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• 1475 6th Avenue 4th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Inside
• • • • •
•
YEARS YEARS YEARS S in c e 1 9 8 2
in every issue
14 Summer Camp Safety Common concerns addressed
10 Staff Page
18 Advocacy, Passion, Positivity, Hope
12 Short & Sweet News | Notes | Tips 26 April Calendar of Family Events
Photo credit: FlyByPhotograph
Tools for fighting childhood leukemia
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
Volume 40 • Number 1 • April 2021
articles
•
•
39
Meet 9-year-old Jocelyn of San Marcos 22 Slow Down and Savor Life Poetry helps kids express feelings creatively
The Flower Fields in Carlsbad
24 Give Your Family the Gift of Laughter How humor helps parents raise kids 30 Get EGGcited for Easter! Fun ways to usher in springtime
On the Cover: Things are looking up!
DON’T MISS THIS! 2021 Spring & Summer Camp Guide
Visit SanDiegoFamily.co m
4 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
From celebrating April Fools’ Day, Easter and Earth Day to planning summer camps for kids, there’s lots to be excited about.
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Easter Word Search
Let’s Do This Together! Keep 6 Ft Distance
Wear A Mask
Wash your Hands Eggs Bunny Spring Decorate
Lily Basket Egg Hunt Rabbit
Cover your cough & sneeze
Clean and Disinfect
Fun Sunday Chicks Hop
Children’s Primary Dental wishes you a Happy Easter!
Ask about our free hand sanitizer at your next appointment!
SanDiegofamily.com
on the web Get to know SanDiegoFamily.com, where you’ll discover a plethora of awesomeness for parents.
Resources: Summer Camps • Top 5 Reasons Kids Should Go to Camp
Things to Do: Seasonal Happenings • 22 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Kids
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To enter these contests, visit SanDiegoFamily.com, go to “Contests”, then “This Month’s Contests.”
Celebrate spring in the most delicious way with Nothing Bundt Cakes. Bring whimsy to your Easter with a “Bunny Bundt” Decorated Cake, complete with plush bunny ears, velvet feet and a cute little carrot. Then brighten your Mother’s Day with a “Best Mom A’round” Decorated Bundt Cake topped with a silk hydrangea and charming humming bird. Enter for your chance to win a “Bunny Bundt” or “Best Mom A’round” Decorated 10” Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes* and a small balloon bouquet, delivered to your home for safety and convenience. Contest ends April 14, 2021. *Some restrictions apply.
• April Fools’ Day Family-Friendly Pranks
Can’t find what you’re looking for on our website? Enter key words in the search bar and browse our articles.
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6 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
Casa Guadalajara, with award-winning cuisine, delicious margaritas and lively outdoor patios, could be your family’s next go-to fiesta. With generous portions and a kid-friendly menu, it’s a delicious dining experience for the entire family. Enter to win a $100 gift card to Casa Guadalajara. Contest ends April 30.
Little GF Chefs creates unique, celiac-safe, allergen-friendly baking kits that include a baking tool and all the dry ingredients and decorating supplies needed to make a fabulous treat! Enter to win two Little GF Chefs baking kits and an apron for your child. Contest ends April 30.
Straighten Protect YOUR CHILD’S TEETH FOR A Healthy Smile!
¡Endereza y protege los dientes de tu niño para una Sonrisa saludable! For National Face Protection Month in April, Schedule a COMPLIMENTARY*
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Celebrating 51 years “A learning environment that balances the physical, cognitive, creative, social & emotional needs of your child.”
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Visit our website www.delmarhillsnurseryschool.com
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*Complimentary exam offer valid for new patients. It may not be valid for patients with some contracted insurance plans. Contact us for more information. Must present this coupon at first visit to redeem offer. *Oferta válida de Examen complementario para nuevos pacientes. Tal vez no sea válida para pacientes con otros planes de seguros contratados. Contactanos para más información. Debe de presentar este cupón en la primera visita para canjear la oferta.
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April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
7
Discover the World of Montessori
“A Montessori Student is a Future Citizen of the World” According to Dr. Maria Montessori, children learn best in an environment that demonstrates love, trust, understanding, patience and consistency. Students excel academically while experiencing cooperation, respect, self-confidence and the joy of learning. Contact these local Montessori schools for more information.
North County Coastal
East County
CENTRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL Toddler/Preschool/Kindergarten
MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF LEMON GROVE Toddler/Preschool
Lic. #376700910
Encinitas, Cardiff, Carlsbad, La Costa
760-479-9889
www.cmpreschool.com ENCINITAS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Preschool/Elementary/Middle
TM
Editorial Publisher/Editor in Chief Sharon Bay sharon@SanDiegoFamily.com Managing Editor Lisa Gipson editor@SanDiegoFamily.com Calendar Editor Linda Bay events@SanDiegoFamily.com Editorial/Administrative Assistant Adrienne Sigeti family@SanDiegoFamily.com
Design Art Design/Web Design Rik Thiesfeld rik@SanDiegoFamily.com Cover photo: Envato Elements
Lic. #376614702
8121 Braddock Place, San Diego 92114 Lemon Grove
619-403-8988
www.MCHLG.com
Lic. #372005943
Two Locations in Encinitas Encinitas
Editorial Guidelines Find editorial guidelines at SanDiegoFamily.com (“Editorial” at the bottom of the home page). Submission does not guarantee publication. We reserve the right to edit all submissions.
Distribution Locations
760-942-1111
www.ecdschools.org
San Diego Coastal
Pick up a free copy of this month’s issue at Albertsons, select Vons and CVS stores throughout the county.
