October 2024 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Early Education Local Families Can Trust

Comcast — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:56:04 +0000

Choosing the right early education program for your child is a critical decision that shapes their foundation for future learning. For families in the San Lorenzo Valley, Community Bridges’ Early Education Division (EED) offers a trusted option that stands out for its quality, commitment to child development, and strong parent engagement. The Highlands Park Early Education Center, a gem nestled in the majestic redwoods in Ben Lomond and alongside the San Lorenzo River, provides a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years old. Here, children can grow, learn and thrive in a setting that feels like an extension of their own home. What Sets Highlands Park Early Education Center Apart At Highlands Park, our approach to early education is grounded in evidence-based practices, play-based learning, and a deep commitment to social-emotional development using statewide initiatives and data gathering. Here’s what makes us unique: Developmental Assessments and Parent Engagement Program We believe that parents play a vital role in their children’s development. That’s why we provide regular developmental assessments and work closely with families to ensure that every child’s unique needs are met. Our Parent Engagement Program ensures open communication and collaboration between parents and educators, helping to create a shared vision for each child’s growth. The Only ‘Quality Counts’ Program in the San Lorenzo Valley Highlands Park Center is proud to be the only early education program in the San Lorenzo Valley participating in the ‘Quality Counts’ initiative. This statewide program evaluates and recognizes early childhood programs that meet high standards of quality in key areas, including child development and school readiness. As a participant, we are committed to maintaining excellence and continuously improving our programs to meet the needs of our community. Play-Based Curriculum Focused on Social Development We understand that children learn best through play, exploration, and social interaction. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional skills, laying the groundwork for future academic success. Through structured and unstructured play, children build the confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Flexible Schedules for Working Families We recognize that each family’s needs are different, which is why we offer flexible schedules ranging from 2 to 5 days per week during typical working hours. Whether you need full-day or half-day care, we have options to suit your schedule and provide the consistent, high-quality care that supports both children and parents. Highly Trained, CPR and First Aid Certified Staff Our team of dedicated early childhood educators is committed to creating a positive, nurturing environment where children can thrive. All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid, ensuring your child’s safety. With extensive training in child development, our educators create a space where children are encouraged to explore, discover and grow. Enroll Today! If you’re looking for an early education program that fosters growth, learning, and joy, Highlands Park Center is here for your family. With a strong focus on social-emotional development, high standards of quality, and flexible options for care, our center is a trusted resource for local families. In addition to Highlands Park, Community Bridges also offers subsidized care for qualified, low-income families at sites in Watsonville, Freedom, Santa Cruz, and Felton through our EED program. We understand that early education is an investment in your child’s future, and we strive to offer high-quality care to all families. If your annual household income is less than $130,000, your family might qualify for FREE care at one of our other top-notch early education sites: – Vista Verde Center: 1936 Freedom Boulevard, Freedom – Fairgrounds Center: 2667 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville – Nuevo Dia Center: 135 Leibrandt Avenue, Santa Cruz – Sycamore Street Center: 121 Sycamore St. Ste 100, Santa Cruz – Redwood Mountain Center: 7103A Highway 9, Felton To begin the enrollment process or explore your options, visit communitybridges.org/eed. We look forward to welcoming your family to Highlands Park Center and our greater EED program, where children can explore, grow, and develop in a safe, nurturing environment designed to meet their needs. Interested in applying for the Big Brothers Big Sisters JEDI Trans Youth program? Contact them directly 831.464.8691 by phone or text to start the conversation, and let them know how they can best support you on your mentorship journey. Highlands Park offers a safe place where kids can grow and develop Center By COMMUNITY BRIDGES

The post Early Education Local Families Can Trust first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Visible and Invisible

