number 7

2021 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Coming In May June

e h t e v Sa e Dat

Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

Thank You to our Sponsors:

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Summer

An Innovative Summer Program for M

IN-PERSON & ONLINE

JUNE 14 THRO

DETAILS & REG

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Parents Press | May 2021

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Good to Know 2021 BAY AREA

Summer Camp Guide T

he 2021 digital edition of the Bay Area Camp Guide features helpful articles on picking the right camp, specialty programs, preparing for camp and more. Read it on ParentsPress.com­— just click on the Magazine tab then on the image of the Bay Area Camp Guide.

$205

According to a National Retail Federation’s annual survey, the average consumer will spend $205 on their mama this Mother’s Day for gifts and celebrations. Categories like electronics, housewares, gardening tools and books saw a significant boost this year as more consumers are interested in giving these items as gifts. But we mamas all know that nothing is better than sweet hugs, burnt toast in bed and a kid-made craft to celebrate.

Camp & Summer Virtual Expo Join

Us!

May & June Register Online CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAM VIRTUAL EXPO 2021

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP FAIR

P

arents’ Press has redesigned the Summer Camp Fair into a Camp Expo Flip Book complete with information and video for over 75 camp and summer programs. Information in the flip book is sorted to fit your needs. Register today to receive the next Camp Expo Flip Book on May 15.

https://parentspress.com/summercamp-fair.html

Sun Smarts

Woo-hoo! Warm weather is here! More outside time, more playing, more fun! Just make sure you and your family are slathered in sunscreen. Remember, even on cool or hazy days, SPF is a must. The sun can affect your skin no matter the weather, so be sun safe. If you are going to the beach search up sunscreens that protect our oceans while still protecting you and your brood.

May the Fourth be With You May 4th is National Star Wars Day. National Star Wars Day was first organized in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema in 2011. Festivities included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show, a costume contest, and the web’s best tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes on the big screen. May 4th was chosen because of the play on words.

Thousands of Star Wars enthusiasts celebrate this day each year with parties and celebrations around the nation. Wear your Wookie costume or bring your lightsaber. Then prepare for warp speed. Wherever you go, may the fourth be with you.

Oh, and be sure to watch some Star Wars films or play some trivia and make some outer space snacks to enjoy, too.

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Parents Press | May 2021

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510.865.2900 • www.AlamedaDentist.com 1821 Santa Clara Avenue • Alameda May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Good to Know How To Help Your Child During Isolation Stefanie Hartman, MSN, RN, CPNP Brain Injury Center/Trauma Center Nurse Practitioner

A

lthough many children across the state are back to school, illnesses still happen and it is more important than ever to keep sick children home.

When that happens, it can be tough to isolate your child or quarantine your entire family. While you are waiting on test results or if a family member has tested positive, there are many things you can do to help the whole family get through this difficult time.

Keep a normal sleep schedule. Most children do much better when they have a routine and know what to expect. Allowing a child, that feels ill or tired due to illness, time to nap is important, but keep the schedule otherwise consistent. Don’t start the habit of allowing the family to stay up much later or sleepin hours past their usual wake up time, as it can make it difficult to return to regular school and life schedules when everyone is feeling better.

Try to get work or school done earlier in the day.

If children are continuing to keep up with their studies, or your job requires you to get some work in, try to get that done early in the day before everyone is tired.

Create a list of fun rewards to do together! Help your child create and then choose a fun activity to do later in the day if all their work is done. Try building blanket forts, or have a dance party. Play a favorite board game or pick a new movie to cuddle up on the couch and watch.

If your child is older and needs to isolate in alone, the effects of not seeing others can make this difficult. Use technology to your advantage! If you have multiple Alexa devices, teach your child how to “drop in” to another device to let you know if they need something. Use Facetime so your child can “eat with the family” and feel less alone.

Lastly, accept help. If friends or family offer to pick up groceries, say yes. If they drop off dinner, accept graciously. These are difficulty times we are living through, and the support and connection of people close to us makes all the difference. From that same perspective, if your family or friends are in isolation, send them meals. Put together a basket of fun things for the kids to do, or even special treats. Friendship is about being able to pull together during stressful times.

Let’s Grill!

I

f you’re salivating at the very thought of the approaching barbecue season, know that you are most certainly not alone. The most popular holiday for barbecuing in the United States is the Fourth of July, followed by Memorial Day (we’re counting the days) and, of course, Labor Day. Now go make sure you’re stocked up on charcoal, wood pellets or propane and get those grills cleaned in preparation.

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Parents Press | May 2021

Spanish Summer Camps for Pre-K and Elementary students

Discover our Spanish Classes for all levels too!

