San Joaquin Parents Magazine March 2019

A Magazine for In-The-Know Parents

Parents INSIDE:

BUDGETING FOR A VACATION RAISING A DAREDEVIL FEELING HYGGE

MARCH./APRIL. 2019 SANJOAQUINMAGAZINE.COM

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

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MAR/APR. 2019

PUBLISHER | EDITOR

Tony Zoccoli MANAGING EDITOR

Alexandra Krueger SECTION EDITOR

12 4. Craft Corner: Paper Mache Earth

Celebrate Earth Day the crafty way: teach your child about the importance of preserving the earth while making this fun paper mache version of the globe.

CONTENTS

4. Asparagus Festival

2

For many foodies in San Joaquin County, spring means one thing: asparagus. And the best way to celebrate this fantastic green veggie is by heading to the Asparagus Festival in Stockton!

6. Comedy for Kids

Stand-up comedians are having a moment. However, many stand-up specials are a bit too crass for kids to watch. Here’s a list of some amazing comedians who keep it familyfriendly.

8. Moms on Social Media

Learn how to parent in the age of Snapchat and Instagram with advice from Robert Torres, chief technology officer at Stockton Unified School District.

10. Local Books for Little Readers

Looking to keep your kids productive over spring break? A book is never a bad idea! Here’s a handy list of entertaining reads for every age group. Oh, and fun fact: these are all by local authors!

12. Breakfast for a Busy Morning

Make breakfast fun in the mornings without adding to the chaos. Check out these tips—and recipes—on how to step up the before-school breakfast game to something that isn’t cold cereal.

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

Nora Heston Tarte GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Sybil Watson / Lucas Zoccoli MARKETING ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Neelam Patel

14. Budgeting for Vacation

Planning a summer vacation with your brood? Start saving now!

Check out these tips to make family travel planning stress-free.

16. Raising a Daredevil

3 tips on raising a daredevil from Jeremy Sinclair, a school counselor at Venture Academy in Stockton.

18. Feeling Hygge

Hygge means to acknowledge a feeling or moment that is cozy, charming, or special. So how can you embrace hygge at home? The idea is to spend a lot of low-key quality time together, free of distractions.

24. Find Adventure in the Great Outdoors

New camp alert! Children entering grades 4-7 are invited to attend the Let’s Play Outside summer camp and enjoy fun and educational recreational activities at Durham Ferry’s new summer camp.

26. 5 Ways to Schools Kids on Sustainability

Sustainability can be a complicated concept for little ones to grasp—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Here are five tips for teaching your kids how to live a sustainable lifestyle.

28. 10 Great Dates 30. Last Word

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San Joaquin Parents Magazine published bi-monthly by San Joaquin Magazine 318 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240 Phone: (209) 833-9989 www.sanjoaquinmagazine.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from this publisher. Photographs, graphics, and artwork are the property of Inside Magazines Publishing Company. © 2018 Inside Magazines Publishing Co.

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CRAFTS

Paper Mache EARTH

 BY ALEXANDRA KRUEGER

SAN JOAQUIN

Asparagus Festival April 12, 13,

 BY CAITLIN HAMER

Celebrate Earth Day the crafty way: teach your child about the importance of preserving the earth while making this fun paper mache version of the globe. Here’s how:

What You’ll Need: o Round Balloon o Newspaper o Paper mache paste o Acrylic Pain o Paintbrush

Steps:

1) Blow up your balloon. Set it on a plastic covered bowl while you work on it so that the paper mache does not stick.

2) Tear your newspaper into 1-inch wide strips that are 4 to 6 inches long. You’ll need a lot of these strips, so make sure you tear plenty!

3) Using paper mache paste, apply three to four layers, allowing each to dry before applying the next.

4) Paint your oceans and continents, using as little or as much detail as you like.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

For many foodies in San Joaquin County, spring means one thing:asparagus. . And the best way to celebrate this fantastic green veggie is by heading to the Asparagus Festival in Stockton!

On April 12, 13, and 14, locals can gather up friends and family and make their way to the San Joaquin County fairgrounds for a weekend full of fun! Offering plenty of amusement for the whole family, this is a classic Central Valley event that you won’t want to miss out on. Adults will enjoy the live bands and the craft beer & wine pavilion, while kids will love meeting the country farm animals, and get plenty of thrills checking out the carnival rides and games at the Kids Zone. And of course, don’t forget the main attraction! You might very well spend all day making your way through Asparagus Alley for exciting takes on this beloved delicacy.

If you’ve got picky kids who normally wouldn’t touch asparagus, they may think twice when they come across some of the tantalizing options – think asparagus ice cream, asparagus churros, and asparagus nachos, to name just a few of the dishes! There will also be a health and wellness fair, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, a recipe contest, and a deep-fried asparagus eating contest, among other events.

For discounted tickets, make sure to purchase in advance at Save Mart and Lucky stores. The festivities will last all day, so make sure to arrive with your appetites in tow!

