August 2021

AUGUST 2021

NOT ALL SUPERHEROES WEAR CAPES

THEY TEACH - AND THEY'RE READY TO DO IT AGAIN THIS YEAR

HOW TO RENT AN RV

EXPERT TIPS FROM A TRAVELLING MAMA

Hillsborough County Public Schools award winners: Laura Meehan, Miranda Harwood, Michael Helton, Sandra Misciasci and Chardae Duffy.

THE BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE

TIPS FOR THE BEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER

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MORE LOCAL STORIES

BEAT THE

Back-To-School RUSH!

Now Ac

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Schedule Your Child’s Well Visit NEW

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

YO U C A N A L S O F I N D U S H E R E:

Citrus Park 813.471.4445 Riverview 813.689.7571 Trinity 727.376.4040

Don’t let fear stop you from getting your child the care they need.

Don’t delay getting essential medical care for your child. We’ve put enhanced safety measures in place to help keep you and your child safe.

COVID-19 has stopped people from doing many things. But we can’t let it stop us from getting our children medical care when they need it most. A hospital built exclusively for kids, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is helping to keep our patients safe by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for safety processes and cleaning procedures. This makes sure that everyone can feel protected while your child gets the care they need. Learn more: StJoesKidsER.org

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AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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AUGUST 2021

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Byrne Anu Varma Panchal Tara Payor, PhD Julie Tingley Maggie Rodriguez Laura Cross Jenny P. Ginain Grayes Anyely Difato Lauren Gay Courtney Cairns Pastor Jessica Jeffers Kelli Biandudi Jane Murphy Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Staff Dr. Lou Romig ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Rigby CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Laura Byrne Stephanie Lanni Photography Kristin LaDriere Family Photography BOOKKEEPING James Anderson 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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BACK TO SCHOOL: TIPS FOR THE BEST BACK TO SCHOOL EVER, SAFETY AND MORE!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

9 // BACK TO SCHOOL LIKE A PRO: Local experts answer top questions to kick off the best school year ever 10 // COVER STORY: Meet Hillsborough County Public Schools superheroes and get advice on preparing your child to head back to class 14 // SILVER LININGS: Three COVID changes school should KEEP this year, with Corbett Prep 17 // HILLSBOROUGH LIBRARY: Your partner in discovery this school year 18 // BRUDDERS BOOKS: A conversation about friendship with local children's book author K.A. Leigh and illustrator Derek Roberts

27 // EAT AROUND THE WORLD: A foodie date night at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival 29 // THE RV LIFE: Lauren Gay of @outdoorsydiva schools us on renting an RV 33 // FORWARD PASS: Buccaneers’ Women’s Summit for Careers in Football 37 // SAFE SLEEP WITH HEALTHY START: What every parent and caregiver should know 38 // SWIM LESSONS: Make a splash at the YMCA

21 // LET’S GET ORGANIZED: Tampa Bay home organization expert shares top tips

44 // THE FACTS ABOUT RSV: Learn how to spot this common childhood illness

22 // BACK TO SCHOOL MOM HACKS: The moms from TV's "Maggie and the Moms" panel share advice

EVERY ISSUE:

24 // LUNCH BOX IDEAS with Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia 25 // DITCH THE DRIVE-THRU: Ginain Grayes of @eatprayslay dishes up quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas 41 // POST-PANDEMIC: Socializing at school in a COVID world 43 // PLAY HARD, STAY SAFE: How to prevent injury when returning to school sports

ON THE COVER: Hillsborough County Public Schools award-winning staff: Sandra Misciasci, Michael Helton, Laura Meehan, Chardae Duffy and Miranda Harwood.

Photo location: Roland Park K-8 Magnet Scool in Tampa.

More on page 10

TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

ARTICLES:

6 // NOTEWORTHY: August highlights and what's new in town 30 // MOMS TO KNOW: Meet Beth Di Maio of Healium Hair 46 // WHAT’S TRENDING ON TampaBayParenting.com

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The health care providers are not employees or agents of Walgreen Co. or any Walgreens subsidiary or affiliated company.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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AUGUST

GO TEAM GO! BACK-TO-BACK STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning on their second Stanley Cup win! We can’t wait to share more stories about this epic team as we look to the future.

LITTLE LEAGUE STATE CHAMPS! The 11U Keystone Little League All Star team took the state by storm. They went 9-0 on their way to winning the State Championship while outscoring their opponents 83-16.

ESPY WINNERS! Our Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took home some additional accolades recently, winning ‘Team of the Year’ at the ESPYs. Tom Brady won Male Athlete of the Year.

THINGS WE LOVE FOR BACK TO SCHOOL: A lot of products come across our desks here at Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, but only a few make the cut as our top picks! Here's what our team is loving for back to school.

MCUBED BACKPACKS: Created by a mompreneur and teacher, MCubed backpacks are roomy enough to fit all the school essentials, yet not too large to overwhelm young children. Choose among several designs to fit your youngster’s personality. $29 amazon.com

INSULATED LUNCH TOTES FROM U-KONSERVE: U-Konserve's insulated lunch tote is made from recycled plastic bottles and made to keep your food cold or hot for hours. It includes an inside pocket and is machine-washable. $25.95 amazon.com

THE FROST INSULATED WATER BOTTLE FROM ECOVESSEL:

ECOLUNCHBOX: We love these plastic-free stainless-steel storage containers that have leak-proof silicone lids. They come in ocean-inspired colors and nest for easy storage on weekends. Splash Box and Pods set: $45.87 ecolunchboxes.com

FENRICI BENTO BOX: Some kids prefer a bento box, and this one by Fenrici is a staff favorite. It has five spill-proof compartments and is eco-friendly, made from reclaimed, biodegradable wheat straw. Everything is removeable for easy cleaning. $29.99 fenrici.com TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

NEW IN TOWN: THECODERSCHOOL IN SOUTH TAMPA TheCoderSchool kicked off the summer by opening a new location in South Tampa. This new location is owned and operated by Lesly and Michael Olavarria, who opened Tampa’s first theCoderSchool in New Tampa last summer. The South Tampa location is located in the Carriage Trade Plaza at 1730 S. Dale Mabry Highway and offers both virtual coding classes and in-person coding sessions. thecoderschool.com

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This colorful bottle features an inner silicone straw for easy tilt-free drinking and features EcoVessel’s signature TriMax® Triple Insulation that will insulate drinks for up to 36 hours. $24.99 amazon.com

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GettyImages-1327562668

GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN!

Did you know you can purchase your tickets right now for some of the area’s most Spooktacular events like Howl-o-Scream at Busch Gardens, which will have three new haunted houses this year?

Busch G arde ns Ta Buy tickets now for select mp aB ay nights from Sept. 10-Oct. 31. buschgardens.com For the littlest ones and big kids at heart, tickets are also on sale for Walt Disney World’s “Disney After Hours Boo Bash” at Magic Kingdom that starts on select nights Aug. 10-Oct. 31.

Experience the fun of play, the reward of design, and the thrill of eSports in this celebration of video gaming in our lives.

MINECRAFT

MANIA

Put your MINECRAFT skills to the test!

Saturdays, 1pm-3pm.

Pre-registration required at MOSI.org.

Both going on now at MOSI! 4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G 7

MOSI’s mission is to be the intersection of science, technology and innovation in the Tampa Bay region where conversations and learning happen, knowledge is exchanged and new ideas are celebrated.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

ASK THE EXPERTS:

Back to School Tips and Advice From the Pros How can I help my child cope with first day jitters before their first day of PreK or Kindergarten?

ASK THE DOCTOR: FACE MASKS AND UNVACCINATED KIDS

Lauren Fopp, Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, PreK3 teacher:

Face masks are not required at my child’s school. Should they still wear one?

Dr. Allison Messina, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital: “Per CDC guidelines, it continues to be the recommendation that persons ages 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 wear a mask when in an indoor, public space. This would apply to school classrooms. Masks should fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. If cloth masks are worn, they should be made with tightly woven fabrics which do not let light through when held up to the light. They should have two or three layers of fabric.

Alternatively, a single use, disposable medical procedure mask could be worn as well. If this type of mask is chosen, it still needs to fit correctly. Small, disposable procedure masks are available in child sizes.”

What are some other steps parents can take to keep their kids healthy and prevent illness?

Do not send your child to school if they are sick. Even if they have mild cold symptoms, discuss with their pediatrician to see if they need to be tested for COVID before sending to school. Continue to encourage handwashing. In households with children too young to be vaccinated, encourage the older members of the family to get vaccinated. Most children catch COVID from the adults around them. Be sure children are up to date on all of their other vaccines.

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Corbett Preparatory School of IDS in Tampa recommends going through the routine and even mirroring the school day for a few weeks before school starts—that means aligning the family schedule with the same wake up time, lunch and snack time of the school day.

A special book and even memento a parent can share with their child can also help ease first day jitters. Fopp shares these favorite reads for the first day of school: ● “Let Today Be the Start of Something New!” by Gea Samma-Imbrenda ● “The Kissing Hand” by Aubrey Penn Fopp also suggests checking on Etsy for some really cute First Day of Kindergarten/First Day of School bracelets designed for the child and parent to wear.