PRESENTS
the
BETH MONTESSORI Infants/Toddler/Preschool/Kindergarten
SanDiego
PARTY Guide
Lic. # 376700496
8660 Gilman Dr., La Jolla 92037-2202 La Jolla
858-452-3030
San Diego Central MARIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL Preschool/Elementary/Middle AMS Affiliated
4544 Pocahontas Ave., San Diego 92117 Serving all of San Diego County from our central location
www.bethmontessori.com MISSION BAY MONTESSORI ACADEMY Preschool/Elementary Lic. #372005444 • AMS Affiliated School
2640 Soderblom Ave., San Diego 92122 La Jolla, Pacific Beach, University City
858-457-5895
www.mbmacademy.com
858-270-9350
www.MontessoriSchoolHouse.org “Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.” - Maria Montessori
8 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
San Diego
Out & About
with Kids!
SanDiegofamily.com Business Business Manager Larry Bay larry@SanDiegoFamily.com Marketing Director Michele Hancock michele@SanDiegoFamily.com Accounting family@SanDiegoFamily.com Circulation Sharon Bay sharon@SanDiegoFamily.com Printing Publication Printers Corp.
Is Your Baby Meeting Important Milestones?
If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t wait! Early Intervention Services are Available
California Early Start is a state and federally funded program that provides free assessments to infants and toddlers and, if needed, important therapeutic services (free to eligible families) early enough to make a huge impact in a child’s development.
Advertising/Marketing Connect your business to families throughout San Diego County! Advertising/Marketing Representatives Tony Andrews 619-685-6977 • tony2018@SanDiegoFamily.com Point Loma, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, North County Coastal
Services provided include early intervention instruction; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; medical diagnosis/evaluation.
Giovanni Baldan 619-685-6987 • giovanni@SanDiegoFamily.com South Bay, San Diego Downtown, Uptown
Even with pandemic restrictions, the San Diego Regional Center is open and working to ensure your child has the right services to meet their needs.
San Diego Family 619-685-6970 • family@SanDiegoFamily.com North County Inland (includes Scripps Ranch) East County, Clairemont, Linda Vista, Mission Valley North and Mira Mesa San Diego Family Magazine is published monthly by San Diego Family Magazine LLC. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily the opinions of this publication.
Call the San Diego Regional Center at 858-496-4318 or the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) at 619-594-7416.
Se habla español.
Learn more about the San Diego Regional Center Early Start Program at www.sdrc.org.
858-496-4318 • www.sdrc.org
Tony/April 2021/cr
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April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
9
Our San Diego
Publisher’s Letter
Families
Humor, Easter and Camps Yay! Schools and small businesses are opening up— hopefully for good. Humor and laughter are needed stress relievers in our daily routines. What do you do when you make a mistake? Do you use humor and find the positives in the situation? Your kids are watching and learning from you. Find tips on page 24 from Parenting with Purpose writer, Jody Lee Cates, whose birthday is on April Fools’ Day (April 1). Try some humor on your family. Easter Sunday is April 4. Check out Family Magazine’s calendar of events (p. 26) for local Easter activities and page 30 for more fun in the Easter and Spring round-up. I think the little kids on our street would have fun with the Neighborhood Egg Hunt. Summer camps will be starting as soon as school ends. As you flip through the magazine, find advertisers who are offering in-person and online camps. Review the camp safety article on page 14, then help kids decide which camps they would enjoy. For more information, visit www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/summer-camps-andprograms. Sign up soon because camps will fill up. Congratulations to Jocelyn, Girl of the Year for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society San Diego. She is a real inspiration to all of us. Read her story on page 18. The article also includes cancer support resources.
Who’s Ready for Some Baseball? We asked San Diego’s biggest (and littlest) Friar fans to share photos of their Padres spirit! Cristal, Nathanael (10) and David Carrillo of Imperial Beach will never forget the day they took this photo— the sunset was beautiful and the Padres won!
Athena (8) of San Marcos shows off her Girl Scouts Padres hat for Sports Day during her school’s virtual spirit week. Sabrina (9) and Claudette (11) of Nestor (South Bay) at Padres FanFest last year. “We are looking forward to going back to root for our Padres and enjoy popcorn, nachos, and ice cold pop soda under the sun!” says dad Hugo Benson.
Happy Easter to our San Diego County readers and followers! sharon@sandiegofamily.com
Main Office: 1475 Sixth Avenue, Fifth Floor, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-685-6970 Fax: 619-685-6978 Email: family@SanDiegoFamily.com Mission Statement To enhance the quality of life for San Diego County families by providing information and resources that support the importance and pleasure of parenting.
10 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
Diego (8 mos.) of South Bay was born into a family of big Padres fans! Parents Luis and Lucia are born and raised San Diegans.
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April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
11
Short & Sweet
Lisa Gipson Have a baseball fan in your family? Pick up a copy of Who Got Game? Baseball: Amazing but True Stories! by Derrick Barnes, which highlights lesser-known (but pivotal!) people and fascinating stories that made a huge impact on America’s favorite pastime.
Shout-Out to the Class of 2021 Parents -- Would you like to honor your San Diego County high school senior with a shout-out in San Diego Family Magazine? Send a recent, clear, hi-res photo of your senior (doesn’t need to be a school photo), along with the student’s name, school graduating from and your message (no more than 25 words) to editor@sandiegofamily.com. Please put “Class of 2021” in the subject line. Deadline: April 23. Submission does not guarantee publication.
