August 2020

AUGUST 2020

FOR LOCAL FAMILIES. BY LOCAL FAMILIES.

Glazer Children's Museum celebrates 10 Years of Play! page 38

Glazer Children's Museum CEO Sarah Cole with her wife Annie and twins Bobby and Betty, 7.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Face Coverings, E-LearningAUGUST Success + MORE! 2020 TampaBayParenting.com 1

RETURN TO SCHOOL SAFELY AND HEALTHY!

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

SEEING IS NOT ONLY BELIEVING. IT’S COMFORTING. Innovative virtual reality medical technology

Sometimes what you can’t see is hard to imagine, but this cutting-edge technology lets patients and their families see what the doctors see. A 360-degree reconstruction of a patient’s anatomy lets doctors plan and walk through complex brain and heart surgeries in virtual reality before the actual surgery. And doctors can give patients and their families a better understanding of their diagnosis and treatment, so they can ask more informed questions. And the most important feature of this new technology? Understanding what they see helps ease the anxiety for everyone. Learn more about our virtual reality tool: StJoesKidsVR.org

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in the Southeast to adopt the Surgical Theater’s 360-degree virtual reality technology for conditions affecting the brain and heart.

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AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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AUGUST 2020 INSIDE 12/ GUEST EDITOR: The importance of Social Emotional Learning in the classroom and at home 16/ AT-HOME SCHOOL SUCCESS: Tips for e-learning and homeschooling 19/ CHECK OUT THESE TOOLS FOR A TERRIFIC SCHOOL YEAR: Hillsborough County Public Library shares ideas 20/ FACE COVERINGS IN SCHOOL: Your top 5 questions answered

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COVER STORY: Glazer Children's Museum CEO Sarah Cole celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the beloved museum.

10/ NOTEWORTHY: August highlights

31/ SILENT SIGNS OF DROWNING: Stay safe with these water safety tips from the YMCA

46/ WHAT’S TRENDING ON TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM

EXPLORE FLORIDA SPRINGS WITH THE KIDS

TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

27/ COVID CONSIDERATIONS: Prepare your child for a healthy 2020 school year

EVERY ISSUE

42

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24/ AN EYE ON OPTICAL HEALTH: Learn how to protect your child’s eyes from increased screen time

28/ BUSTING COMMON VACCINE MYTHS: Here’s why it’s vital to keep up with your child’s immunization schedule

34/ MOMS TO KNOW: Four moms in the restaurant and event industry share their thoughts on pandemic parenting and the pandemic business pivot

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23/ MASKS, NOT ALWAYS A ONE-SIZEFITS-ALL SOLUTION: Local families with children of different capabilities share how they will handle face covering mandates at school

32/ JOURNEYING THROUGH MOTHERHOOD AS A TRIBE: Local moms create a yoga studio that brings moms together in a circle of support 36/ VIRTUAL EDUCATION FOR LITTLE ONES: We're sharing locally curated virtual and in-person playgroups for babies to preschoolers 38/ 10 YEARS OF PLAY AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: GCM celebrates its birthday with a look back at a decade in its downtown Tampa location 42/ ‘SPRING’ TIME IN SUMMER: Discover adventure on the crystal-clear waters of Florida’s natural springs

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

GUEST EDITOR: Nicholas Rodriguez, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nicholas Rodriguez Diana Blinkhorn Sheriss Crosskey Anna Tataris DeJesus Leslie Thomas Jasmin Valentino Laura Cross Tara Payor, PhD Anu Varma Panchal Lou Romig, MD, FA AP, FACEP Rachel Dawkins, MD Kelli Biandudi Julie Tingley Sarah Cole Maggie Rodriguez Laura Byrne ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins LAYOUT & DESIGN Nicole Barolo of Page Four Creative Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Howie Mac Photo Andi Diamond Photography Ashlee Hamon Photography BOOKKEEPING Employee of the Month, LLC

BACK TO SCHOOL IN THE NEW NORMAL The first day of school is always an exciting time, and this year, I have the additional anticipation of returning to a school I love as its new head of school.

I last worked for Corbett Prep during the 2011-12 school year before moving to leadership positions at Carrollwood Day School and Brandon Academy. Now, as I come back to Corbett Prep, I look forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new people, getting to know the students and embracing the challenges and opportunities that go along with this particular school year.

The best educational environment for young people is one that nurtures self-esteem, resilience and personal and academic grow th in students, reassuring them that they are cared for while being safe and respected.

Establishing this type of environment is more important now than ever before.

After months of remote learning in the spring, the 2020-21 school year offers us a chance to create a new approach to learning for the fall.

We need to balance academic challenge with abundant support for our students’ wellbeing and make practical adjustments to classrooms and routines that will keep both students and teachers physically healthy.

It’s a large undertaking but also an exciting opportunity. I look forward to meeting these challenges head on, knowing I have an amazing parent and faculty community surrounding me.

With a focus on students first, I am confident we will forge meaningful relationships as we build consensus toward our shared vision for 2020-21.

Rodriguez with his wife Melanie, daughter Sloane, 8, and son Xavier, 13.

INTERN Emily Banaitis TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com BECOME A FAN tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance.

Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting.

Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

Turn to page 12 to read more from Rodriguez about how Corbett Prep keeps students' well-being at the forefront.

Nicholas Rodriguez is a father of two and the new head of school at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, a private PreK3-8 school in North Tampa. He has spent the past 19 years in private and independent schools, serving in nearly all roles throughout an institution, including head of school, assistant head of school, administrator, coach, volunteer and teacher.

PreK3-8th Grade

Call to schedule a personal on-campus or virtual tour!

(813) 961-3087 admissions@corbettprep.com www.corbettprep.com

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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thank you to our advertisers and sponsors

Meet our contributors

Because of them, we are able to provide this family-friendly resource to you for FREE.

ANU VARMA PANCHAL Anu Varma Panchal has written and edited for area publications for nearly 20 years. She’s ac­tive on her children’s PTA boards, loves theatre, concerts, the local brewery scene and travel, and spends way too much time schlepping her 12- and 15-year olds around in her minivan. She never leaves home without her library card. You can find her at youreditingsolutions.com.

JULIE TINGLEY

SARAH RIGBY

Julie Tingley is an 8-year

TBPM Editorial Assistant Sarah Rigby has a degree in vocal performance musical theatre, as well as minors in business and entrepreneurship.

When not keeping Tampa Bay Parenting organized behind the scenes, you may see her portraying many of your favorite princesses with Parties with Character or dancing around Tampa Bay.

Tampa transplant who has found her way through numerous professional and parenting transitions by maintaining focus on her daily inspirations: Ella, 6, and Kate, 3.

With a vision of a better future for her girls, she has introduced the KNOW Book + Tribe, a women’s publication and community, to Tampa Bay.

JASMIN VALENTINO

KELLI BIANDUDI Kelli Biandudi is the

Story idea?

Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, tell us.

TARA PAYOR, PH.D.

editor@tbparenting.com

Tara Payor, Ph.D. has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She is a contributing faculty member for Walden University, where she guides doctoral students through their dissertations.

She is also a language arts educator. Reach her at tpayor@gmail.com.

RACHEL DAWKINS, M.D., F.A.A.P 8

TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

communications manager for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast. Biandudi worked her way up in local TV news before segueing into public relations at both a private PreK-8 school and a government agency for the State of Florida.

When Biandudi is not telling the Y’s story, she’s busy playing cars with her 4-year-old son, Koa.

Rachel Dawkins, M.D., F.A.A.P, is medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinics in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Department of Pediatric Medicine, seeing patients as a pediatrician in St. Petersburg. She also is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dr. Dawkins is active nationally with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatrics.

Her research and teaching interests are in childhood resilience, advocacy, resident education and obesity.

Jasmin Valentino works in Community Engagement for Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. Jasmin is a dedicated life-long learner and is passionate about the library’s ability to transform lives.

MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ Maggie Rodriguez is a former network news anchor who now lives in South Tampa with her husband and their two children. She is best known as the host of the nationally-televised morning news program, "The Early Show on CBS," as well as a substitute anchor on "The CBS Evening News" with Katie Couric. Since relocating to Tampa Bay, Rodriguez has been busy rekindling her love for writing, volunteering and enjoying weekend adventures.