Eat the Day Away: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, CA

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MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

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ENTERTAINMENT

COMEDY

FOR KIDS

than 13. With her neurotic logic and genuine smile, she’ll have you and your family rolling on the floor laughing in no time.

JIM GAFFIGAN He’s an exceptional comedian for families to watch together, especially if the head of your household is a dad with a belly and a love of donuts—or, all foods, really. No, we’re not talking about Homer Simpson, we’re referring to Jim Gaffigan, the palest funny man who will ever make you crave a Hot Pocket. Jim’s genius deadpan-delivery in contrast with his high-pitched mockery of the audience’s opinion of his jokes makes this clean comedian one of the best in the biz.

BILL ENGVAL This comedian is a family man through and through.

A working-class comic, Bill Engval’s material is as clean as it is hilarious, with a good deal of his comedy based on his own life and family.

If you like hunting, fishing, and teaching your kids important life lessons, you’ll have a lot to laugh at in any one of Bill’s many stand up specials—each of which is appropriate for all ages!  BY ALEXANDRA KRUEGER

Stand up comedians are having a moment, especially on streaming sites such as Netflix and YouTube.

However, there’s no question that many of the stand-up specials featured are a bit too crass for kids to watch. But who doesn’t love the idea of spending quality family time with the brood and laughing until you cry? Here’s a list of some amazing comedians who keep it family-friendly, so everyone can enjoy the show.

BRIAN REGAN Arguably the best clean-comedian performing today, Brian Regan delivers side-splitting jokes about everything from harrowing visits to the

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

optometrist, to his childhood science project and spelling bee, to driving through “blasting zones” on the highway. With young children of his own, Brian consistently refrains from using profanity or inappropriate humor, and yet he receives praise from teenagers, parents, and fellow comedians alike.

ELLEN DEGENERES A famous talk-show host as well as standup comedian, Ellen Degeneres’ routine has been called both observational and absurdist, relying heavily on her nonchalant delivery.

Ellen’s specials are always clean, but can be a bit edgier than Brian Regan’s, so she’s a great option if you have kids at home who are older

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7

Q&A

MOMS ON

Social Media  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

ROBERT TORRES of Stockton Unified School District

Q

Parenting in the age of social media comes with a set of challenges previous generations never had to deal with. Don’t have a social media faux pas—learn how to parent in the age of Snapchat and Instagram with advice from local expert Robert Torres, chief technology officer at Stockton Unified School District.

Should you ‘follow’ your children on social media?

Yes absolutely, this lets them know you will be monitoring their activities on social media for chats, pictures, videos, playing games, etc.

Besides, there are dangers with the power of social media applications and the use of GPS tracking technology built-in that, if turned on, allows friends and followers to know your location.

Q

What rules should you have in place for posting photos of your kids on your own social media?

Keep it to a minimum and appropriate content in the event someone tries to share your photos with someone else intentionally or accidentally. Make sure your privacy settings on your social media applications are set to private and model good behavior on your own social media accounts closer look.

Q

What is an appropriate age to have a social media account?

If you follow the guidelines and age restrictions on most of the popular social media applications, the minimum age is 13 years old. Before granting permission, do some research on the internet to see what guidelines you, as a parent, should be providing kids before they create their first account. This is also a perfect time to let them know they must share their account information with you and that you will be monitoring their activities.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

How much monitoring should you do of your child’s accounts and “friends?”

If your child uses social media often, your frequency should become regular to check their activities. An easy way to do this is have your child accept you as a friend or follow them on their social media to see what is being

shared or posted. In the best case scenario you should become familiar with the popular social media applications (Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) and learn how to use them so you can verify your child’s activities by asking for their mobile device and reviewing their online activities for yourself.

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BOOK SMART

Local Books for LITTLE READERS  BY CAITLIN HAMER

Looking to keep your kids productive over spring break? A book is never a bad idea! Here’s a handy list of entertaining reads for every age group. Oh, and fun fact: these are all by local authors!

Little Red Rolls Away

by Linda Whalen Ages: 5 to 7 Northern California author Linda Whalen wrote this charming illustrated story about Little Red Barn, who wakes one morning to find himself alone. But things take a turn for the worse when big, noisy machines transport him far away. Luckily, this story has a happy ending, and is the perfect book for any young readers who might be scared to face change in their own lives.

10

The Great Chinese New Year’s Race

by Heather B. Rule Ages: 6 to 9 Inspired by stories from her great-grandparents’ homeland, Stockton writer Heather B. Rule has crafted four fun plays from tales of old Chinese folklore.

Covering the Chinese Zodiac, terrifying monsters, water goddesses, and royals, this illustrated book not only carries beloved and exciting stories to a new generation, but also teaches readers important lessons about strength, greed, and much more.

THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

by Jennifer Torres Ages: 8 to 12 This debut novel, written by Stockton author Jennifer Torres, focuses on Stef Soto, a seventh-grade student who struggles with overprotective parents, former friends, and a family business she now finds embarrassing.