Photo credit: Grandmamarazzi Photography
Yippee! The new edition of Flourishing Families, a resource guide for families with special needs, is now available. This year’s guide has 1,200 updated special needs resources in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Find service providers, research institutes, specialized doctors, resource providers, camps, therapists, advocates, associations and more at www.SNRFSD.org.
The Results Are In Thank you to everyone who voted in our “Show Us the Love” Cover Contest! The number one San Diego Family Magazine cover of 2020 is our February issue, featuring triplets Dell Jr., Timothy and Hazel of Oceanside! A special shout-out to Andy McRory Photography and congratulations to Angela Beckwith and Kat Wernow, whose names were picked randomly to win cool prizes. To learn more about our current contests and giveaways, visit www.sandiegofamily.com.
12 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
Connor Gilbert, Mission Bay High School
Vaccination = Free Krispy Kreme Donuts! Through 2021, anyone showing a valid COVID vaccination card gets a free original glazed doughnut any day, any time and at any Krispy Kreme location. The company has also given more than 30 million doughnuts to healthcare workers, first responders, teachers and more over the course of the pandemic. Woot!
Special Advertising Section
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13
Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
SUMMER CAMP
Safety
As you prepare the kids for one of the year’s absolute highlights—spring and summer camps—teach them how to stay safe while having fun. Based on my own experiences as a parent of summer campers, as well as conversations with other parents, here are common safety concerns.
COVID “The good news is that COVID cases are falling and immunity is rising,” says Dr. Jaime Friedman, pediatrician for Children’s Primary Care Medical Group in 4S Ranch. “For children with high-risk family members, getting those members vaccinated should increase confidence for parents who want to send their children to camp. If the majority of camp staff can get vaccinated before summer, that’s even better. Surrounding campers with a bubble of immunity will protect them and their loved ones.” According to Dr. Friedman, it’s unlikely we will reach herd immunity by summer. “Don’t fear, though,” she says. “Last year many camps operated safely and successfully. I have no doubt this summer can be the same.” Here are things to think about and ask camp staff in advance:
14 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
1. Will camp staff be tested regularly?
Sunscreen
2. Will campers be tested before attending camp?
Sun safety means teaching kids to apply sunscreen whenever they’re about to go outside and to reapply it throughout the day. Buy sunscreen well before camp starts and try it to ensure kids don’t have an adverse reaction.
3. Will camp staff enforce mask wearing for staff and campers? 4. Will there be lots of hand washing and sanitizing of surfaces at camp? 5. Will campers be put in small groups that are distanced from other groups to make quarantine easier, if needed? The social, emotional and physical benefits of camp are greater than ever for kids (and parents!) this year. “My hope is that summer will be a great opportunity for them to get back to feeling like kids again,” says Dr. Friedman.
Water Few things are as important as teaching kids to stay properly hydrated. It’s hot outside, they sweat a lot, but they’re having fun so they often forget to drink as much water as they need. You don’t want them to get dehydrated or heatstroke, so shop together for a water bottle they like and remind them to fill it throughout the day. Find out what camp counselors do to ensure that kids stay hydrated. Do they remind kids to drink water? Do they have regular water breaks during the day?
Swimming and Water Sports Camp swimming pools are a source of endless fun, but can be dangerous if kids don’t know basic water safety and how to swim. The same applies to water sports like boating and surfing. If your kids aren’t already proficient swimmers, sign them up for lessons before camp starts. Tell them to never engage in dangerous activities like holding someone else’s head under water. Ask camp staff: 1. Do kids take a swimming test at camp to determine skill level? 2. Is the pool (or beach) always supervised by lifeguards who are trained in CPR? 3. Is playtime organized by proficiency level so that beginners and advanced swimmers aren’t in the pool at the same time? 4. Are life jackets mandatory for water sport activities?
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April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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Hiking If camp activities include hiking San Diego’s beautiful trails, make sure kids have proper footwear. A pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction help feet stay steady on the ground. Remind them not to take unnecessary risks (like running where they should be walking), to stay on marked trails, and always follow the camp leader.
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Email us to set up a virtual tour and informational session and experience our individualized and rigorous method of creating life-long learners. Check our website for our outstanding test scores!
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Provide camp staff with a detailed health history, including illnesses, injuries, operations, allergies and current medical problems (if any). Review the facilities and activities for anything that might trigger medical/ allergic reactions. Provide copies of medical and dental insurance cards, especially if kids are attending overnight camp. Make sure that camp has a well-staffed and well-equipped medical station, know their procedures for dispensing medication, and explain to kids who to alert if help is needed.
Field Trips Some camps offer extra field trips, which are often great fun. Teach kids proper behavior while in a vehicle— how to be a responsible passenger. Ask camp staff how field trips are managed: 1. Are campers split into smaller groups? 2. What is the counselor-to-camper ratio? 3. Is there a buddy system? 4. What is the emergency protocol if a camper is lost?
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CELEBRATING 27 Years in the Poway community LOCATED IN THE S. POWAY BUSINESS PARK • 12850 BROOKPRINTER PLACE
Taking time to talk to kids, practice and prepare them for camp helps ensure successful and positive experiences, making memories that last a lifetime. v Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.