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AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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[ noteworthy ]

august BACK-TO-SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

DON'T MISS IT:

If you do plan on sending the kids back to class, the back-to-school shopping list might look a little different. Here are some of our favorite essentials:

DINOS ALIVE! AT ZOOTAMPA:

FUNKINS LUNCH TOTES, PLACEMATS AND CLOTH FACE MASKS: Funkins has established itself as an eco-conscious children’s brand, and now it is adding face masks to match the popular lunch bags. Funkins lunchboxes are machine washable, as are the placemats. Placemats might be a must if your child has to eat lunch at their desk. The matching face masks for kids and adults come in three designs: Secure-Fit with nose bridge wire, Comfort Fit with 3-D design and Pleated. myfunkins.com

The last day to go back in time with the 30+ animatronic dinosaurs at ZooTampa is Aug. 9! The RAWRsome adventure is included with zoo admission. Zootampa.org Photo Credit: Howie Mac Photo

SUPERBEE BEES WAX WRAP: These reusable food wraps caught our eye not only because they are eco-friendly, but also because of the natural antibacterial properties of beeswax. The organic cotton wraps are coated with beeswax and tree resin, which helps shape them around your food. To clean, simply wash them in the sink and hang to dry. superbee.me PIXEL BLUE LIGHT GLASSES: If you’re opting for e-learning, now may be a good time to invest in a good pair of blue light blocking glasses. Not all blue light glasses are created equal. We like Pixel Eyewear because the lenses are crystal clear with no yellow tint. Pixel’s lens technology filters 50 percent of blue light and up to 95 percent at the strongest wavelengths. They make glasses for kids and adults. pixeleyewear.com BOOGINHEAD FACE MASK: We know and love BooginHead for its line of baby products like the pacifier clip and SippiGrip. Now they’re making masks out of the same soft fabric they use to make bibs. The two layers have a pocket for a filter and come in sizes for adults and kids. booginhead.com

Must-Haves for Baby: ANGELCARE BABY BATH SUPPORT: There are so many baby baths on the market, but we like this one because it is lightweight and includes a hook to help store it away. It features a soft ergonomic design made out of a quick-dry, mildew-resistant material. This bath is designed for babies from birth to 6 months. $24.99 angelcarebaby.com

DELTA REVOLVE STROLLER: We love this stroller because it’s compact AND reversable, allowing you to reverse baby to face you, a great option to protect baby when out and about. The stroller weighs 21.5 pounds. For a third way to stroll, purchase an adapter for an infant car seat. $299.99 deltachildren.com

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE HOME TEAM AND JOIN THE JR. BUCS FAN CLUB! The welcome kit for the kiddos includes a special Jr. Bucs membership card, lanyard, notebook, mini Jr. Bucs football and a hat. Members also receive emails on team news, Jr. Bucs activities and invitations to special events. You can sign up your Jr. Bucs Fan at www.buccaneers.com/fans/jr-bucs. $24.99 + shipping.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

TRUSTY TRUNKS: This leakproof diaper cover is a must for the diaper bag! The skin-safe silicone cover keeps accidents in, and pool water and sand out. $34 trustytrunks.com BBLUV TRAVEL BABY PADDING POOL: This is a great way for baby to play under the shade of your beach umbrella and keep their cool while splashing away in a bit of water. The travel paddling pool is super lightweight. It even works in the backyard or on the patio. $29.99 bbluvgroup.com

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GUEST EDITOR

Students’ Wellbeing Depends on a

Strong School Community

By Nicholas Rodriguez

Long before social-emotional learning became a buzzword in schools, two forward-thinking educators pledged their commitment to students’ well-being by establishing a school that put students first in every way.

Marilyn Gatlin and Betty Anderson were graduate students at the University of South Florida who wanted to work in a school that ref lected their child-centered vision.

In 1968, the women founded Independent Day School—now Corbett Prep—on the philosophy that happy students are more open to learning.

Students who are respected as individuals and allowed to “play, investigate and be themselves,” as Gatlin and Anderson wrote, will de-

velop a positive view of school and become more motivated than students who are expected to behave, think and learn in ways that adhere to a one-size-fits-all standard.

Creating a school climate where students feel safe, engaged and, yes, happy, remains a priority for Corbett Prep more than 50 years later.

We know it’s more important than ever for schools of all kinds to commit to students’ emotional health at this time of stress and uncertainty over physical health. A social-emotional learning (SEL) program helps students identif y and manage emotions, act responsibly and empathetically, maintain healthy relationships and set goals.

It also can help students academically, research says.

Students who participated in evidence-based SEL programs demonstrated an 11 percent gain in academic achievement compared with students who had no access to those programs, according to a CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) review of 213 studies involving more than 270,000 students.

At Corbett Prep, we are fortunate to have a multifaceted SEL program delivered by highly trained teachers to provide students with support as we push them to succeed. Our teachers encourage students to develop a grow th mindset to persevere when they meet obstacles in their learning. They use strategies for classroom management to reduce distractions and create camaraderie through class builders, minimizing misbehavior and freeing time for teaching and learning.

While a dedication to emotional wellbeing starts at the top with school leadership, I believe it takes an entire school community to ensure students have a protective and supportive place to learn. Parents, teachers and administrators bring different strengths and perspectives to the table and will have the most powerful effect on students’ wellbeing when they work together.

LEARN MORE: CORBETTPREP.COM

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO? Whether they are looking for a school for their children or want to build upon their current school’s efforts at home, parents play an important role, starting with asking what the school offers to support student wellbeing.

On school tours or during open houses and backto-school nights, see how the school establishes a safe climate for learning. Find out if teachers draw from a specific social-emotional curriculum such as the 4 Pillars of Wellbeing. Do they tap into community resources such as Frameworks of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that partners with educators, parents and students? Keep the lines of communication open and attend parent-teacher conferences to learn how you can help, and share your concerns with teachers or administrators as needed.

At home, model what you want to see in your children. How do you react to stress? Do you show kindness and express empathy for others? Practice gratitude together, pause for mindful breathing or discuss resilience when hurdles appear. Try some of the school’s strategies within your own family and incorporate similar language where possible so your child recognizes a consistent approach.

WHAT SHOULD TEACHERS DO? Teachers can integrate social-emotional learning in many ways, from arranging classrooms to encourage cooperative learning to choosing children’s literature that ref lects diverse perspectives. Corbett Prep’s youngest students use the Mood Meter, one of the anchors of emotional intelligence in the RULER program, to help them verbalize their emotions using colors. Each room also contains a class charter, written annually with input from all students to detail how they want others to treat them

and steps to take to establish a respectful environment.

Teachers may carve out time for ref lective activities or writing time in gratitude journals. Throughout the year, our teachers work through the 4 Pillars of Wellbeing as they guide students through developmentally appropriate lessons and practices ref lecting Mindfulness, Community, Self-Curiosity and Contentment and Balance.

HOW DOES THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT SEL? Teachers need administrative support with access to resources and training to implement a meaningful social-emotional learning program. They need to know SEL is valued as integral to student success, and school leaders will allow time to support students and encourage schoolwide community service, mentorship or leadership programs.

The administration also sets the tone for the school. At Corbett Prep, the faculty practices many of the same techniques as students to create a healthy, positive environment — using the same tools to identif y and manage emotions, expressing gratitude often and collaborating with partners and teams. The staff shares a common language of positive phrasing, and visitors will hear everyone from the front office to the catering staff to the classroom teachers speaking in a way that shifts the focus to positive actions instead of what not to do. The faculty and staff can model these strategies well for students and parents because they live them.

Communication, transparency and responsiveness cultivate positive relationships between parents and faculty, creating a strong foundation for a school climate that manages to be both academically challenging and emotionally healthy. With shared goals and the desire to work together, members of a school community can contribute to students’ social-emotional learning, and ultimately, their achievement and overall success, in ways that go beyond any individual approach.

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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PBS LearningMedia, a free digital education service from PBS, offers thousands of PK-12 standards-based resources that support home-learning, including a special bilingual lesson collection created specifically for use during school closures.

To view this special collection, visit pbslearningmedia.org and enter “emergency closings� in the search bar.

Create a free account at pbslearningmedia.org/signup WEDU and PBS are here to support teachers, students and families during these challenging times. To help students get ready for the new school year, WEDU is offering weekday PK-12 broadcasts featuring quality PBS programming and companion educational resources. Plus, middle and high school students have the opportunity to learn more about local arts and science issues and innovations each Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:00 pm with special episodes of our original programming WEDU Arts Plus and WEDU Quest.

Educator guides and preview links also are available for these special episodes.