Online / In-person (Lafayette and San Rafael)

Get more info! info@vivaelespanol.org

www.vivaelespanol.org

925-962-9177

Berkeley City Ballet berkeleycityballet.org

In-studio & Online

Summer Ballet Camps & Classes Pre Ballet - Pre Professional Ages 4 & Up New! July 12-23

Oakland Ballet Summer Intensive at ABA More info: AlamedaBallet.com | admin@alamedaballet.com Dedicated to finding you the perfect nanny!

Servicing the entire East Bay for over 20 years!

No fee unless nanny is placed!

Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

– Full and part time – permanent nanny placement – All candiates – personally screened

Phone 925.743.0587 www.nannyconnection.com

photo : andy mogg

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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NEW MEDIA THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS

s s i M Not to

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ast month, nearly 30 years after first taking flight, “The Mighty Ducks” returns to the ice in a brand new series on Disney+, “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. Lauren Graham appears as the mother of Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) to set up a team of misfits. Emilio Estevez returns as Gordan Bombay who leads the Ducks in the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of youth sports today to rediscover the joys of playing just for the love of the game.

DISNEY+’S BIG SHOT

LAST KIDS ON EARTH GRAPHIC NOVEL

T

his spring comes an exciting new addition to the worldwide phenomenon The Last Kids on Earth franchise: a full color graphic novel! THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH: THRILLING TALES FROM THE TREE HOUSE by New York Times bestselling author Max Brallier features six brand new Last Kids short stories featuring art by Anoosha Syed, Xavier Bonet, Lorena Alvarez, Jay Cooper, Christopher Mitten and The Last Kids on Earth series illustrator Douglas Holgate!

This is a monster blockbuster franchise with over 5 million books in print and now, a full-color graphic novel to add to the collection! The Last Kids on Earth is an Netflix Original Series with 3 seasons and more in the works, featuring voice talents of Nick Wolfhard, Mark Hamill, Catherine O’Hara, Bruce Campbell, Rosario Dawson and more! JAKKS Pacific and Atomic Cartoons created a line of toys with major retail distribution including Target, Walmart, Books-A-Million and Amazon! And later this spring, “The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom” is coming to video game consoles everywhere!

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Parents Press | May 2021

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISNEY.COM

C

heck out Disney+ new series BIG Shot starring John Stamos. After getting ousted from the NCAA, a men’s basketball coach is given a chance for redemption with a coaching position at an elite private high school. He soon learns that the teenage players require empathy and vulnerability — foreign concepts for the stoic Coach Korn (John Stamos). By learning how to connect with his players, Marvyn starts to grow into the person he’s always hoped to be. The girls learn to take themselves more seriously, finding their footing both on and off the court.

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Product Roundup

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

JUST FOR MOM

Take the stress out of grocery store trips with this highchair tray for your shopping cart. With safety features built in and optional phone holder accessory to secure your phone for your child’s favorite shows and apps. $39.95, ages 1-4, www.buggiehuggie.com

THE PARENT’S HOODIE A sweatshirt for 3 stages — pregnancy, with baby and post baby.

This unique hoodie can also be worn by dad as a babycarrier and hoodie.

No insert needed, featuring integrated and adjustable extension with invisible zip and integrated wrapover. $99, www.love-radius. com

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Parents Press | May 2021

CLEA BAMBOO LONG SLEEVE CLASSIC PAJAMA SET This unbelievably soft set is made of premium bamboo fabric and can be worn from pregnancy through breastfeeding and beyond.$69.99, www.kindredbravely.com

PIPER RECLINER AND SWIVEL GLIDER Sleek, stylish and comfortable. Featuring smooth and gentle 360 degree swivel motion and forward and backward gliding. Free of chemical flame retardants and GreenGuard Gold Certified. $329, www.davincibaby.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: INKED FINGERS; KINDRED BRAVELY; DA VINCI BABY; LOVE RADIUS

BUGGIE HUGGIE™ SHOPPING CART TRAY

Product Roundup GET READY FOR SUMMER SKIM TO THE PIN A fun water game set featuring a floating target and 2 polyurethane discs with a comfortable thumb grip and rocker bottom that skips, skims, slides and jumps across any water surface. $39.99, ages 3+, www.waterlinetoys.com

MAKER CAMP Create with your kids with 20 classic and inventive projects. From soap carving and knot tying to building toy cars and junk robots, this book links techniques of the past with the present while offering the fun of making things with your own hands. $19.95, ages 3+, www.roostbooks.com

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE:ROOST BOOKS; WATERLINE TOYS; LIT LEAGUE; VTECHKIDS; GOBBLER

JUNIOR FOLDABLE FANTASY SCOOTER A 3-wheel scooter just for toddlers.

