Emerald Coast Parent Magazine July+August 2015

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July+August 2015

contents

7 17 Column

42 Teen Talk: Articles 7 8

What Your Kids Wish You Knew!

Here, Kitty-Kitty! How Cats Can Become Purrfect Family Pets!

12 17

Your Family’s Health

19

Living life to its fullest begins with staying healthy and fit.

Summer Survival Guide �������������������������������������21 What’s the Big Sweat About Dehydration? ������22

21 Ways for Kids to Avoid the Summer Slide: Boredom Busters for All Ages!

Family Fun Guide Calendar of Events

YOLO! A Summer Bucket List for Your Middle School Daughter

Camps ����������������������������������������������������������������� 44

Seasonal Events ��������������������������������������������������45

The Arts ����������������������������������������������������������������45

Sounds Fun ��������������������������������������������������������� 46

Runs, Walks & More ������������������������������������������47

Recurring Local ���������������������������������������������������47 Volunteer �������������������������������������������������������������47

Picnics, Playtime and Popsicles: An Action List of Summer Fun!

43

Get to know the people, places and things that make this coast special!

Family Builders

25

33

Families are important. Spend time enjoying life together at home and on the go.

The Family Chatter Challenge ���������������������������������� 26

That’s Good to Know!—Information you can use ������ 28

Show Her You Care, Show Him You Care �������� 29-30 Snacks—Recipes for tasty get-togethers ������������������� 31 Crafts—Get creative with your kids �������������������������� 36

Teach Your Kids Something New ���������������������������� 38

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Emerald Coast

parent It’s Your MagazineTM

This is your magazine!

Welcome to Emerald Coast Parent magazine. We like to consider this your magazine. We look forward to hearing from local readers like you on a regular basis. Let us know how we might be able to participate in the continued improvement of this beautiful area where we all live and work.

As busy parents ourselves, we place a high value on spending quality time with our children and are always looking for fun crafts, recipes, events and outing opportunities to add to our family calendars.

If you have fun, easy and cost-effective ideas that you'd like to share with our community of readers, please feel free to email them to us at info@itsyourmagazine.com. Your ideas might just end up being featured in an upcoming issue!

Here's a list of things we'd love to receive from you: • Personal stories and pictures of you and your family out and about, enjoying a favorite local attraction, restaurant or event • Recommendations and endorsements of local stores, services and restaurants • Ideas for fun crafts • Your family’s favorite recipes Let’s make this a great local magazine, together!

Thanks, The EC Parent Team To advertise in Emerald Coast Parent, contact Nathan Wilson: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com Phone: 503-710-1720

Publisher Nathan Wilson Creative Director Rob Williams Snacks & Crafts Editor Tasha Williams Contributing Writer Christina Katz Contributing Writer Pam Molnar © 2015 It’s Your Magazine. All rights reserved.

Emerald Coast Parent content may not be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopy, without the express written permission of the publisher. Emerald Coast Parent is not responsible for the loss of or damage to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited material. Unsolicited material will not be returned.

It’s Your Magazine and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors and publisher accept no responsibility for errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. It’s Your Magazine’s liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction. It’s Your Magazine does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by the advertisers.

4 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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hris

By C

atz tina K

Here, Kitty-Kitty!

How Cats Can Become Purrfect Family Pets!

Cats often get a bad rap compared to other potential pets. Cats are often described as aloof, destructive and predatory. Historically, cats have had their reputations repeatedly tarnished, except by ancient Egyptians and Vikings, who revered them. Black cats are often associated with bad luck, witchcraft, and even demons and devils. In everyday language, we use phrases like “copy cat” and now we even have “Grumpy Cat” in all of his iterations to remind us that cats are kind of snarky even if they don’t actually say anything we can understand.

And yet, when the time comes to choose a pet for your home, it’s hard to find a better pet for your family than a cat or even two. The benefits of cat ownership abound. So if your family is considering adding a feline friend to your home, consider the following benefits:

A home with a cat never feels empty. Cats make a house into a home. Part of their magic is to always be frisking about, and there is something about a too-quiet house that just feels echo-y and lonely in comparison. If you have never owned a cat before, you will be amazed at the impact even one kitty twining around your ankles can make.

Cats are cuddly companions. Congenial, but typically not needy, cats balance independence and togetherness well. They will remind you once in a while that they like affection, but they will not usually hound you in order to get it. Be sure not

to take a kitten away from its mother too soon or you can expect your kitten to grow into a needy cat.

They purr. Healthy cats are usually kid-friendly, especially if they grow up with each other. Pets love to soothe sensitive or emotionally challenged family members. In some reported cases, cats have had major impacts on the lives of autistic or emotionally challenged kids.

Cats are adaptable. You may think that a cat will not adjust to your home life for various reasons, but give them a few Continued on page 9

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21 Ways for Kids to

By Christina Katz

Avoid the Summer Slide Ages Boredom Busters for All

You have probably heard about the summer slide—the way kids can lose a lot of the skills, knowledge and motivation they learned during the school year over the lazy, hazy days of summer.

And though I am sure you don’t need your child to become the next Einstein or Madame Curie, you probably want to make sure your child will retain all that was learned last year in order to be prepared for the academic year to come.

And, sure, a little strategic screen time here and there can be educational when we intend it that way, but the key to keeping summer fun and instructive is to mix up informative play and educational screen time. This is also a great way to stave off the inevitable choruses of “I’m bored” or “We’re bored.”

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weeks and watch what happens. You’ll be surprised by how flexible cats can be despite their finicky reputations.

They are entertaining. Cats can be playful, especially kittens, but they are more low-maintenance than dogs who need to be trained extensively and walked several times daily. If you plan to have both types of pets, they can usually get along just fine.

Cats are cuddly medicine. Cats have a proven track record of providing health benefits for infants, students, seniors, and folks with chronic illnesses. If you are at risk for high blood pressure or heart disease, cats provide good preemptive medicine. Cats stretch a lot. They take naps. They blow off people who are acting in a manner unacceptable to them. In other words, cats are great role models for how to have a simple, stress-free life. If we acted as mellow as our cats, we’d all stress less and live healthier lives.

Cats have a proven track record of providing health benefits for infants, students, seniors, and folks with chronic illnesses.

Tips for Happy Cat Ownership Consider adopting two kittens. They will become fast friends and keep each other company as they grow, and then you won’t feel as guilty when you are away on family vacations. As long as they have each other and quality care while you are gone, they will adapt just fine.

Learn to read kitty signals. Teach young children cat talk before you bring one home. Cats can make up to 16 sounds, including purring, hissing and meowing.

Children can also learn about feline body language and behavior by watching videos online and bringing home books on the topic from the library.

Find a vet you trust. Consider mobile vets who will travel to your home. Be sure to get your pets spayed or neutered at the appropriate time so that you’ll never have to worry about delivering kittens at home (unless you want to).

Serve the best quality dry food.

Despite what we see on TV commercials, cats can be quite content and live long, healthy lives on quality dry food and an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water. If you want to give them a tasty treat, offer your cat a teaspoon of tuna the next time you open a can. They will come running every time they hear the can opener afterwards.

Put them to bed in their own room.

Cats teach kids how to care. Cats bathe themselves. They are automatically housebroken and have the uncanny ability to remember where the litter box is no matter where you hide it. But they can’t completely take care of themselves and therefore they help teach kids responsibility. Ask your children to feed, water, and spend time with their pets so they can bond daily. v

Starting from the first night you bring your kittens home, put them in a large, well-ventilated bathroom to sleep for the night. Cats are nocturnal and if you have more than one cat and don’t contain them, their knocking about in the wee hours will keep you awake.

Keep your cats indoors. If you want your cats to live long, happy lives, keep them indoors. Outdoor cats can upset bird populations and may bring bloody, disease-ridden “presents” back to the house for you. Indoor cats live much longer than outdoor cats.