Find weekly broadcast schedules, guides and much more at WEDU PBS At-Home Learning at wedu.org/edconnect WEDU PBS At-Home Learning is presented by

Additional support also provided by Monroe E. and Suzette M. Berkman Family Foundation at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

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AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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OUR CONTRIBUTORS SHARE THEIR TOP TIPS ON MANAGING E-LEARNING AND WORKING FROM HOME. SHERISS CROSSKEY, Founder and Owner of TampaBayMoms.com

Opting for homeschool

How one mom juggles being a homeschool teacher and working from home

Sheriss had four pointers to share: 1. I would stress the importance of self-care and focusing on you. Work on getting enough exercise, eating right, staying hydrated and making sleep a priority.

2 . Keep a visual calendar, with reminders of important events and appointments.

3. Communicate everything!

My daughter’s teacher would send a plan of the week’s lessons Sunday night.

This way my husband and I could effectively plan our schedules with her schoolwork in mind.

4. Provide attention when you can. My daughter and my husband began evening bike rides. It became their “thing.” She and I ate lunch together. I began looking forward to my lunch dates.

ANNA TATARIS DE JESUS, Family Travel Contributor and Facebook @TheGreatEscapePlan Moms are superheroes! We find powers we didn’t know we had in the toughest times. My superpower during all of this has been keeping a positive mindset and making it a positive experience for the kids.

We set up desks next to each other and created a fun working/learning space together. This included computers, school supplies and a yoga mat for P.E. I even let them pick one stuffed animal or a toy to sit on their desk to bring them joy. We also took 10-15-minute brain breaks throughout the day by going outside to play in the backyard, just to smell the fresh air. We painted pictures of nature together. And last, but not least, we talked about gratitude every day. We took a few minutes to say, “I have gratitude for because .” It’s amazing how doing this helps the mind continue to focus on the positive even in the toughest times.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

If you follow Diana Blinkhorn on Instagram at @mrsblinks, you probably know she’s been homeschooling her three girls since before homeschooling became a part of our pandemic vocabulary. We wanted to know: How does she do it while running a successful blog? Here’s what she had to share with us: 1. My biggest piece of advice for parents starting this homeschool journey would be to manage your expectations, for your children and yourself.

Homeschooling is not replicating the classroom at home. I see a lot of parents who feel they are failing because they have those high expectations. I was one of those parents when I first started out. You are not expected to create a complex curriculum or engage with them every minute of the day. You don’t need an 8-hour day of learning. When you work one-on-one with your kids, you can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.

Create a routine and a healthy balance. Set up incentives (earning rewards will help so much). Be consistent. Enjoy your time with them. Do activities you enjoy. Don’t forget to have fun and laugh. Take time to yourself to fill your cup! Be kind to yourself.

2. I rely so much on my routine. Not a schedule, but a routine. If I hold myself too much to a schedule with beginning times and restrictions, the demands of it can lead to a lot of failed expectations. Instead I like to work in blocks: • • • • •

20 minutes for a math lesson 30 minutes to answer emails for work 15 minutes for a reading lesson 30 minutes of work 10 minutes for snack time

I try to check off as many of these time blocks as possible while also dealing with the curveballs that come with being home all day with your kids. The more consistent I stay to my block routine, the more I see my girls thrive. They know what to expect and understand the boundaries of school time and my work time as well.

Do I get interrupted during my block? Definitely. But I’ve set the expectations that this is mommy’s time to work and that we can do something fun after.

Try to keep these blocks under an hour. Yes, it’s not the most convenient to keep stopping in the middle of work, but if you have younger kids it will be harder for them to keep their attention for long periods. The whole point is to focus less on the time of day and more on how long you want to work on a specific task. Maybe it’s 30 minutes play and 30 minutes work.

Just be consistent.

THEGRAYRUBY.COM

Setting Your Student up for e-Learning Success 5 Pro Tips from a Teacher

Many families are choosing the eLearning or Virtual School option for students heading back to school in August.

As you may have experienced already, learning from home can be daunting, but there are things you can do right now to set your student up for success.

We asked Leslie Thomas, a veteran Hillsborough Virtual K-12 teacher, to share her top tips.

1.

BE SURE YOUR STUDENT HAS A DESIGNATED LEARNING AREA, AND SOMEWHERE TO KEEP THEIR SCHOOL SUPPLIES. It can be as simple as a backpack that they pack and unpack each day at the kitchen table, or as elaborate as their own desk with organizational cubbies.

2.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR TEACHERS. Your teachers are there to help both the student and the parent navigate virtual learning. We want you to reach out with questions, problems, concerns… any thing! The last thing we want is for families to feel frustrated and alone. Call, text or message and give us as much info as possible about what you are struggling with so we can address it quickly.

3.

CREATE A SYSTEM TO HELP STUDENTS KEEP TRACK OF THEIR ASSIGNMENTS. This can include a whiteboard or checklist where they cross off things as they complete them; a sticky note for each assignment that they move to a new location to indicate completion; or even a simple printout of the teacher’s weekly assignment list that they can keep with them.

4.

WORK EVERY DAY AND CREATE A SCHEDULE FOR YOUR STUDENT. Flexibility is a double edged sword if students get out of the habit of working daily. Find what works best for your learner, and create a schedule around that. Do they like doing their favorite subject first, or saving it for the end of the day? Are they a morning person, or do they work better in the afternoon? How many breaks do they need? All of these factors will help you build a schedule that is both f lexible and effective for accomplishing their school work.

5.

UNDERSTAND YOUR ROLE AS A LEARNING COACH. The teacher is the instructor, the student is the learner, and the important third member of this partnership is the learning coach. The learning coach is “the feet on the ground” for your student since you are physically present with them.

You may need to help students with organization, time management, submitting work or simple questions about assignments. All three members of this learning partnership have to work together to help the student be successful.

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Brandon - East

1242 Kingsway Rd. Brandon, FL 33510 813.662.1314

Tools for a Terrific School Year

By Jasmin Valentino, Photos by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

As we bid farewell to summer, families prepare to embrace a new school year and jump into the swing of a new routine. The library is here to help students hit the ground running with confidence and enthusiasm. What is even more exciting is that accessing library resources from the comfort and convenience of your home has never been easier. The following tools are not only digitally and easily accessible, but sure to help students and families successfully soar into a new school year.

If summertime fun has left your student a little rusty on a subject or two, Tutor.com is here to help. Tutor.com is a fully online tutoring service offering homework help on math, science, social studies and English.

Tutors are experienced professionals and interactions are anonymous. Upload a math question or a paper for review or prepare for advanced tests like the SATs. Whatever assistance you need, one-on-one tutors are available to provide feedback and the tools needed to excel. www. hcplc.org/research/ homework-help

Help your little scholars prepare for going back to school with the following eBooks: Celebrate inclusiveness in a school where all are welcome. This book has beautiful illustrations and a message on community and strength through diversity.

For ages 4 to 8.

Check out the public library’s online resources. Kid-friendly student databases, such as Gale in Context: Elementary and Gale in Context: Biography offer students a safe place to explore interests,

find answers to their questions, and practice research skills. Our kid-friendly online resources provide curriculum-related reliable content and are great for inspiring curiosity and excitement about learning. www.hcplc.org/kids Every K-12 Hillsborough County public school, charter school and virtual school student already has a library card. With HAAL Pass, students use their student ID number (lunch number) as their library card. HAAL Pass is students’ key to access tutors and resources online. www.hcplc. org/account/haalpass Don’t forget about eBooks and audiobooks. Libby, by Overdrive and Hoopla are two eBook and audiobook-borrowing apps that place your local library in your pocket.

Students can knock out those required readings, kick back and read something of their choosing, or stream music while studying.

Unhei (pronounced YoonHey) is a new student from Korea. Her name is difficult for the other students to pronounce. Will Unhei choose a new name or keep the one she has? For ages 3 to 7.

Did you ever wonder how a school felt about the first day of school? This title offers a glimpse into the first day of school through the perspective of a newly built school.

For ages 4 to 8.

Sarah is so nervous about her first day at her new school that she doesn’t even want to get out of bed. This book, with its surprise ending, is sure to delight readers and squash first day jitters.

For ages 4-8.

GO BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. START AT HCPLC.ORG FOR SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS ALL YEAR LONG.

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

19

Face Coverings in School The Top 5 Questions Answered

By Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools

Back-to-school shopping this year is going to look a bit different. You need to add face coverings to the list of must-have items. What kind of face coverings?

Well, we’ll get to that in a minute.