Lisa Catteral — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:49:01 +0000

This year I have the honor of guiding our senior class in carrying out a capstone project. They came into the first day of classroom work with ideas of wanting to help everything and everybody, locally and around the world, in every possible way. They had no idea how beautiful a concept this was, or what a gift their priorities are to our area. For anyone who has ever had a loss of faith in the upcoming generation or a draining away of hope for the future, I can assure you, there are young people who are ready to serve. As the students narrowed their ideas down and honed the scope of their project, they came to the conclusion that what they really wanted to do was bring people’s invisible struggles in our community into the light. They want to make the invisible visible for our county. Specifically, they want to do that for our local children and youth. When struggles are visible, we in Santa Cruz County are a community of problem solvers. If we see it, we work to make it better, because who among us wants to bear anothers’ suffering in our own local community? I live in a middle class neighborhood, and several years ago our students illuminated a community living less than a mile away from me that faces abject poverty Hunger, lack of education and healthcare, and a complete lack of resources are problems these humans face every day. Our students worked with the Center for Farmworker Families in a holiday drive for basic supplies and support, and I was stunned to discover that six hundred migrant workers are quite literally my neighbors. My invisible neighbors. Young people in our county have a special power to bring these issues into our consciousness. I remember, as a high school student, wondering why adults could not see the pressing issues that were right in front of them. As parents, most of us work to shield our children from the harsher realities of the world, to keep them innocent, or to keep them believing that the world is good and kind, for as long as possible. As students become teenagers and wander out of their parents’ protective bubble, they are novel to the struggles that exist all around them. Seeing the world through their eyes is a privilege and it is also revealing. When we “grown-ups” have collected enough experiences of the world at its worst, we develop skills to cope with harsh realities. Sometimes those skills involve, at least partially, shutting things out or denying what is right before our very eyes Does it hurt to have the veil lifted, to see what is really there? My students inspire me to react with action, love and hope, rather than despair We meet two times a week, and the students assign themselves action items, and then we meet again to update each idea or initiative to reach down off the mountain from our comfortable school. A teenager, at the threshold of adulthood, is a gift to a community. Too often we view them as problems. What do we do to keep the kids busy after school, so they don’t cause trouble? How do we keep the kids out of trouble? My students, on the other hand, are going to keep the adults out of trouble. They are going to remind us of what a community is, and how we can engage with it in the best way possible. I can’t wait to see what they do, what they see, what they discover, and to share the activities of their project, MMS Off the Mountain as it develops. Readers can follow MMS Off The Mountain on instagram, at @off_the_mountain_2025

The post Visible and Invisible first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

growingupsc — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:43:42 +0000

Pregnancy rites of passage can include pregnancy portraits, baby showers or blessing ways, and many prenatal doctor visits. But visiting the dentist? Yes. Prenatal dental care plays a vitally important role in a healthy pregnancy and healthy start for an infant. Good oral health is important for everyone throughout life. It supports good nutrition, good speech development, a healthy heart, and even good confidence. The benefits are even more important for the pregnant parent. Pregnancy can lead to increased risks for cavities and other oral health challenges. Morning sickness can promote erosion of tooth enamel due to exposure to stomach acid, which can lead to developing cavities. Sweet foods and drinks craved and eaten during pregnancy can increase the risk of cavities. A new parent may miss regular teeth brushing at home due to fatigue or distraction or will prioritize baby’s doctor and dental visits over their own routine care. The hormonal changes caused by pregnancy make the gums of the pregnant parent more prone to gingivitis (gum disease). If gingivitis progresses, it can turn into periodontitis (very advanced gum disease), which left untreated can ultimately lead to tooth loss and bone loss in the jaw. Both conditions are also associated with elevated levels of cavity-causing oral bacteria (streptococcus mutans), which has been associated with pre-term labor and low birthweight outcomes. Additionally, when the pregnant parent carries a higher oral bacterial load, they are more likely to transfer cavity causing bacteria to their baby through regular parenting behaviors, such as kissing, sharing spoons, and licking pacifiers clean. A decision to keep the mouth of the pregnant parent healthy and treat cavities is also a decision to help protect the baby from future cavities. Oral health is such an important part of a person’s health during pregnancy that it is integrated into two of our County’s Public Health nurse home visiting programs: Nurse Family Partnership and Trauma Informed Approach-Field Nursing. Each of these important programs connects a Medi-Cal eligible pregnant person with their own personal Public Health nurse (who are all Bachelor of Science prepared nurses with an added certification in Public Health). Qualified Public Health nurses support pregnant individuals and/ or parenting families with children 0-5 years of age. Oral health education is part of the client’s initial assessment when enrolled in the program and throughout their perinatal care. Public Health nurses have established close relationships with our local dental clinics, making it easier to schedule dental appointments throughout their pregnancy and post-partum period. Fortunately, Santa Cruz County is home to Dientes Community Dental Care and Salud Para La Gente, each offering priority appointments for pregnant people with Medi-Cal insurance to support them during this important and time-sensitive life stage. If you have Medi-Cal, you have dental coverage for exams, cleanings, fillings, and more. If you have private dental insurance, check for covered dental services. No dental insurance? Ask your local dental office for discounted rates or sliding-scale payment options. You do not need a referral from your obstetrician to see a dentist, but some dentists may still ask for one. Here are some easy ways to maintain and support good oral health before, during, and after pregnancy: Go to the dentist! Getting dental x-rays is safe during any trimester. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss daily. Visit your dentist 2 times a year for dental cleanings – especially if you are pregnant. Care, Don’t Share: Have separate eating utensils for you and baby and use a clean cloth to wipe off the pacifier. Take your baby to the dentist for their 1st Tooth or 1st Birthday appointment. For dental providers who accept Medi-Cal Insurance, visit smilecalifornia.org or call at 1-800-322-6384. For local low-cost dental clinics that accept Medi-Cal Dental and have a sliding-scale call Dientes at 831.464.5409/ (dientes.org) or Salud Para La Gente at 831.728.0222/ (splg.org). If you have private health insurance, ask your carrier if you have dental benefits or how to get them. If you are interested in learning more about Nurse Family Partnership or Trauma-Informed Approach Field Nursing, please call 831.454.4339 or visit santacruzhealth.org. For the latest updates from Santa Cruz County Public Health, follow us on social media.Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @PublicHealthSCC Dr. Sepideh Taghvaei is the Vp Of Operations At Dientes And Primavera Hernandez, Mph, Health Services Manager, Children and Family Health, Santa Cruz County Public Health.