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A breast cancer diagnosis may feel like a remote possibility or something you cannot plan for. But it’s not and you can. About 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer. The best way to protect yourself is to reduce your risk through healthy lifestyle choices and choose a provider who offers the best possible care. You won’t know the true value of being able to come to UC San Diego Health until you get that diagnosis. COMPREHENSIVE BREAST HEALTH CENTER MOORES CANCER CENTER at UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH 3855 Health Sciences Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 866-773-2703 • health.ucsd.edu/cancer
April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
17
Advocacy Passion Positivity Hope
Anne Malinoski
Tools for fighting childhood leukemia Nine-year-old Jocelyn of San Marcos loves
to make art and play soccer. Like many kids these days, she’s attending school and Girl Scouts virtually, video chatting with friends often, and spending lots of time with her pets. She’s also facing the greatest challenge of her life. For the past 19 months, Jocelyn has been battling leukemia. Jocelyn currently has more good days than bad days, but the road has been bumpy. At times, she has endured lengthy hospital stays and bouts of intense nausea. Yet through this grueling experience, she has discovered a passion for giving back. In the past year, Jocelyn has organized two lemonade stands, raising over $4,000 for Rady Children’s Oncology Toy Box and other charities. Her Girl Scout troop voted to donate half their cookie profits to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in her honor. At the time of this printing, she had nearly reached her sales goal of 1,000 boxes of cookies. In recognition of her inspiring story and positive attitude, Jocelyn was recently named Girl of the Year for LLS San Diego and Hawaii. In this role, she will serve as a spokesperson for fellow cancer patients and support the organization’s ongoing fundraising efforts. “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an amazing organization that not only has helped us
financially, but also with seminars on life after cancer, caretaking and how to advocate for educational needs for Jocelyn,” says mom Tracy Croxen. Remarkably, this is the Croxen family’s second cancer battle in recent years. Tracy was diagnosed with ovarian cancer almost two years to the day before her daughter’s leukemia was discovered. After a radical hysterectomy and 18 chemo treatments, Tracy remains in remission. “I believe I went through my journey to help Jocelyn get through hers,” she says. Jocelyn’s first symptoms were dangerously subtle. The Croxens noticed a swollen lymph node on the left side of their daughter’s neck. Aside from that, she remained happy and active. The next week, though, she was getting fevers every other day. Tracy took Jocelyn to two different doctors, who misdiagnosed her with a sinus infection and allergies. They both recommended holding off on bloodwork. When the fevers didn’t stop, Tracy took it upon herself to take Jocelyn to Rady Children’s (which utilizes specialists from hospitals around the county) to insist they run lab tests. The Croxens received the terrible news that day. “Deep down I knew something was wrong, but to hear the word cancer felt like being punched in the stomach,” says Tracy.
18 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021 Photo credit: Marie Monforte Photography
“My husband Brian had a hard time, considering this was the second family diagnosis in such a short period of time.” In the weeks that followed, Tracy became Jocelyn’s full-time caregiver and advocate. At one point, Jocelyn’s chemo side effects became nearly intolerable. Something felt wrong, so Tracy researched possible problems on her own. She requested a series of tests, which confirmed that Jocelyn wasn’t metabolizing oral chemo properly due to a gene variant. The treatment plan was changed and Jocelyn is now being watched for complications related to her gene variant, such as stroke, blood clot and seizure.
Tracy’s advice: “Always go with your gut. Doctors are wonderful, but they are human and sometimes miss stuff. Don’t be afraid to get second medical opinions—and don’t stop until you get answers.” It was important for Jocelyn to document this journey and share her progress with others. So, Tracy helped her create an Instagram account to share updates, receive encouragement from friends and build community with other pediatric cancer patients. More than anything, it has helped her realize she’s never alone.
Jocelyn wants other kids like her to know they can get through difficult times. “You just need to look for the bright moments to get through the rough ones,” she says.
Cancer Support Resources Read 13 Ways to Comfort a Friend with Cancer: www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ family-health-and-home/13-ways-tocomfort-a-friend-with-cancer Read How to Support Kids When a Parent Has Cancer: www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ family-health-and-home/how-tosupport-kids-when-a-parent-hascancer Cancer support groups, mind/body wellness classes and educational seminars for patients and caregivers through UC San Diego Health: https://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/ cancer/resources/support-groupsclasses/Pages/default.aspx Support services for patients and caregivers through Sharp HealthCare: www.sharp.com/services/cancer/ support.cfm Women’s cancer support group at Palomar Health: www.palomarhealth.org/women-andchildren/jean-mclaughlin-womenscenter/classes-and-support Join the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation April 3–30 for their annual Walk, Run, Roll event. Learn more or register at www.nationalpcf.org/events.
Today, Jocelyn is feeling fairly well. Her family was delighted when she had enough energy to celebrate her birthday recently. They marked the occasion with a treat from Cute Cakes Bakery (Escondido) and a virtual scavenger hunt with friends. Jocelyn is currently scheduled to complete all treatment for leukemia in January 2022. “We are a resilient family full of hope for a brighter and healthier future,” says Tracy. v Follow Jocelyn on IG: @Jocelyns_Leukemia_Journey Anne Malinoski is an award-winning contributing writer. She lives in Santee with her husband and two sons. April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
19
CANCER CARE AS
UNIQUE
Cat Circo
Patient, Survivor
AS
YO U No two cancer cases are exactly the same. And there’s one place that truly understands that. Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The physicians at UC San Diego Health not only provide personalized care with better outcomes, they set treatment standards nationwide for more than 200 types of cancer. Including, most importantly, yours. Learn more at health.ucsd.edu/cancer.