Here’s how the decision was made.

After speaking extensively with health experts from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital, as well as teachers, administrators and families, Superintendent Addison Davis made the decision to require face coverings at school when social distancing is not possible.

Since the decision was made, some of our families have asked important questions. Here are the answers to five of the most frequently asked questions about face coverings:

1

3

Yes. Students and staff do not need to wear their face covering when eating or drinking; when a face covering would cause an impairment due to an existing health condition; when students and staff are observing social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines; if a person needs to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired; when a face covering would be an impediment to instruction; and for students and staff who are participating in recess and physical education classes while social distancing.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CHILD FORGETS, LOSES OR DAMAGES THEIR FACE COVERING? If a student forgets, loses or damages their face covering, the district will provide a disposable face covering for that day while the requirement is in place.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT REFUSES TO WEAR A FACE COVERING? Face coverings will be required for all students, staff and visitors unless social distancing can be maintained. Every attempt will be made to ensure that the student and the student’s parents understand the importance of wearing a face covering. The district will work with families to identif y the more appropriate learning path if face coverings will not be worn.

4

HOW WILL THE FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT APPLY TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

5

CAN STUDENTS AND STAFF BRING THEIR OWN FACE COVERINGS?

20

Appropriate accommodations will be made based on the individualized needs of the students.

Yes. Face coverings must comply with the dress code found in the Code of Student Conduct so that they do not disrupt school activities and are not obscene or otherwise inf lammatory.

TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

Let’s elaborate on that last one.

On Day 1, students will receive three reusable masks from their school. However, students also have the option of wearing a face covering they’ve brought from home, but it cannot be distracting.

Face masks, gaitors and face shields are allowed—but use common sense. A face shield with a unicorn horn and a pony face is probably pretty distracting. It is up to each school’s administrators to determine what is and isn’t allowed on their campus. Don’t put them in the position of taking away your child’s face covering.

If you have additional questions about face coverings in our schools, we have a list of FAQs on our website, HillsboroughSchools.org.

istockphoto.com/ evgenyatamanenko

2

WILL THERE BE EXEMPTIONS TO THE FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT?

HillsboroughSchools.org

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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"MASKS" Not a one-size-fits-all solution

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Dorothy Law Nolte expressed, “If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.”

Making children feel secure is of the utmost importance before, during and after a pandemic. If parents undercut kids’ sense of security through negative talk in kids’ presence, there’s a risk in raising children who live in an unproductive cycle of conspiracy theories.

At this unparalleled timepoint, parents are tasked with helping children understand that “those about them” are making decisions with everyone’s health in mind. With security as the scaffold, created by parents, community leaders, medical professionals and teachers, kids are better positioned for transition from surviving a pandemic to thriving well beyond its endpoint.

MASKED. NOT FORGOTTEN. Reality: Masks are, for now, a fabric of life. Focusing energy on helping children realize their full potential, while masked, is wise. Doing that, smaller populations of kids—ones with exceptionalities that make them more susceptible to marginalization—can’t be forgotten. Ramona, whose 7-year-old son wears hearing aids, notes: “Asking him to advocate for himself all day is a tall order.” Hard-of-hearing children often rely on lip reading—impossible with masks. Ramona is concerned that hearing-impaired kids may not even know who is speaking: “I want the school to be a safe environment. I’m simultane-

ously concerned about how masking, with my son’s unique situation, may negatively affect both his learning and social development.” Intentionally supporting her son’s sense of security, Ramona encourages him to let adults know if he cannot hear.

She’s hopeful the school district will demonstrate f lexibility in masking policies. “The masks can get tangled in his hearing aids, and my worst fear is tangles leading to hearing aids falling out and getting damaged.”

Cultivating security entails empathy. Consider things like, “what if my child missed large chunks of a lesson? Even as an adult, am I always able to advocate for myself?”

The School District of Hillsborough County accounts for students who need accommodations and exempts masking when (a) instruction is impeded by mask wearing and (b) if hearing impaired people are involved. The American Academy of Pediatrics articulates that “special considerations and accommodations…account…for our vulnerable populations…with the goal of safe return to school.” Parents are called to help children feel secure as they embark on an academic year unlike any other. It’s achievable, in part, by assuring kids that all adults have the primary goal of kids’ well-being in learning environments.

MASKED. FOR GREATER GOOD. Theresa, whose son was born hearing-impaired, underscores the need to instill a sense of security in both children and communities. “The shared goal begs

Payor was inspired by her own son's story: Hendrix, 5, with all of his gear. He was born with a congenital cataract and had surgery at 2 weeks old to remove the lens of his left eye.

So, he wears a contact lens in the left eye and has to patch the right eye so that his left eye doesn’t become lazy. The plan was always to have surgery this summer so that a permanent lens could be put in. It would greatly improve quality of life for him. However, surgery has been put on hold due to the pandemic.

understanding—safe, happy kids. Wearing a mask is an act of community service—just like stopping at a stop sign and getting to school on time.” It’s unlikely anyone is excited to mask, but adults can help kids feel good about it through positive, open conversations. When Theresa’s 6-year-old shares his feelings about masking and how it makes hearing even more challenging, she replies, “It’s hard. This is a challenge you will overcome.” Theresa taught self-advocacy early on, as people often interpret some hearing-impaired behaviors as lazy and distracted. As a mother, she’s also concerned with how masking may impact peer interactions. Ultimately, regardless of the accommodations available, she’s promoting mask wearing. “If face shields and masks with a clear mouth portion are options, it will help.” The health of all school community members is one of Theresa’s primary concerns, and she’s partnering with another mom to amplify the voices of kids with special needs within the context of COVID-19.

MASKED. ALWAYS ADAPTABLE. While working on my Ph.D., I learned about adaptive expertise—being f lexible in applying knowledge to novel situations.

Sometimes, resistance is unproductive. I believe we have an opportunity for leaning into adaptability through pooling our knowledge bases, as parents, community leaders, medical professionals and teachers, with a shared, driving goal: a safe journey into one of life’s greatest adventures—an education.

MASKED & SECURE Encourage masking by having kids make their own. Alternatively, use onhand supplies to embellish masks. Do consider mask integrity and limiting distractions in the classroom setting.

Since masking gets hands near the face, build excitement around washing reward stamps off hands before getting another stamp.

Talk to kids about the benefits of being back in the classroom when proper guidelines are followed (like desks three to six feet apart and not facing each other).

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

23

EYE on Optical Health an

By Anu Varma Panchal

During any normal year, parents’ schedules fill with appointments to the healthcare professionals who take care of our children: dentists, pediatricians and orthodontists. Those of us whose kiddos wear glasses or contacts also visit our eye doctors often.

“If you fail a vision screen early, you want to get that addressed, the earlier the better,” says Dr. Samantha Roland, a pediatric ophthalmologist in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Department of Surgery. “The younger a child is, the more important it is.”

While Dr. Roland saw a dip in patient numbers during April and May, more patients have started coming back in now. One issue she has seen more of lately is children being brought in for excessive blinking. Dr Roland explains that when children focus intently on things close by, whether it’s a Zoom call or a book, their blink rate reduces drastically. While the blinking norm is an average of 8-21 times per minute, children who are super-focused on something close by can reduce this to as little as once a minute. This can cause their eyes to dry out, so when they get off the device or book, they blink excessively to compensate. While this blinking could just be a benign tic that the child could outgrow, it could also indicate problems, such as Dry Eye Syndrome or a need for glasses.

After a certain age, adults find is difficult to focus for extended periods of time on something close up, but children “accommodate,” or are able to do so for long stretches without seeming to strain. However, this accommodation can contribute to myopia, or near-sightedness. According to the International Myopia Institute, recent estimates show that 30 percent of the world is myopic, or near-sighted, a number that is expected to climb to 50 percent by 2050. In the United States, the prevalence of myopia is up to 42 percent, having almost doubled in three decades. Dr. Roland says myopia is also being detected at earlier ages. “It’s not necessarily COVID-related, but we’ll probably see a little bit of a faster rate because of it.”

The best way to catch and prevent eye problems is by seeing a doctor. Pediatricians spot many issues by using vision screeners to detect problems in infants as early as 18 months.

Babies are born with poor vision, but rapid development occurs within the first year, and a child’s vision is completely developed by the time they are 9. If a pediatrician points out a vision problem with your child, it is important to see an eye specialist as quickly as possible to correct the problem.