Features a folding system with a pushbutton, a wider deck in a range of fun colors and patterns with an adjustable T-bar to best suit growing toddlers. $79.99, ages 2-5, www.globber.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

LIT LEAGUE A subscription-based book club for kids. Each box includes a book, a vocabulary bookmark, 4-5 fun-filled activities, discussion questions and answers, and the tools to enjoy a shared family experience or to participate in a book club with friends. $30.99-$36.99, ages 3-12, www.litleagueboxes.com

GO! GO! CORY CARSON TWO SCOOPS EILEEN ICE CREAM TRUCK Pick your favorite treat with lights, sounds and songs from the show. Great for hours of role play fun. $19.99, ages 2+, www.vtechkids.com

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Parents Press | May 2021

Summer Camp Programs Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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ALAMEDA BALLET ACADEMY’S SUMMER INTENSIVE AND THEME CAMPS! (ALAMEDA)

AUTHORS OF THE FUTURE! SUMMER WRITING CAMPS (PALO ALTO AND PLEASANTON)

CAMP DOODLES (BERKELEY, ORINDA, MILL VALLEY AND SAN FRANCISCO)

510-841-8913 Age or Grade Range: Minimum Age: 4 ABA’s Summer Intermediate Intensive Camp for Dancers 10+ Years and Ballet Theme Camps for Dancers 4-12 Years. https://www.alamedaballet.com/

925-485-5750 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13 Every summer, Emerson Montessori Schools of Pleasanton and Palo Alto open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camplike setting to outside students who want to share in the summer learning adventures. https://emersonmontessori.com/ programs/summer-writing-campwritenow/

415-388-4386 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 Camp Doodles offers a projectbased, hands-on camp environment.

Our philosophy emphasizes fun in maker and art labs designed to encourage creativity, coupled with ample outdoor time! http://www.campdoodles.com/

ATHENA CAMPS | GIRL-POWERED CAMPS (SAN JOSE) 408-490-4972 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-8 Athena Camps’ mission is to inspire courage and build confidence in girls through a unique combination of athletic, creative, emotional, and social activities in a nurturing community.

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Parents Press | May 2021

BERKELEY CITY BALLET SUMMER DANCE CAMPS (BERKELEY) 510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-8 Weekly Dance Camps from 9am-3pm culminating in performance! https://berkeleycityballet.org/classesand-more/classes/dance-camps

CAMP EDMO (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) (618) 623-9157 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-13 For kids entering Pre-K to 8th grade. 30 plus Bay Area & Greater Sacramento locations. Join us for a summer filled with Science, Technology, Maker and Art with a Social Emotional Learning Twist. https://edmo.org//

Performance & Recording Summer Camps Offering Remote and In-Person Options sanramon.schoolofrock.com

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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CAMP GALILEO (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 800-854-3684 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10 REDISCOVER SUMMER. GET OUTSIDE WITH GALILEO. At Camp Galileo, pre-K – 8th graders tackle hands-on art and science challenges that ignite their inner innovator and boost their creative confidence—all in COVID-safe cohorts that spend 75% of the day outdoors. https://galileo-camps.com/our-camps/ summer-camp-galileo/

CAMP GRIGIO - SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM (SAN FRANCISCO) 415-518-2400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-8 To ensure safety for staff members, campers, and their families, we will be following guidelines from both SF County and CA State Department of Health. Camp Grigio is currently offering three 3-week sessions. http://www.salesianclub.org/

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Parents Press | May 2021

CITY OF EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP (EL CERRITO) 510-559-8208 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12 Non-competitive co-ed since 1993.

Sports & Games Camp, Soccer Camp & Baseball Camp @ Cerrito Vista Pk. Swimming, play structure, Foosball. dodgeball. Frisbee, basketball, water balloons. 3 canopies w/ tables & chairs, chess & much more.. http://www.elcerritosportscamp.com/

CODEREV KIDS TECH CAMPS (CUPERTINO, MOUNTAIN VIEW & SAN FRANCISCO) 415-658-5915 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-16 Check out the hottest tech camp for kids, now with 2 amazing locations in San Francisco (Sunnyside & Outer Sunset), one in the heart of Mountain View, and one in Cupertino. http://coderevkids.com/camps

EDEN VILLAGE WEST (HEALDSBURG, CA) (510) 560-5610 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-16 Eden Village West is the Jewish organic farm camp situated along the Russian River in Sonoma, CA. https://www.edenvillagewest.org/

FAD PAD (OAKLAND) (510) 219-3474 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12 The FAD PAD is a magical outdoor camp offering a wide variety of FUN! Art, Cooking, Gardening, Fairy Lore, Drama, Cooperative Games, Hand Sewing and Starwitz. http://www.mehstories.com/

FIELDGUIDES SUMMER BACKPACKING (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) (650) 969-6325 Age or Grade Range: Ages 12-17 15-day backpacking trips for youth ages 12-17 in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The trips travel

Youth Camp is Back!