Slow Down and
Emily Dolton
Savor Life
Poetry helps kids express feelings creatively It seems fitting that April is National Poetry Month, considering Maya Angelou, one of America’s most well-known and beloved poets was born in April. Angelou has inspired millions of young women with her biography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and her poetry redefined the fierce feminine voice. Amanda Gorman, the 2017 National Youth Poet Laureate, sites Angelou as an inspiration. Both grappled with speech impediments and had to overcome anxiety to speak in public. President Biden, who also had a childhood speech issue, chose Gorman to compose and recite her poem “The Hill We Climb” at his inauguration. The National Youth Poet Laureate Program partners with literary arts and civic youth organizations across the U.S. to offer regional Youth Poet Laureate programs and to identify and celebrate strong poetic voices. Gorman was identified by California Poets in the Schools, an organization that pairs professional poets with classrooms. Locally, Border Voices works to give students a platform to express themselves creatively though poetry across geographic, cultural and emotional borders. Kids have the opportunity to learn from National Poet Laureates, local teachers and other authors, and their work may be published in the San Diego Poetry Annual. “Providing students with tools to interact with the world on a metaphorical and poetic level allows them to express emotions and thoughts they might otherwise not share in a classroom setting,” says Katherine Kavouklis, a teacher in Sweetwater School District. Poetry Programs for Youth Writers The National Youth Poets: www.poets.org/national-youth-poets Border Voices: www.bordervoices.com California Poets in the Schools: www.californiapoets.org
22 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
A Crab on its Back, by Vincent van Gogh In a recent lesson where students were to write poetry to interpret a piece of fine art, middle schooler Izzie Matias chose to tackle A Crab on Its Back by Vincent van Gogh with the poem “Endless Struggling.” (excerpted) I lie here on my back, squirming as I’m engulfed in the aches and pains I feel from being chained to the floor. All I can do is stare into the cloudy, emerald green void that fills the space around me. Izzie chose Van Gogh’s painting because the crab was relatable. Izzie describes a year of struggle and feeling helpless, much like the crab appears. The poem does a wonderful job of portraying the tension and movement Van Gogh created with his unique artistic style and complementary color scheme.
Another lesson prompted students to compose a Haiku about something that disturbed them or made them feel happy during winter break. A Haiku is a three-line poem with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. Alianna Amador addressed January events with her Haiku “We All Take Cover.”
Open for in-person learning
We all take cover A monster roams free outside When will it be slayed? Alianna says the monster can be interpreted as any of the struggles people have faced in the last year. Sometimes a singular voice emerges outside of a program, as writer Anne Malinoski found in her recent profile of Ben Lou in Flourishing Families. Anne introduced us to a competitive youth mathematician with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Ben wrote “Sumo Wrestler” to convey the love he feels for his mom—his champion supporter of his medical and physical needs. Ben’s poem is excerpted here:
www.LFCSInc.org
You’ve always been there for me Body set against the inexorable tug of nature and society pushing my soul down Your sweat beading in your heart Your endless love for me resolutely clenched inside you like fists Your wrestler’s powerful arms encircling, protecting me like a suit of diamond Ben may be a mathematician, but he utilizes song and poetry as a creative outlet. “I believe math is logical thinking in its purest and most elegant form, and poetry is to writing as math is to logical thinking,” says Ben. “Part of the power of poetry is in the way the author puts so much thought and care into a few words. This encourages the reader to pause, ponder and imagine the meaning behind each phrase. Poetry makes us slow down and savor the complexity of...life.” v
Hop Aboard a
SPRING TRAIN! Enjoy Desert blooms & cool breezes in the backcountry Trains depart from the Campo Depot Every Saturday & Sunday
Catch the Easter Bunny Delivering Eggs March 27, 28 & April 3
Read Ben and Izzie’s full poems and “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman by reading the full version of this article at www.sandiegofamily.com. Read Anne Malinoski’s articles about Ben Lou at www.SNRFSD.org. Emily Dolton has been hooked on poetry ever since she won her first poetry award at age 12 in a contest promoting Grandparent’s Day in the Glens Falls Post Star.
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum For Train Times & Reservations www.psrm.org
April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
23
Jody Lee Cates
Parenting with Purpose:
Give Your Family the Gift of Laughter I was born on April 1, so I know a
thing or two about humor. April Fools’ Day jokes and gifts make celebrating my birthday an adventure in laughter. I once received a large box of dirt topped with a tiny shovel I used to dig for my gift. It came with a beautifully frosted cake that I discovered was made entirely of Styrofoam when I tried to cut it. I’m here to testify that April Fools’ Day just might be the funniest day to celebrate a birthday. Also, to say how powerful humor is to bind families together by celebrating the gift of laughter. But humor does much more than add laughter to celebrations.
Humor helps with parenting. Humor helps parents keep perspective and takes the sting out of frustrating moments like a child’s tantrum in the grocery store or a teen’s unhealthy attachment to her cell phone. It helps children understand that discipline is
24 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
about changing unwanted behavior, not about disliking who they are as people. A light-hearted correction guards against shame-based discipline and communicates love and affection despite what went wrong. As they grow, kids who learn how to laugh off mistakes and try again gain the confidence and resilience they need to succeed. One study out of Pennsylvania State University reports that the ability to use humor to cope with stressful situations even contributes to a student’s adjustment to college life, impacting their retention and likelihood of graduating.