But when new town regulations put her father’s taco truck in jeopardy, Stef starts to learn what’s really important in life.

Warning: this feel good story may make readers hungry!

The Gopher & the Erstwhile Wizard

by J. L. Rallios Ages: 8 to 12 Author J.L. Rallios, who was raised in French Camp, weaves an enchanting tale of magic that stars an unlikely hero – a gopher. After invading the garden of an ex-wizard and happening upon a very magical carrot, the gopher is thrust into a world of reawakening magic.

Young fans of fantasy will love this novel – and parents, you may just enjoy this adventure, too!

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KIDS' HEALTH

Breakfast FOR A BUSY MORNING  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

It’s easy for a morning to get hectic.

Between searching for lost tennis shoes, arguing about proper hygiene, and refereeing hallway quarrels, the rush to get off to school can leave parents feeling harried at best. I’m sure we’ve all once pushed a small human out of the front door with a Hulk backpack swung over one arm when the words, “but what about breakfast?” come out of their mouth. Oops.

Make breakfast fun and healthful in the mornings without adding to the chaos. Few moms have time to whip up homemade pancakes and sausage biscuits before lugging the brood off to school, at least not everyday.

Check out these tips—and recipes—on how to step up the before-school breakfast game to something that isn’t cold cereal.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER OVERNIGHT OATS SERVING SIZE: 2 KIDS INGREDIENTS: Honey Vanilla extract Unsweetened milk Peanut Butter Peanuts Greek Yogurt Salt Flax meal (optional) Rolled Oats Cocoa Powder

STEPS:

Prep the Night Before It’s not that we have copious amounts of time in the evenings either, but with the kids off to bed (hopefully) it may be easier to do a little meal prep in the quiet of the night, preferably with your favorite new Netflix binge playing in the background.

Take advantage of overnight cooking in a Crockpot or prep overnight oats—a no-cook version of oatmeal—to leave in the refrigerator before heading to bed. Not only does that limit your morning breakfast duties to putting something in a bowl (with no other prep), but also these meals are more balanced and will keep kid’s tummies fuller than a bowl of Captain Crunch.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

1) Mix the following into a large bowl and whisk.

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt • 1/2 cup rolled oats • 2/3 cup milk (or vegan substitute) • 1 tablespoon flax meal • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons peanut butter of choice • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder • Salt to taste • 2 tablespoons honey 2) Spoon into a mason jar and refrigerate overnight before eating 3) Top with a small handful of halved peanuts. Drizzle with honey.

Serve Dessert If kids tend to fight what is served for breakfast, stop bickering and play the game.

Instead of insisting on bowls of fresh fruit and scrambled eggs, get creative. Cutting down on the breakfast negotiations will help mornings go smoother.

Consider this a win for everyone. Add chocolate to a healthy recipe to pique a child’s interest, or offer (healthy, home-made) popsicles for breakfast. Here is why it works: you aren’t really giving into dessert for breakfast; you’re just dressing up that healthy meal you want to serve.

Try Lazy Cooking This is what I call it when you’re only half-cooking something. Stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods offer semi-prepared options that cut down on cook times.

Instead of slicing and dicing in the morning, take advantage of these pre-prepared items by throwing a handful of frozen, sliced bell peppers or riced broccoli into a batch of scrambled eggs. Dress up a bagel with that famous Everything But The Bagel Sesame seasoning, or top toast with a flavored butter spread not made from scratch.

These extra ingredients may cost a tad more than doing it on your own, but when you’re scrambling in the morning you’ll be happy that all you have to scramble is a carton of eggs.

BREAKFAST POPSICLES THIS POPSICLE IS REALLY JUST YOGURT AND FRUIT—MOM WIN! INGREDIENTS: Fresh, sliced fruit of choice Greek yogurt (flavor of choice, we ecommend vanilla)

STEPS: 1) Cut fruit into thin slices (the more colors used, the more fun they look).

2) Fill popsicle molds with yogurt and slide fruit slides on the sides and in the middle.

3) Freeze overnight and serve.

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

13

FINANCES

BUDGETING

For Vacation  BYNORA HESTON TARTE

3) USE REWARDS

Get a good travel credit card—airlines and banks typically both have offerings—that helps you earn points both for booking travel and for paying for it. Some airline cards offer free travel points to be used on hotels, rental cars, and airfare just for signing up, plus bonus points for every dollar you spend through the airline.

Just remember to pay it off immediately so you don’t incur extra fees.

4) PICK A PACKAGE

Companies like Costco and, again, airlines are usually good about providing discounts on vacation packages. When you book a flight, click through the hotel and rental car options, too. Or head straight to Costco for an inclusive package.

5) COMPARE AND SAVE

Travel planning can be time-consuming, and the last thing most parents have is extra time. However, putting an afternoon (or a few of them) into sorting out the details can save your pocketbook, and leave more money for adventures.

Compare and contrast different packages, flights, etc. before hitting “confirm,” and you’re likely to save a little money without sacrificing experience.

NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE? Planning a summer vacation with your brood?

Start saving now! Check out these tips to make family travel planning stress-free.

1) DONT FINANCE IT

Whenever possible don’t slap a family vacation on your credit card, you’ll end up paying more in the long run thanks to high interest rates. Plus, the stress of having a high balance can ruin the vacation high.

Instead, plan vacations ahead of time and pay for them in full before you go. This way, when you board the plane, you won’t be focused on anything but the fun ahead.

2) BUILD A VACATION BANK ACCOUNT

If you have a big trip coming up, start saving now.

Figure an end goal on how much moola you need to make the trip, and then budget for it in the months before. By putting aside as little as $200 each month for six months before you depart, you’ll have a healthy nest egg before vacation hits. Keep this money in a separate account, preferably not linked to your debit card, to stop yourself from touching it for other needs.

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

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FAMILY VALUES

RAISING A Daredevil  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

At two years old my youngest niece stood on top of a high table and announced loudly, “I’m going to jump!” At the park, my son climbs on the outside of the high drawbridge instead of inside of it. I’ve seen other parents cringe in their presence—they just don’t know what it’s like to raise a daredevil.

My gut reaction, at least at first, was to stop the crazy-making behavior all at once. I found myself constantly saying, “Don’t do that!” and “Get down from there!” It didn’t seem to help much, and I think that’s because “a daredevil” is simply

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

who my kid is. So how do I let him be him while also instilling a sense of self preservation into his 5-year-old body?

Instead of trying to tame him, I decided to find safe outlets that provided the fun and excitement he was looking for. I put him in rock-climbing classes (where I held my breath the first time he climbed to the top of a 50-foot wall, which was also his first day) and ski lessons. I started letting him climb the play structures at the park, but was careful to suggest riding his bike there as often as possible so I could “forget” to take his helmet off. I also started evaluating the true danger of a situation and letting him go with anything that would simply result in a skinned knee.

The result was less of me telling him what not to do and more of him having fun that looked at least a few modicums safer than the fun he was having before.

Tips From an Expert 1)Stop saying no.

“It’s a much better idea to try to express to [children] what we are looking for whether than what we are not looking for,” suggests Jeremy Sinclair, a school counselor at Venture Academy in Stockton.

When you consistently use words such as “No” and phrases like “Don’t do that,” they lose power.

2)Consider intentions.

Jeremy says parents should always have a child’s intentions in mind and try to meet those intentions in a safer way. For example, if the goal is to do something exciting, find an exciting activity that presents less danger.

3) Accept that not all children are the same.

Siblings may not act the same, and they likely will need to be parented differently. “Keep in perspective that these children are individuals,” Jeremy says. “Every kid is a new adventure… and they will pose different challenges and joys for us.”

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17

FEELING

Hygge

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

THE DANISH PARENTING CONCEPT TAKING THE NATION BY STORM

18 18

THE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINEFOR FORIN-THE-KNOW IN-THE-KNOWPARENTS PARENTS

You’ve likely heard the term before even if the definition was unclear. That’s because hygge—a Danish word without a direct English translation— is a little hard to describe.

But we’re going to try. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) means to acknowledge a feeling or moment that is cozy, charming, or special. A closer translation is something akin to, “to cozy around together.”

The word isn’t new, but more recently experts have translated hygge into a way of parenting, a Danish lifestyle that lends itself to raising happy, capable kids.

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

So how can you embrace hygge at home? The idea is to spend a lot of low-key quality time together, free of distractions. There is also a definite emphasis on getting cozy and nurturing familial bonds through physical and emotional connections.

Why do we care? Well, the Danish have created a reputation as the happiest people on Earth, so if happiness is the goal, we might have a thing or two to learn.

START SMALL

As with anything, adopting a new lifestyle, or in this case a state of mind, doesn’t happen

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

19

GET STARTED Try some of these tasks.

• Sip hot chocolate in front of a fire • Wear pajamas in the middle of the day or early evening • Get comfortable and close with blankets and sweaters • Turn off the screens and have a conversation over tea • Eat dinner on the couch and snuggle while watching a movie • Play board games by candlelight • Bake or cook together

all at once. For many, picking out a few Danish parenting ideas and principles will be enough.

Others may decide to more fully integrate this concept into their life over time.

Start by choosing a few ideas or suggestions that encourage a feeling of hygge. Then, put those in practice. As the first round of ideas begins to feel like the new normal, add in a couple more or increase the time you spend working toward hygge, always adjusting it to your family’s individual needs and preferences.

Even as you progress, hygge is never something to be done 24/7. Hygge is the idea of finding togetherness and calm in moments, not all day everyday. Even the Danes don’t feel hygge that much. And to that point, over time hygge should be less of a conscious practice and more of a feeling and routine. It’s believed that people in Denmark don’t put a lot of thought into finding hygge; instead it is a feeling that is ingrained in them through routine activities that promote hygge.