June 21–25, 2021 June 28–July 2, 2021

Your child will love all the fun-filled traditions of overnight CAMP! Campers will enjoy Canoeing, Crawdad Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Volleyball, Swimming, Beach Fun at Lake Tahoe, Skits, Arts & Crafts,

Tye Dying Shirts, and Campfires with S’mores. Roundtrip bus transportation from Concord to South Lake Tahoe included. Strict policies around Covid-19 will be in place and camp will be at 50% capacity.

Ages: 8–13 (at the time of camp) Returning Camp Registration Opens March 9, 2021 New Camper Registration Opens March 16, 2021

Space is limited to 50 campers each session. To register: FriendsOfCampConcord.org/Youth-Camp or contact us at: YouthCamp@FriendsOfCampConcord.org May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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4-7 miles a day, and are an ideal entry into the area’s pristine high-altitude lakes, unique limestone pinnacles and caves, and rich conifer forests, home to a number of endemic species.

Trips in these unique wilderness areas with our experienced guides encourage participants to challenge themselves, build long lasting friendships, and create connections with the outdoors that will help them gain a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of the world they live in. For 16-17 year olds we are also offering a wilderness leadership training (CIT) program designed to increase leadership and outdoor living skills. https://www.fieldguides.org/summerprograms.html

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (NOVATO) 415-897-2510 Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-5 We will hold camp Monday-Friday with various hourly options from June 21st to August 6th. During summer camp, we offer play-based activities centered on a weekly theme; we also offer special events like a bubble show or jump house. http://www.gslsnovato.org/

ID TECH THE #1 STEM CAMP (CAMPBELL) 408-871-3700 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-19 iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni and 20+ years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and UCLA

INTEGEM AUGMENTED REALITY CODING & ART CAMP (MULTIPLE CITIES) (408) 459-0657 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18 Fun and Educational Camp! K-12 students learn Augmented Reality coding, digital art, game design, animation, 3D, storytelling, STEM/ STEAM, design thinking and more.

Beginner to Advanced levels with personalized curriculum. https://camp.integem.com/

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Parents Press | May 2021

KIDZTOPROS SUMMER CAMPS (MULTIPLE CITIES)

RIPE FRUIT WRITING (SAN FRANCISCO AND VIRTUAL)

(510) 356-8726 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-14 Explore, learn and thrive at KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps for kids ages 4 to 14! From coding and robotics to digital arts, film studio, basketball, tennis and more, KidzToPros will help ignite your child’s creativity and passions. https://www.kidztopros.com/summercamps

(415) 337-4369 Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-17 Awarded Best of Teen Summer Programs by Parents Press in 2015, these camps are both for teens who love writing and for those who find it challenging. Here, students learn tools to become stronger, more original writers and are encouraged to trust their own unique voice. They gain both confidence and competence and get excited about language itself! Here, in this supportive environment, the imagination is honored and each student is honored and respected.

The camps are both inspirational and fun! Offered on zoom with in-person options. The teacher has taught creative writing for over 25 years, including with Poets-inthe Schools, and is a nationally awarded fiction writer. http://www.ripefruitwriting.com/ classes/teen-writing-camps/

LEARNING PLUS ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) (408) 377-4114 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13 Learning Plus Tutoring uses our award-winning programs to help students catch up on academics, get ahead, increase skills, and have fun! We offer in-person and online academic summer camps for students entering grades 2-9 that cover reading, comprehension, math, writing, vocabulary, and study skills. https://www.learningplustutoring. com/summer-camp.html

LEGARZA SPORTS (MULTIPLE CITIES) (415) 334-3333 Age or Grade Range: Grades PK-8 Basketball, All-Sports, & Volleyball Summer Camp PreK-8th Grade. http://www.legarzasports.org/

THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (OAKLAND) 510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8 This summer we offer Montessori classroom activities in the morning, followed by summer camp in the afternoon for Lower Elementary (first through third grade) students, and an all day summer experience for Upper Elementary and Junior High students (fourth through ninth grade). https://www.therenaissanceschool. org

SCHOOL OF ROCK PERFORMANCE AND RECORDING CAMPS (SAN RAMON AND VIRTUAL) (925) 415-3340 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-16 Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs?