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This summer, set the tone that a little learning is an important part of each day so that your kids will still enjoy the relaxation of summer while keeping up the habit of learning.

Here is a roundup of 21 ways to keep your kids’ minds active all summer long so that your kids will have a happier summer and you won’t worry about the transition back to school come fall:

6.

Play store. Pull out a portion of the food in your cabinets and pantry onto the countertops. Let kids use real money, price items, break out the calculators, and do the math. Make playing store an all-day affair or a weekly occurrence, if your kids enjoy it.

Make the game as simple or complex as suits your children’s ages.

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Ask for insight. Check with your child’s teacher before school gets out to see what kinds of educational goals she recommends for your child. Don’t compare your child’s academic performance to siblings or friends. Everyone learns and grows differently. Aim to support your child wherever he or she stands academically right now to maximize enjoyment of learning.

Sign up for your library’s reading program. Set a minimum reading time each day of 30 to 60 minutes. Or break reading time into two 30-minute chunks—one for a parentapproved book and the other for whatever your child chooses to read. The library offers lots of variety, and summer is a great time to check out age-appropriate comic books and graphic novels, as well as cookbooks and biographies.

Visit museums in your area. Find out in advance when the free days are to visit local museums and learning centers.

Opt for a guided or non-guided tour, as your family prefers. Be sure to check out the gift shop on your way out for inspired games and toys.

Plant a garden together. Use illustrated gardening books to find projects that suit the personalities of your family and kids. If your family loves pizza, plant a pizza garden. If fresh salsa is your thing, plant a salsa garden. Think about what your family likes to eat, and plant accordingly. (Search online for guidebooks bursting with gardening inspiration that match your family and style.)

5.

Shop like a teacher. Visit your local teacher supply store and stock up on workbooks and educational games. Other things you will find that might motivate summer loungers include timers for breaking the day up into learning chunks, craft supplies for every age, and educational games, videos and music.

Visit local nature centers, Audubon societies, and nearby gardens. Make a list at the beginning of the summer and plan to hit all the regional natural destinations before the first day of school. Then plan a weekly outing and bring along a picnic. To review what you saw and learned on the way home, play “I Spied”, instead of “I Spy.” Research a future vacation. Let each child pick their own destination and figure out what it would cost for the family to spend one week there including airfare, transportation, meals, hotels, and everything else. Have them present their proposed vacations to the whole family by showing the math writ large on posterboard. Who knows, they just might talk you into a trip you hadn’t thought of yourself.

Let them plan a meal. The kids can become chefs for the day, including the jobs of finding the recipes, making the grocery list, cutting the coupons, doing the shopping, comparing brands, and cooking up a storm. Then be a good sport and enjoy whatever they serve. Very young children can do the same, only with make-pretend food.

Have a word of the day. Put the word in large letters at the top of a page with the definition just below. Hang the word on the fridge and make a game out of using it in sentences all day long.

11.

Battle bugs or weeds as research projects. What a great way to practice troubleshooting and potentially solve your most nagging nuisances. Challenge older kids to solve your ecological challenges by researching and experimenting with natural solutions they track down on the Internet. Keep a log of the results.

Continued on page 13

10 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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By Pam Molnar

YOLO! A Summer Bucket List for Your Daughter Summer is finally here. What a great time to be a kid! As your middle-schooler steps off the bus, she envisions carefree days of sleeping in, hanging out with friends, and hours of good times. While her intentions to have a spontaneous summer with her BFFs may be good, a little planning can go a long way.

Ask your middle-schooler to get together with her friends and make a list of things they want to do over the summer. Encourage them to keep it within reason of their age level and budget. Stuck for ideas? Try some of these: Have a paint war: Purchase non-toxic, washable paint, brushes and safety goggles. Dress in old clothes that you don’t mind throwing out. Choose an open area for your battle so you don’t get paint on anything important. Start off nicely by painting a bullseye on your shirts. Then put on your goggles, grab a handful of paint and start throwing. Be sure to keep your mouth shut! Shower off outside by having a water fight with the hose.

Open a lemonade stand: Don’t be afraid to alter this classic summertime event. Would popsicles be more refreshing on a hot day? How about snow cones? Consider donating the money you earn to a charity of your choice. Check out alexslemonade.org to donate money for childhood cancer or support an animal in need of surgery at your local animal shelter.

Send a message in a bottle: Instead of sending the message to strangers, why not share your message with friends? Rinse out a large bottle with a cap or cork. Decorate it and place the bottle in a secret spot near your house. Take turns adding a note or a small gift (pencil, candy, etc.) to the bottle without being seen. The fun is in the anticipation of what will be found in the bottle and in returning the favor when it is your turn.

Play glow-in-the-dark bowling: When the sun goes down, the fun can still go on.

Collect 10 empty two liter bottles. Purchase 10 cheap glow sticks from the dollar store; activate and insert one in each bottle. Spray paint an old ball with glow-in-the-dark paint or cover with glow-in-the-dark duct tape. Now your ball and your pins can be seen in the dark, adding another hour to your summer evening.

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12.

Measure and mix. Put the kids in charge of desserts for the summer. Make sure they create some healthy choices like fruit pops or sorbet as well as delicious baked goodies like pies, cakes and cookies. If they get carried away, let them have a neighborhood bake sale.

13.

Go multi-media with books you read together.

Take turns reading out loud or check out audio books from your local library to listen to before dinner or before bed. Once you finish the book as a family, watch the movie together. Compare and contrast the books and the films. (Search online for a list of books that have been made into movies.)

14.

Keep a “How I Spent My Summer” scrapbook.

Choose a blank-page, over-sized book with ample pages for writing, collaging, collecting and embellishing. Set aside time to work on “summer books” for a half hour every day at whatever time of day works best. Let kids decide whether or not to keep it private or share the results with the family.

15.

Sign up for BrainPop. This educational website has over 1,000 short animated movies for kids aged 6 to 17, making it the perfect substitute teacher for your kids over the summer. Best of all, they can pursue topics that interest them. Check

with your child’s school library to see if they have free access to BrainPopJr for K - Third Grade. Otherwise a subscription is money well spent on entertaining enrichment.

16.

Tackle a big creative project. Choose a project that takes planning, creativity and involving others, such as putting on a puppet show, writing a play, or making a movie.

Let your child approach the project in his or her own way, and only offer to help if you are needed. Invest a little money in your child’s creativity and their imaginations will be buoyed by your patronage.

17.

Visit friends and family around the world. Start with a list of friends and family you know all over the globe. Then once a week, take an hour to really explore that destination via Google Earth and by researching online information. Expand your geographic horizons further by video-calling

your friends or family and informally interviewing them about the area where they live. Post a map on the wall and stick a tack in each location you visit virtually.

18.

Think beyond the lemonade stand. Terrific lessons about business, sales and marketing will be learned when you create your child’s version of the lemonade stand. Why not sell old toys, baked goods, or artwork as a lesson in entrepreneurism?

You never know. You might spark a future interest in business.

19.

Commit to a cause. If your child loves animals, see if you can spend some time volunteering at a local animal shelter. If she’s a regular fashionista, why not throw a summer fashion show to raise money for a local charity? Even a trip to your local food bank or letting your kids come with you while you give blood is a life lesson that keeps on giving.

20.

Share your childhood favorites. Did you love to make friendship bracelets or collect comic books? Did your husband learn to play guitar or practice scouting skills in the backyard? Summer is the perfect time to share your favorite hobbies and summer pastimes with your kids. Why not strike up a conversation about it at dinner tonight to get the memories rolling?

21.

Admire intelligence. Find healthy and smart virtual role models for your tween or teen to study over the summer. For example, if your child loves entropy and dissecting frogs, he or she might enjoy trying some home experiments created by Bill Nye, The Science Guy. Learn more at http://www.billnye.com/ for-kids-teachers/home-demos/. Make a list of virtual summer tutors for each child and indulge in customized summer learning. v

Christina Katz loves jungle gym slides, water park slides, Slip N’ Slides, and Chutes and Ladders, but not the summer slide. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself, A Collection of Advice for Moms.