Laughter is a valuable coping skill. “Humor is a great coping mechanism to help regulate stress, frustration and worry,” says Reena B. Patel, a San Diego parenting expert, licensed educational psychologist and board-
Find good-hearted April Fools’ Da y pranks for families at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/april-fools-day
certified behavior analyst. “We live in a world where children feel that they need to be perfect. Learning to laugh at mistakes and try again breaks the cycle of unrealistic perfectionism. “Laughter is also a wonderful way to get kids to think about and name their emotions,” says Patel. “Learning to name emotions helps kids develop selfawareness, which is an important part of learning to self-regulate. It’s one of the best coping gifts parents can give kids.” Adding humor to your parenting toolbox clearly comes with lots of benefits. But what can you do if you don’t think you’re funny? For more about helping kids learn to name emotions, read our article “There’s a Silver Lining in Challenging Times” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/how-to-help-children-copedisappointment.
When Humor Isn’t Appropriate Sometimes the use of humor isn’t the answer. For example, when a child is in danger or someone’s feelings might be hurt. A good rule of thumb is to use humor to encourage and build each other up, not embarrass or put each other down. Watch for teaching moments to discuss compassion and empathy with kids, and model appropriate use of humor. Teasing, disparaging remarks, sarcasm and putdowns said with, “Why can’t you take a joke?” do more harm than good.
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Aim for lightening the mood. You don’t have to be a comedian or even know how to tell a good joke to enjoy the benefits of humor in your family. Simply aim for lightening the mood and get comfortable with laughing at your own mistakes. “Seeing parents mess up, laugh about it and try again demonstrates how to problem solve,” says Patel. “Watching your example is more powerful than simply hearing you say it’s OK to make mistakes. You’re modeling how to balance the serious and the not-so-serious things in life.” Patel encourages parents to make intentional mistakes in front of kids and laugh about them together. Create moments with laughter that let kids know you roll with the punches. Let those moments become part of your family’s story, remembered and retold for more smiles later.
Tap into the power of stories. Sharing funny family memories is an easy way to turn up the laughter. Encourage each family member to tell their part of the story and how they felt
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about it at the time. Was it something serious that you can laugh about now? If so, use it as an opportunity to build hope and optimism by reassuring kids that challenges often turn out fine. Encinitas mom Tonya Meeks finds that light-hearted storytelling with her 4-year-old son helps with transitions like leaving the playground or getting ready for bath time. “I’ll start a silly story about what we need to do next and ask him to add to it. We’ll keep taking turns, going back and forth and being playful. It sets a tone and creates a connection that helps make things like boundaries and bedtime more fun and effective.” With young children, read books like No, David! by David Shannon or Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,
Resources for Parents & Kids •
Reena B. Patel -- Workshops, parenting tips, and her book, Winnie & Her Worries. www.reenabpatel.com
•
Laugh & Learn Book Set from Kaplan Early Learning Co. (ages 8+)
No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. These and many others treat everyday mishaps and emotions with humor and understanding. Don’t be afraid of being corny. Use a joke book or share funny things you see online to connect with kids and laugh together.
Now is a good time for laughter. Humor and laughter have the power to elevate your family’s mood, relieve stress and strengthen connections. It lightens the load, builds resilience and gives kids confidence to try again when they fall short. The simple act of laughing together is a gift that makes life more enjoyable, fun and energizing for you and your children. Who knew my April Fools’ Day birthday was teaching me so much? v Jody Lee Cates is a local mom and award-winning writer who blogs about healthy relationships at www.jodyleecates.com. April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
25
Earth Month • Celebrate Diversity Month • Month of the Military Child • Garden Month
APRIL
Still looking for last month’s events? Check out the digital edition of our March issue at SanDiegoFamily.com
The Flower Fields
The Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers are in bloom. Enjoy this annual burst of color along with the American flag of flowers, the artist garden, Santa’s playground, the sweet pea maze, the antique tractor wagon tour and more. Through May 9, 9 am–6 pm. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Adults, $20; Ages 3–10, $10. 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. www.theflowerfields.com Photo credit: FlyByPhotograph
Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.
thursday | 1 April Fools’ Day
SeaWorld Dr., San Diego. Visit www.seaworldsandiego.com for tickets.
friday | 2
National Burrito Day
Padres Home Opener. Today, 1 pm vs. D-backs. Other home games this month: Apr. 2–4 (vs. D-backs); Apr. 5–7 & 30 (vs. Giants); Apr. 16–18 (vs. Dodgers) & Apr. 19–21 (vs. Brewers). For tickets and game times visit www.padres.com.
Easter Bunny Teas. Each child receives a keepsake Easter basket. Today & tomorrow, 2:30–5 pm. Adults, $85; Ages 4–12, $60; 3 & under free. The Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second Ave., downtown. Reservations requested at www.westgatehotel.com.
VIRTUAL Race for Autism Superhero Challenge. Participate individually, or team up with friends or family for a combined distance. Then, walk or run anytime, anywhere between April 1–10. $25–$45 includes race T-shirt, bib and medal. Register at www.raceforautism.org.
Mission: Spring Adventure at the San Diego Zoo. Explore the world of wildlife with live music, the Springtime Party Bus, Dr. Zoolittle and more. Through Apr. 11, 9 am–8 pm. Adults, $62; Ages 3–11, $52. 2920 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park. Visit www.sandiegozoo.org for details.
FREE Egg Hunts at Belmont Park. Three egg hunts daily inside the park. Plus, more fun activities all weekend long. Apr. 2–4; 12 noon, 3 & 6 pm. 3146 Mission Blvd. Visit www.belmontpark.com for details.
Easter Egg Hunt. Hop on over for two Easter egg hunts per day with 900 eggs. Through Apr. 4, 11 am–2 pm. $20–$38 admission, plus $10 per Easter basket. Children’s Nature Retreat, 5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine. Reservations required at www.childrensnatureretreat.org.
Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru. Encounter some of the largest dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth. Through Apr. 4. Starting at $49 per vehicle. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Reserve your time slot at www.jurassicquest.com.
Celebrate April Fools’ Day with familyfriendly pranks! Get ideas at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/april-fools-day.
FREE Photos with the Easter Bunny. Today & tomorrow, 11 am–4 pm & Apr. 3, 11 am–3 pm. 855 W. Harbor Dr. www.seaportvillage.com SeaWorld Fireworks. Watch fireworks light up the sky from physically-distanced viewing areas around the park. Through Apr. 4, 7:45 pm. Interstate 5, exit
26 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
Wild and Beautiful: Artist Alliance Sculpture Exhibit. Discover 13 diverse artworks placed throughout the microenvironments of this horticultural wonderland. Through Aug. 1. Open Wed.– Sun., 10 am–5 pm. Adults, $18; Ages 3–17, $10. San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbgarden.org
FREE Easter Eggstravaganza. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, prizes and a QR code Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Through April 4. Boomers! Vista, 1525 W. Vista Way. www.boomersvista.com. Movies on the Beach. Tonight “Grease”, 7 pm; tomorrow “Dolphin Tale”, 6:30 pm. Starting at $25/chair. The Hotel Del, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado. Reservations required at www.hoteldel.com. SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival. Explore more than 25 unique recipes from around the world. Select dates through May 2, 12 pm–park close. Interstate 5,
exit SeaWorld Dr., San Diego. Visit www.seaworldsandiego.com for tickets.
saturday | 3 Hop Aboard the Bunny Train. Enjoy a train ride, a visit from the Easter Bunny and a tour of the museum grounds. Adults, $18; Ages 3–12, $9. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. For train times and reservations visit www.psrm.org.
TROOPS ARE FORMING NOW!
Picture this: a safe, no-limits place designed specifically for girls, where they’re inspired to seek out new challenges, build important skills, and take the lead. That’s Girl Scouts. A place where every girl has the space and support she needs to reach her full potential and accomplish amazing things.
STEM Saturday in the Park. Unplug for an afternoon and pick up a STEM kit packed with engaging, hands-on activities. The kits provide children ages 6-10 with fun things to do, see and explore. 10 am–4 pm. STEM kits $22. San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plz., Balboa Park. www.sandiegoairandspace.org
Find out more at sdgirlscouts.org/family
W NEU E
Girl Scout Day at the Flower Fields. Girl Scouts can earn a patch. Composting, planting and wagon ride included. Today & Apr. 17, 9–10:30 am. Scouts, $14. 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. www.theflowerfields.com
ISSABLE! AVAIL
1,200 Resources for Families with Special Needs
sunday | 4 Easter Sunday
SNRFSD.org
Easter Brunch with Hornblower. Meet the Easter bunny. 11 am–1 pm. Adults, $84; Ages 4–12, $63; 3 & under free. Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr. downtown. Reservations at www.hornblower.com. “The Croods: A New Age.” Tonight, 7:30 pm. Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero, Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl. Purchase tickets online at www.rooftopcinemaclub.com. Easter Brunch Cruise. 10 am–12 noon & 2–4 pm. Adults, $84.50; Ages 4–12, $50.70. Flagship Cruises & Events, 990 N. Harbor Dr., downtown. Make your reservations online at www.flagshipsd.com.
monday | 5 Viejas Outdoor Roller Rink. Fri.–Sun., 4–9 pm. $10, includes one hour skating session and skate rental. Viejas Casino & Resort, 5000 Willows Rd., Alpine. www.viejas.com
619-685-6970 for magazine pick-up locations
Published by
Family Memories…
Hand picked daily! CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR SEASONAL HOURS!
Spring Season Activities • U-pick strawberries • Tractor rides • Bounce land • Sunflower maze • Apple cannons • BRAND NEW farmer’s market stand
Come and distance “yourself” in the Strawberry Fields 760-603-9608
www.CarlsbadStrawberryCompany.com I-5 Freeway and Cannon Rd.
The Carlsbad Strawberry Co. April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
27
Calendar • April tuesday | 6 Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours. Daily cruises, 9:30 am–1 pm & 1:30–5 pm. Through Apr. 18. Adults, $45; Ages 4–12, $22.50; 3 & under free. Pier 2, 970 N. Harbor Dr., downtown. Make reservations at www.hornblower.com.
wednesday | 7 VIRTUAL The Sky Tonight: Space Junk. Discover just how much space junk is around the Earth and in the rest of the solar system. 7–8 pm. $5–$20. To register visit the Fleet Science Center at www.fleetscience.org.
friday | 9 FREE Day Friday. 9 am–2 pm. The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr. W., El Cajon. www.thegarden.org Drive-In Movie Night: “Grease.” 7 pm. $70 per car includes admission and popcorn bundle. MiraCosta College, Lot 4C, 1 Barnard Dr., Oceanside. For tickets visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside at www.bgcoceanside.org.
June 2019
SAFE SPRING & SUMMER CAMPS!
Explore San Diego Family’s Summer Camps & Programs Guide
Spring-in to Camping. Set up your tent, hike the many trails or simply relax by your campsite. Today, 1 pm to tomorrow, 10 am. April 9, 16, 23. $26 per car. Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Rd., Poway. www.poway.org VIRTUAL San Diego Symphony Digital Concert Series: Broadway by the Bay. 7 pm. $20. Purchase tickets at www.sandiegosymphony.org.
sunday | 11 www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/summer-camps-and-programs We’ve reintroduced
LITTLE FISH COMIC BOOK STUDIO SUMMER
P CAM RATION
REGIST ! NOW OPEN Specifically for students aged 7-11, this class focuses on the creation, magic and collaboration of comics! Spots are limited so email us today to hold a spot!