School of Rock San Ramon offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. www.sanramon.schoolofrock.com/

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPAÑOL (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 925-962-9177 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-10 Viva el Español offers engaging, interactive Spanish language camps for pre-school to elementary school-aged kids. Our camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn, practice, and improve their Spanish language skills. http://www.vivaelespanol.org/

SUMMER@STRATFORD (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) (408) 244-4073 Preschool - Middle School Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all NEW day camp programs!

This summer, children will have a wide range of options to explore

Learn more at steveandkate.com/locationsMay 2021 | ParentsPress.com 23

new interests, discover a world of wonder, and enjoy a summer to remember at Stratford! https://www.stratfordschools.com/ summer

UC BERKELEY’S EMBARC SUMMER DESIGN ACADEMY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 15-18 embARC is an immersive summer design program at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design that brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds in a virtual space to explore architecture, urban design and sustainable city planning. http://bit.ly/embarcwebsite_2021

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WALNUT CREEK ARTS & REC SUMMER DAY CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK) (925) 295-1490 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-14 Join Walnut Creek’s Arts & Recreation for summer camps this year! Arts & Rec offers summer camps in arts, sports, outdoor recreation, preschool camps, specialized recreation, and much more! http://walnut-creek.org/summercamp

WILDCARE’S SUMMER NATURE PROGRAMS (TIBURON, SAUSALITO) (415) 453-1000 x19 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-11 WildCare’s Summer Nature Programs provide young people

with an unforgettable wildlife and nature experience! This summer we are offering in person Nature Hikes and Virtual Wildlife Classes. https://discoverwildcare.org/summernature-programming/

YOUTH MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY (BERKELEY) (510) 595-5514 Age or Grade Range: Grades 7-12 YMTC is offering 3 in-person workshops this summer appropriate for 7th grade to 12th grade students at its Aquatic Park campus in Berkeley. Class size currently limited to 14 students.

Classes are outdoors following all county covid requirements. http://www.ymtcbayarea.org/

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Bay Area MUSEUMS

&

PARKS Attractions As California continues to open up, several of Bay Area attractions, museums, parks and major sites are once again, after a year, are welcoming visitors back, albeit cautiously. Be prepared to wear masks, social distance and plan ahead by making the mandatory reservations required by select locations.

O

n June 15th, Governor Newsom plans to remove color-coded tier system opening up the state for business. Here are some of the places that have reopened and information to help you plan your visit.

EAST BAY BAMPFA Opens, Sunday, May 2, 3 days a week, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. Expect limited attendance, timed ticketing admittance along with face covering and social distance requirements. www.bampfa.org

Children’s Fairyland in Oakland Open Weds-Sun. Hours are 9am-12pm. Closed 12pm-1 for cleaning. Open 1pm – 4pm. Buy tickets online ahead. Rides and puppet shows are back! Special Magic Key masks are available! www.fairyland.org

Oakland A’s Games at the Coliseum Opened April 1 with certain precautions, face coverings required, physical distancing and cashless payments. Grab your tickets today! www.mlb.com/athletics

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Parents Press | May 2021

Oakland Zoo Advanced tickets required. Only attend with members of your household, facemasks and social distancing required. Check Zoo website for what’s open and food offerings; www.oaklandzoo.org

Tilden Regional Park Steam Train open weekends 11am-6pm. Botanic Garden, Tilden Little Farm are open, entry by registration. MerryGo-Round open, reservations recommended at tildenmerrygoround.org. www.ebparks.org/tilden

Lindsay Wildlife Experience Open for outdoor programs for children, hikes, camps, etc. Special private VIPeek encounters are available in person. www.Lindsaywildlife.org

SAN FRANCISCO Asian Art Museum Reopened with 25% capacity and timed ticketing.

New hours are 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Monday. Museum is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday nights open late with discounted admission. First Sundays are free. www.asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Advanced reservations required for museum entry.

Pre-purchased, timed ticket entry. Reservations required for Osher Rainforest and the Shake House. www.calacademy.org Continued on page 26 >>>

JONFINCKSF@GMAIL.COM

Oakland Zoo

The SkyStar Ferris Wheel Legion of Honor

ERIC LENNARTSON

Lindsay Wildlife Experience

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Asian Art Museum

Conservatory of Flowers

California Academy of Sciences

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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<<< Continued from page 24

Conservatory of Flowers Admission to the Conservatory will continue to be free every first Tuesday of the month. www.conservatoryofflowers.org

The de Young Museum

PENINSULA The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford Open at 25% capacity, free timed tickets are required. www.museum.stanford.edu

Free for Bay Area residents every Saturday with RSVPs available online. General admission is free for all on first Tuesdays. Reserve tickets in advanced online. https://tickets.famsf.org

Filoli Gardens in Woodside

Legion of Honor

Open to the public on weekends 10a.m. – 5 p.m.