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Does a whole half-day to yourself sound impossible?

Go geocaching: This is a great activity for adventure-seeking middle-schoolers. Join this outdoor treasure hunt by signing up for free membership at Geocaching.com. Find the hidden treasures in your neighborhood with help from your GPS and the clues on the geocache list. Search the website for geocaches in your area by typing in your address or zip code. It’s a fantastic way to explore your hometown!

Have a make-over party: Rainy days are a great opportunity for a spa day. Search videos on YouTube to find a new hairstyle or how to braid your hair. Check out Tumblr for nail designs and take turns giving each other a manicure. Raid your closets or old dress-up clothes and put on a fashion show. Be sure to take some pictures and share them with friends on Instagram.

Be sure to take some pictures and share them with friends on Instagram.

Make a pizza fondue: Hungry? Pour a jar of ready-made pizza sauce in a fondue pot and turn on simmer. As it warms, slice string cheese and pepperoni logs in bite-sized pieces. You may also dip cubed French or focaccia bread or raw vegetables like green peppers and mushrooms. Use wooden kabob sticks as fondue forks and dip pizza items into the sauce when it is warm. Enjoy!

Make fuzzy flip-flops: Purchase soft, fuzzy yarn from a craft store and a pair of cheap flip-flops. Tie the yarn at one end of the strap and start wrapping all the way around until you get to the other end. Tie off yarn to secure. Add hair clip bows or flowers to make your flip-flops unique. You can rock these fun new flip-flops at your next summer sleepover!

Get discovered on YouTube: Get out your camcorder or phone and start recording. Although you may be tempted to perform a song, YouTube is not only for musicians. Write a comedy routine, make your own cooking show, or create a parody of a TV show. If you know how to juggle, knit, or throw a curveball, you can make a how-to video and share your talent with the rest of the world!

Time capsule: Fill a large jar or waterproof box with items from your summer. Add shells from the beach, movie ticket stubs, the speckled goggles from your paint war, and other items from your bucket list adventures. Be sure to include plenty of pictures of you and your friends. At the end of the summer, bury the box, along with your bucket list, in a safe spot in the yard. Next year, dig up the time capsule and relive all those wonderful summer memories. v Pam Molnar is the mother of a high school student and two middleschoolers. Their recipe for summer fun is equal parts of creative planning, good friends and warm, sunny days.

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Go easy on accessories. All a cat really wants is a few comfortable sleeping nooks scattered throughout your home, a good brushing once in a while, and a stuffed mouse dipped in dried catnip to torture. Kittens love to chase things that dangle, so consider this type of toy or make your own. Beyond these items, the best thing you can give your cat is your attention and some daily hugs.

Relax, it’s just a hairball. Keep your furry friends out of bedrooms or they will shed all over your pillows and occasionally leave a soggy surprise in your blankets. Longhair cats will have hairballs more often than shorthair cats. You can try to manage hairballs with products, but it’s easier to simply get used to the idea of cleaning up the occasional mess with a damp paper towel. If your kitty is in an inopportune location while hacking, simply move her to a clear spot on the floor. And don’t sweat it.

Hairballs come out of most anything. v

Everything You Need for a Happy Cat

Kittens love to chase things that dangle, so consider this type of toy or make your own.

Beyond these items, the best thing you can give your cat is your attention and some daily hugs.

qq A litter box qq Cat litter qq A litter box scoop qq Quality dry cat food qq An air-tight container with a scoop for opened food bags qq Food and water bowls qq Scratching posts at least three-feet high qq Several cat beds around the house to curl up on, including one in sleeping area qq A brush qq Nail-clipping tool qq Dried catnip qq A few small stuffed mice qq A toy dangling from a stick qq Vet visits, including annual check-ups, vaccines and micro-chipping

Christina Katz was reluctant about becoming a pet owner until a cat adopted her during a violent Southwestern thunderstorm.

Since then, five more pets have happily followed, living long, happy lives that have enriched her whole family’s quality of life.

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By Pam Molnar

Picnics, Playtime and Popsicles: An Action List of Summer Fun! “What I did over summer vacation” is a classic back-to-school assignment. Faced with a blank page, kids often only remember the big moments of their summer, like a vacation or a visit from family. As adults, we know that life is made up of thousands of small moments. This summer, let those small moments fill your child’s back-toschool essay and the memories of this summer will fill their hearts.

Cool off:

Have a water balloon relay race.

Head to the indoor ice rink and play a pick-up hockey game.

Set up a bicycle washing station for your friends.

Wade in a creek and skip stones.

Start a battle of the water guns—kids vs. parents.

Beat the heat at the library and join the summer reading club.

Get some exercise:

Run in a Fun Run (try out Color Vibe 5K for a great family experience).

Learn how to perfect your cartwheel.

Rent a tandem bike and enjoy the benefits of teamwork.

Run with the dogs at the dog park—even if you don’t have a dog.

Go shopping:

Bargain hunt at garage sales. You never know what you might find.

Head to Walgreens or Rite Aid and play “How much can you buy with $5”.

Rummage through the booths at outdoor flea markets.

Take in the sights:

Go for a train ride from the suburbs to the city or from the city to the suburbs and watch how the buildings change.

Watch a parade from the sidewalk or watch the spectators while walking in the parade.

See an outdoor summer concert or play.

Hit the trails on horseback and let someone else do the walking.

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Foods of Summer:

Sample fresh produce at the Farmer’s Market.

Host a BBQ potluck. Everyone brings their own meat and a side dish to pass.

Enjoy curly fries, a corndog, and freshly squeezed lemonade at the County Fair.

Invite the neighborhood kids to participate in a watermelon eating contest.

Make your own snow cones with Kool Aid and shaved ice.

Go to a U-pick farm for fresh-off-the vine delights.

Roast hotdogs over the fire for dinner and make s’mores for dessert.

Craft time:

Fold paper airplanes and test the best designs.

Make colorful candles with leftover crayons.

Enhance your wardrobe with custom-made tie-dye shirts.

Design your own fireworks T-shirts with glue lines and glitter.

Show off your artistic skills by wearing DIY face painting designs.

Night-time fun:

Go to a drive-in movie—Check out www.driveintheater.com for one in your area.

Catch fireflies in a jar, but let them get back to their families when the night is over.

Sit on the porch and watch the sun set.

Play glow-in-the-dark Twister using glow necklaces placed on the ground as the circles.

Write your name in the dark with sparklers.

Enjoy the outdoors:

Rent a canoe and have a picnic on the shore.

Hunt for nearby treasures by geocaching in your hometown.

Play classic backyard games like Sharks and Minnows, or Kick the Can. Go camping in a yurt.

Race rubber ducks down a flowing stream or small river.

Rainy-day fun:

Set up a photo scavenger hunt at the mall.

Go roller-skating or head to the arcade.

Make a maze or fort using cardboard boxes.

Start a summer fun journal or scrapbook.

Give back to others:

Support childhood cancer research and set up a lemonade stand for Alexslemonade.org.

Make a meal for families at Ronald McDonald House.

Spend the day performing random acts of kindness.

Help find a forever home for animals by fostering kittens or puppies.

Get silly:

Take forced perspective photos to make objects appear larger or smaller than normal.

Have a shaving cream war with goggles and cans of shaving cream.

Check out what really happens when you mix Coke and Mentos (with supervision).

Beyond the backyard:

Cheer for the home team at a ball game.

Ride the Ferris wheel at the carnival.

Milk a cow at the State Fair.

Feed the goats at the petting zoo.

Win a prize at the fishing derby. v

Day Enjoy Eachr Children Enjoy You ummer! rS Enjoy You Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. She and her family hope to cherish these small moments together this summer.