“If you’re screened at 18 or even 24 months, that’s early enough to correct vision and develop good vision,” says Dr. Roland.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

istockphoto.com/ Chinnapong

But this is no normal year. And parents are hesitating to visit doctors because they fear the COVID-19 virus, even while they worry about issues with their children’s health.

When it comes to eye health, if a child has been referred to an eye doctor by their pediatrician for any vision problems, it’s best to schedule that visit, with the understanding that medical practices have implemented all CDC protocols, including mask-wearing, sanitizing and social distancing.

TIPS FOR EYE HEALTH: ● Decrease or minimize screen time to the extent possible.

Encourage your child to participate in a mix of activities, including plenty of time spent outdoors. If they do want to watch or play something, use a television, which has a larger screen that is further away. ● Make sure your child practices “near activity hygiene.” When reading a book, for example, this involves keeping a book 14-18 inches away from the face and making sure there is adequate lighting. Sitting at a desk and reading with good posture is better than reading in bed with the book pulled up close to the child’s face. ● Teach children (and yourself!) the 20/ 20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look up from your screen or book and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. ● Make sure children have a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. “What’s good for your body is going to be good for the eyes,” Dr. Roland says. ● Buy your little one sunglasses to protect them from harmful UV rays when they are outside. As for those popular blue filter glasses you may have seen people wearing lately to protect themselves from screens? Dr. Roland says there is no clear health benefit from wearing these as research does not show that blue light causes damage. Blue light is activating, however, which is why children should not use screens right before bedtime as it will prevent them from falling asleep right away. ● Because there is potential for coronavirus infection through the eyes, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reminds children and adults to avoid rubbing their eyes. If you do feel like you need to rub your eyes or adjust your glasses, the Academy suggests using tissue rather than your fingers. Wash your hands frequently, especially before you touch your or your child’s eyes to administer drops or wipe them.

Let’s start healing.

We’re really looking forward to seeing you again. And we want you to know -- whether you’re checking in for a check-up, needing a knee replacement, or making time for a mammogram, we’re taking every measure to keep you and your family safe when you’re here.

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AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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COVID Considerations:

SPONSORED

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR A HEALTHY 2020 SCHOOL YEAR Lou Romig MD, FAAP, FACEP, Tampa Medical Director, After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care

As summer comes to an end, we are faced with the uncertainty the COVID pandemic brings to the coming school year. Children may be returning to school in a matter of weeks, so it’s time to prepare. As you’re getting supplies and new school clothes, it’s also important to prepare your child to go back to school healthy—and to stay healthy!

COVID considerations More important this year than any other, make sure your child is appropriately educated in how to avoid getting infections and transmitting infections to others. If he or she will be attending school in person, make sure they know the rules for social distancing, mask usage and handwashing, and why those rules are so important. Make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations, not only to protect him or her, but also to protect others at school. If you don’t vaccinate, be aware that your child may be more vulnerable to catching serious infections from other sick kids. Talk to your doctor about when it’s safe to keep your child home for observation when they’re sick and when it’s wise to have your child evaluated urgently. Encourage your children to wash their hands frequently and give older children small bottles of hand sanitizer to use at school. Set a great example and do the same yourself!

It’s very common during these times that people of all ages with almost any symptom of acute infection are quarantined, so be prepared for having a child confined at home for days at a time. Check with your employer about policies about parental absences due to having a sick child or if you are sick yourself. The Family Medical Leave Act may be of assistance if you have to skip work to care for a family member for more than a few days. Talk to your employer to see if you qualify.

Sleep is king Children need sleep to prepare their bodies to expend the energy they need for their activities in and out of school. Children who are sleep deprived may fall asleep in class, have trouble paying attention, make poor decisions about risky behaviors and be very moody. The recommended hours of sleep each night are:

• • •

Toddlers and preschoolers: 10-12 hours School-aged kids: 10-11 hours Teens: 8-9 hours

Studies show that many children don’t get adequate sleep, especially during the school year. This issue has played a role in some school systems’ decisions to move school start times to later in the morning to allow kids to be better rested.

Transitioning your child to sleep for success Over the last several weeks before school starts, gradually move children’s bedtime and wake times to match their school hours. Keeping late hours until the night before school starts will make it much harder for your child to adjust to the new schedule. Restrict your child from TV, computer and phone use for at least one hour, preferably two, before bedtime, as the light spectrum projected by these screens can make the brain more active and interfere with falling asleep. Try to reinforce to children that all cell phone use must stop during rest hours.

Transitioning to a school-year schedule is still important if your child will be attending school remotely or will be home-schooled. Sleep is just as important to learning on computers, especially because there may be fewer ways for teachers to effectively keep your child’s attention and many more distractions around the house. A well-rested child will be able to focus better and be better able to interact with the teacher and remote classmates.

Feeding your child for success Children also need adequate nutrition and hydration to power their bodies and brains. Whether it’s a sit-down meal or on-the-go, try to make sure your child has a nutritious breakfast that includes protein for extra energy that will keep them going until lunch. If they don’t take a healthy lunch with them, teach children about the building blocks of a nutritious diet and give them guidance about choosing the proper foods for lunch at school. Encourage your children to drink as much water as they can throughout the day.

Sports and the heat If sports are on your child’s school agenda, check with your pediatrician to make sure your child is healthy enough to participate. Talk to coaches about what precautions they take against the late summer and early fall Florida heat and assure that children will have free access to water and/or electrolyte solutions to drink during practice and games. Let your child know that if they experience any of the following symptoms, they should stop, tell the teacher or coach they’re not feeling well, get to a shaded area or into air conditioning, and drink fluids:

• • • • •

Dizzy Headache Thirst Nauseous Muscle cramps

Remember that even children who are home schooled or remotely schooled need to get outside and burn up some energy and have time to play.

Hydration and safety are just as important outside of school. Make sure your child uses safety gear such as helmets and pads and that they are adequately supervised, especially around water and streets.

Here’s wishing you and your family a healthy and happy school year!

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

27

SPONSORED

Prevent Another Pandemic: Don’t Fall Behind on Your Child’s Vaccines Many parents may be concerned about bringing their child into the pediatrician office for annual visits or vaccines, but it’s important to know providers are implementing safety precautions to ensure your family’s well-being. Especially at a time when we’re dealing with a pandemic, it’s crucial our children, particularly infants and toddlers, are growing and developing normally and receiving necessary vaccines on time. Vaccines reduce the spread of infectious diseases and are considered the most successful and cost-effective method of preventing disease and death. Alarmingly, physicians at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital have seen a drastic drop in vaccination rates at their general pediatric clinics. This poses a real danger to an outbreak of diseases that have otherwise been under control, such as whooping cough and measles. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., is the medical director of the pediatric and adolescent medicine clinic. She explains why immunizations are so important by debunking some of the top vaccine my ths.

MYTH 1: IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THE DISEASE THAN BE VACCINATED.

Vaccine-preventable diseases can be extremely dangerous to both children and adults. They can be debilitating and deadly diseases, and children who show up in the emergency room with fever and no immunizations require a very different workup than a child who is fully immunized.

Vaccinated children also help protect those who are most at risk, such as infants who have not reached the appropriate vaccine age and those with depressed immune systems (patients treated for cancer, for example).

MYTH 3: VACCINES CAUSE AUTISM. The most common reason parents refuse vaccines is a 1998 study by Dr. Andrew Wakefield which suggested that the MMR vaccine led to autism in children. Many of the world’s major medical organizations have dismissed the study because of false data. Today’s latest research shows factors such as genetics, issues with the mother’s pregnancy and brain abnormalities are more likely to lead to autism, not immunizations.

MYTH 4: I BELIEVE IN VACCINES, BUT IT’S

MYTH 2: VACCINES HAVE TOO MANY

SAFER TO WAIT UNTIL MY CHILD IS OVER ONE YEAR OF AGE.

Vaccines are one of the most effective methods of fighting diseases and actually prime the immune system. Reactions to vaccines are typically minor, but could include fever or redness, swelling or soreness at the site where the shot was given. If your child presents with more serious symptoms, call your doctor. While a shot may cause minor pain for your child, it is nothing compared to the suffering of a potentially deadly disease.

This is an extremely dangerous practice as it leaves children susceptible to infections that would be otherwise preventable, such as whooping cough, which could led to infant death. It is imperative to follow the vaccine schedule developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is based upon scientific research. Children should receive recommended immunizations by age 2 to protect them from 14 serious childhood diseases. For more information, visit: CDC.gov/Vaccines.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WEAKEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

For more pediatric healthcare news, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org/newsroom.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

Getty Image 694432294

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020

SPONSORED

Silent Signs of

Drowning

By Kelli Biandudi

Drowning doesn’t look like what it does on TV or in the movies.