Jessica Berk, Toddler Sleep Coach and local Tampa mom, awesomelittlesleepers.com: “Getting back in the routine of waking up early for school can be tough on kids after summer break. Make it easier on them by putting them to bed earlier in the week leading up to school. Kids between 2 and 6 years need 10-12 hours of sleep each night and should be asleep before 8 p.m. If bedtime is later right now, move it back in 15-minute increments every couple of days until you find the sweet spot when they fall asleep easily before 8 p.m.

Bigger kids ages 6-13 year need 9-11 hours of sleep each night, and teens need 8 to 10 hours each night.”

We’re doing carline for the first time. A booster seat will make the process easier. What are your thoughts on this?

Michelle Pratt, nationally certified child passenger safety expert/founder of Safe in the Seat, @safeintheseat and safeintheseat.com: “Car line is not a reason to switch your child to a booster seat. Make sure your child is in the right state seat; don’t jump ‘grades’ before it’s time. You’re the headmaster, principal and teacher of your child, so their safety is your decision and yours alone. Embrace and lean into that power.”

Every car seat is different, so you’ll want to check the manual to see if your child meets the correct height and weight requirements.

BUT THAT’S NOT ALL…

For more Back to School tips, flip to these pages:

Back to School Home Organization

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The first day of preschool or kindergarten can feel really intimidating for a little one, but there are some things you can do to help your child feel a bit more confident as they step into the classroom for the first time.

We’ve been off schedule this summer due to vacations and camp.

What’s the best way to get back on a regular sleep routine and how much sleep does my child need?

|

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Lunch Box Ideas with Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia

Dinner Ideas with Ginain of @cookprayslay

|

Local Moms Share Top Tips

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COVER STORY

2021 Teacher of the Year: Laura Meehan, Caminiti Exceptional Center, music specialist 2020 Teacher of the Year: Miranda Harwood, Brooker Elementary, fourth-grade teacher 2021 Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Michael Helton, Dawson Elementary, student nutrition manager

School Superheroes

by Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Public Schools

The efforts of our teachers, support staff, student nutrition workers, custodians, bus drivers, aides and administrators over the past 18 months have been nothing short of heroic.

These were the heroes who kept our community in some semblance of normality during the pandemic. It didn’t matter if they taught our children virtually or face-to-face; they restructured their craft to continue teaching our kids and making our schools a safe and nurturing environment.

But you know what they say: A hero’s work is never done.

The upcoming school year will look a lot more “normal” than last year. However, there’s still a lot of work to do. Last year was hard. Some families decided they weren’t ready to send their kids back to the classroom and chose eLearning. While that is understandable, learning virtually was not the best practice for most kids. For those students who did return to the classroom, things were different there too. Social distancing, arrows on the f loor, face coverings, quarantines… the list goes on.

Learning loss is real. Teachers and school staff got us through the height of the pandemic, and now they must carry the weight of getting our students back on track. This is no easy task. On Aug. 10, our teachers will look out on classrooms filled with students who are all on different learning levels.

The work they have in front of them is overwhelming.

The job they will do is heroic.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

2019 Ida S Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Sandra Misciasci, Newsome High, reading coach 2021 Ida S Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Chardae Duff y, Woodson K- 8, media speciallist

“W he n I wa s ve ry yo un g, mo st of my ch ild ho od he ro es wo re ca pe s, f lew thr ou gh the air, or pic ke d up bu ild ing s wi th on e ar m.

Th ey we re sp ect ac ula r an d go t a lot of atten tio n. Bu t as I gr ew, my he ro es ch an ge d, so tha t no w I ca n ho ne stl y sa y tha t an yo ne wh o do es an yth ing to he lp a ch ild is a he ro to me .”

- Fr ed Ro ge rs -

Of course, every good hero needs a solid sidekick. That’s where parents come in.

There are things we can do to help our heroes.

Here are some suggestions from our 2021 Teacher of the Year, Laura Meehan, ESE Music Specialist at Caminiti Exceptional: Be aware your child is going through a transition. Regardless of how they received educational services last year, whether eLearning or brick and mortar, things will be different as they return to the classroom. Kids will see classmates they haven't seen in a year and a half, possibly larger class sizes and other changes in school-wide activities.

Most parents know their child best. Be there for them as they return to school. Look out for warning signs of stress or anxiety and make yourself available to your child’s needs. As things are opening again, plan a fun family day at the park or take your child out for ice cream and check in with them as the school year unfolds.

We saw a huge increase of technology use in the past year. Keeping up with email, eNewsletters and other forms of online communication will help keep parents informed of school events and upcoming deadlines.

Meehan also says that an encouraging word or two to your child’s teacher, bus driver or cafeteria worker can speak volumes. This year, that encouragement and support is needed more than ever.

And of course, always remember the words of Mr. Rogers: Not all heroes wear capes. The greatest heroes shape the lives and minds of our children.

The future begins at Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Choose in-person learning or our award-winning Hillsborough Virtual K-12.

We offer an array of unique programs with hands-on learning from aerospace, biotech, architecture, health, and even video game design!

Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers 89 certification courses to choose from for middle and high school students. From CompTIA A+ Certification to ICT Cyber Security Essentials, and Engineering Core Certification to Certified Veterinary Assistant.

HCPS also offers theme-based, technology-rich curricula in medical studies, the arts, environmental studies, Cambridge International, Junior Achievement 3DE, International Baccalaureate, and more!

ENROLL

TODAY!

Plus, our award-winning Hillsborough Virtual K-12 offers full-time webbased curriculum with local, certified teachers specially trained on the platform resulting in a high school diploma.

We prepare students to be successful in the rapidly changing workforce and equip them to make informed decisions about future career or college pathways.

Learn more about our award-winning school options at https://www.hillsboroughschools.org/Future or call 813-272-4796.

HillsboroughSchools.org 11

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

ACADEMICS

PERFORMING ARTS

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Scan the QR code to learn more and request a tour. stjohnseagles.org | 813.849.4200 | admissions@stjohnseagles.org

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

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remarkable, bright children

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supportive, engaged families

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outstanding faculty and staff

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Local Media Sponsor

through September 6 Children and families visiting the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit during Children’s Board of Hillsborough County Free Tuesdays will receive a WEDU Daniel Tiger Caring Neighbor Kit as part of Be My Neighbor Day.* The kit distribution is supported by PNC Grow Up Great and Fred Rogers Productions. *While supplies last.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood © 2021 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved.

Summer of Possibilities!

Make this the best summer of learning ever with WEDU PBS At-Home Learning - Summer Boost! Each weekday features great educational TV broadcast on WEDU and free digital learning materials for grades PK-12!

Visit wedu.org/edconnect to explore WEDU’s At-Home Learning resources.

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Monroe E. and Suzette M. Berkman Family Foundation at the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS

3 COVID Changes Schools Should Keep

by Courtney Cairns Pastor, photos provided by Corbett Preparatory School of IDS

Kids on yoga mats reading by the water. Field trips to faraway places made possible through Zoom. A night of poetry under the stars with middle school students.

Educating students in a pandemic posed challenges for schools, and Corbett Prep administrators and teachers re-examined everything from classroom seating to lunchtime to specials and electives. But despite all the headaches, the adjustments inspired creative, new approaches to engaging kids.

The growth mindset Corbett Prep faculty and staff embraced turned challenges into opportunities and gave rise to inventive solutions, fresh takes on traditions and a spirit of collaboration.

While it looks like 2021-22 will allow schools to move closer to normalcy, some of the changes COVID brought to school life prove to be worth preserving.

OUTSIDE CLASSROOMS Decks, patios, grassy spaces and nooks along a lake under the cypress trees on Corbett Prep’s campus offered numerous options for outdoor learning during the pandemic. Teachers put yoga mats on school supply lists and then planned lessons and reading time to take full advantage of the outside for distanced mask breaks.

PreK3 students sat crisscross on their mats for morning story time, as older students sprawled on the Middle School field and banks of the pond to read on their own. Art projects and science activities found new homes on decks and sidewalks as well as at picnic tables. Middle school students worked in small groups at tables on the plaza, which later included a temporary stage constructed for class performances and STEAM Symposium presentations.

Spending time outside continues to benefit students even as the COVID threat decreases.

The change in scenery from the classroom helps students regain focus when distracted.

It can improve moods, inspire creativity and increase productivity. Some research suggests that exposure to natural light is good for eyesight, too. An outdoor campus also provides a valuable extension of the learning environment, with plenty of plants and animals to observe and study.

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

ZOOM CONNECTIONS Zoom fatigue is real. But the reason the platform became so popular during the pandemic was its ease of use and availability. Now that families and teachers are familiar with Zoom, it remains a great option for special purposes.

Last year, Zoom made it possible for teachers to take students on field trips across time zones. During an International Baccalaureate unit on farm-to-table, PreK4 students met farmers in Minnesota and Spain, all thanks to Zoom. Intermediate students learned about the legislative process from a state representative Zooming from Tallahassee.

Bestselling authors discussed their books in Corbett Prep classrooms without leaving their homes.