GRASPING THE INTANGIBLE

Hygge is best described as a feeling, a mental state, and an inner peace. This makes becoming a hygge family a little gray. There isn’t simply one thing to do that embraces hygge; instead there are several options that create a feeling of hygge in your household.

In a lot of ways, hygge is about connecting with your children. It involves giving your full attention (not always, but in these quiet, still moments), doing something cozy together, and embracing not being busy. At its core, hygge promotes a sense of calmness that kids and adults both respond to.

Hygge doesn’t mean you have to do nothing.

Instead, look for activities that are unstructured and can be done as a family. Engage with each other while doing, but don’t over plan because then you end up forgoing the “free time” part of the concept that helps promote that inner calm we wish we had as parents—and our children as feral animals—both possessed.

MAKE TIME

Carve out small parts of the day or week to engage in activities that encourage hygge. For example, pick one night per week to be family night where everyone gets home at a decent hour and spends time alone together.

During this evening put the cell phones away, do not answer work phone calls or emails, and pick an activity that encourages bonding, may it be painting, watching a movie, or playing board games. There are just a few (loose) rules.

Everything must be done together, the activity

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

FIND HYGGE THIS SUMMER • • • • • •

should be reasonably calm, and during the activity you should find time to connect either physically, emotionally, or mentally.

WHY KIDS LIKE IT

Hygge encourages people—like overly busy Americans—to take time to slow down. In these moments, the focus is on building intimacy with others. Children like it when parents slow down and focus on family; it can help children feel heard and loved. This, in turn, creates an inner peace and confidence that will help kids thrive in life. It also sets them up to find that same peace and stillness in times of chaos as they grow, and hopefully share the same ideals and principles with future families. After all, that’s why it works for the Danes; they aren’t aware of hygge because it is simply a way of life to them.

Hygge tends to go against some of the norms American families are used to. For example, hygge demands families to be less

busy and to give in to quiet, perhaps unstructured, time as a family. While in America we promote enrichment activities and extracurriculars, hygge is the idea of forgoing these priorities (sometimes) in favor of something more serene.

The activities that lead to hygge specifically cater to finding calm and building connections with others. Hygge does not involve yelling or drama, it is the ability to shed that stress and negativity at the door and instead connect. But hygge isn’t only for families; it works for friends and adults, too.

SUMMER HYGGE

It’s no secret that hygge activities are most often promoted most during fall and winter. After all, Danes endure long, dark winters every year. The good news is that hygge can also be felt in the summer months.

Get a little creative with the activities to make hygge fit the warm Central Valley summers we’re used

Camp Have a picnic in a park Plan an evening beach trip Stargaze on a blanket in the backyard Take a night swim Watch the sunrise or sunset in comfy clothes

to in San Joaquin County. The goal is to maintain the stillness and togetherness in every one. Honestly, hygge is illuminated by any practice that builds togetherness in a “cozy” way, so you don’t need cold weather to feel it.

BE AWARE

So much of hygge is the pleasure that comes from these actions. Hygge isn’t the act itself, but the appreciation you feel after engaging in an activity. Be aware of the feeling you get after cozying up with family and enjoying a quiet moment— that’s what hygge is. As Americans, to fully understand hygge we need to be aware of it when it hits. Eventually, hygge will fade into the background and as you continue to prioritize family time, you’ll feel it without really thinking about it.

READ ON Parenting books are a dime a dozen, but if hygge is the goal, there are a few gems that delve into this concept further. Some focus on family, while others explore hygge as a whole. Check out these books for more ideas.

The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids, by Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Sandhal The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, by Meik Wiking How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life,

by Signe Johansen

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

21

EXPLORE

FIND ADVENTURE in the GREAT OUTDOORS  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

taught at Durham Ferry over a four-day camp.

“With the prevalence of video games, tablets, Netflix, and social media, children are underexposed to their local ecosystem and have not had a chance to connect and learn about this exciting and important aspect of life,” says Dean Reese, science coordinator of outdoor education and environmental literacy for SJCOE. During camp, children entering grades 4-7 are invited to attend the Let’s Play Outside summer camp and fish on the San Joaquin River, hike along trails in the riparian ecosystem,

THE DEETS:

New camp alert! For years, children have explored the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center in Manteca on classroom field trips, offering an opportunity to get outdoors and explore the Delta’s ecosystem. This year marks the first time that SJCOE has decided to include a summer camp at the Education Center with the goal of exposing more children to the great outdoors while offering a deeper look at the principles and lessons

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

Dates: Summer 2019 will offer three sessions: June 3 – 6, June 10 – 13, and June 17 – 20 Times: 9 AM-2 PM daily Cost: $300 per student per week with subsidized slots available for those who qualify for free-andreduced lunches

learn archery, participate in arts and crafts, get up close and personal with nature, and enjoy many other recreational activities. All of this will be done in a classroom-sized environment, with a maximum of 30 kids at each camp.