“The reason why we call them silent drownings is how they look during the process,” explains Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Aquatics Executive Amanda Walker. “What you typically see in movies is the waving of the hands, the screaming and yelling for help, but in reality, that’s not the picture at all. Drownings tend to be very, very quiet, especially when they involve young children.

Formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent.

Katryna Morrall, aquatics director for Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA, teaches her infant son swim safety tips.

Walker says to look for a panicked look on a swimmer’s face, often referred to as glassy or wide eyes, typically when they’re at the water’s surface or just below. “It’s often how parents or adults miss the situation occurring because there is no waving of the hands, there is no yelling and screaming. (The child) takes a breath and they silently go under the water’s surface,” Walker describes.

Walker gives these tips to keep in mind when you’re out at a backyard pool or a public body of water such as a beach, lake or neighborhood pool.

•

Formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent.

“The great thing about formal swim lessons and living in beautiful Florida is that they go on all year long,” Walker says.

•

Designate a water watcher who should be an adult 18 years or older to directly supervise the children. “The water watcher should not be distracted from direct supervision,” Walker says. “So, that’s a time we ask adults to put their cell phones away and have direct eye contact on the body of water looking for the key signs that a swimmer might be in trouble.”

• • •

Door alarms can alert someone should a child exit the home.

Pool fence should be a minimum of 4 feet in height to prevent access to a body of water.

Personal Floatation Device (U.S. Coast Guard approved), a life vest or puddle jumper, are a must for non-swimmers or children not comfortable around the water. “When using a Personal Floatation Device, adult supervision is still key, preferably within arm’s distance of the swimmer at all times,” says Walker.

At the Y, anyone from ages 6 months to adult can learn to swim so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy.

SAFETY AROUND WATER

SIGN UP FOR YMCA SWIM LESSONS Tampa Y (Hillsborough & East Pasco counties) www.tampaymca.org/programs/ swim-programs/swim-lessons YMCA of the Suncoast (Pinellas, West Pasco, Hernando & Citrus counties) www.ymcasuncoast.org/31-programs/ swimming/229-swimming

Thanks to a generous grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, the YMCAs of the Tampa Bay are providing free Safety Around Water lessons this fall. These classes are open to all beginners and non-swimmers ages 3-12 in the Tampa Bay community.

During the 4-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. A YMCA membership is not required; however, due to limited space, pre-registration is required.

In 2019, the collaborative effort taught nearly 8,000 kids water safety and swim lessons.

This year’s grant expands the Y’s Safety Around Water program to more than 20 Y locations in the Tampa Bay area.

The Tampa YMCA is hosting its Safety Around Water Week Aug. 3-6. Other participating Y associations include the YMCA of the Suncoast, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, Manatee Family YMCA and SKY Family YMCA. Contact your local Y for exact dates.

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Journeying through otherhood as a Tribe

By Tara Payor, Ph.D.

Introvert or extrovert, humans are, by their nature, social creatures. People need other people. Isolation, a part of COVID-19 quarantine, made an unstable situation increasingly trying. While immediate family members are, hopefully, people we can lean into, we need others. Regardless of where along the motherhood journey a woman is, she needs a supportive female community.

MamaShakti Prenatal Yoga is focused on educating and empowering women during pregnancy and beyond. While virtual meetings will never replace the sort of intimacy made possible by face-to-face settings, virtual spaces are proving to be cornerstones of support during uncommon times.

Jessica Freedman, mom of two, founded MamaShakti after her own pregnancy and postpartum journey. The uncertainty associated with all phases of parenting is a common thread among mothers. “Postnatally, I had a difficult time and I was not healing in ways that felt right. Sometimes, even the most educated practitioners don’t have all answers,” says Freedman, who was pre-med in college.

MamaShakti was born in 2016 with Freedman’s driving forces being (a) ensuring other women don’t go through the challenges she did and (b) providing ongoing support. When COVID-19 forced changes, Freedman and her network—many holistic healers—went into overdrive.

“We learned how to navigate Zoom, the virtual studio, and any platform we could get our hands on,” says Freedman. “Many women needed us as they neared due dates

and delivered babies despite the pandemic.” In order to keep showing up for their community of mothers, Freedman and her team did things like make a bimonthly support group a virtual one. “It’s been so well received that we’ll likely keep it as a virtual offering—especially since it’s hard getting out of house with little ones.”

During literal isolation, mothers need safe spaces for vulnerability.

MamaShakti support groups and yoga classes, sometimes held at Bella Prana Yoga and Meditation, offer mothers a chance to learn from naturally minded practitioners for the course of their motherhood. “As teachers, we share the incredibly healing power of community.

Throughout quarantine, we’ve realized how much we needed the various classes and support as well.” MamaShakti provides a tribe, something healthy for all mothers, that welcomes mothers with open arms.

A mother must care for herself if she’s

going to have the endurance, grit and grace needed for healthy, fulfilling mothering.

Meaningful self-care entails tending to the mind, body and spirit; Freedman, certified in pre and postnatal protective exercise, knows how to safely help women maintain their physical best. Classes f lip the script: Rather than viewing physical and mental aspects of motherhood as limitations, there are intentional conversations on celebrations of motherhood. “Lately, we’ve discussed mothers' mental health during COVID-19 and how moms are nurturing their relationships. Conversations, often led by professionals from the Tampa Bay area, including doulas and family counselors, f low organically.”

All mothers are everyday people needing everyday people. Virtual or in person, mothers need a tribe, a village, a community.

“Everyone is there for the same thing, support,” Freedman says. When mothers are supported, so are their families. When mothers feel confident in their abilities to live mindfully, they are better situated to raise mindful children. Mindful is a stunning thing to be in this sometimes-quite-scary world.

LEAN INTO MORE Information about classes, meetups and kids’ camps: Bella Prana Yoga & Meditation: bellaprana.com MamaShakti: mamashaktiprenatalyoga.com Body Electric: thebodyelectricyoga.com

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moms to KNOW

By Julie Tingley, The KNOW Book + Tribe Director, KNOW Tampa and KNOW St. Pete | Clearwater

Like most in the food and beverage and event industries, Tampa Bay KNOW Tribe women-owned businesses Bake’n Babes, Pop Goes the Party, Botanica Design Studio and Cru Cellars were preparing for the spring and summer seasons at the beginning of March. But just days into the month, it became wildly clear that our busy Florida seasons would be far from typical this year. Even today, as these sectors continue to combat new daily challenges during the global coronavirus pandemic, these resilient and inspiring working mothers have discovered different ways to navigate a new normal both at work and at home.

JULIE CURRY, FOUNDER OF BAKE’N BABES ON BUSINESS: The most important thing I learned from

this pandemic was to take things day by day. Each week brought forth its own set of challenges around restaurant operations. When faced with fear about unprecedented times, it helps to refocus on what truly matters.

In order to streamline our operations and reduce person-to-person contact, we created a reduced menu consisting of our top sellers and made our products available for delivery only.

ON PARENTING: As a mother, I understand the feeling of being scared to take my children anywhere and I knew that other parents felt the same way. Even though we’ve always been extremely concerned with the presentation of our Freak Shakes, we decided to offer Freak Shake kits so our customers could create one of our over the top milkshakes right in the comfort of their own home - sparkler and all! The results aren’t always perfect, but I love that we can help families feel some sense of normalcy with everything that’s going on in the world.

ZOE GALLINA, OWNER OF BOTANICA ON BUSINESS: I’ve learned so many things about business

through this pandemic. I’ve learned how easy it is to focus on negativity, but that keeping a positive mindset and focusing on the silver linings in all of this is key.

The pandemic has also driven home that communication is essential. I’ve found keeping discussions going through all of this with fellow members of my industry (even my competitors) has allowed us to navigate these times together, stay relevant, helped create deeper relationships with people I already knew and start new ones with people that I’ve never had the opportunity to speak with before.

ON PARENTING: Before the pandemic hit, we thought it was important to always be doing something or going somewhere. But through this we’ve learned that at the end of the day, as long as we are spending quality time together as a family that’s all that matters. We’ve gotten creative with our days and nights in and my daughter seems to get more excited about a “slumber party with Mommy or Daddy” then she has doing some more elaborate plans we’ve had in the past.