Tickets are subject to availability and advance registration is required. www.Hiller.org

The Legion of Honor reopens to the public Friday May 7 with a special exhibition on Life in Pompeii.

(Free General Admission on Saturdays, and every day for Essential Workers*). Advanced tickets required. https://tickets.famsf.org

San Francisco Botanical Garden Open seven days a week but onsite programs on hold until further notice. Advanced tickets recommended. Free for San Francisco residents with valid ID. Free for all daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Monthly free day for all the second Tuesday of every month. www.sfbg.org

San Francisco Giants Games are open to fans with certain precautions. Fans, 12 years or older, must prove they do not have COVID-19 or are fully vaccinated. Seats sold in pods 2-4 tickets. www.mlb.com/giants/ tickets

San Francisco Zoo

Oopen, but requires an online reservation to visit. www.filoli.org

Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos

San Mateo County Fair Begins June 5 and ends June 13. It›s one of the first major annual events in California to announce that it will be back with in-person events. www.sanmateocountyfair.com

SOUTH BAY California’s Great America Reopens May 22. www.cagreatamerica.com

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose Reservations required. Open Friday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. No strollers, bikes, wagons or carts. www.CDM.org

Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Open by reservation only for Walk Through the Zoo tours. www.happyhollow.org

All tickets must be purchased and reserved in advance online for specified entrance time, and must San Jose Museum of Art Open 3 days a week, Friday – Sunday, 11 a.m. be redeemed during that time. Entire party needs to be present to enter the Zoo. Parking must be pre- – 5 p.m. www.sjmusart.org purchased. Open 10am – 5pm. www.sfzoo.org

SFMOMA Timed tickets are required for all visitors, including those 18 and under who always enjoy free admission. We strongly encourage you to reserve tickets online. Some familiar favorites are now on view, along with poignant new works from Bay Area artists. Closed Tues & Weds. www.sfmoma. org

The SkyStar Ferris Wheel Advanced tickets required. Open in Golden Gate Park from noon to 10 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the weekends. www.skystarwheel.com

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Parents Press | May 2021

NORTH BAY

Safari West in Santa Rosa Again offering a chance to see African animals.

Reservations and face masks are required, of course. www.Safariwest.com

Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito Admission is free to Bay Area residents the first Wednesday of every other month. Capacity is limited and advanced timed tickets are required. www.bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Tickets, including parking, must be pre-purchased.

Only open to CA residents. www.Sixflags.com/discoverykingdom

SFMOMA

San Jose Museum of Art

Safari West in Santa Rosa

The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford

Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito

San Mateo County Fair

Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

29

W

By Sarah Lyons

hen I look back at each important moment in my life: the day I learned to drive, my graduation, my wedding, the birth of my first child, she is always standing in the background smiling and cheering me on. More importantly, she was part of the other not-so-monumental moments in my life like when I got stung by a bee, when the kids teased me, and when I cried my way through my first broken heart. My mom was always there to support me through all the moments, big and small. Now that I have been a mom for a dozen years, I appreciate my mom so much more for the things she has always done with little or no recognition. I now realize the sacrifices she made and the 30

monumental effort she put in. Here are just a few reasons why I appreciate my mom a whole lot more since becoming a mom.

For maintaining The mother’s work is never done and it is a thankless job. Taking even one day off means more work for days to come. Moms pick up the same toys, wash the same dishes, and do the same laundry over and over again. Not only do moms maintain the housework but they also hold a mental inventory of all items in the home. Most moms can recall the location of the baby’s favorite stuffed animal, the toddler’s missing shoe, the library books, the stapler, and any other random item a family member may request at any given time. I appreciate the example of steadfastness that my mom gave me for maintaining our home.

Continued on page 30 >>>

Parents Press | May 2021

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31

<<< Continued from page 28

For managing As moms, we often feel like we live in our minivans. Moms don’t just transport kids from one activity to the next.

They also maintain the family calendar, make appointments, and make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time with the right gear (musical instrument, snacks, sports gear, sunscreen, backpack, and the list goes on). Juggling school and activities in itself is a full-time job that my mom (and most moms) manages with ease. I appreciate my mom for being the social planner, taxi driver, and personal assistant to our whole family as we grew up.

For enduring The first time I dropped my son off at a babysitter’s and watched him cry and reach for me in the window my heart broke. As moms, we endure heartache often as we watch our children learn and grow, succeed and fail, and endure illnesses, hurt feelings, and disappointment. Our heart soars when they meet their goals and sinks when things don’t work out.