The post Dental Care During Pregnancy first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Learning to Cook Gourmet, Locally Grown Food

growingupsc — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:41:55 +0000

Santa Cruz Schools are on a mission to change the way your kids think about vegetables. For the first time ever, five county school districts jointly participated in a culinary training program designed to present a fresh take on produce to the standard school lunch. Farm to table came to life recently as lunch staff from Pajaro, Live Oak, San Lorenzo Valley, Soquel, and Santa Cruz school districts met at Del Mar Elementary school, where under the tutelage of a CIA-trained chef, they spent 5 days in an intensive culinary training bootcamp at the Live Oak District Central Kitchen. Yes, the school cafeteria has evolved since the days when ketchup counted as a vegetable. Today’s school lunches are well-balanced according to federal nutrition guidelines, and in Santa Cruz, most of the produce is organic. Healthy meals are made and served up by the Child Nutrition experts formerly known as lunch ladies. Flavorful food can seem an afterthought in schools bound by a highly regulated system built on consistency, federal nutrition requirements and scalability to name a few. Yet Santa Cruz County schools are flexing within the system by improving the way the way they treat the food that comes into their kitchens. And more importantly, the people who prepare it. Directors on hand for the first-ever multidistrict training were enthused about the benefits they’d already witnessed among the participants. The combination of skill building and opportunity for connection with fellow district colleagues brought a new level of engagement to work not always recognized. By training culinary staff in preparing new large-scale recipes, schools can offer fresher food from a network of local farming partners. The produce is high quality, and the meats are grass fed, hormone and antibiotic-free. But the big benefit to kids and parents is a school lunch staff devoted to tickling developing taste buds. The mastermind behind this grant-funded training is Cathy Powers, MS, RD, LD, a founding partner in Culinary Nutrition Associates and CIA-trained chef turned trainer. She developed this program, eight years ago, for the state of Indiana. She explains, “We did it in Santa Cruz twice last year and they brought us back they loved it so much. The best thing to see is how the nutrition experts transform. They increase their confidence. We start with culinary basics. So yesterday, they were learning how to use a shelf knife, practicing different techniques. Today is all about vegetable cooking. The staffers form teams, they’re assigned to different vegetable and they do it three ways, a steamed, a roasted and a cold.” Powers continues, “They learn there’s so much you can do with vegetable because really, the key for a healthier generation is helping our students learn to love vegetables Today is about creating vegetable lovers because really, that’s what we’re missing. Kids are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. While this program is not vegetarian, it’s heavily focused on making vegetables delicious. I like to say to the class, ‘if a student’s first experience with the vegetable is negative, you might have created a vegetable hater’. Because if they tasted the broccoli and it wasn’t seasoned, you know, they may never try broccoli again. However, if you create delicious vegetables, you might create vegetable lovers. And tomorrow we’ll do the same thing with grains. We have sorghum, we have quinoa and couscous, we have brown rice and each team will have a different grain to work with.” Since high volume cooking is so different from single-meal cooking, even chefs with a lot of culinary experience need specialized training to manage these large-scale recipes. After this week, the nutrition experts will decide which recipes they want to bring to the cafeteria menu. They may only adopt one or two to start with, but as Powers says “we’re not teaching them recipes, we’re teaching them techniques. So whether it’s roasted broccoli, or roasted cauliflower or roasted brussels sprouts, the technique is the same. They’re learning how to use seasoning. So, whether its cumin roasted broccoli or ranch roasted carrots, they’re learning the techniques that they can implement according to their students’ palettes”. And how do the nutrition experts know whether the kids like the food? New recipes are announced with cards containing a QR code placed on the lunch tables in some schools, so kids can scan to access a form where they can share their opinions. In the words of Amy Hedrick-Farr, “The combination of nutrition education and outreach allows us to bring our Life Lab grown foods into the classroom and cafeteria. Thanks to our grant funding, we’re able to combine all three very successfully.” By Elizabeth Borelli