JEN BINGHAM, CO-OWNER OF CRU CELLARS ON BUSINESS: The pandemic has taught me that I am even more resilient and optimistic in my business than I knew, and I can get through anything with hard work and drive.

ON PARENTING: It’s been amazing spending some extra time with the kids, and I have realized how much they thrive on their connection with each other and with me and my husband.

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ANGIE CROFT, POP GOES THE PARTY ON BUSINESS: Owning and operating a business during the pandemic has taught me three really important things.

1. INNOVATE, then PIVOT. I’ve always tried to be innovative when it comes to my business, whether it means creating new products to keep up with evolving trends or evolving our customer service experience to adapt to the changes around the recommended CDC guidelines related to COVID-19. I believe wholeheartedly that you have to PIVOT your business to be as adaptable as possible to survive.

2. GIVE. Philanthropy has always been a core value of my business, having had a background in the non-profit industry for nearly 14 years prior to taking Pop Goes the Party full time. In a time when so many are facing so much challenge and uncertainty, we have been blessed to be able to give back in ways that have truly moved us forward.

3. COLLABORATE. Collaboration is a beautiful thing. The old saying, “community over competition” is so true.

Working with fellow bakers, event planners, PR professionals and retail businesses has helped us so much during these times.

ON PARENTING: GRACE! Lots and lots of grace. GRACE to myself for not keeping up with the household chores, the laundry, the cooking, the schooling, the potty training and basically every other task that doesn’t get checked off my never-ending to-do box every single day.

Grace as a business owner, trying to stay af loat during the pandemic.

Grace to my children, who are climbing the walls being stuck inside, out of their normal routine, with no social interaction, no playdates, no activities. It’s hard on them too. I remind myself that almost daily now. They need structure, discipline, love, hugs and GRACE and they probably deserve it more than anyone else.

Grace to my husband, who has had to alter his routine to work 100% remotely since March, with no end in sight.

We are all fish out of water these days. We all need and deserve grace and COVID-19 has taught me how to be much better at giving it and asking for it.

Photo credits: Pop Goes the Party, Angie Croft (Andi Diamond Photography), CRU, Jennifer Bingham (Howie Mac Photography), Botanica, Zoe Gallina (Ashlee Hamon Photography), Bake’n Babes, Julie Curry (Ashlee Hamon Photography)

A Virtual Learning Experience for Little Ones Because little learners want to explore, too!

By Laura Byrne

The big kids aren’t the only ones with plentiful resources online to take their learning to the next level! There are some pretty amazing programs designed just for our littlest ones in Tampa Bay.

LEARN & PLAY TAMPA BAY: We know that play is so important for the development of our children. It is how they learn to build relationships with others, how they explore and get to know their world, and it sets the foundation for lifelong learning.

Learn & Play Tampa Bay was created by Glazer Children’s Museum with the support of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County to give families no-cost access to play sessions and classes at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers across the county.

There is a weekly lottery to attend the 90-minute in-person classes to help keep class sizes small, but you can also attend the 30-minute Virtual Zoom Play sessions each week. If you need something a little more f lexible on time, there is also a YouTube channel featuring songs, activities, crafts and more! glazermuseum.org/learnplaytampabay Instagram: @learnplay tampabay Designed for ages 5 and younger.

WEDU EDCONNECT: For the PreK student in your house, WEDU EdConnect opens the virtual doors to an online curriculum of lesson plans, games, activities and more. If there are older siblings in the house, they can take advantage of the virtual learning too-WEDU EdConnect offers a virtual learning experience for kids ages PreK through high school.

WEDU.org/edconnect Designed for PreK through high school.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN AND BABY BUNGALOW: Just like our schools, the educational playgroups and classes offered by Champions for Children and Baby Bungalow went virtual after the pandemic hit and they are continuing to provide those services for families who aren’t quite ready to venture out yet.

Some favorites among local moms: Baby and Me and Wonder Years. For a full list of in-person and virtual classes and playgroups, visit cfctb.org. cfctb.org Designed for children ages birth to 5 years old.

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WHEN IT'S TIME TO UNPLUG: If you’re looking for ideas on how to maximize screen-free time with your little ones, Unplugged Play is coming to the rescue to this month on Aug. 18. There are three new books: Unplugged Play: Toddler, Unplugged Play: Preschool and Unplugged Play: Grade School.

Each book is $12.95 workman.com

Glazer Children’s Museum is celebrating 10 Years of Play!

Ignite imagination in over 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits in Downtown Tampa.

Purchase tickets today at GlazerMuseum.org

Membership: Become a member today and enjoy 12 months of play and discovery. A GCM membership pays for itself in 3 visits!

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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10

Years of Play at Glazer Children’s Museum

By Sarah Cole, Glazer Children's Museum CEO

In the spring of 2010, a new building was being completed in downtown Tampa. It would become the new home for a children’s museum. A small team of staff, myself included, moved our offices from a small rental on Jackson Street into this beautiful new building, and got to work getting ready to welcome kids.

It had gone by a few names over the years, but today the community knows it as Glazer Children’s Museum. Whatever name it’s known by, the children’s museum has brought joy to children for decades.

The words museum and play might not go together naturally in most people’s minds. The word “museum” in its Greek form means “home of the muses.”

Museums are literally houses of inspiration. A children’s museum brings inspiration to families through play ful interaction and learning. In a traditional museum, guests may take time to contemplate art or history while reading information or listening to a tour. In a children’s museum, kids play, and by doing so, learn about the world around them.

You may have heard the quote, “Play is the work of childhood” from psychologist Jean Piaget. Or from our favorite neighbor, Mr. Fred Rogers: “Play is serious learning.” These quotes guide our work and help us remember that play is not just respite for children, but is actually brain-building learning.

Sarah Cole, wife Annie and twins Bobby and Betty, 7.

The new building opens to the public in 2010 Glazer Children's Museum today

The new building under construction downtown

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COVER STORY

SO WHY IS PLAY SO IMPORTANT? Imagine for a moment that you’re watching two children play in the Publix exhibit at the Glazer Children’s Museum. The kids are both around 7, playing out a shopping scenario. Looks pretty innocuous right? When we look deeper, we can see more happening. At the beginning of the play, the two children negotiate who would be the shopper and who would be the clerk. Maybe they both want to shop, but work through the disagreement to choose roles. Next, the child who is shopping navigates the store and selects some produce. He names the items he is getting: apples, bananas, potatoes, and something he doesn’t recognize. He asks the other child, who tells him it is a cantaloupe, and he learns a new word. The clerk takes her position at the register and counts the shopper’s items. One cantaloupe.

Three bananas. Maybe she even does some math with the list at the register. “That’s $5, please.” The scene complete, the clerk takes a turn sorting the items by shape and color. A gentle reminder from a Playologist (a GCM educator) leads the kids to straighten up when they are done. Altogether, this playtime took maybe five minutes, but in that time, the children practiced social interaction, conf lict resolution, vocabulary, math, pattern recognition and more.

For young children, play is the space where all the things they are learning come together and connect. The new words, ideas and skills are practiced and honed. But perhaps more importantly, social skills and executive function grow during play. Executive function is a term to describe how various brain functions work together for self-control, problem solving, motivation and planning. Executive function is highly tied to childhood play and is incredibly important for success later in life.

1965

Safety Village, a miniature city aimed at teaching children about pedestrian, traffic and fire safety, opens in Lowry Park.

1987

The Children’s Museum of Tampa officially opens at the Floriland Mall, but quickly outgrows its original storefront.

1990

The museum finds a new home at Safety Village in Lowry Park, later named Kid City.

2004

As the museum continues to grow, planning begins for a new facility.

2010

The Glazer Children’s Museum opens in downtown Tampa at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.

2011

The museum launches Sunshine Sunday, a special sensory-friendly event for families of children with special needs.

2018

Glazer Children’s Museum launches new community outreach program Learn & Play Tampa Bay for families with children under 5.

2019

The Glazer Children’s Museum welcomes its 2 millionth visitor.

2020

The Glazer Children’s Museum celebrates 10 years of play at the downtown location.

In September 2010, I was lucky enough to be part of the team that welcomed the first families into the new Glazer Children’s Museum. The two years leading the education department are some of the best memories of my career. I’ve long said that the program I’m proudest of was the creation of Sunshine Sunday, our special sensory friendly program, which is now monthly. As my life and career evolved, I found myself headed back to the Midwest.