Zoom let busy parents drop into their children’s classes virtually and read books, celebrate birthdays and attend conferences, from work or from home. Live streaming of student performances and virtual auctions opened up events for additional and even extended family participation.

Although we hope to log less Zoom time in 2021-22, Corbett Prep will continue to embrace the platform as a way to build connections and increase access to people and places otherwise out of reach.

FRESH TRADITIONS Before scheduling events and projects in 2020-21, teachers and school leaders evaluated cherished traditions and performances through a lens of health and safety to make allowances for large audiences and social distancing. At Corbett Prep, “the show must go on!” so the facilities staff built two outdoor stages for school musicals, class plays, the STEAM Symposium and the Middle School’s Poetry Coffeehouse, resulting in several peaceful evenings outside for families to enjoy student presentations and the arts.

The Student-Faculty Sports Challenge and 8th grade Powder Puff football game traditions at Corbett Prep gained new energy when they were moved out of the gyms onto the field. The Spring Fine Arts concert stayed indoors but received a makeover, splitting the whole-school production into smaller shows that gave each class more chances to shine.

Technology helped other classroom traditions evolve and gain new components. Sixth graders usually present research on historical figures as monologues to parent audiences. This year, they presented to classmates and edited video of their speeches to embed in Adobe Spark presentations they created to share. The fifth grade IB Exhibition included digital presentations on topics students researched in place of the traditional group display boards that invited crowds.

What will schooling look like throughout 202122? At Corbett Prep, we’re excited to welcome students and parents back to campus this fall, host gatherings and reinstate favorite field trips and excursions. Along with new traditions in reimagined spaces, we plan to hold on to the solution-seeking mentality that led to positive outcomes from lessons learned after an unprecedented year.

H A P P Y S T U D E N T S S E R I O U S E D U C AT I O N

CALL FOR A PERSONAL TOUR

(813) 961-3087 • PreK3-8th Grade • www.corbettprep.com

Transportation Available

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Strategies

From the moment your child is born, the Early Learning Coalition of

for

Hillsborough County is here to help you

Success!

give them the best possible start to life.

We are here as an extended member of your family’s support team to help you prepare your child for kindergarten.

Like you, we’re dedicated to ensuring

QUALITY Support early learning providers

ACCESS

CHILD & FAMILY EDUCATION

your child grows up to achieve anything they can imagine.

Educate and engage families from birth

INSPIRE Develop/improve programs that positvely impact educational outcomes

Facilitate access to early learning Execute best practice programs and services

COLLABORATION

Collaborate with community partners to improve educational outcomes

The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is funded in part by the Department of Early Learning.

21_BP_002_2021_0710_TB_Parenting_InspireSpirit_7.75x4.75_v1a_jm.pdf

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7/13/21

10:17 AM

YOUR SPIRIT

T H I S I S E D U C AT I O N A S YO U A LWAYS I M AG I N E D I T.

An Independent Episcopal Day School for Boys and Girls in Pre-K to Grade 12

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

B E R K E L E Y P R E P. O R G

Your Partner in Discovery This School Year

by Jessica Jeffers, photos provided by Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library

Welcome back to school! The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library is available 24/7 to engage and inspire the students in our community throughout the school year.

The library’s HAAL pass program provides every student enrolled in a Hillsborough County Public School, Hillsborough County Charter School or Hillsborough Virtual School access to public library resources with their seven-digit student ID number and the default PIN. HCPLC.org/HAALPass Students can easily access schoolwork help with Tutor.com through the library. Tutor.com is a fully online tutoring service offering homework help with 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. HCPLC.org/HomeworkHelp Find a book needed for class or a book to read at school during the day. To start, browse the public library’s collection at HCPLC.org to check which nearby library location has the book you need or if it is offered as a downloadable e-book. Two e-book and audiobook apps, Libby and Axis 360, fit your local library conveniently in your pocket.

HCPLC.org/Ebooks Make screen time educational with Kanopy Kids. Kanopy Kids features a collection of films and TV series that inspire and inform. Educational films reinforce valuable learning topics, such as history, science and new languages. Parents and caregivers can stream unlimited videos from a curated selection of educational videos on Kanopy Kids with developmentally appropriate, age-based ratings from Common Sense Media.

HCPLC.org/Kids The library offers Science Online for planning Science Fair projects. This easy-to-browse online resource provides kids with access to interactive experiments on science topics from biology to weather. Find science articles, charts and illustrations, timelines and videos as well.

Reading is so important for school success, and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a fun early literacy program for young children. Children who have read 1,000 books before they begin school will be well on their way to a love of reading and literacy. With this challenge, you can reach the goal in less than three years by reading one book a day. Sign up to keep track of each book read and celebrate reading milestones along the way. HCPLC.org/1000Books Many more kid-friendly engaging resources provide curriculum-related reliable content and are great for inspiring curiosity and excitement about learning. Discover more at HCPLC.org/Kids. The public library website offers useful resources for a successful year.

Along with the excitement of back to school, kids may feel a little sad that summer is over or feel anxious about the school year.

Check out these awesome back to school books to read before the first day: “How to Start Kindergarten” by Cathy Hapka hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/ S142C1480082 “Geeger the Robot Goes to School”

by Jarrett Lerner hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C1806901 “Love” by Corrinne Averiss hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C1786854 “I Got the School Spirit”

by Connie Schofield-Morrison hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C1798027 “Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year” by Nina Hamza hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C1808813 “Juan Has the Jitters” by Aneta Cruz hcplc.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S142C1794177

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

17

Back to School & Making Friends with Brudders

by Julie Tingley, photos by Stephanie Lanni Photo

August marks the beginning of the school year, the return of fall sporting events, and the introductions amongst unfamiliar faces that have the potential to turn into meaningful friendships.

Making friends is a fundamental component of growing up and of a child’s social and emotional development. Positive friendships contribute to growing self-esteem and building confidence and can even serve as a protective factor in peer victimization and bullying.

Although friendship is a vital part of life, making and keeping friends is a learned skill. After months of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many kids will find themselves out of practice in the new school year. One of the best ways to prepare for meeting new friends is to share a story that opens discussion for emotions that come with starting school and seeing new and different classmates. One particular book written and illustrated by a Tampa Bay-based creative duo, “Brudders Learns How to Make Friends,” combines heartwarming lessons of friendship, good manners, responsibility and faith with a cuddly, simply unforgettable teddy bear. In this story, Brudders wakes up from his first hibernation season and learns what it takes to make friends for the very first time.

HERE ARE BRUDDERS THE BEAR’S KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR EVERY KID STARTING SCHOOL THIS MONTH: TIP #1: Get to know the person you’d like to become friends with.

Ask them what their favorite game is, or perhaps their favorite food or maybe even their favorite color. Find out what makes them happy. Their answers might be very different, or very similar, to yours. What fun it is to get to know someone and learn so many new things!

TIP #2: Remember, we all are unique.

No two people are the exact same. We each have our own character, with our own thoughts and feelings, which is pretty cool if you ask me! That means you might think or see things differently than I do, but that’s ok. We can still appreciate each other and have lots of fun.

TIP #3: It’s ok if it’s hard to make friends at first. We’re always learning.

Can you name something you’re really good at now, but when you first tried it, you seemed to struggle? Then, when you took the time to learn how to improve, you tried it again and got so much better? Learning how to make friends can be very similar.

My best friend Zeke told me there will always be new things to learn. It’s ok to ask for help so we can figure out how to get better at something, and then we try again!

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

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JT: What makes someone a good friend?

Brudders: A good friend is someone who is understand-

ing, patient, supportive and caring. In fact, my best friend, Zeke, showed me ALL of these things the first day we met!

Zeke was patient with me when I felt frustrated and sad after struggling to make friends. Zeke was also understanding because he knew it was my first time trying to make friends, and I wasn’t really good at it. He then supported me by teaching me about others and what can make a friendship grow.

And because he cared so much about me, he encouraged me to go back to the animals and try to make friends again.

JT: What would you do if someone wasn’t friendly to you or didn’t want to be friends?

Brudders: This happened to me three different times. At

first, I was confused. Was something wrong with me? Why didn’t the other animals like me? But then, Zeke taught me that not everyone is just like me, so others might not always respond in the way that I’d expect them to.

So, if this happens to you, remember, take the time to understand the people you’d like to be friends with. Get to know them. Maybe they get scared easily. Maybe they’re very loud in general. Maybe they were having a bad day. Maybe they haven’t yet learned how to make friends, and now you can help support them.

Behind Brudders: Meet Author K.A. Leigh and Illustrator Derek Roberts

by Julie Tingley, photos by Stephanie Lanni Photo

JT: WHAT IS THE STORY AND INSPIRATION BEHIND BRUDDERS AND HIS LESSONS IN FRIENDSHIP? Leigh/Roberts: Our whole mission with Brudders® is to give

kids a forever friend they can lean on as they grow through various challenges in life. We want children to know that no matter how tough some days can be, they’re never alone in their journey. So, we provide characters that kids can instantly relate to, observe and learn from as they embark on new adventures together.