18 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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You Want a Summer Filled with Fun for Your Family But Can You Keep Everyone Safe?

Fireworks, swimming and fun in the sun are all great parts of summer vacation. However, many of these activities also have the potential for disaster. Learn how to prevent danger with these six steps:

Beat back bugs.

Be safe in the sun.

Avoid the diseases caused by ticks, mosquitoes and other insects by wearing bug spray. Dress in protective clothing, and always check for ticks after spending time outside.

Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to exposed skin every two hours when outdoors, even if it’s a cloudy day.

Protect the head.

Practice poison prevention.

Whether your family likes to rollerblade, bicycle or ride scooters, helmets are vital. Make sure helmets fit properly and are designed for the activity.

Wear long sleeves and pants if you are in a woody area to avoid the rash caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac.

Teach kids to recognize the leaves of these plants if they spend time in the woods.

Monitor the water.

Never leave children unsupervised near water for any amount of time.

Teach kids to behave safely around the pool, with rules such as no roughhousing or running, and enroll them in swim classes if they do not know how to swim.

Beat the heat.

By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Drink water throughout the day, particularly before, during and after physical activity.

See

NEXT PAGE

for information

regarding

dehydration.

EMERGENCY? CALL 911 See page 23 for more information regarding emergency care.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 21 Continued on page 23

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What’s the Big Sweat About Dehydration?

When it’s hot outside and you’ve been sweating, you get thirsty. Why? Thirst can be a sign of dehydration (say: dee-hye-DRAY-shun).

Dehydration means that your body doesn’t have enough water in it to keep it working right.

A person gets water by drinking and eating. You lose water when you sweat, urinate (pee), have diarrhea, or throw up. You even lose a little water when you breathe.

Our bodies need water to work properly.

Usually, you can make up for the water you lose — like when you come in from outside and have a long, cool drink of water. If you don’t replace the water your body has lost, you might start feeling sick. And if you go too long without the water you need, you can become very ill and might need to go to the hospital.

Why Am I Dehydrated?

Many times kids get dehydrated when they’re playing hard and having fun. Have you ever gotten really sweaty and red-faced when you’ve been playing? This often happens when it’s hot outside, but it can happen indoors, too, like if you’re practicing basketball in a gym.

Kids also can get dehydrated when they’re sick. If you have a stomach virus, you might throw up or have diarrhea (say: dye-uh-REE-uh) or both. On top of that, you probably don’t feel very much like eating or drinking. If you have a sore throat, you might find it hard to swallow food or drink.

And if you have a fever, you can lose fluids because water evaporates from your skin in an attempt to cool your body down. That’s why your mom or dad tells you to drink a lot of fluids when you’re sick.

Signs of Dehydration

In addition to being thirsty, here are some signs that a person might be dehydrated: • feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or tired • rapid heartbeat • dry lips and mouth Another sign of dehydration is not peeing as much. Normally, urine should be a pale

yellow color. Dark or strong-smelling pee can be a sign of dehydration.

What to Do

If you can, try not to get dehydrated in the first place. If you’re going to be going outside, it’s a good idea to drink water before, during, and after you play, especially if it’s hot. Dehydration can happen along with heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

In addition to drinking water, it’s smart to dress in cool clothes and take breaks indoors or at least in the shade.

If you’re sick, keep taking small sips of drinks like water or diluted juice, even if you’re not that thirsty or hungry. Eating an icepop is a great way to get fluids. How is an icepop a liquid? Well, it’s basically frozen water and flavoring. The warmth in your mouth and stomach turns it from a solid to a liquid.

Other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, contain water, too, but if your stomach is not feeling well you might not be ready for them.

Do I Need a Doctor?

Some cases of dehydration can be handled at home. But sometimes, that isn’t enough to get a kid feeling better. A kid may need to go to the doctor or emergency room if he or she has a heat-related illness or a virus with vomiting or diarrhea that just won’t quit.

At the hospital, the good news is that an intravenous (say: in-truh-VEE-nus) (IV) line can get fluids into your body fast. An IV line is a special tube (like a very thin straw) that goes right into your vein, so the liquid goes right to where your body needs it most. It may pinch a little when the nurse is inserting it, but it will help you feel much better.

Thirst-Quenching Tips

So do you have to drink eight glasses of water a day? No, but you do need to drink enough to satisfy your thirst, and maybe a little extra if you’re sick or if you’re going to be exercising.

Signs & Symptoms

No Sweating

Pinpoint Pupils

Dry, Red Hot Skin

Vomiting

Dizziness & Head Ache

Unconciousness

The best drink is water, of course, but milk is another great drink for kids. Juice is OK, but choose it less often than water and milk.

Sports drinks are fine once in a while, but water should be considered the drink of champions.

Limit soda and other sugary drinks, such as fruit punches, lemonades, and iced teas.

These drinks contain a lot of sugar that your body doesn’t need. Some of them also contain caffeine, which can cause you to urinate (pee) more often than normal. In other words, it tells your body to get rid of fluids.

And as you now know, that’s the opposite of what you need to do if you’re dehydrated!

Prevention Drink Enough

No Alcohol or Caffeine

Cool Showering

Wear Light Protection

Stay Out of Closed Cars

Limit Outdoor Time

© 1995- 2014 . The Nemours Foundation/ KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD, Date reviewed: July 2013

22 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Continued from page 21

If you don’t know what to do it’s okay to call for help.

CALL 911

Emergency 101 Cuts, scrapes and bruises can all be healed with a bandage, a hug and some time. However, when your loved one has a critical injury, more serious medical help is needed.

Call poison control immediately if someone swallows poison or another person’s medication. In general, call 911 if a person is: qq Bleeding uncontrollably qq Burned seriously or burned on the hands, feet, groin, chest or face qq Experiencing severe, persistent pain qq Having a seizure qq Nonresponsive or unconscious qq Not breathing or having trouble breathing qq Vomiting or confused after a head injury Do not move an injured person (especially if he or she is unconscious) unless absolutely necessary. If he or she is bleeding, place pressure on the wound.

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FamilyChatter The

Stay connected no matter how busy life gets.

Challenge!

What’s your favorite form of entertainment to enjoy in your own town? Why?

If you could change one law, what would it be?

What is one mistake you’ve made in your life that you wish you could take back?

What would you do differently if you had the chance?

What are some movies coming out this summer that you’d really like to see with friends or family?

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?

Live Laugh Love and Talk Together

How often do you participate in some type of outside physical activity like running, walking, biking . . . ? What changes can you make that will help you become more active?

EC_Parent_July_August_2015.indd 26

What are some hobbies you’d like to have? Why? What keeps you from trying out new things?

Who are your three best role models?

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What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?

Which five words describe your mom and/or dad best?

What do you do when you’re scared to make it less scary?

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Mom or Dad Where did you grow up?

Would you prefer to live where you do now or your childhood neighborhood?

What is your favorite food that your mom or dad makes?

Use these questions to spur on great family conversations: • At the kitchen table • In the family room • On road trips • By yelling them out loud— out of the blue— just for fun!

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That’s Good to Know!

Information You Can Use!

This Edition:

Helping Kids Handle Worry Kids don’t have to pay bills, cook dinners, Helping Kids Conquer Worry or manage carpools. But—just like adults— they have their share of daily demands To help your kids manage what’s worrying them: and things that don’t go smoothly. If frustrations and disappointments pile up, kids Find out what’s on their minds: Be available and take an interest in what’s happening at school, on the team, and with your can get stressed or worried.

It’s natural for all kids to worry at times, and because of personality and temperament differences, some may worry more than others. Luckily, parents can help kids learn to manage stress and tackle everyday problems with ease. Kids who can do that develop a sense of confidence and optimism that will help them master life’s challenges, big and small.

What Do Kids Worry About?

