Kids and pets share a special kind of magic, and like any relationship, communication is key. Understanding body language can help kids know when their pet is happy, playful, or in need of some space. Teaching kids to recognize a pet’s body language strengthens the bond between them and fosters empathy and respect – skills transferable to any relationship. It’s similar to teaching kids how to navigate social cues with a new friend. Just as they learn when to crack a joke or when to back off, they can learn to read the signs that say, “Pet me!” or “Please, not now.” Pet Body Language 101 Before kids can interact…
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There’s No Such Thing as Multi-Tasking While Studying
Back in the day, parents laid down rules, and whether or not we agreed with them, we obeyed. TV hours were limited, curfews set, and homework was done before going outside to play. Period. After all, our parents knew best, right? Tweens and teens neither have the maturity nor the foresight to make important decisions. But with today’s immediate-gratification mode of living, parents have lost control over their children. Technology has consumed every aspect of our very existence. We no longer leave voice messages and wait for responses; we text questions or statements and the recipient gets it within seconds. We no longer look forward to watching our favorite TV show with the family…
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Understanding Consequences the Positive Discipline Way
The well-being of children is entrusted to every adult, and we parents, caregivers, and educators have to be very mindful of the decisions that we make to protect and teach children. Having a developmentally appropriate understanding of consequences as a parenting tool is essential to using them in ways that support children’s positive relationships and guide their positive behaviors. Psychology and Science The Positive Discipline idea that children do better when they feel better is supported by renowned psychologists Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, and Abraham Maslow and informed by the study of neuroscience and trauma-informed care. Positive Discipline helps children experience belonging and significance, is mutually respectful and encouraging through…
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Parenting During Uncertain Times
So much has happened this year already – how is it already March, and yet, how is it only just March? The news these days can be overwhelming and, at times, heart-wrenching. In these uncertain times, it is no wonder that we’re all experiencing such a wide range of emotions, from overwhelm, sadness, worry to anger, anxiety and fear. It’s easy to feel emotionally drained, like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. As parents, we are juggling our own mental well-being and supporting our children through their confusion and worries. Many of us are finding it difficult to talk to our children about what is…
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5 Visionary Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2025
DNBCUniversal is expanding its theme park portfolio worldwide by introducing thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and entirely new theme parks and resorts. Discover some of the most eagerly awaited projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences will unveil in 2025. 1. Universal Orlando Resort’s Highly Anticipated Fourth Theme Park Universal Epic Universe Opens The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created. Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining…
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Empowering Your Child’s Financial Future with a Local Credit Union
As parents, we teach our children the value of sharing, kindness, and responsibility. But what about financial responsibility? One of the best ways to set your child up for success is by introducing them to financial wellness habits early on. That starts with where they keep their money. While banks and credit unions may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences, and choosing a credit union could be one of the best financial decisions for your family. Credit Union vs. Bank: What’s the Difference? Both banks and credit unions offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and financial services, but their structure and purpose set them apart. Banks…
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School Budgets in Trouble
The Pajaro Valley Unified School Board made a bold and some say careless decision last month, choosing not to layoff teachers, aides and vice principals to save $5 million from a budget that is headed toward deficit spending. Four of the seven board members voted to hold off on the cuts, which Superintendent Heather Contreras warned could make the problem significantly worse next year. This is one of the toughest challenges for the county’s largest school district with 27,000 students. Contreras explained to the board that the district was shrinking by 600 students over the next year and funding that was given to support schools during the pandemic has been…
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A Review of School Lunch
Some of the meals they serve us at Live Oak Elementary School, where I’m a fourth-grader, are kind of simple, like bagels with cream cheese, which they serve us almost every day, sometimes with apples (like in the picture below). My favorite foods at school all start with the letter “P.” I like the pizza, of course, because pizza is my favorite food, and the pizza at Live Oak is pretty good quality and has enough cheese. I also like the pesto pasta, especially the pesto part; I used to make pesto at home when I was eight with basil I picked in our garden, olive oil and parmesan cheese,…
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Parents Not Thrilled About School Starting in August
Some Santa Cruz parents say summer is getting shorter and shorter for their kids, seriously cutting down their childhood because school is starting earlier and earlier. Parents at Santa Cruz and Pajaro Valley school districts are distributing a petition titled, “Bring Back August to SCCS Students”. These parents are concerned that students are losing prime summer vacation time in August, and believe that starting in September is ideal so families can thoroughly enjoy summer break. For years, the debate over the ideal time for students to start the school year has been a controversial topic nationwide. In Santa Cruz County, SCCS 2025-2026 school starting date is August 7, and PVUSD…
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Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Celebrates 10 Years
The Monterey Bay region is a place of scenic beauty, with breathtaking coastlines, rolling fields, and shady redwood forests. It’s also an exciting place of culture, history, and innovation.Its challenges are equally vivid. Housing costs are increasingly out of reach. Jobs in leading industries leave workers struggling to make ends meet. A Digital Divide hinders progress and inclusivity and exacerbates economic and educational inequalities. Those are among the complex issues that led to the formation of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) in 2015. A regional, member-supported nonprofit, MBEP brings together a cross-sector network of stakeholders from public, private, and civic entities to collaborate around regional challenges to improve the…