Motherhood is a roller coaster of emotions that us moms withstand without complaint. I appreciate my mom for her strong support of me even when she was hurting too.

For the unseen There are things moms do every day that go unnoticed. Moms make sure the football jersey is clean before the next game, check in on a sick kid during the night, drop off a forgotten lunchbox, put puzzle pieces back where they belong, replace toothbrushes, clean out the pantry, email teachers with concerns, volunteer, cook, shop, and so many little things that keep a fam-

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Parents Press | May 2021

ily going every day.

The little things that don’t seem to matter, that most won’t notice, that no one asks for, that moms do just because they want to show their love for their family.

I appreciate my mom for all the things she has done that I never thought to thank her for.

For loving me anyway I appreciate my mom a whole lot more since becoming a mom. ♥ I appreciate the example of steadfastness that my mom gave me for maintaining our home. ♥ I appreciate my mom for being the social planner, taxi driver, and personal assistant to our whole family as we grew up. ♥ I appreciate my mom for her strong support of me even when she was hurting too. ♥ I appreciate my mom for all the things she has done that I never thought to thank her for. ♥ I appreciate my mom for loving me even when I was unlovable. ♥ I appreciate my mom for letting me go, grow, and experience life in my own way.

Moms love their kids through tantrums, potty training, back talk, and rebellion. There is no doubt that raising kids is trying on the patience but moms have a way of letting us know that no matter what mistakes we make, they will be there to catch us when we fall. I appreciate my mom for loving me even when I was unlovable.

For letting me go When you become a mother, you are the center of your child’s world. You feed them, change them, and comfort them. The more they grow, the more independent they become. While this is something to celebrate, it can be heart wrenching to loosen the grip on a child and trust them to manage life and all of its challenges alone. It’s scary and new and feels more like a loss of control than anything else, but as you watch your child take on life’s challenges it can be a great sense of pride as well. I appreciate my mom for letting me go, grow, and experience life in my own way.

This Mother’s Day, take notice of the hard work moms do every day.

Acknowledge the little things they do, thank them for always being there, and hug them tight before you leave.

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33

7 Foods

By Patrick Quinn

NUTS & SEEDS Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients that are essential for brain health including essential fatty acids, protein, zinc, and B-vitamins. They’re also natural mood boosters that are portable and versatile, making them an excellent choice for study snacks.

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Parents Press | May 2021

PARENT TIP: Kids aren’t always going to love these.

But mixing them in a trail mix with a few chocolate pieces or yogurt chips is a great way to get them munching on the healthy nuts and seeds. Just be careful not to send this in as a school snack in districts where nut allergies can affect other kids.

GREEK YOGURT Full-fat Greek yogurt packs a lot more protein than other yogurts (and much less sugar), and can help keep brain cells in good form for sending and receiving information. It’s also full of protein and B-vitamins—essential for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. Greek yogurt is also a great source of Calcium and Vitamin D. PARENT TIP: Mix in a teaspoon of honey and some cinnamon to turn this healthy option into a delicious one as well. The problem for me at that point is avoiding eating it myself before the kids get it.

MADDI BAZZOCCO, UNSPLASH.COM

F

act is, all the books, tablets, and notepads kids use for studying are useless if their brains are not in top functioning form. There are certain nutrients that are crucial for their brain development, and better brain development means better brain function, memory, and concentration— all of which contribute to better academic performance.

To keep your kids’ performance at optimum levels, we’ve rounded up seven of the best brain foods to help boost their mental power, and have provided pro parenting tips on how to incorporate them into your kids’ daily diet.

BERRIES

BONUS TIP: Eggs aren’t only a great healthy option that will keep them full thanks to the protein, but it’s also a really great gateway to cooking for the budding chef. Teach them how to make scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or a veggie omelet, and you’re fostering a whole new side of creativity. Plus… you might get the occasional breakfast out of that deal!”

Berries are rich in a variety of compounds that may help promote academic performance and protect brain health. Berries (including blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries) are especially high in flavonoid compounds called anthocyanins, believed to improve mental performance by increasing blood flow OATMEAL to the brain. They also protect against inflammation and improve certain signaling pathways that promote Oats are extremely nutritious and they can provide nerve cell production and cellular processes involved the energy and fuel for the brain that kids need first in learning and memory. thing in the morning. Oatmeal is also a fiber-rich PARENT TIP: Berries make an easy study snack, but food that keeps heart and brain arteries clear. In one study, kids who ate sweetened oatmeal did better they can cause sticky fingers that can lead to messy keyboards and homework papers. Try putting several on memory-related school tasks than those who ate different types of berries on kid-friendly skewers for sugary cereal. a fun, healthy, and mess-free desk snack.