What kids worry about is often related to the age and stage they’re in.

Kids and preteens typically worry about things like grades, tests, their changing bodies, fitting in with friends, that goal they missed at the soccer game, or whether they’ll make the team. They may feel stressed over social troubles like cliques, peer pressure, or whether they’ll be bullied, teased, or left out.

Because they’re beginning to feel more a part of the larger world around them, preteens also may worry about world events or issues they hear about on the news or at school. Things like terrorism, war, pollution, global warming, endangered animals, and natural disasters can become a source of worry.

kids’ friends. Take casual opportunities to ask how it’s going. As you listen to stories of the day’s events, be sure to ask about what your kids think and feel about what happened.

If your child seems to be worried about something, ask about it.

Encourage kids to put what’s bothering them into words. Ask for key details and listen attentively. Sometimes just sharing the story with you can help lighten their load.

Show that you care and understand. Being interested in your child’s concerns shows that they’re important to you too and helps kids feel supported and understood. Reassuring comments can help—but usually only after you’ve heard your child out. Say that you understand your child’s feelings and the problem.

Guide kids to solutions. You can help reduce worries by helping kids learn to deal constructively with challenging situations. When your child tells you about a problem, offer to help come up with a solution together. If your son is worried about an upcoming math test, for example, offering to help him study will lessen his concern about it.

Continued on page 41

28 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

R E H y u care Show interest in her friends and give her time to be with them.

Be gentle and tender with her.

Accept her the way she is; discover her uniqueness as special.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Give her a special gift from time to time.

Set aside some special one-on-one time to relax and enjoy life.

Tell her she’s beautiful and that you appreciate all she does—often!

Handle money wisely so she doesn’t have to worry about it as much.

Try staying home, fix her dinner and watch a movie vs. going out on an expensive date. Have the kids sleep at a friend’s house or family member’s house if possible.

Always try to stand by her and reinforce her directions to the kids.

Be the last one to let go during a hug.

Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HER YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com

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10 WAYS to sh w Let’s face it, most of us could use a little jump-start now and then when it comes to relationships. That’s why we’ve included this section. Simple acts of kindness are a great way to say “I care about you.” Date nights are great, but when life gets busy, sometimes all that’s necessary are little reminders!

M I H y u care Have a long meaningful conversation.

Suggest having a close friend or colleague over for dinner and games.

Ask his mother to give you the recipe of his favorite dish.

Challenge yourself to complete all 10 ideas each issue.

Don’t just focus on the easy ones!

Surprise him with a fun gift of some kind that he’d really enjoy.

Thank him for things he’s done around the house.

Periodically, give him time with his family alone.

Visit his childhood home with him.

Find ways to show him you need him.

When you go out on a date together don’t bring up problems—have fun instead.

Blow bubbles or do something else silly, fun and easy to do together on the weekend—invite the kids (or not)!

Email us your ideas! Let us know how you go out of your way to SHOW HIM YOU CARE! info@itsyourmagazine.com

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SNACKS & CRAFTS What do sea shells, paint, chocolate and fruit all have in common? Spend a little time in the kitchen or at the craft table and you’ll find out quickly—they’re all you need for a little summer-time family fun!

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 31

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Under the Sea Graham Crackers Compliments of thefirstyearblog.com

INGREDIENTS • Buttercream Frosting • Graham Crackers • Graham Cracker Crumbs, in Bowl • Goldfish® Crackers • White Ball Sprinkles • Green and Red Long Sprinkles, or Jimmies • Round Red Sprinkles • Blue or Teal Food Coloring

Optional decorations—Include seaweed and a crab. To make the seaweed use several long green sprinkles and arrange them to look like seaweed. To make the crab, use one red round sprinkle and several long red sprinkles as legs and arrange them to look like a crab.

DIRECTIONS • Add food coloring to frosting to create desired amount and color of blue frosting.

• Using a spreader or butter knife, spread blue frosting on almost all of a cracker, but leave the very top of the graham cracker frosting free.

• Place the bottom of the frosted graham cracker into the bowl with graham cracker crumbs, covering just the bottom of the cracker with crumbs or ‘sand’. You can sprinkle extra crumbs on if needed.

• Add two Goldfish. Then give each goldfish 2 air bubbles, using the white ball sprinkles.

S’mores Ice Cream Sandwiches Compliments of thefirstyearblog.com

INGREDIENTS • RITZ® Crackers • Chocolate Candy Melts, 3 Squares or About 1/4 Cup • 1/2 tbsp Vegetable Shortening

This yummy treat takes RITZ® crackers and s’mores to a whole new level of delicious! Rain or shine, these are a perfect summer snack the kids are sure to love.

• Ice Cream, Vanilla, Chocolate, or Your Choice • Mini Marshmallow Mallow Bits • Mini Chocolate Chips

DIRECTIONS • Melt the chocolate candy melts and vegetable shortening in a small pot over low heat, stir occasionally. It may take the candy melts up to 10 minutes to melt completely, but keep the heat on low. Once the chocolate is melted, dip RITZ® Crackers into the chocolate and place them on a silicone baking mat to set.

• On a plate, mix some mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips.

• Once the chocolate is set, place a small scoop of ice cream on top of each cracker, then add another cracker to make a sandwich.

• Roll the ice cream sandwiches in the mini marshmallow and mini chocolate chip mixture. Gently push the marshmallows and chocolate chips into the ice cream.

• Wrap any extra ice cream sandwiches in plastic wrap and return to the freezer.

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 33

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Jellomelon

DIRECTIONS • Remove most of the watermelon flesh using a large spoon or melon baller. It is best if the inside of the watermelon is smooth when watermelon is removed. We left a small layer of red flesh on the inside of the semi-circle. Put aside and eat separately.

• Combine the envelopes of Knox with the hot water. Make sure that all the lumps have been dissolved. The Knox will make the jello thicker.

• Add Strawberry Jello powder to the mixture and mix until smooth.

• Pour into the melon semi-circle and place in refrigerator until hard. Approximately 3 hours.

• Slice into wedges using a sharp knife.

© 2015 It’s Your Magazine, itsyourmagazine.com

INGREDIENTS • Small Seedless Watermelon • 2 Small (3 oz.) Boxes of Strawberry Jello • 2 Envelopes of Knox Original Unflavored Gelatine • 2 Cups Hot Water • Large spoon or melon baller • Large bowl • A Sharp Knife

Idea: Watermelon works great. But don’t stop there.

You can create an amazing summertime picnic platter by trying out an array of different fruits and colors. What’s your favorite fruit? Try other combinations of fruits and jellos—orange, lime, lemon, cantaloupe and more!

Palm Tree Fruit Plate © 2015 It’s Your Magazine, itsyourmagazine.com

INGREDIENTS • Kiwis • Bananas • Tangerines • Plate • Knife DIRECTIONS • Slice bananas lengthwise and place on the plate as palm trees.

• Slice bananas crossways to give trees a segmented look.

• Peel kiwis with a paring knife. Cut kiwis lengthwise to look like palm fronds. Place on the plate at the top of the trees.

• Peel tangerines. Pick apart the tangerine sections and place on plate to look like sand.

Enjoy eating your Palm Tree Fruit Plate or bring to a Hawaiian Get-Together.

34 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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MATERIALS • Assorted Seashells • Googly Eyes • Hot Glue Gun • Acrylic Paint in Tropical

Compliments of Amanda Formaro, craftsbyamanda.com

Tropical Seashell Fish Colors • Foam brush • Paint brush

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Paint the larger seashells using a foam brush.

2. Paint the smaller shells with a paintbrush for tails and fins.

3. Choose which small shells will be used on each larger shell.

4. Attach smaller shells to larger shells with a glue gun.

5. Glue googly eyes onto your fish.

Tip – These are a great summer project after a day at the beach.