The post Learning to Cook Gourmet, Locally Grown Food first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Schools Selected as America’s Healthiest

growingupsc — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:36:05 +0000

All 10 campuses in the Santa Cruz City School District have placed on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s list of America’s Healthiest Schools. The list recognizes schools in a wide-ranging set of categories relating to the programs and supports available to students. Santa Cruz City Schools Bay View Elementary, DeLaveaga Elementary, Gault Elementary, Monarch Elementary, Westlake Elementary, Branciforte Middle, Mission Hill Middle, Costanoa High, Harbor High, Santa Cruz High and Soquel High have all been recognized in the categories of: School Wellness, Nutrition/Food Access and Activity/Physical Education. Additionally, Harbor, Santa Cruz and Soquel High Schools have been awarded for their Health Education programs. “We are so proud to receive this recognition,” says District Superintendent Kris Munro. “It has been wonderful to see such inspired collaboration between Food Services, Teachers and Staff to support our highest priority: the health & welfare of our students.” SCCS Food Services Director Amy Hedrick-Farr says she is proud to have been recognized in even more categories than last year. “We work on the idea that ‘Health’ covers even more than diet,” says Hedrick-Farr. “Health is the lunch we make available, the activities we support, the mental health we provide for, and the curriculum supporting healthy development. We are so proud to see Food Services, Student Services, Curriculum and the teaching staff work together toward a common goal.” For over 15 years, national nonprofit Healthier Generation has worked to promote health and wellness in school environments across the country. The organization approaches “health” as a broad term comprising nutrition, activity, development and emotional support. Santa Cruz City Schools are among the just 879 schools in the entire country who qualified in 2024 for their list of America’s Healthiest Schools.

The post Santa Cruz Schools Selected as America’s Healthiest first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Fall Financial Tips for Families

Bay Federal Credit Union — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:30:11 +0000