As an added bonus, individuals knowledgeable about the great outdoors lead the camps, so kids are learning scientific concepts and other educational lessons while they explore, in addition to reaping the universal benefits of summer camp such as a sense of independence, confidence, and strong friendships.

Sign Up: SJCOEScience.org/ Summer-Stem-Camps-forStudents.html Explore: Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center 29442 Airport Way, Manteca (209) 292-2713 SJCOEScience.org/DurhamFerry-Outdoor-EducationCenter.html

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Learning | Serving | Achieving Learning | Serving | Achieving 1110 N. Lincoln St. • Stockton, CA • 209.444.4000 1110 N. Lincoln Street | Stockton, CA 95203 | (209) 444-4000

Celebrating 61 years of teaching academic excellence and faith based values

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SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

CONNECT209.ORG YOUR CONNECTION TO LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Academic activities, events, and competitions are not possible without the help of community volunteers. Connect209.org now makes it easier to mentor and volunteer by connecting you with opportunities available with the San Joaquin County Office of Education and county school districts.

Academic Decathlon test or Super Quiz Proctor • Discovery ChalleNGe Academy Mentor • math easy tutor Mock Trial Scoring Attorney • Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Field Trip Facilitator • Science Fair Judge

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

23

EDUCATION

PROFILES

ST. PETER LUTHERAN SCHOOL St. Peter Lutheran School has a long, outstanding history among the community in Lodi. Founded in 1904, we are one of the most established private schools in the area. Here at St. Peter, we offer a WASC accredited program for Preschool thru 8th grade. We strive to maintain a well-rounded, challenging, high-academic program, a caring and nurturing environment, and a tight knit community, formed by our students, teachers, staff, and parents.

In addition to quality academic standards, we offer numerous extracurricular elective classes and opportunities, such as performing arts, private music lessons, school choir, art classes, sports program, technology enrichment, age-appropriate field trips, and service projects in our community.

What sets us apart is our staff’s commitment to the spiritual development, well-being and safety of each child. We encourage our students to use their God-given talents, learned biblical principles, along with

Christ-centered living, to develop and prepare themselves for life-long success.

We invite you to contact us or check us out on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: ST PETER LUTHERAN SCHOOL 50 S. Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi, (209) 333-2225 SPLodiSchool.org

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF STOCKTON We know you want the best for your child. Choosing Sylvan is about getting results and setting your child up for long-term success. At Sylvan, we’re focused on building academic confidence,

igniting intellectual curiosity and inspiring a love for learning. For nearly 40 years, we’ve helped millions of students and families like yours achieve new levels of academic success.

Our secret sauce? The best teachers and technology!

Our caring and certified tutors are here for your family, and they offer so much more than traditional tutors! Our proven tutoring programs are just the beginning. There are so many ways we can put your child on an extraordinary path. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s teaching your young one how to read or helping your 12th grader through college applications, Sylvan is here for your family!

Sylvan of Stockton also offers proctoring services for online courses, certifications, and NCCT testing. Call us today and see how we can help your child succeed!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF STOCKTON 526 W. Benjamin Holt Dr., Stockton (209) 910-0074 SylvanLearning.com

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

EDUCATION

PROFILES

HARP LEARNING INSTITUTE Harp Learning Institute in Lodi, CA helps students reach grade level success through our research based, five-step program. Students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, autism, ADD/ADHD, and other learning disabilities thrive in our after-school program or by enrolling in our private school.

One of the hardest things to watch is your smart child struggling in school. Learning disabilities come in many different forms, but rest assured, there is hope! Many students are misdiagnosed with ADD/ ADHD or other learning disabilities when they really suffer from dyslexia, visual processing disorders, or issues with processing auditory information.

Harp Learning Institute goes to the root of the problem. We offer an affordable learning evaluation at a special rate of $49.00. From there, we pinpoint the exact problem(s) and form an individualized learning plan for the student that is rich in his/ her specific needs. We offer two forms of help for students who are struggling to learn. First, we provide our traditional after school tutoring that emphasizes our 5-step program and academics taught in a multi-sensory fashion. This program specializes in dyslexia, but we offer packages for all students. Second, we offer our unique private school for students with special needs, specializing in autism. Every skill is taught to mastery and the

student moves through the program at his/her own pace.

Learning moments are celebrated, encouraged, and reinforced! Ask about our new private school for students with learning disabilities!

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Harp Learning Institute, 322 W. Lodi Ave., Lodi, (209) 365-0950. HarpInstitute.com

EDUCATION

PROFILES

CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL Cathedral of the Annunciation School, located in central Stockton, has served the community as a dynamic K-8 Catholic grammar school since 1956. Annunciation School is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Stockton and is fully accredited by WASC and WCEA. Our school wide learning expectations emphasize quality academics, faith formation, problem solving, and effective communication skills.

Inspired by the message and teaching of Jesus Christ, the faculty and staff at Annunciation School is dedicated to educating the “whole” student. The students are guided to achieve a healthy balance spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. We strive to produce ambitious students who use their faith-based values to reach their full potential while never losing sight of the call to serve others.