My wife and I became parents to twins. The educational theories that guided my work had suddenly become our daily life. When our son was diagnosed with autism, I was able to rely on the contacts I had made in developing Sunshine Sunday to help us navigate services. And as I continued to work in “grown-up” museums, I felt the tug to return to the world of children’s museums.

A year ago, I returned to the Glazer Children’s Museum, this time as CEO. And this September, we celebrate 10 years in downtown Tampa. This 10th year has been...unpredictable to say the least. But there’s nowhere I’d rather be than standing with a team driven to keep families playing and learning.

Play is transformative for children, especially in times of uncertainty and stress. Play provides a space for children to process the challenges we continue to face.

For example, my own daughter has been playing dramatic stories featuring coronavirus as the ultimate villain. I may not understand it, but I know that it’s helping her process and cope.

The last few months have been hard, but we know that with the support of our community, we’ll keep providing powerful play for decades to come.

GLAZERMUSEUM.ORG AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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This Summer at the Cade 5 6

Skate at The Cade THROUGH AUGUST 23 Learn more at CadeMuseum.org/Skate

Space: Moon to Mars THROUGH OCTOBER 31 Learn more at CadeMuseum.org/Moon-to-Mars

Brain: The World Inside Your Head SEPTEMBER 19 – JANUARY 2 Learn more at CadeMuseum.org/Brain

The Cade is a museum for all ages, and is currently open on a modified schedule. Please call or visit CadeMuseum.org/plan-your-visit to confirm the days and times the museum is open.

FUNDED IN PA RT BY

Spark wonder.

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811 South Main St. | Gainesville, Florida www.cademuseum.org | (352) 371-8001

MEMBERSHIPS START AT $99 BUY NOW AND GET

3 MONTHS FREE SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

GET OUTDOORS & EXPERIENCE WILDLIFE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE ZooTampa makes every day a safe and fun-filled family adventure! Meet our incredible animal ambassadors, go behind-the-scenes on one of our many tours and Signature Encounters, splash down on the family-friendly water ride Roaring Springs, presented by Pinch A Penny, and so much more! With so much to do every day and awesome events year-round, you’ll want to come back again and again with your new membership. Individual, Dual, and Family Memberships available.

Wide open spaces • Fewer guests • Social distancing • Frequent enhanced sanitation

#GetWildSafely 41 To learn more or to purchase your Membership visit ZooTampa.org/Three-Months-Free AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

‘Spring’ time in Summer

By Maggie Rodriguez

Enjoying traditional summer fun has been challenging this year, with limited access to our favorite activities. Luckily, the Tampa Bay area is home to natural springs where plenty of good, clean, outdoor fun awaits.

The biggest problem you may encounter when planning a day trip to the springs is deciding which one to visit. We chose Crystal River on Florida’s Nature Coast. Known for its sparkling blue, natural spring-fed rivers and chains of lakes, it’s just 90 minutes north of Tampa. Arriving at Crystal R iver Kayak Company, we encountered another family returning from their time out on the water. They wore face masks—a sign of the times—and gave us a thumbs-up when we asked about their experience. The staffers also wore masks and required that we do the same while we settled into our boats. We rented two tandem kayaks for the minimum two hours ($40 each).

After a quick rundown of the surroundings, we set out to explore King’s Bay. Now able to remove our masks and breathe in the fresh air, we relaxed and took in the scenery. Cruising down meandering canals f lanked by lush trees, we were pleasantly surprised to find that our only other companions were turtles perched on logs and birds resting on branches.

Less than 10 minutes later, we reached the narrow spring run that leads into Three Sisters Springs, an inlet naturally divided into three pools where fresh water f lows up from sand boils and vents and feeds the surrounding waterways.

We’d heard about the famous, crystalline water, but were shocked to discover it’s even more clear than a swimming pool. Even at its deepest point— about 18 feet— we could still see straight through to the bottom. Maintaining a temperature of 72 degrees year-round, the spring water was a refreshing antidote to the summer heat. It’s no wonder visitors f lock here on weekends. Fortunately, on this weekday afternoon, we were able to easily spread out among only a handful of fellow kayakers and swimmers. Surrounded by 57 acres of vegetation, the springs feel like a world away from urban life.

And thanks to the rule prohibiting motorized boats, they are quiet and serene. It’s the sort of place where time f lies and stress dissolves.

As our too-short visit wound down, we began planning the next one. Living in this special corner of the sunshine state means there are still more springs to explore and more memories to be made.

OTHER NATURAL SPRINGS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE OF TAMPA BAY Weeki Wachee Springs State Park- 1 hour Silver Springs State Park- 1 hour, 40 minutes Rainbow Springs State Park- 1 hour, 40 minutes Kelly Park/Rock Springs- 1 hour, 45 minutes Devil’s Den Spring- 1 hour, 50 minutes Ichetucknee Springs State Park- 2 hours, 30 minutes Ginnie Springs- 2 hours, 30 minutes

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Three Sisters Springs is open year-round. Water crafts are prohibited between November and March, but visitors can observe and even swim with the hundreds of manatees that flock to the natural refuge to escape the colder waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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A PERFECT FIT for the whole family

Weekly Deals In-Store & Online

ST. PETERSBURG 7121 22nd Ave N Mon-Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 11am-6pm CLEARWATER MALL 2675 Gulf to Bay Blvd Mon-Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 11am-6pm BRANDON 328 Brandon Town Center Dr Mon-Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 11am-6pm

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F R E E S H I P P I N G O R C U R B S I D E P I C KU P O N P E LT ZS H O E S . C O M

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AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com

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GUIDES

Scalloping tour with Plantation on Crystal River.

SCALLOPING SEASON IN TAMPA BAY: This is a perfect social distancing friendly way to get on the water and try something new with the kids! We even hear scalloping at the end of the season means bigger scallops. We’re sharing what to expect if you go.

A DAY TRIP TO ANNA MARIA ISLAND: Maggie Rodriguez takes us on a virtual adventure so you can plan your next trip.

DRIVECATIONS: Check out some of our favorite social distancing friendly road trips within an easy drive from Tampa Bay.

OUR FAVORITE EVENTS HAPPENING IN TAMPA BAY: Glazer Children’s Museum: Member Morning Aug. 2 , 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Exclusive to GCM Members, this event will give you the opportunity to enjoy memorable programs and activities for you and the kids before the museum opens to the public at 1 p.m. glazermuseum.org

THREE PERFECT DAYS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND: Calm turquoise water, white sandy beaches, homemade ice cream, and a quaint beach town are just a few of the things you’ll find on Anna Maria Island, a 7-mile island just an hour south of Tampa.

Glazer Children's Museum Florida Aquarium

Toddler Tuesdays At ZooTampa Aug. 4, 10 a.m.

Join ZooTampa on Toddler Tuesdays where these tiny zoo members will participate in stor y times, sing-a-longs, interactive games and much more. Members only. zootampa.org

Joe's Eats and Sweets

Children’s Board Free Tuesday Aug. 4, noon to 6 p.m.

Enjoy free admission to Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa as part of its partnership with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and its mission to promote the well-being of children and families. glazermuseum.org Washed Ashore at The Florida Aquarium Through October Join the Florida Aquarium in honoring their 25th anniversar y by experiencing Washed Ashore - Art to Save the Sea until the end of October. The exhibit showcases the impacts of pollution on the waterways, oceans and wildlife. flaquarium.org

Photo by Stephanie Patterson

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ZooTampa

ZooTampa: Dinos Alive!

Through Aug. 9 Head over to ZooTampa to discover species that haven’t been seen for millions of years! Enjoy fossil digs, life-size animatronic dinosaurs and fun for the whole family. zootampa.org

VIRTUAL AND ON-SITE LEARNING WITH PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS

DANCE • THEATER • MUSIC Our stages may be experiencing a brief intermission, but our classes and camps continue virtually and on-site.

Private lessons and classes for all ages and experience levels

PATEL CONSERVATORY

STRAZ CENTER

AUGUST 2020 TampaBayParenting.com 47 PATELCONSERVATORY.ORG • 813.222.1040

320 W. Kennedy, Ste. 220 Tampa, FL 33606

When you’re here, you can feel it: the currents of life gently flowing around and through you. This is where you can be truly present, and reconnect with what matters most. Where you can embrace the tides of change, and help push towards a brighter tomorrow for our blue backyard. This is The Florida Aquarium.

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Memberships start at $80 and help fund conservation efforts that protect Florida’s seas and beyond. flaquarium.org | 813.273.4000

TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2020