PARENT TIP: Delicious AND helps with memory at school? Oatmeal should really be considered a bit of a superfood for our kids. It’s another food option that FISH can be endlessly tweaked to suit the tastes of your Fish is an excellent source of Vitamin D and the Omega-3 individual kiddos. You can dress oatmeal up with apfatty acids DHA and EPA— both essential for brain plesauce, dried fruit, almonds, and banana to make it growth and function. Consuming more Omega-3s means tastier and more appealing to kids. Due to its natural kids will have sharper minds and better mental skills. compounds, adding cinnamon also gives oatmeal an PARENT TIP: Fish can be a tricky one with kids. If you extra ingredient that will help to protect brain cells. get them accustomed to eating it when they’re young, they’ll be more likely to be open to new fish dishes APPLES AND PLUMS when they’re pre-teen and teenagers. You can make fish tasty for kids by serving it simply grilled, like fish Kids usually have a craving for sweets. Apples and sticks, or including it in tacos or in tuna sandwiches. plums are lunchbox-friendly items that contain quercetin, an antioxidant that helps fight the decline Another option is using canned salmon to make delicious salmon salad sandwiches that can be mixed in mental skills. Keep them organic to get the best benefits. with reduced-fat mayo or non-fat Greek yogurt, raisins, chopped celery, and carrots.

PARENT TIP: These are some of the few snacks that are on the ‘help yourself’ list in my house. It’s great because kids can grab one when they get home EGGS from school while doing homework, or anytime they The versatile egg is a great source of protein, and egg want a quick bite. For a heartier snack, you can also yolks are packed with choline, which helps memory cut apples into chunky slices and spread them with development. Eggs can be served in a variety of ways almond or peanut butter, or you can freeze pitted and can be enjoyed at breakfast, as a mid-afternoon plums and add them to a favorite nutrient-rich fruit snack, or even at dinner. smoothie.

PARENT TIP: Eggs are great for making grab-and-go Patrick Quinn is a parenting expert at Brainly, the world’s breakfasts kids can eat on the road. Scramble eggs largest online learning community. He is the father of three into a whole grain tortilla to make a grab-and-go school-age kids and a former teacher. breakfast burrito, or make your own version of an Egg McMuffin at home by putting a fried egg on top of a toasted English muffin and topping it with a slice of low-fat cheese.

May 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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The real reason to celebrate Memorial Day is to acknowledge and remember those who have lost their lives during military service to our country.

By Sarah Lyons

1

START A CONVERSATION

S

imply explaining what Memorial Day means is a good place to start.

There are books you can read to help explain the holiday to your child such as The Wall by Eve Bunting or The Poppy Lady

by Barbara Walsh. There are also kid-friendly videos available online that can help you explain the holiday in an age-appropriate way. “Memorial Day (History for Kids)” is a great video available on YouTube. Give your child a chance to ask questions and answer as honestly as possible.

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Parents Press | May 2021

2

M

SEND A GREETING

aking a craft, card, or putting together a care package for soldiers who are overseas is a great way to help celebrate Memorial Day and to help kids understand why it is important.

There are many organizations that will help connect you to veterans, soldiers, or families of those who are serving overseas so that you can make sure your cards are sent to the right place. Operation We Are, Military Missions, Soldiers’ Angels, and A Million Thanks are a few organizations that can help connect your family with those that are serving or have served our country. If you are hosting a BBQ this holiday, consider having guests write a thank you card to soldiers while they are there. You can buy affordable bulk cards online or make your own.

been personally touched by the experience of losing a loved one who sacrificed their lives, your kids may not understand what the Memorial Day really means.

Here are some kid-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday and honor those who have lost their lives as well.

3

VISIT A PARADE, MUSEUM OR EVENT

4

SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM

S

how your support for those who have n non-pandemic times, served in the military by most cities will host a flying the American flag, Memorial Day parade or making some patriotic a remembrance event to desserts, decorating the honor fallen soldiers. There house in red, white, and are also many memorials blue, and wearing the color museums across the nation that can be attended ors yourself. It is important to celebrate the freesocially distanced. Attending one of these events with dom that we have thanks to those who have served your family can open up further conversation about and lost their lives. what Memorial Day means Sarah Lyons is a mother and show your kids that it of six children, including isn’t just another day off of three-year-old triplets. school and work, but a day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

I

PHOTO FAR LEFT: TANNER ROSS, UNSPLASH.COM

M

any people think of Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer and celebrate by hosting a BBQ for family and friends. The real reason to celebrate Memorial Day is to acknowledge and remember those who have lost their lives during military service to our country. Unless they have

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Parents Press | May 2021