Sponge Balls © 2015 It’s Your Magazine, itsyourmagazine.com

MATERIALS (FOR ONE BALL) • 3 sponges • Strong String • Ruler • Scissors INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut each sponge lengthwise into 5 strips, these will be approximately ½ inch wide.

2. Stack sponge pieces into a rectangle that is 3 strips high and 5 strips wide. It looks delightful if you vary the colors throughout the rectangle.

3. Tie a piece of strong string around the entire rectangle and pull tightly. Double-knot the string and trim the ends.

4. Pull and tug on the sponge until it is in the circular shape desired.

5. Dunk the sponge into a bucket or pool and throw it at your favorite person.

This fun and easy craft will make your family pool time a real blast!

Tip: Create sponge-war teams and single-colored sponge balls for each team and have an all-out water war!

Let your kids mix colors just for fun.

36 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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Garden Tic-Tac-Toe Compliments of thrive360living.com

MATERIALS • A square paver • 10 Smooth Stones • Chalk • Sponge & Rag • Small Paintbrushes • Acrylic Paint in a variety of colors • Mod Podge in Matte Finish • Foam Brush INSTRUCTIONS 1. Draw the tic-tac-toe grid on the paver using chalk.

2. Clean and dry the rocks using a sponge and a rag.

3. Using acrylic paints and small paintbrushes, paint sunflowers on half of the rocks and leaves on the other half of the rocks. Allow paint to dry.

4. Apply Mod Podge to dry rocks and paver using a foam brush. Allow to dry.

Tip – You can decorate your rocks with X’s and O’s, Leaves and Sunflowers or any combination you enjoy.

Tip – For a much faster craft you can apply foamies to your rocks instead of painting them.

Sunny Summer Fun Clings MATERIALS

Compliments of plaidonline.com

• • • • • • •

Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Orange Poppy, 2 oz.

Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Lime Green, 2 oz.

Gallery Glass ® Surfaces - Leading Blanks Gallery Glass ® Liquid Leading™ - Black, 4 oz.

Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Hot Pink, 2 oz.

Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Citrus Yellow, 2 oz.

Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Gilded Oak, 2 oz.

Other Supplies • Nut pick or blending tool • Scissors (optional)

easily this craft can be The materials for less d en Sp . om e.c onlin ordered at Plaid ft cra supplies und looking for time driving aro fting! and more time cra

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Create multiple lead lines on leading blank to cut and piece when dry, or lead pattern shapes directly onto leading blank from bottle.

2. Place a dot of leading where joints meet to seal. Let dry.

3. Referring to pattern for color placement, apply Window Color™ blending where indicated. Let dry.

4. Apply any dots, or leading ‘seeds’ on top of cured paint. Let dry thoroughly before placing on windows.

5. See more at: https://www.plaidonline.com/sunny-summerfun-clings/4128/project.htm#sthash.JEEm1qhQ.dpuf

ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 37

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Teach Your Kids Something New! This Edition:

A Guide to Rainy Day Fun When rain or snow puts a damper on playing outside and cabin fever is driving everyone bonkers, these quick play-and-pretend ideas will keep kids occupied and happy for hours: Put on a Show with Homemade Puppets

We’ve all created puppets out of cotton socks, paper bags, markers, and a handful of buttons. But kids can get really creative with a cool grab-bag of puppetry accessories that you gather and store in a special Puppet Box. As you’re cleaning the house or shopping at grocery, thrift or dollar stores, keep an eye out for fun adornments for homemade puppets.

Collect and buy: glitter, dried beans, sequins, tinsel, pipe cleaners, string, ribbons, yarn, buttons and appliques, holiday decorations, stickers, seashells, etc. (beware of small objects, though, that could pose a choking hazard for small children).

Also keep your Puppet Box stocked with must-have items like glue, scissors, washable markers, popsicle sticks, and a needle and thread (when sewing, supervise young kids or do sewing projects yourself). Also, keep a few small cardboard boxes—folded and flattened for easy storage—to cut out and color for nifty background scenes and props.

Build a Fort

Get out some old sheets, blankets or comforters and drape them over the living or dining room furniture. (Be extra careful around breakable and valuable items.) Use ribbons from your sewing kit, or hair scrunchies and hair ties, to secure the bottoms of the fabrics to chairs and tables.

Have kids create a secret password that allows outsiders (e.g., Mom and Dad, siblings) into the private hideaway. Give your kid a battery-operated camping lantern, sleeping bags, camping-themed books, and flashlights for that added outdoorsy appeal.

Have kids create a secret password that allows outsiders into the private hideaway.

Create a Rainy-Day Dress-Up Chest

Keep an eye out for interesting old clothes items and accessories around the house, on discount racks, and at dollar stores or thrift shops. Stock up on scarves, funky hats (cowboy hats, sombreros, team baseball caps, construction hard hats, etc.), costume jewelry, shoes (adults’ and kids’), shirts (oversized white shirts for doctors’ lab coats, Hawaiian shirts for a luau, etc.), dresses, skirts and jackets.

Collect any piece of clothing or accessory that could lend itself to make-believe.

Put the items in a sturdy plastic storage bin or cardboard box.

Then pull out the dress-up chest for plenty of imagination-powered entertainment during rainy or super-snowy days.

Make Thank-You Gifts

Kids often like to thank their caregivers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, babysitters, neighbors, and childcare workers. Bake a few batches of cookies that your child can lovingly decorate and wrap with colored plastic wrap and ribbons; or create thank-you cards

38 • EC Parent Magazine • ItsYourMagazine.com

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on regular old printer paper or construction paper. Add special glued-on adornments like family photos, ribbons, glitter and buttons (again, beware of small objects that could pose choking hazards for babies and toddlers).

Help improve kids’ spelling and letter identification skills by letting them type and print out their own messages in fancy fonts on the computer. Instead of doing crafts just to get through the day, this project will help kids feel like their time and efforts are being spent on a greater purpose—giving to someone they care about. v

© 1995- 2014 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD, Date reviewed: March 2012 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 39

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Continued from page 28

In most situations, resist the urge to jump in and fix a problem for your child—instead, think it through and come up with possible solutions together. Problem-solve with kids, rather than for them. By taking an active role, kids learn how to tackle a problem independently.

Keep things in perspective. Without minimizing a child’s feelings, point out that many problems are temporary and solvable, and that there will be better days and other opportunities to try again. Teaching kids to keep problems in perspective can lessen their worry and help build strength, resilience, and the optimism to try again. Remind your kids that whatever happens, things will be OK. So, for example, if your son is worried about whether he’ll get the lead in the school play, remind him that there’s a play every season—if he doesn’t get the part he wants this time, he’ll have other opportunities. Acknowledge how important this is to him and let him know that regardless of the outcome, you’re proud that he tried out and gave it his best shot.

time spent together. It helps kids to know that, whatever happens, parents will be there with love and support.

Sometimes kids need parents to show them how to let go of worry rather than dwell on it. Know when it’s time to move on, and help kids shift gears. Lead the way by introducing a topic that’s more upbeat or an activity that will create a lighter mood.

Highlight the positive. Ask your kids what they enjoyed about their day, and listen attentively when they tell you about what goes great for them or what they had fun doing. Give plenty of airtime to the good things that happen. Let them tell you what they think and feel about their successes, achievements, and positive experiences—and what they did to help things turn out so well.

Schedules are busy, but make sure there’s time for your kids to do little things they feel good doing. Daily doses of positive emotions and experiences—like enjoyment, gratitude, love, amusement, relaxation, fun, and interest—offset stress and help kids do well.

Make a difference. Sometimes kids worry about big stuff—like Be a good role model. The most powerful lessons we teach terrorism, war, or global warming—that they hear about at school or on the news. Parents can help by discussing these issues, offering accurate information, and correcting any misconceptions kids might have. Try to reassure kids by talking about what adults are doing to tackle the problem to keep them safe.