Integral to learning at Annunciation School are the numerous opportunities for cooperative learning: hands-on activities, public speaking, field trips, and exposure to theater and music. Additionally, Annunciation School has a fully equipped computer lab and 1:1 Chromebooks and iPads for most classrooms. Our dynamic curriculum challenges the students to achieve their personal best and develop a strong foundation for success at the high school and college levels.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: CATHEDRAL OF THE ANNUNCIATION SCHOOL 1110 N. Lincoln St., Stockton (209) 444-4000, Annunciation-School.org

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

25

GO GREEN!

5 WAYS TO SCHOOL KIDS on Sustainability  BY ALEXANDRA KRUEGER

Sustainability can be a complicated concept for little ones to grasp—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. In honor of Earth Day, this month we’re giving you five tips for teaching your kids how to live a sustainable lifestyle—after all, it’s their generation that will inherit the earth!

Teaching your children good habits now will set the groundwork for them growing up to be responsible adults, and as a bonus, it will also provide opportunities for family bonding time!

MAKE RECYCLING A GAME: In California, recycling is a given. But it’s not exactly the most fun activity—make things interesting! Take your separate recycling bins outside into the yard, and give a bag of discarded bottles, cans, and paper to your kids and play a game of toss. The more they’re able to land the

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

correct item into the correct bin, the closer they are to winning!

PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN TOGETHER: Planting a garden as a family can be a great bonding experience. While you’re teaching your children about the veggies you’re planting, you’re also setting them up to learn patience. Once the plants are producing, take the kids outside to pick the vegetables with you—make sure they see you cooking them later!

MAKE RECYCLED CRAFTS: You don’t need to go and splurge at a Hobby Lobby to have a quality crafting corner. Recycle your milk cartons to make a birdhouse, paint tin cans to turn them into cute pencil holders, make a guitar out of an empty tissue box, paper towel roll, and three rubber bands. All

you need to do is a little Googling and you’ve got yourself a fun, sustainable afternoon that will be sure to keep the little ones entertained.

MAKE SAVING WATER A COMPETITION: This one’s good if you have multiple children who are a little older. Everyone knows siblings love to compete, so make water conservation a game and time their showers—soon enough they’ll start trying to beat their personal record.

Be sure to explain to them why water conservation is important, though. The reason behind water conservation is the important part, not the personal record!

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27

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MAR JAN APR FEB

CALENDAR

2019

STOCKTON HEAT HOCKEY

MARCH 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, 22, 24

Grab a beer and a seat glass-side, it’s time to hit the ice with the Stockton Heat! This hockey season is bound to burn away those winter blues as you get fired up with the crowd at the Stockton Arena! Whether you’re there for the sport, the team, or a night out with friends, be sure to head out for the Stockton Heat’s theme nights, including Game of Thrones night on the 22nd. Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com

ANNUAL STOCKTON CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE AND CELEBRATION

MARCH 3

Celebrate the year of the Pig at the 41st annual Stockton Chinese New Year Parade! This festive day will include lion dances, a

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THE MAGAZINE FOR IN-THE-KNOW PARENTS

kid’s zone, plenty of food, and live performances. Catch the parade as it starts from Weber Point at 10 A.M., and then head over to the Stockton Civic Auditorium to partake in the festival. Admission is free, so don’t miss out on this exciting and educational cultural event! Weber Point and Stockton Civic Auditorium, 525 N. Center St., Stockton, StocktonCNYC.org

WOW SCIENCE MUSEUM BIRTHDAY PARTY

MARCH 3

It’s the big 1-0 at the WOW Science Museum, and they’re partying all day! Enjoy this free event which will feature live science demonstrations, experiments, and plenty of exciting hands-on activities.

Celebrate a decade of this wonderful Lodi locale, which has been bringing fun and education to San Joaquin’s little ones since it opened.

If you still haven’t been, there’s no better time than now to discover this World of

Wonders! WOW Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, (209) 368-0969, WowScienceMuseum.org

STOCKTON KINGS

MARCH 3, 17, 23

Nothing adds excitement to the winter months like basketball season, and with the Stockton Kings debuting this year, it’s sure to be a season you won’t soon forget! Bring the whole family out to the Stockton Arena to get a front row seat to all the action, and to witness Stockton sports history in the making! Be sure to enjoy food and drinks from the Arena vendors and give three cheers for the Stockton Kings! Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com

PARISIAN IN NEW YORK

MARCH 9

Reminiscent of the bright and beautiful movie musicals of the 1950s, Parisian in New York is the original ballet you won’t want to miss.

Presented by Central West Ballet, this colorful and stunning show is sure to wow audiences young and old.