Leigh: I chose friendship for the series’ first book because not a

single one of us can get through life without having some sort of relationship with another person. I often thought to myself, gosh, if only we adults learned about self and social awareness when we were kids.

How different our perspectives towards others or situations might be.

Roberts: So when K.A. first saw this little bear that I had been

sketching several years ago, an entire storyline came together in her head all in one night. It was so powerful we actually had that nervous butterf ly feeling for days and weeks afterwards. I knew then that this is what we were meant to give children all around the world.

JT: HOW DID THE TWO OF YOU BECOME FRIENDS? Roberts: K.A. is a lifelong Tampa resident, and I’m originally from

California. We met by happenstance all the way out in California one day through a mutual friend. We learned so much about each other and kept in touch almost every day.

Leigh: While we’re the best of friends now, we’re each very different.

Derek is a phenomenal artist and appreciates time spent in the intricate details. I love to write on growth and development topics and have always been more of a big-picture visionary. Both of us had dreams to use our artistic talents to help others.

Leigh/Roberts: Then one day we realized something.

By the two of us becoming friends and combining our unique talents, we were able to bring the world something incredibly special that neither of us could do on our own. And from there, Brudders® was born.

JT: WHERE CAN CHILDREN IN TAMPA BAY FIND YOUR BOOK? Leigh/Roberts: To start, come join us in the woods at www.

BruddersBooks.com! There, you can learn more about us, or get your very own signed Brudders® book that includes fun, downloadable treasure hunts and coloring activities. We also love giving back to our community and supporting local businesses. We’re extremely happy to announce that Brudders® is now on the shelf at The Oxford Exchange. You can also find Brudders® in two local boutique favorites, Joyful Notion and Blooming Flower Art.

JT: WHERE WILL WE SEE BRUDDERS NEXT? Leigh/Roberts: Brudders’ next adventure is scheduled to come out this fall,

where Brudders will learn the joy of saying thank you. Now, we all know that “thank you” is a kind thing to say, BUT do you know what actually happens inside someone’s heart when you say the words “thank you” to them? Get ready for a hippity-hopping good time in the forest. You won’t want to miss this!

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

SORTING FOR SCHOOL:

Organizational tips for a hassle-free year story and photos by Anyely Difato, The Neat Technique, @theneattechniquetampa

As the new school year begins, so does the constant stress of scheduling and planning your kid’s day. This includes figuring out what clothes they will wear and finding lost shoes while simultaneously packing snacks and lunches and hustling everyone into the car to get to school on time.

The new school year also requires shopping for school supplies and new clothes or uniforms. Why not get a head start on getting organized before the new school year begins?

One way of easing the back-to-school stress is to proactively implement some simple and practical organizing methods suitable to your family’s daily routine. Check out some of my favorite tips and tricks below and pick a couple that will work for you!

MUDROOM OR BACKPACK STATION

Designate a space in the house to keep kids’ backpacks, jackets and shoes where they will be easy to grab and go. Even if you don’t have an entryway or garage space to create a mudroom, having a specific spot for these items certainly helps to streamline the process of coming and going. To create a backpack station, you can add a wall hook rack or command hooks to any wall in a hallway, closet, kitchen or even a walk-in pantry with an empty wall. A medium-sized basket near the front door or a shoe rack in the garage can keep shoes in pairs and in one place. Think about what might work for you and your family.

FAMILY CALENDAR BOARD

Set up a calendar board with the daily activities and school schedule in a spot where everyone in the family can see it. From dry erase to chalk, magnetic, acrylic or personalized boards, all are great options that can be kept in the kitchen or hallways. If your refrigerator has a visible side different than the doors, that is a great place to add a magnetic board, while keeping the front of the refrigerator free from clutter. Use colored markers and assign a color to a specific activity or child, if you have more than one.

HOMEWORK STATION

Create a homework station to help with the homework routine. Be creative and invite your children to decorate the space with you to make a fun homework environment. If the best homework space for your family is your dining room table, you can still keep things tidy by investing in a rolling cart or a bin with dividers, such as a divided Lazy Susan Turntable. Organize school supplies and worksheets in bins and make sure they are clearly labeled, especially if more than one child is using the space. Use a bin or a magazine file holder to keep the weekly school in-and-out worksheets and homework. This will help you review your child’s school work and keep track of the school assignments. Make sure the bins are labeled with the child’s name in the case of multiple children.

SCHOOL SUPPLY POUCHES

These are great for when your child has forgotten to finish an assignment or if you find yourselves with some time in the car. Put together a few essential school supplies along with a clipboard, a tray or a portable drawing board, and they can finish up their work or even get ahead.

A HEAD START ON SNACKS & LUNCHES

Overwhelmed by the thought of figuring out lunches every day? Plan a week or two ahead with a lunch menu. Think simple and nutritious with maybe a surprise treat here and there.

Assign a space in the fridge for snacks and place them in bins for an easy grab-and-go. You can even prepare snack bags for the week. Creating two weeks of meal plans before the school year begins will save you some time while you adjust back to the daily routine. And even better, once you have a couple of weeks of plans, you can keep alternating the same meals.

A FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN AND PANTRY SYSTEM

This might sound daunting, but a few easy steps will make your kitchen space work better for everyone. Designate a reachable space in the pantry or in a kitchen cabinet for kids snacks. Keep lunch boxes, lunch bags and water bottles in the same section.

Use bottle organizers for the water bottles, or if they are in a deep drawer, use plastic bins to keep them organized. And of course, don’t forget to label everything. Creating sections in the kitchen will make it easy not only for parents but for the children, since it will help them recognize where things belong so that they can help pack lunches and snacks.

MEMORY BOX

Last but not least, as your child progresses through school, you will probably find yourself wanting to keep some mementos–a piece of artwork from kindergarten, a great report card, or maybe an award. Rather than stashing these with all the other papers, you can get a filing box to create a memory box. Label it with the child’s name and organize it by grade. This is a great way to keep the precious artwork and other papers neatly stored. However, it is very important to go through the artwork each year and make sure to keep what you really like. Otherwise, you will run out of space very fast!

You don’t have to implement all of these at once. Start with the one that would help you the most, and maybe add in a couple more as you go.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Blended Designs backpack - photo by Stephani Shepherd

First day photos by Natassja Prose

BACK TO SCHOOL MOM HACKS

OUR MOMS’ FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Backpacks from Jansport, MCubed, Kanken and Blended Designs Local Mom Box subscription

by Maggie Rodriguez, Host of Daytime

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—August and back-to-school!

As kids head back into classrooms this month, we asked for some tried and true tips for a smooth transition from local moms who frequently share their parenting insights on “Maggie and the Moms,” the weekly parenting segment on WFLA’s lifestyle show, “Daytime.”

Bentgo lunch boxes Personalized water bottles

GETTING READY

SCHOOL YEAR ROUTINE

★ Start your school schedule at least a week before school actually begins so that kids get used to waking up early and getting ready.

★ Have a backpack drop zone where all backpacks go after school.

Anything that’s needed gets taken out and put back with the backpack never leaving the drop zone, so you (almost) never have to hunt for missing homework, books or bags.

Stephani Shepherd, greatlifeisamust.com

★ Whether your kid wears a uniform or street clothes to school, have them do a try-on haul. Take inventory of what clothing items you will need to buy going into the school year. You may find you can hold off on buying certain items. ★ Stock up on crayons! This is the one supply item that kids can’t seem to keep around without breaking or losing. If you find them somewhere cheap, buy as many as you can.

THE FIRST DAY

Natassja Prose, IG @proseandcompany

★ My youngest still gets first-day nerves, so we always draw a little heart on the palm of our hands to remind each other to be brave and that we’re thinking of each other that day. ★ I make them a special themed breakfast on the first day, waff les shaped into pencils or something as simple as sprinkles on yogurt. ★ The first day picture in front of our chalkboard is non-negotiable, although they always grumble!

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

Steffany Rodriguez-Neely, Tampa Bay Moms Group

★ Create a homework zone. This is an electronics-free zone with few distractions. ★ Get dividers for your children’s closet and have each day’s clothes in them so there’s no searching or messes in the morning when getting dressed.

TEACHER TIPS

Dr.Tara Payor, middle school teacher

★ Get a timer. Timers are regularly used in the classroom. Kids are accustomed to them and parents can capitalize on that in the home. As kids reunite with the blend of homework and extra-curricular activities that calls for excellent time management, a timer helps in acknowledging the need for both some downtime after school and some urgency with which to accomplish tasks. ★ Use “Champa Bay” to motivate students (and to teach them to value school supplies). Tampa Bay area students are familiar with champions; Stanley and Lombardi have taken residence here. It’s key that kids understand that Brady and Vasilevskiy could have all the latest and greatest supplies, but if they leave them in the locker room, they’re useless and wasted. Tools, like school supplies, don’t help us unless we use them to put in the practice, practice and more practice.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Jenn

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Prep the Perfect School Lunch with @LunchBoxMafia story and photos by Jenny P. of @LunchBoxMafia

While many of us are excited about getting kids back into schools, those packed lunches can still be a challenge. On my Instagram, you’ll find simple recipes as well as tutorials on how to pack hot and cold lunches, repurpose your leftovers and upgrade your kids' favorites.