CLASSES HELD IN-STUDIO AND ONLINE!
(619) 356.1103 • WWW.LILFISH.US
28 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
San Diego Restaurant Week. An 8-day edible extravaganza featuring over 160 restaurants. April 11–18. Visit www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com for more information. VIRTUAL FREE Walk for Animals. Features engaging and animal-themed virtual entertainment, behind-the-scenes tours and more. Today through April 17. Register at the San Diego Humane Society at www.sdhumane.org.
monday | 12 VIRTUAL FREE Fire, Extreme Rainfall, and Debris Flows: Cascading Disasters in a Changing Climate. 6–7 pm. Registration required at Birch Aquarium at Scripps at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.
saturday | 17 San Diego Children’s Business Fair. Aspiring kid entrepreneurs, ages 5–16, experience a real-world opportunity that integrates lessons in entrepreneurship, financial responsibility, math, leadership, social skills and discovering their passion. 1–3 pm. Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden St., La Mesa. For more information visit www.childrensbusinessfair.org. Catfish Opening Weekend at Santee Lakes. Today & tomorrow, 6 am–7 pm. Adult permit, $10; Junior, $6. 9310 Fanita Pkwy. www.santeechamber.com
thursday | 22 Earth Day Cabrillo National Monument. Open daily, 9 am–5 pm. $20 entrance fee. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. www.nps.gov/cabr
saturday | 24 VIRTUAL FREE The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering. A ten-day virtual experience including a live stage with streaming events, a variety of prerecorded sessions, an exhibit booth space and special events. Apr. 24–May 2. Visit www.lovestemsd.org for details. Kids in the Garden: Earth Day Festival. 10–12 noon. $5. Pre-registration required at farmerjonesavbg@gmail.com. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr. www.altavistabotanicalgardens.org VIRTUAL Creek to Bay Cleanup. Help remove 30,000 pounds of litter in a single day. Starting at 9 am. Sign up at www.creektobay.org. Linda Vista Scavenger Hunt. Theme: “All the Places You’ll Go.” Scavenger hunt with drive-thru pickup of goodie bags and resources. Visit www.lindavistafair.org for details.
sunday | 25 Tea in the Garden. Enjoy a relaxing tea in a tranquil floral setting. 11 am–1 pm. Starting at $65. The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad. Reservations required at www.theflowerfields.com. Want us to spread the news? Email events@sandiegofamily.com and include the name of the event or activity, a brief description, event address, date, time, cost, contact number and website. Submission does not guarantee publication. Deadline for the June issue: May 1.
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WWW.TOPDOGLiMOBUS.COM April 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com •
29
Celebrate and
Easter
Lisa Gipson
Spring!
Celebrate Easter and the arrival of spring with these EGGcelent recipes and fun activities! Be sure to check our calendar on page 26 for local events. Hot Cross Buns are This show-stopping
Chocolate Easter Cake will be the talk of your family meal! Toasted shredded coconut and Robin Eggs Candy make a fun and festive garnish. Find the full recipe and instructions, including how to give the frosting a speckled look, at www.theseasidebaker.com/chocolate-easter-cake
Make miniature baskets using simple materials like paper plates, pipe cleaners and markers; then deliver springtime treats to neighbors and friends! Learn how to make both styles shown here at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids.
Neighborhood Egg Hunt
Marble painting is a super fun project for kids that promotes eye-hand coordination and muscle control. Try it with your family and see why no two projects are the same. Learn the technique from award-winning art teacher Alyssa Navapanich at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/ marble-painting-project.
If you’re not quite ready to be in a crowd, rally your neighbors for a neighborhood “egg hunt”! Download our Easter egg coloring pages, color them with bright, bold colors, and tape your artwork in a window that can be seen from the front of your house. Then, walk around the neighborhood to see how many eggs you can find! Download the free printables at: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ seasonal-happenings/free-printableeaster-egg-coloring-page.
www.sandiegofamily.com
Find everything you see here (and much more) in our Easter and Spring Round-Up at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/easter-central.
30 • SanDiegofamily.com • April 2021
Photo credit: Jackie Bruchez
delicious sweet rolls decorated with a cross made of dough or icing. They are a traditional Easter treat (often eaten on Good Friday). San Diego food blogger, The Seaside Baker, shares her recipe with us at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ dining-and-recipes/hot-cross-buns.
Nicole/April 2021
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2021 Search Ends: May 15, 2021 (Online entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by this date.) Contest open to all San Diego County residents. Visit our website to enter contest online or print out the mail-in registration form. A $25 registration fee per entry ($35 for multiples category) must accompany a recent high quality photo, used to determine finalists (photo will not be returned). Submitted photos of 20 finalists from each category (80 total) will be displayed at: www.SanDiegoFamily.com/contests/cover-kids-search-winners-finalists Category finalists will be invited to a judging event on June 5 to help determine contest winners. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego. Scan the QR code to go to registration web page
We are looking for six children ages 2-11 and one multiples combo to appear on the cover of a future issue of San Diego Family Magazine or our annual Out & About family adventure publication.
• Attention & Focus / ADHD • Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Reasoning,
Thank you to our sponsor:
Questions? Email: events@sandiegofamily.com Visit our website for complete rules and more information. Enter online at: www.SanDiegoFamily.com/contests/cover-kids-search