Be aware that your own reaction to global events affects kids too. If you express anger and stress about a world event that’s beyond your control, kids are likely to react that way too. But if you express your concern by taking a proactive approach to make a positive difference, your kids will feel more optimistic and empowered to do the same.

So look for things you can do with your kids to help all of you feel like you’re making a positive difference. You can’t stop a war, for example, but your family can contribute to an organization that works for peace or helps kids in war-torn countries. Or your family might perform community service to give your kids the experience of volunteering.

kids are the ones we demonstrate. Your response to your own worries, stress and frustrations can go a long way toward teaching your kids how to deal with everyday challenges. If you’re rattled or angry when dealing with a to-do list that’s too long, your kids will learn that as the appropriate response to stress.

Instead, look on the bright side and voice optimistic thoughts about your own situations at least as often as you talk about what bothers or upsets you. Set a good example with your reactions to problems and setbacks. Responding with optimism and confidence teaches kids that problems are temporary and that tomorrow’s another day. Bouncing back with a can-do attitude will help your kids do the same v

Offer reassurance and comfort. Sometimes when kids are worried, what they need most is a parent’s reassurance and comfort. It might come in the form of a hug, some heartfelt words, or

© 1995- 2014 . The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by: D’Arcy Lyness, PhD., Date reviewed: July 2013 ItsYourMagazine.com • EC Parent Magazine • 41

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Teen alk T What Your Kids

Wish You Knew!

Preparing for College Preparing for college begins well before you even start to consider which college you want to attend. It begins the first day of ninth grade when you choose classes and start to participate in extracurricular activities.

In addition to the classes that are required to graduate high school, take classes that will enhance your applications to colleges.

Advanced placement (AP) classes always help to distinguish you from the crowd of other applicants, but only if you do well in those classes. Participating in extracurricular activities can also help to make your application more interesting, particularly if your activities reflect the subject you plan on majoring in at college.

In your junior year of high school, it is a good idea to sign up for a test preparation course to help you prepare for taking the ACT and SAT. Both tests are not required, but most colleges require that you take at least one.

The score you receive from these tests is weighed along with other considerations by the application processing committees. The higher the score you receive, the more likely your application will stand out among the thousands of applications received. Taking practice tests will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses and will allow you to become familiar with the outline of the exams before you take them, so that on test day, you can take the test with confidence.

questions: Would you be more comfortable at a large public university or at a small private college? Would you rather attend school in a city or in a more rural setting? What part of the country (or world) would you be most interested in? What schools offer courses in the subject you want to study?

Do you want to attend a co-ed school or a single-gender school?

Once you’ve chosen the schools you would like to attend, research the admissions process/requirements, current tuition, financial aid availability (if needed), and scholarships offered. If possible, take a tour of the campus and sit in on a class or two. Go prepared with a list of questions to ask your student guide. Speak to as many people as you can to get a feel for student life on that particular campus. Take pictures. Photos are always a good way to remember what the campus looks like. v

When you start to consider where you want to attend college, first ask yourself these

One thing to always keep in mind is that college is not just about getting a degree.

It’s about becoming the best person you can possibly be: a smarter, more capable, more independent you.

shailey

16 years old - Junior

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FUN GUIDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Welcome to a More Exciting Life!

No matter how busy you find yourself these days, you might want to make your to-do lists in pencil rather than pen. With the Emerald Coast’s year-round sunshine and laid-back lifestyle, the stage has been set once again for an abundant year of festivals, concerts and special events.

We live on a beautiful coast that has so much to offer, and we’re here to make sure you know what’s going on in your own backyard. Don’t miss out on life just because you didn’t know what was happening. Enjoy!

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Abrakadoodle Art Class, Summer Camp

Every Tues and Thurs in July (9:00-11:00am)

Friday LEGO Workshops 9:00am-4:00pm Fri, July 10 and Fri, July 24

For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www. ecscience.org.

For children ages 8-13. Note: These camps are separate for certain age groups and are priced separately. For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Spots for Tots

Tues–Thurs (9:00am-12:00am) For 2-5 year olds. These camps are separate for certain age groups and are priced separately. For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Dino Camp, July Sessions Tues, July 14–Thurs, July 16

Explore the world of dinosaurs. Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:00-4:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Snacks are provided for all camps and classes. Please wear closed-toed shoes! For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www. ecscience.org.

Young Rembrandts Art Class

Every Wed in July (9:30-10:30am) Art classes will run at the scheduled times during morning camps. They are included in the price of camp. For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-6641261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

ADSO’s Kids’ Art Camp, June Sessions Mon, July 13–Fri, July 17

Circus Camp, July Sessions

Tues–Thurs, July 7–July 9 - Emerald Coast Science Center Join us under the Big Top for a scientific look at the circus. Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:004:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Snacks are provided for all camps and classes. Please wear closed-toed shoes!

For more information, including pricing or to register, call 850-664-1261, or visit www. ecscience.org.

Classes begin on Monday with clay artistry and feature a different medium each day, including drawing, painting, and other media. Each week ends with an art show and reception for the families, during the second half of Friday’s class. There are 2 July sessions of the camp, organized by age groups. Session 1: Ages 6 - 8, July 13-17, 9:30 -11:30 am; Session 2: Ages 9-13, July 13-17, 1:00-3:00 pm. The cost for each of the weeklong sessions is $70 per child ($60 for the children of ADSO members). Register early as space is limited. Classes will be held

at the ADSO Art Center, 17 First Street, SE, FWB. For more information, call 244-1271, or visit www.artsdesignsociety.org.

Out of This World Camp, July Sessions Tues, July 21–Thurs, July 23

Take a journey though the galaxy to learn about our solar system: Morning Camp: 9:00-12:00pm; Lunch: 12:00-1:00pm; Afternoon Camp: 1:004:00pm. Students will need to pack a lunch for all camps. Please wear closed-toed shoes!

For more information, call 850-664-1261, or visit www.ecscience.org.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents 2015 Children’s Theater Camp Mon, July 13–Sat, July 25 – Miramar Beach This year’s camp will be Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. Musical Theater Camp. It will be two weeks long, Monday through Friday, with a final performance on Saturday.

For more information, please visit www. emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

SummerWild Camp

Mon, July 15–Fri, August 14 - Destin For children entering grades 1 through 6. Learn about wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal rescue, safe animal handling and more. There will be games and crafts. Snacks and drinks will be provided. For more information, please contact Susan Leveille at 850-650-1880.

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Wednesday Night Concert Series

Wed, July 1–Fri, July 31 – Baytowne Wharf These concerts are free to the public and begin weekly at 7:00pm. For more information and a list of performing bands, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Magical Thursday

Thurs, July 2–Fri, July 31 – Baytowne Wharf Bring the kids to Baytowne Wharf on Thursdays at 7:00pm for a magic show performed by Captain Davy. The event is free for the family! For more information, visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Sunday Cinema

Sun, July 5–Fri, July 31 – Baytowne Wharf Every Sunday at Baytowne Wharf, enjoy a family friendly movie under the stars on the Events Plaza lawn. The movie starts at 8:00pm and is free for the whole family. For more information and a full movie listing, please visit www.baytownewharf.com.

Hydro Flight Monday

Mon, July 6–Fri, July 31 – Baytowne Wharf Enjoy three shows over the lagoon at Baytowne Wharf by fly-board extraordinaire Ben Merrell! This is a free event. Times and more information can be found at www. baytownewharf.com.

SEASONAL

Fat Tuesday Parade

Every Tuesday at HarborWalk Village

THE ARTS

LavaLamp – 1970s Tribute

Thurs, July 9 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center The popular 1970s tribute band LavaLamp is coming to the Southeast and making a stop in Niceville. You can expect a night of fun, entertainment, local food and music under the stars at the amphitheater in Niceville at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The show starts at 7:00p.m. and attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite ‘70s outfit to participate in a costume contest! For more information, please call 850-729-6000.