Here, I’m sharing simple food prep, packing gear and a weeknight recipe to ease you back into your routine.

A LITTLE PREP GOES A LONG WAY:

No one wants to spend hours prepping food every Sunday, but something as simple as peeling and cutting up some carrots will give you a good head start.

Here are three tips for work-ahead prep:

1. Remove berries from store packaging and store

them in the refrigerator in containers with lids. Don't wash them until you're ready to pack or eat them.

2. When you fire up the grill, make a big batch of chicken for the week. Use it in salads, sandwiches and pasta for a delicious boost of protein.

3. Prepare a bunch of hard-boiled eggs at once and store them in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Eat them for breakfast, make egg salad or top your salads or ramen with them. Sometimes, I just add an egg to the lunchbox with a pinch of salt and pepper or a dash of everything bagel seasoning. So good!

Because back to school is also back to crazy weeknights, we’re all on the lookout for easy dinners. Here’s an easy recipe to try:

Crockpot tacos (makes 12 tacos) Ingredients:

Optional toppings:

* 2 chicken breasts * 1 packet of taco seasoning * 1 12-ounce jar of salsa * 12 taco shells

* * * * * * *

Directions:

Shredded cheese Shredded lettuce Diced tomatoes Sliced black olives Sour cream Guacamole Hot sauce

Add chicken breast, seasoning and salsa to your crockpot.

Set on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Once your meat is done, carefully remove it and set it on a cutting board or platter. Shred your chicken using two forks. Assemble your tacos as normal and enjoy.

TIP: Save the broth for a delicious chicken tortilla soup!

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HERE ARE SOME OF MY GO-TO LUNCHES:

LUNCHABLES. You grew up on these and see them in-store, and now you can make them yourself! All you need is protein, cheese, veggie or fruit. If you get bored with crackers, use pretzel crisps or pita instead. These are a great idea if your kiddo enjoys variety or loves snacking.

PASTA. It's super versatile and can be eaten hot or cold. Use a dairy free dressing or be sure to use ice packs to keep it fresh. If your kids prefer their pasta hot, you'll want to get a thermos. I always say, "Packing a hot lunch is like sending a warm hug!" Nothing better than a taste from home.

PIZZA. Nothing says Friday like a pizza lunch. You can pizza-fy lunch in a variety of ways, from personal naan pizza, crescent rolls, muffins and even empanadas! Check out @lunchboxmafia for suggestions.

GET THE RIGHT GEAR:

Let the kids pick out their own lunchboxes and thermos or water bottle. Here are some other gear tips:

1. Practice makes perfect. Let the very youngest school-goers begin practicing opening and closing their lunchboxes and water bottles themselves before they are in school.

2. The perfect lunch bag is out there! We've tried a few over the years.

My favorite is the sleeve from @planetbox for their "Rover" and "Launch" stainless steel lunchboxes, which fits easily into backpacks. Another one we enjoy is the amazing freezable lunch bag from @packitcool for cold lunches (no ice pack necessary!) or, for cooler months, the@omielifeinc lunchbox with built-in thermos!

3. Add to the fun with handy accessories such as cute ice packs, food picks, cutlery, silicone cups to separate wet and dry foods and reusable dip containers.

Just like anything else, having the right tools helps you do things with ease and confidence. The link in my Instagram bio will take you to my Amazon store where you'll find some of my favorite items and healthy snacks.

G in a i n G

es

r ay

Ditch the Drive-Thru

3 Quick and Simple Meal Ideas for Families on the Go story and photos by Ginain Grayes, cookprayslay.com, IG: @cookprayslay

Back to school means hectic mornings and busy evenings continuously shuttling the kiddos from activity to activity with little time to sit down at the dinner table and enjoy a meal together. This also leaves us with few healthy, delicious and budget-friendly meal options. As a busy mom of three very active kids, I know all too well that feeling of pulling into a drive-thru to feed the hungry gang before the next activity. So, what’s a parent to do? Here are a few tried and true solutions when you need to eat on the go. Not only are these portable meal ideas a hit with the kids, but they’re also tastier, healthier and more cost effective than fast food.

Mason Jar Salads This is one of the most versatile (and delicious) ways to get a balanced meal while on the go. Mason jar salads are easy for meal prep and can accommodate various dietary needs. (Recipe: Mason Jar Pasta)

Soups, Stews & Chili These are great for freezing ahead and can be warmed up when you’re ready. Just pour into a thermos or mason jar and you’ve got a hearty meal on the go. Don’t forget your spoon! (Recipe: White Chicken Chili)

Quesadillas These are one of my kids’ favorite go-to meals for something tasty, yet easy to enjoy while heading out the door. Quesadillas also freeze well and heat up in no time. (Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla)

Philly Cheesesteak Quesadilla * 5 medium flour tortillas * 1 pound beef (ribeye or top round), thinly sliced or diced * 1 tablespoon soy sauce * ½ teaspoon onion powder * ½ teaspoon garlic powder * 1 medium onion chopped * 1 red pepper diced * 1 green pepper diced * 8 ounces mushrooms diced * 6 slices provolone cheese (avoid aged cheese), sliced in half * 3 teaspoons light olive oil divided * 1 garlic clove minced * Salt and pepper to taste * Optional: mayo to spread inside the quesadilla Directions: In a bowl, season the chopped meat with soy sauce, garlic powder and onion powder and set aside for about 10 minutes. Finely chop the onion and dice the mushrooms and peppers.

In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil and add the meat. When it’s fully cooked, remove from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

Sauté vegetables in the same skillet that the meat was cooked in until they are tender, adding another teaspoon of oil if needed. Add the beef back to the skillet. Add minced garlic, stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the meat is fully reheated.

Spread mayo (optional) on the tortillas. Divide the filling between the tortillas, adding them to one side of the tortilla. Top the filling with sliced cheese and close the tortilla.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat (for a crisper tortilla, add a little oil or butter to the pan). Place the tortilla in the hot pan and flip once until the cheese is melted and the outside is golden and crisp on each side.

Slice and serve.

Mason Jar Pasta Salad * * * * * * *

1/2 cup cooked pasta 1/4 cup chopped cucumbers 1/2 cup baby spinach 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette 5 grape tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup cannellini beans, rinsed and drained Fresh basil leaves

Directions: In a 16-ounce mason jar, layer ingredients in the following order: balsamic vinaigrette, pasta, cucumbers, grape tomatoes, cannellini beans, spinach and basil.

Screw on lid and refrigerate. When ready to eat, shake jar until contents are mixed and enjoy.

White Chicken Chili * 2 15-ounce cans white beans, rinsed and drained * 3 cups chicken broth (add more or less depending on how thick/chunky you want your chili) * 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 medium onion, diced * 3 cloves garlic, minced * 1 jalapeno, minced * 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles * 1 teaspoon ground cumin * 1/2 teaspoon chili powder * 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano * Juice of 1 lime * Salt and black pepper to taste * Your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese and cilantro Directions: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Sauté the onions for about 4 minutes or until they become transparent, then add the garlic and jalapenos and sauté for about 2 more minutes.

Add the shredded chicken and sauté together with onions, garlic and jalapenos for about 2 minutes.

Add the white beans, green chiles, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, oregano, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir together and let it cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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TampaBayParenting.com AUGUST 2021

Foodie Date Night Getaway (or family getaway, too):

EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is back through Nov. 20

by TampaBayDateNightGuide.com

International getaways are probably not happening for many of us this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go on an epic culinary adventure around the world within a short drive from Tampa Bay. EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival is back with NEW sips and tastes, and it just so happens to coincide with Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary celebration.

If you’ve been before, it’s not the same festival you’ve experienced in the past. In fact, 50% of this year’s food and beverage offerings are brand new. This year’s event features 20+ Global Marketplaces with SEVEN new marketplaces to explore: THE NOODLE EXCHANGE (Near Traveler’s Café)

TANGIERINE CAFÉ: Flavors of the Medina

While the festival is a fun weekend getaway for the parents, it’s also a great family adventure and wonderful opportunity to allow your child to taste the spices and f lavors from countries around the world. We highly recommend sharing each dish so you can sample even more tastes, whether you attend with the kids or not.

YUMMY FAVORITES One of our favorite cocktails was the Bourbon Bloody Mary from the new Swanky Saucy Swine marketplace near Disney Traders. It has a unique f lavor and is served in a cute mason jar cup with bacon. Totally ‘grammable!

If you have a sweet tooth, we also recommend the very shareable Candy Jar Donut from The Donut Box near Test Track, a short walk from the Swanky Saucy Swine.

There are plenty of meatless options too! At Earth Eats near Imagination!, you can nosh on Impossible Burger Sliders and Impossible Three Bean Chili. The New Noodle Exchange near Traveler’s Café offers a Tofu Pho with enoki mushrooms and Thai basil. Gluten-free and wheat-free options are available throughout the park too!

THE SWANKY SAUCY SWINE

We could fill the pages of this entire magazine with all of the options to try, but since no two taste buds are the same, we highly recommend perusing through the food guide on the My Disney Experience app or visiting TasteEpcot.com to map out your culinary adventure.