Don’t miss your chance to witness

STOCKMARKET

APRIL 20

Get ready for the return of Stockmarket, Stockton’s monthly maker’s festival! Dine on some of the area’s finest street food, check out your new favorite band playing live, and shop everything from jewelry to décor! In the mood to play? Try your hand at giant Jenga, or grab a hula hoop and start swinging! Stockmarket is a perfect day for some family fun, so don’t miss out on this wildly popular event! Stockton Marina, 445 W. Weber Ave., Stockton, StockmarketCA.com this brand new, effervescent performance!

The tour only stops in Tracy for one night, so get your tickets now, before they all sell out! The Grand Theatre, 715 Central Ave., Tracy, (209) 831-6858, AtTheGrand.org

H20 HACKATHON

MARCH 16

Is there a tech-savvy teenager in your life?

Then the fourth annual H20 Hackathon may just be their time to shine! California’s water issues take center stage at this daylong event, where San Joaquin County high school and college students can enter a competition to develop an app related to California dams.

The team with the winning app leaves with the Golden Spigot Award, a cash prize, and some serious pride. Register and learn more on their website! San Joaquin County Office of Education Wentworth Education Center, 2707 Transworld Dr., Stockton, (209) 4684880, H2oHackathon.org

STOCKTON ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL

APRIL 12, 13, 14

Celebrate San Joaquin's favorite vegetable at the annual Stockton Asparagus Festival! With three full days of festivities, you’re guaranteed a good time. Try exciting new asparagus dishes all along Asparagus Alley, let your kids catch some thrills on the carnival rides, and don’t forget to check out the entertainment, including chef demonstrations, a BMX stunt show, and live bands! Get your discount tickets at Save Mart and Lucky Stores now. San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton, (916) 370-3647, SanJoaquinAsparagusFestival.net

PAW PATROL LIVE: THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE

APRIL 23, 24

Join the PAW Patrol pups as they embark upon The Great Pirate Adventure at the Stockton Arena! Toddlers and kids will love this brand-new live show that brings all their favorite animated pups to the stage. It’s all paws on deck as Ryder and his team discover a pirate treasure map while rescuing Cap’n Turbot from a cavern, and then set out to find the treasure before Mayor Humdinger finds it! Get your general admission or VIP tickets now! Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, StocktonLive.com

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S “CRYSTAL” AT THE STOCKTON ARENA

APRIL 3, 5, 6, 7

Already known for their breathtaking acrobatic skills, Cirque du Soleil is taking things to a whole new level by performing their astounding moves on ice. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the story of Crystal, the misfit heroine who embarks on a tale of self-discovery through her imagination. With stunning visual projections, a stellar soundtrack, and gravity defying acrobatics, this is a show you’ll remember for the rest of your life! Stockton Arena, 248 W. Fremont St., Stockton, (209) 373-1400, CirqueDuSoleil.com

MARCH/APRIL | 2019

SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

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LAST word

THE Great TV DEBATE OF THE

21st century  BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Having a child is a conundrum.

It's basically one big mindboggling experience after the next. Why is he not sleeping? Why does he suddenly hate pancakes? Why does he insist on banging his head on the floor when he's angry? The answer is, I have no idea, and despite pages and pages of research on why toddlers act the way they do, I don't think the experts really know either. So I just try and take solace in the fact that it's "normal" behavior, or as normal as ripping off your diaper and peeing on the bathroom floor can really be considered.

One topic, however, still has me stumped. The Great TV Debate of the 21st Century is one for the books.

The AAP says I'm a bad parent if I allow my pre-two-year-old child to watch any television at all, but the 2008 study on the topic shows only a slight correlation between "nonviolent" television programs and attention deficit disorders (and no

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significant correlation for educational programming). So, experts, I pose to you this question: What. The. Hell? It's hard enough to navigate parenthood without the overwhelming overknowledge, but did you really have to make it harder by placing such a broad, yet strict, recommendation on the only past time that gives me five minutes of solace in my day? And then, to make matters worse, you tell me research is limited? Ay yi yi.

I began to peruse message boards to see what other parents were doing.

Whether or not the responses would allow me to justify a little TV time during the day, perhaps it would at least provide research that would make me feel guilty enough not to do it at all. But alas, I came up with a whole slew of parents that seemed just as confused as I (and the occasional selfrighteous mom or dad who felt the need to condemn us all for subjecting our children to Sesame Street).

Just as I was about to pull out my hair and cry about being an awful parent, the most amazing thing happened. My son got up off of his perch on the couch after only 12 minutes of Sesame Street, closed the entertainment center doors, pointed at the television, and said "off." I paused.

While I was busy worrying that I had turned my child into a television fiend, he had proven to me that I was wrong.

Even if I let him my son wouldn't be content to waste away in front of the television all day long. He prefers playing outside, reading the same book 15 times in a row, and chasing his dog around the house screaming at the top of his lungs. He'll be okay.

I always marvel at how some days my son seems to give me exactly what I need without me saying a word. It took no direction, no less-than-subtle prodding. He just knew that at that moment in time I needed to know I hadn't ruined him. At least not yet.

BE

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SAN JOAQUIN PARENTS MAGAZINE

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