Every Tuesday during the summer at HarborWalk Village you will think you are in New Orleans! There will be a free parade through the Village with fabulous floats, beads and more! After the parade, enjoy an exciting fire dancing show. The show starts at 7:00pm.

For more information, call 850-424-0600.

Red, White and Blue Celebration

Every Thursday at HarborWalk Village Every Thursday through the summer, help celebrate a local hero at the HarborWalk Village. The celebration highlights the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. There will be live entertainment, kids’ crafts, face painting, and a vintage WWII aircraft flyover. The evening is topped off with a stunning fireworks display over the Destin Harbor. The celebration starts at 7:00pm and the fireworks start at 9:00pm.

For more information, call 850-424-0600.

Oklahoma! – NWF State Summer Musical

Wed, July 15–Sat, July 18 – Mattie Kelly Arts Center One of the most popular musicals in Broadway history will be presented by Northwest Florida State College. The show can be seen at the Mainstage Theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the college’s Niceville campus.

Tickets are available through the box office, by phone or online. For more information, call 850-729-6000.

Rock the Docks Live

Every Saturday at HarborWalk Village Every Saturday night during the summer, head to the Destin Harbor for free concerts and live music on the HarborWalk Village stage. For more information, call 850-424-0600.

Boomin’ Tuesday

Tues, July 7–Fri, July 31 – Baytowne Wharf At the Events Plaza Stage at Baytowne Wharf, enjoy lawn games, inflatables and other kids activities from 7:00pm until 9:00pm on Tuesdays. For more information, visit www. baytownewharf.com.

Send calendar events to: nathanwilson@itsyourmagazine.com

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Square and Line Dance Tues, July 7 - Crestview

Find those dancing shoes and head to the Crestview Public Library from 10:30am until 11:30am for some dancing fun! Admission is free.

For more information, please call 850-682-4432.

Emerald Coast Theatre Company Presents 2015 Children’s Theater Camp Mon, July 13–Sat, July 25 – Miramar Beach

The Emerald Coast Theatre Company has launched its 2015 summer theater camps series with the kids in mind! This year’s camp will be Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. Musical Theater Camp. It will be two weeks long, Monday through Friday, with a final performance on Saturday. For more information, please visit www.emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

ADSO’s Kids’ Summer Camp

Mon, July 13–Fri, July 17 – Fort Walton Beach The Arts and Design Society is offering the opportunity for children to participate in creating visual arts in their summer “Kids’ Art Camp.” They will teach a different medium each day, including drawing, painting and more. For more information or to register, please call 850-244-1271.

Bay Center for a fight card you won’t want to miss! This is an all-pro MMA and boxing event for all ages. For more information, please call 850-432-0800.

National Tequila Day Fri, July 24 - Pensacola

Head down to Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola for free Tequila tasting for National Tequila Day. Call 850-434-6211 for more information or go to www.sevillequarter.com.

SummerWild Camp

Mon, July 15–Fri, August 14 - Destin SummerWild camp provides the opportunity for children entering grades 1 through 6 to learn about wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal rescue, safe animal handling techniques and more. There will be games and crafts. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

For more information, please contact Susan Leveille at 850-650-1880.

Youth Fall Cheerleading

Sat, August 1 – Destin Community Center Youth Fall Cheerleading registration for ages 5-12 is happening now until July 31. The fee is $35 for residents and $40 for non-residents, plus the cost of a uniform. Practices will be held weekly beginning in August, and games are on Saturdays. For more information, please call 850-654-5184.

Art and Bulls in the Streets

Thurs, July 16–Sat, July 18 - Pensacola The 14 Century Spanish Festival, Running of the Bulls, is coming to Pensacola! It will take place at downtown Pensacola at Seville Quarter and is a free family event! There will be food, drinks and live entertainment.

For more information, please call 850-434-6211 or visit www.sevillequarter.com. th

7th Annual Community Festival

Kowabunga Racer New for 2015!

Grab your speed mat and meet at the starting line! Kowabunga Racer opens this summer and the race is on! It’s a 4-lane drag strip plunging nearly five stories on a downhill racecourse the length of a football field. Racers start off side-by-side and then disappear in and out of twisting, coiling tubes, then explode into the sunlight . . . right before a breathtaking drop to a splash landing below.

All speed, no brakes. That’s Kowabunga Racer!

Sat, August 8 – Fort Walton Beach

Island Fights

Mon, July 20 - Pensacola Island Fights and Square Ring Promotions are bringing back the excitement to Pensacola

This community festival will not only be fun, but it will benefit the local community, as well. It is really three events in one: a health fair, a backto-school giveaway, and an outreach service.

This event will be held at Striving for Perfection Ministries from 10:00am until 2:00pm. There will be games, prizes, free food and fun! For more information, please call 850-362-6977.

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RUNS, WALKS & MORE

RECURRING LOCAL

VOLUNTEER

ArtWalk on the Harbor

HarborWalk Village (Starting July 19) Every third Sunday of the month, dozens of artists will come out to showcase their work. You will find all kinds of art, from contemporary to traditional, from paintings to handcrafted jewelry, and more. For more information, please call 850-424-0600.

Poetry and Music Jam

2nd Tues, Every Month at Crestview Public Library Poets and musicians are invited to bring their work and instruments to a free-form open-mic poetry reading and jam session at the Crestview Public Library. This will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00p.m. until 7:45p.m. For more information, contact Esther at 850-682-4432, or Rick at 850-585-6399.

BooFest

Sat, July 11 - Baker

The Okaloosa County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee is hosting a mud run to raise money in support of agricultural awareness.

Registration will start at 7:00am and the race will begin at 8:00am. For more information, please call Molly Huffman at 850-682-3536 or Jennifer Bearden at 850-585-3940.

4th Paddle at the Porch

Sat, August 15 – The Back Porch Seafood and Oyster House, Destin This is not your typical race; this standup paddleboard event features a one-mile recreational race, a three-mile recreational race, and a six-mile elite race. Awards and cash prizes will be handed out. For more information, please call Suzy Nicholson Hunt at 850-837-2711, extension 2.

BooFest is returning for their 13th consecutive year. This year it will be held at the Pensacola Bay Center, and all proceeds from this event will benefit many local charities and high schools in the area. You can expect live entertainment and music, along with live and silent auctions.

For more information, call 850-432-0800.

Evenings in Ole Seville Square Thurs, July 30 - Pensacola

This annual concert series will be coming to an end, and their Grand Finale show will be from 7:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola. They plan to send out their best entertainers to headline the show.

For information, please call 850-434-6211.

Toast of the Coasts – A Food and Wine Dinner Series Thurs, August 27 - Pensacola

The 4th annual Toasts of the Coasts Food and Wine events at the Fish House in Pensacola is back! This series of wine dinners will feature master sommeliers and vintners showcasing stellar wines from around the world. For more information, please contact 850-470-0003.

Contact CC Fearson at 850-659-3190.

Socks

Contact Nikole Wood at 850-863-8999.

PAWS

Contact Alicia Sikes at 850-243-1525.

Fri, July 24–Sat, July 25 - Pensacola

Okaloosa County Farm Bureau 5K Mud Run

Opportunity Place

Salvation Army

Contact Lisa Martinez at 850-243-4531.

Habitat for Humanity

Contact Mark McEnaney at 850-685-0686.

Florosa Fire Department

Contact Tom Peele at 850-581-2900.

VFW

Contact Harvey Eckoff at 850-244-3834.

Goodwill

Contact John at 850-837-8516.

Destin Community Center

Contact Lisa Firth at 850-654-5184.

Waterfront Rescue Mission

Contact Tina or Sharron at 850-244-2726.

Destin History & Fishing Museum Contact Kathy Blue at 850-837-6611.

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

Contact Susan Leivelle at 850-650-1880.

Boys & Girls Club

Contact Rita Cummins at 850-862-1332.

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