BREW-WING at the EPCOT Experience

FOR THE KIDS AND KIDS AT HEART

(Near Mission: SPACE), Opening Oct. 1

Make this a learning experience too! Be on the lookout for the Kidcot stops at each of the country pavilions where your child can pick up an info card with fun facts about each country. This is ongoing all year long, but still a must-do!

THE ROTUNDA BISTRO

(American Adventure Rotunda) (Near Disney Traders)

LOBSTER LANDING MAC & EATS

(Near Mission: SPACE), Opening Oct. 1

Walt Disney World is offering a Florida resident Summer Fun deal right now with tickets as low as $54 per day (plus tax) for a 4-day pass which must be used by Sept. 17.

For more date night ideas: TampaBayDateNightGuide.com & OrlandoDateNightGuide.com

We also love Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt. Purchase the scavenger hunt card at select merchandise shops or simply track on your own.

He has new hiding spots this year, so don’t look where you found him last year!

SPEAKING OF RATATOUILLE… Hollywood Studios has been getting a lot of attention over the last couple of years with the additions of Toy Story and Star Wars Galaxy Edge, but you’ll soon see the spotlight shining bright on EPCOT as it undergoes its own epic transformation over the next few years.

On Oct. 1, EPCOT will unveil the newly expanded French pavilion. You can step into Remy’s Paris and board the new immersive ride, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. The new restaurant La Crêperie de Paris also opens that day along with a new fireworks show to close out a magical night at the park. It's all part of a resort-wide celebration of Magic Kingdom’s 50th anniversary, “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” that kicks off Oct. 1.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Everything You Need to Know About Renting an RV

by Lauren Gay, IG @outdoorsydiva

This summer, I took to the scenic byways of Utah’s backcountry to get a taste of the van life and visit some of the national parks. Renting a luxury camper van was a great new way to explore. If you’re hitting the road with your family this year, renting an RV or a van camper is easier than you may think. Here are five key steps to get you on your way to renting an RV.

1. CHOOSE A RENTAL COMPANY.

There are several companies on the market that accommodate RV rentals. I used Outdoorsy.com for my summer road trip. There is also RV Share, CruiseAmerica and GoRving. They work much like vacation home rental sites.

2. CHOOSE AN RV SIZE JUST RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

While you may be intimidated by driving a larger vehicle, there are many size options that are very easy to drive and maneuver. I chose the van camper because I thought it would be the easiest for a first timer. This size would work well for small families of up to four people with younger kids. For larger families who want more space, there are so many different buildouts of vans and different RV styles so you can find the perfect fit.

My van rental had live video for the rearview mirror, blind spot sensors, dual side view mirrors and backup camera which made me feel safe in every situation on the road. You will also get a chance to practice driving when you get the vehicle so that you can feel comfortable before getting on the highway.

3. CHOOSE THE FEATURES THAT ARE

5. PLAN YOUR

With amenities ranging from basic to high-end luxury, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort level in an RV. My van rental had a full-size bed that could build out to sleep two more. It also had a refrigerator, microwave, freezer, flushing toilet, hot water shower, gas stove range and sink. You can search for all of these types of features when you look for available RV rentals.

Because you may need to make campground reservations ahead of time, it’s important to have at least a loose itinerary. Of course, the beauty of an RV is that there are many places where you can park for free. Use an app like ioverlander to help you find free camping spots for your road trip. Keep in mind that some destinations have size restrictions for parking.

IMPORTANT TO YOU.

4. PLAN YOUR BUDGET.

In addition to the base cost of the RV rental, you will want to budget for gas, food, entry fees for parks, parking fees, tolls, security deposit and campground fees. Most rentals come with basic insurance for accident protection and 24-hour roadside assistance. You may be required to put down a refundable security deposit as well, but that varies from rental to rental. You might also be able to add on and pay for extra amenities such as firewood, chairs, grill, bedding and having your waste tanks dumped for you on return.

Get more tips on van camper and RV rentals on the Comprehensive Guide to Van/RV Rentals post on outdoorsydiva.com.

ITINERARY.

Many national parks are seeing record numbers this year so find out if an entry reservation is required ahead of time for the park you are visiting.

Also consider adding more state parks, regional parks and national forests to your itinerary to avoid the larger crowds.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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moms to

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

But the courage of motherhood doesn’t always look like a Hollywood-worthy heroic act. It looks like childbirth and recovery; like unconditional love and devotion; like sleepless nights at every milestone…like my friend Beth Di Maio. The bravest thing a mother can do is feel everything to the fullest extent and show her children that it’s not just okay to be imperfect, vulnerable or not-know everything – it’s beautiful.

Meet my beautiful friend, Beth: an inspiring, honest and brave mom to know.

Photo Credit: Kristin LaDriere Family Photography

Mothers will force their way into burning buildings, dive into shark-infested waters, and even leap from soaring planes in an effort to protect and secure their sons and daughters.

BETH DI MAIO | Healium Hair JT: What is your story and how does Healium represent you as a woman and mother?

JT: What do you wish someone told you before you started leading the organization?

BD: I was thrust into business on my own when my husband and business partner passed from Stage 4 Colon Cancer in 2017. With 6- and 8-year-old daughters, I didn’t have a choice but to figure it out, and I am still figuring it out daily. I had to make this business not only succeed, but also flourish into what we both knew it could become. I have been blessed to be surrounded by amazing people that help me, an advantage that many do not have.

This has allowed me to be present as a mother, and I am so grateful for everyone on our team that affords me the freedom to be there for my girls.

BD: Hire people that are smarter than you at what you can’t do. When I did that, my financial decisions were more strategic rather than fear based. Also, operate business as though anyone would sue you.

It sounds crazy, but it helps to remove emotion from decisions.

JT: What inspired you to begin a haircare line? What was missing in the market and how do you make Healium stand out?

BD: Making women feel beautiful about their outer beauty directly reflects their inner beauty as well. I personally struggle, as many of us do, with bad days. Having a bad hair day is the icing on the cake. Having fine, thin hair myself, it was important to create products that were weightless in the hair but still perform. Healium products definitely stand out on performance. All the products are water soluble, so they rinse out with water and never cause build-up. We also have sunscreens in every product that help extend the life of hair color.

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JT: What is the bigger vision for the future of Healium?

BD: Business has changed tremendously, just as buying habits have. We first started selling to the licensed cosmetologist.

Then, online sales came next. So, we expanded our online access to extend into areas where we didn’t have a sales representative to call on hair professionals.

Then, the global pandemic closures forced us to shift our focus to direct-to-consumer selling from our website. I provide a lot of tutorials using products online so customers get to really ‘know’ me. Our bigger vision is to continue to reach women throughout the United States that connect to our story and our passion and introduce Healium to women who want to look good and feel even better.

JT: The biggest thing that holds anyone back from pursuing their dreams is fear. How have you overcome fear and uncertainty, and how has that helped you as a founder?

BD: I still face a LOT of fear! But my decisions are not fear-based. I am thorough in our research and development and try to be very purposeful in my business decisions. I believe in taking the first leap and having faith that God has me on the right path. When I start to slide out of that mindset, He always reminds me how blessed I am, and that He is the one making the moves, not me.

JT: What are you most passionate about?

BD: I am passionate about my kids, my family and instilling the best values in my girls. I am passionate about self-discovery and continuing to learn more about myself through personal growth. Facing emotions that you can’t run from teaches you a lot about yourself and what you want in life. Living life for my expectations - and no one else’s - is a revelation through therapy!

JT: What is your favorite thing to do with your girls in Tampa Bay? BD: We are beach bums! We love to disconnect and spend a weekend at the beach.

Returning to some of the simpler, quieter things are what we all appreciate. I am able to unplug and give them my undivided attention, which is hard to come by in our busy, fast-paced world. A beach getaway allows me to center myself without distractions.

When I am at peace and happy, it directly reflects on them!

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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FORWARD PASS:

Buccaneers’ Women’s Summit for Careers in Football

by Tara Payor, Ph.D., photos provided by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HANDOFF: Leading Women

HOLDING: On the Biscuits

Super Bowl championships occur because an organization of elite people exists. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are committed to nurturing a culture of excellence that has nothing to do with gender.

Risk. It’s triumph’s precursor. Arians, known for his "risk it or biscuit" phrase, explains the connection between the phrase and his high school football days when his coach placed Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” in the playbooks. Just as Arians lives and coaches by (1) measuring risk and reward and (2) playing smart, not scared, Women’s Summit members can succeed in a variety of roles within the NFL if they accept risk and release fear. They would not have been rewarded with a Women’s Summit seat if they hadn’t earned it. These women are smart; the Bucs and NFL will reap the rewards their diversity brings to football.

The Bucs, Super Bowl LV Champions, launched the Women’s Summit for Careers in Football, which is comprised of 40+ women currently working in college football. During these summits, women who are intent on leveling up their football careers can engage in conversations with and learn from well-known hosts and coaches, like Bucs’ Head Coach Bruce Arians.

A pillar of the NFL’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, the Women’s Summit demonstrates the Bucs’ fidelity to gender equality across all aspects of the organization. Sessions give women access to leadership from a broad swath of the organization, including scouting, athletic training, performance science, corporate development and more.

HUDDLE: Excellence is the Strategy During the Women’s Summit first virtual session, hosted by Sunday Night Football game analyst Cris Collinsworth, participants heard from Bucs’ Coaches Bruce Arians, Todd Bowles and Lori Locust. They also participated in Q&As and breakout sessions. Locust, the Bucs’ Assistant Defensive Line Coach, made clear to the inaugural group that language matters—encouraging participants to eliminate terms like “male dominated” from conversations about football careers. “Don’t position yourselves in a lesser than framework,” she noted.

While the women may not have other coaches’ football-playing-experience, all coaches note personal relationships with players as most important. The ability to read a room and respond to particular players’ needs, without overcoaching, makes lasting impacts. Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Owner/President of the TBB Foundation, believes that this important work isn’t about hiring women. It’s about hiring the best. It is varying backgrounds, perspectives and skill sets that sustain championship teams. Football is for all of us.

EXTRA POINT: ESPYS Wins Attention to gender equality and professional development serves the Bucs well. The team’s historic year was recently recognized at the ESPYS—where they won Best Team and Tom Brady won the Best Athlete in Men’s Sports award. Notable is the role women played in those awards, as the TBB are the first NFL team with two full-time female coaches.

Football, as it’s played, continues evolving. Football, as it’s coached, scouted and marketed, thankfully continues evolving with a concerted effort toward gender equality so that, eventually, gender will not even be a topic of conversation.

Kipling penned: “If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you….” Champa Bay trusts the entire Bucs’ organization's dedication to excellence and equality. May the men and women comprising the championship team continue trusting themselves. In doing so, there is no “if” regarding Super Bowl LVI.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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May 29 Through September 6 Step into Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Exhibit where you will play, sing, explore, and pretend in your favorite places from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

Try a fun activity, share a memory, and create grr-ific new ones on this beautiful day!

GlazerMuseum.org Created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with The Fred Rogers Company. DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2021 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved.

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Since 2013, 180 infants have died due to infant unsafe sleep practices in the Tampa Bay area.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics babies should always be put to sleep Alone, on their Backs and in a Crib.

Even 1 preventable child death is too many.

SLEEP SAFETY

by Jane Murphy, executive director of Healthy Start Coalition, healthystartcoalition.com

Though rare, the specter of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) strikes terror into the parents of every newborn. We now know a lot more about this condition, which has a new name: Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths, or SUIDS. SUIDS is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of a baby less than 1 year old in which the cause was not obvious before investigation. More often, the clinical diagnosis at infant deaths is of ASSB: Asphyxiation, Suffocation and Strangulation in Bed. The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has funded Safe Baby to help spread the word about preventable infant deaths.

Please visit www.healthystartcoalition.org to learn more and join the programs to protect all babies.

TBP: What are we learning about what happened and what new parents can learn from these tragedies? What do we know about the science of the ABCs of sleep?

(SAFE BABY) SB: Infant Unsafe Sleep deaths can happen to anyone; it doesn’t discriminate based on race or socio-economic status. The baby’s sleep environment and position are critical.

First, the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies need to sleep ALONE in their own crib, bassinet or Pack ‘N Play with no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, pillows or stuffed toys. Sadly, many of our babies die as a result of co-sleeping or bed-sharing. This is an extremely dangerous practice that puts the baby at risk of accidental suffocation. Blankets, sheets and pillows can cover the baby’s nose or mouth and make it impossible for the baby to breathe. Babies can also unknowingly be smothered by the adult or caregiver in the bed.

Second, babies need to sleep on their back. In the ‘90s, the AAP began recommending BACK to sleep.

As a result, there was a 50% reduction in sleep related deaths. We have the proof that this is protective and keeps babies safest while sleeping.

Lastly, the C stands for Crib. Again, the items that are manufactured for safe sleep are Crib, Bassinet and Pack 'N Play. Other items such as swings are designed to soothe babies but are not designed for infant sleep. Babies should be on a f lat and firm surface. Cribs should only have a tightly fitted sheet and nothing else.

To learn more visit preventneedlessdeaths.com

TBP: Can you debunk common myths like the concern of a baby choking on spit-up if on their back?

SB: Evidence shows that babies are safest on their back. When babies are on their back, the trachea lies on top of the esophagus. Anything regurgitated or ref luxed from the esophagus has to go against gravity to be aspirated into the trachea. If they are on their tummy, this is reversed and actually creates a path that would make it easier for the baby to choke.

TBP: Parents of newborns are almost always sleep deprived.

What are some safeguards we can put into place to prevent accidents from happening?

SB: Education and support are imperative. Helping our families get the rest and information they need to keep their babies safe is huge. We all are getting mixed information from social media, friends and family. We need to share the ABCs of safe sleep and try to help out as much as possible so new moms and dads can get rest. Exhaustion and misinformation can be a bad combination. Healthy Start is available, 813-307-8016.

TBP: What are your favorite products parents can include on their baby registry for safe sleep?

SB: Babies can now wear sleep sacks. Halo makes these wearable blankets as well as others. This way they can be safely swaddled and cozy.

The Boppy Pillow is a common gift that new parents receive. It is safe when it is used as intended for breastfeeding support around mom’s waist. The baby should never be propped up for sleep in a Boppy Pillow as this can cause their chin to fall forward cutting off the airway. This is called positional asphyxia and can also occur when baby is sleeping in a car seat for long periods at a time. Please monitor the baby at all times to make sure his or her head is positioned back and not falling forward.

Be aware of product recalls, such as the Fisher Price Rock 'n Play. This [product] is not safe for sleep and has caused many infant deaths.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY THE YMCA

Swim Lessons

Making a Splash at the Y

by Kelli Biandudi, Tampa Metropolitan area YMCA Communications Manager, photo provided by the YMCA

Pools, lakes and the beach are great places to beat the summer heat, but they can also be deadly if you’re not water smart. Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. According to Nemours Children’s Health, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in children, especially teens and those younger than 4.

“It’s really important that we teach kids safety skills in the water so they can save themselves if they were to fall into a body of water,” says Lauren Brun, Tampa Y Senior Aquatics Director.

The YMCA offers swim lessons year-round for kids ages 6 months and above. A parent joins their child in the pool to get the baby acclimated to the water and to learn water safety skills to keep the child safe in and around water. The Y follows a progressive swim lesson program, with each stage gradually becoming more challenging in skills and endurance.

THERE ARE THREE GENERAL CATEGORIES OF Y SWIM LESSONS:

SWIM STARTERS develops water enrichment and aquatic readiness in children ages six months to 3 years. This category focuses on developing swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. Parents also learn how to supervise children in the water, how to prevent accidents and how to plan for emergencies.

SWIM BASICS develops personal water safety and basic swimming skills in students of all ages. Swimmers develop a high level of comfort in the water by practicing safe water habits, engaging in underwater exploration, and learning how to swim to safety and exit if they fall into a body of water.

SWIM STROKES introduces and refines stroke technique in older students (school age, teens and adults). Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique, developing skills that prevent chronic disease, increase social-emotional and cognitive well-being and foster a lifetime of physical activity.

ENROLL IN A SWIM LESSONS PROGRAM TODAY! Lessons are available at Tampa YMCA locations in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties. tampaymca.org/ programs/aquatics-swim/swim-lessons Lessons are also available at our YMCA of the Suncoast branches in Pinellas, West Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. ymcasuncoast.org/group-swim-lessons

Bennett, 6, and Owen, 3, finish their swim lessons at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico.

Nichole Koop moved to Florida from Las Vegas nearly two years ago and just enrolled her sons Owen, 3, and Bennet, 6, in lessons at the Campo Family YMCA in Valrico.

“This was their first session. They’re both very comfortable with the water but they needed a little bit more coaching. It’s been good for my youngest learning how to acclimate to the water more safely instead of just getting to the side and keeping himself above water,” she says.

Koop says she feels more confident taking them to the pools where they can swim together, and she can be more of a water watcher.

“They’re learning things that are going to keep them safe,” she says. She’s especially happy to bring them back here to an area where they’re comfortable and know the lay of the land and the rules. “Most importantly they’re learning safety skills,” says Koop.

Once children pass the YMCA water safety swim tests, they can access the water slides in the family pools.

“My 6-year-old is looking forward to that,” Koop laughs.

“It’s a good goal for them to achieve.”

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PRESENTED BY JOHNS HOPKINS ALL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

POSTPANDEMIC SOCIALIZING & BACK TO SCHOOL

by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital staff

Getty Images 1267440179

Pandemic-related restrictions for social and physical distancing have eased, and kids are now heading back to school. However, some families may be feeling anxiety and stress as social interactions become more common. Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., director of psychology and neuropsychology and co-director of the Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, shares advice for families as kids head back into the classroom and return to regular socialization.

WHAT MIGHT PEOPLE BE FEELING AS WE RETURN TO SOCIAL INTERACTIONS?

WHAT ABOUT TRANSITIONING OUT OF INCREASED SCREEN TIME?

This is a big transition for all of us. For some, especially those with social anxiety, being in quarantine was beneficial for mental health and took them out of the environment that was causing anxiety – situations with social interactions. The easing of restrictions means social interactions and activities, like heading back to school, are likely going to be the norm again, and preparing ourselves for yet another transition will be helpful.

Try understanding your children’s screen use, what they are getting out of it, what appeals to them and if there is a social component they are engaging in. Work together to determine what is reasonable to expect each day, with a potential “lessening” of time week after week to “wean” off the devices.

WHAT ARE TIPS FOR INITIATING SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AGAIN? ● Ease into it by slowly including activities and interactions that will be reinforcing ● Find social contacts who reinforce you, are positive and have taken similar quarantine measures as you ● Use coping techniques – deep breathing and visualization ● Practice self-care

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD DOESN’T WANT TO ENGAGE SOCIALLY IN PERSON? This is OK and totally understandable. Ask your child what is making them nervous. Do they not enjoy the activity or individual, are they anxious or nervous, or is it something else? Try getting to the root of the anxiety first, then focus on providing coping skills, working back in slowly and checking in after an event to see what adjustments could be made for the next time.

Offer guidance, suggestions and alternate appealing options that aren’t device related. This is a great opportunity for us as parents to reduce our screen time too.

WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER, AND WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS? Social anxiety is characterized by: ● Persistent, intense fear or anxiety about specific social situations because you believe you may be judged, embarrassed or humiliated ● Avoidance of anxiety-producing social situations or enduring them with intense fear or anxiety ● Excessive anxiety that’s out of proportion to the situation ● Anxiety or distress that interferes with your daily living If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, then it is a good time to reach out to a physician or psychologist for additional evaluation and support. Visit HopkinsAllChildrens. org/Brain for more mental health resources.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY BAYCARE

Play Hard, Stay Safe

Prevent injury when returning to school sports

by Anu Varma Panchal

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After more than a year of being homebound, back-to-school resonates with more than the usual excitement this year. For many students, this August also means a return to the fun and camaraderie of school sports. However, this can also signal a return to something that’s not quite so fun: sports injuries.

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Dr. Tracey DeLucia, BayCare Kids Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon, says that since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, she and her colleagues have seen a dramatic increase in injuries related to children going back to sports after a long and often inactive time spent at home. “It’s a COVID hot topic,” Dr. DeLucia says. “Children were not in normal sports regimens for one-and-a-half years. Some parents are new to sports.”

But that doesn’t mean that families can’t look forward to plenty of good, athletic fun this fall. Says Dr. DeLucia: “Preparation is the perfect way to prevent injuries.” Read on for her top tips about how to prep for a sports season that your child can enjoy while staying injury-free.

RAMP UP ACTIVITY GRADUALLY THROUGH THE SUMMER

DIVERSIFY

Don’t be the family that shows up on the first day of practice straight off the couch—be smart and ramp up the exertion gradually during the weeks before (by 10 percent per week is ideal). If your child is joining the swim team, for example, have them swim 100 yards one week and go up to 110 the next. Tennis players might begin with 15-20 minutes of play and gradually increase that until they are playing 2-3 hours a day.

Data shows that kids ages 9-18 who practice “sports sampling” have far fewer injuries than those who specialize in just one sport. Dr. DeLucia recommends choosing different fall, spring and summer sports.

“This develops additional muscle tone, prevents burnout and prevents overuse of specific muscles,” she says.

Private lessons can maintain skills; for example, a child can play soccer one season but simultaneously take private hitting lessons so as not to lose baseball skills.

FOCUS ON NUTRITION Many of Dr. DeLucia’s injured patients confess that they skip breakfast—a problem because it’s tough to fit in the 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight that a student athlete needs between the hours of 1 and 9 p.m. (not to mention the required fruits and vegetables). That’s why Dr. DeLucia also discourages child athletes from intermittent fasting.

HYDRATE Especially in the heat of August, it is crucial to drink plenty of water before playing. Student athletes need 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, which means that a 140-pound teen needs to drink about seven 20-ounce water bottles. Athletes should not drink soda, as it dehydrates and adds calories, and the carbonation leaches calcium from bones. Some sports drinks are OK, but only within the context of athletic activity.

PRACTICE SLEEP HYGIENE Getting enough sleep is a crucial component of maintaining overall health and staying in optimal condition for school and sports. Students ages 9-11 should get 8-10 hours of sleep a night while those 14-17 years old should aim for 9-10 hours. Turn off devices 30 minutes before bed, keep the bedroom dark and make sure bedtimes and wake-up times are regular and consistent.

SET LIMITS Protect children from unreasonable schedules. You wouldn’t expect an NBA player to play a game every night, but kids are routinely scheduled for marathon tournaments where they play seven or eight games in one weekend. Parents and coaches should work together to implement responsible and reasonable amounts of play and practice.

SEEK HELP FOR INJURIES During preseason, your athlete will likely come home exhausted and hurting, and this is normal. But if they feel pain while doing an activity, consider it a red f lag.

Kids are taught to be tough and push through pain, but that philosophy can cause them to injure themselves through incorrect technique or overuse of muscles. If your child complains of pain during an activity, stop the activity, rest and apply ice. If the pain persists, make an appointment to see their pediatrician or a specialist.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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PRESENTED BY AFTER HOURS PEDIATRICS

The Facts About

RSV

by Dr. Lou Romig, Tampa Bay Medical Director, After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced increased activity of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, across parts of the Southern United States. Here is what parents and caregivers should know.

WHAT IS RSV? RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) causes symptoms of a cold in school-aged children and adults but can also cause bronchospasm (wheezing or a wheezy cough) in infants through toddlers.

WHEN DOES RSV COMMONLY OCCUR?

HOW IS RSV TREATED? Because RSV is a virus, there is no medication to make the infection go away faster. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

For infants and children, you can use nonprescription medications such as acetaminophen. Kids over 6 months can also use ibuprofen for fever or apparent discomfort. You can use a humidifier or vaporizer where the child sleeps and encourage them to drink extra f luids. Cold and cough medications are not recommended for children under 5 years of age, but you can use saline nose drops or spray and nasal suctioning to help temporarily with nasal congestion.

You can also give ½-1 teaspoon of honey a few times a day to help with the cough, but only if the child is over 1 year old. Infants are at risk of developing potentially life-threatening botulism if they ingest honey that contains the spores of the bacterium that causes botulism. You can try nonprescription cough and cold medications for children over 5 years of age, but they frequently do not work.

WILL BREATHING TREATMENTS HELP MY CHILD? Unless your child has a history of wheezing in the past or if there is a very strong family history of asthma, nebulizer treatments with albuterol and oral or inhaled steroids are NOT recommended for young children with RSV and wheezing. Children and adults who have asthma or Reactive Airways Disease use albuterol to combat the contraction of the muscles that line the small airways in the lungs, causing a narrowing of those airways and partial obstruction to the f low of air. Infants and young children do not have much of that type of muscle in their airways, so albuterol has been proven not to work. Likewise, steroids have been documented not to work for RSV infections. The wheezing heard in infants and young children with RSV and other types of viral bronchiolitis is thought to occur because of excess mucus production in the lungs, which causes some partial obstruction of the small airways. There is no medication available to treat this mucus production.

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RSV is typically a fall and winter virus, but it can occur at any time of the year in Florida. Another name for this type of “super-cold” in infants and young children is bronchiolitis, which can also be caused by several other viruses. Testing for RSV is available, but the diagnosis of bronchiolitis does not require the identification of the virus, as the type of virus does not really inf luence treatment.

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WHEN DO I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR RSV? As long as your child with RSV does not have labored breathing, is not vomiting frequently due to hard coughing and is drinking plenty of f luids, there’s usually no need for emergency treatment.

Please have your child evaluated immediately if they exhibit any of these symptoms: ● Your child appears to be focusing only on getting air in and out of their lungs and is not interacting with you. ● You see the muscles below, between or above the ribs sucking in with each breath (retractions). ● Your child is vomiting frequently with or without coughing. ● Your child appears exhausted or is not drinking well.

HOW LONG DOES RSV LAST? The acute phase of RSV generally lasts for about a week, with the worst symptoms coming at around the third and fourth days, then gradually improving. The cough may last for weeks. Children are thought to be contagious for 5-8 days, but some children can infect others for as long as a month. There is no way to tell if your child is still contagious. A good rule of thumb is that they can return to daycare/school once they have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without fever medicine), they are eating and drinking well, and the cough may be present but is no longer very frequent or distressing.

IS RSV CONTAGIOUS? RSV is very contagious! Please do not send your child to daycare or school with a cold unless they have been cleared by a healthcare provider. People of any age can catch RSV. In older kids and adults, it usually just causes cold symptoms, but the elderly and anyone with immune system problems may get very sick, so please keep your child away from these vulnerable people.

AUGUST 2021 TampaBayParenting.com

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Plan a day to meet mermaids and play at Buccaneer Bay.

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The Tampa – St. Pete area is full of tropical hideaway bars, many with tiki-inspired vibes and sunset views perfect for date night.

Fall and Halloween events in Tampa Bay and beyond.

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