As the leaves turn and the cool breeze sets in, fall brings a season of cozy gatherings and family fun. It’s also the time when holiday spending starts to creep in, with Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner. But don’t worry – this season is also a great time to teach your kids some valuable money lessons through fun fall activities, all while keeping your budget on track. Here are a few creative ways to help kids of all ages learn about money! For Young Kids (Ages 3-7) Fall is such a magical time for young children, with pumpkin patches and costume parades filling their imaginations. It’s also a great time to introduce them to basic money concepts in a playful, hands-on way. Try creating a “leaf store” where they can use leaves as pretend money to ‘buy’ toys or snacks. This is a fun, visual way to start teaching the idea of exchanging money for goods. You could also set up a fall-themed savings jar, where they can stash coins to save up for a special Halloween treat, like a small toy or extra candy. This helps show the importance of saving for something special – and they’ll love watching their jar fill up! For Tweens (Ages 8-12) Tweens are ready for more responsibility, and fall offers plenty of chances for hands-on learning. If your family celebrates Halloween, let them help budget for costumes and decorations. Give them a set amount of money and challenge them to get creative – maybe they’ll make their own DIY costume or hunt for bargains at a thrift store. Another idea is to encourage them to start earning their own money. Whether it’s doing extra chores or helping neighbors with fall yard work, they can save up for holiday gifts or something fun they’ve had their eye on. It’s a great way for them to learn the value of hard work and saving. For Teens (Ages 13+) As teens get older, the financial lessons become even more important. Fall is a great time to introduce them to budgeting – especially with gift-giving season approaching. Encourage your teen to set aside part of their allowance or earnings to cover holiday spending. This teaches them not only how to budget but also how to give thoughtfully without overspending. You could also talk to them about more advanced money topics, like managing a savings account or debit card. Show them how to track their spending on fun fall activities like pumpkin carving or movie nights, and how to plan ahead for bigger expenses. Fall on a Budget for the Whole Family There are plenty of ways to enjoy fall family time without splurging! Instead of throwing an elaborate Halloween party, consider a neighborhood potluck where everyone pitches in with a dish. For Thanksgiving, why not gather the family for some quality kitchen time to make delicious homemade dishes that won’t break the bank? You can also plan budget-friendly fall activities like nature walks to take in the beautiful colors, or get crafty with DIY projects using inexpensive materials. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, encourage your kids to help pick out items to donate to a local charity or food bank – teaching them that giving back is priceless. Remember, the most meaningful moments don’t have to cost a lot. This fall, focus on spending time with loved ones and creating memories – those are the things that truly matter.

The post Fall Financial Tips for Families first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Celebrating RC Fam’s Connections

Laura Maxson — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:05:42 +0000

Raíces y Cariño/RC Fam and the Mother’s Milk Bank California are excited to announce the grand opening of a long-awaited milk collection site on this side of the hill. The community is invited to join RC Fam’s second anniversary celebration and the Milk Bank’s Donation Drive on Saturday, Oct 19, from 1-3pm at RC FAM in Watsonville. Families will have an opportunity to learn about the milk bank and how to become a donor. The celebration will also highlight RC Fam’s steady growth in program, collaboration, and services, with a mini-health and family fair for all to enjoy. it will be an opportunity for RC Fam’s partner organizations to connect with one another and community members – and there will be cupcakes! The Milk Bank provides tested and pasteurized human milk to babies in hospitals and neonatal intensive care units (NICU) statewide, and beyond. The importance of human milk for preemies and other vulnerable babies is reaffirmed with each new study. By hosting the Milk Collection Site, RC Fam is helping to make a strong connection between the local community, the milk bank and ultimately, those many babies in need. Having a local Milk Bank connection will remind healthcare providers and community members alike to help spread the word about how easy it is to become a milk donor. Raíces y Cariño/RC Fam is committed to equity, inclusion, and wellness for all families and has become a hub where parents/families can connect to amazing support and collaboration from many different organizations. The website, and activities are available in both Spanish and English. Breast/chestfeeding parents will find Nursing Mothers Counsel on hand with information and support. A monthly, bilingual playgroup welcomes autistic and neurodiverse families of all ages. RC Fam is a safe and nurturing place for LBGTQIA+ families. The ongoing maternal mental health support group meets weekly. There are classes in yoga, pelvic floor strength building, parenting, mom & baby classes, and fathering support, as well as drop-in, bilingual play time, art experiences and special events – grandparents included! RC Fam has gradually expanded their programs, in part with the support of the Central Coast Alliance for Health. As a designated Medi-Cal provider location RC Fam is credentialed with Medi-Cal to provide Community Health Services. Their offerings now include community dental health day with Dientes, training and support for Medi-Cal doulas, and many classes and groups that are included in Medi-Cal’s covered care. The center serves not only the south county of Santa Cruz, but also families of Monterey, and San Benito counties. RC Fam was able to help many families affected by the Pajaro River flooding by providing food and clothing, as well as other resources. They stand ready to serve the community as a partner in all things. Raíces y Cariño/RC Fam – www.rcfam.com Celebration/Milk Drive – Saturday, Oct 19, from 1-3pm, 1205 Freedom Blvd #3B Watsonville Mother Milk Bank California – www.camilkbank.org

The post Celebrating RC Fam’s Connections first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Students Share Their Creative Projects

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:45:16 +0000

Last month, TEDxMeritAcademy hosted an inspiring event featuring seven talented teen speakers who showcased their innovative projects aimed at making a positive impact on the world. This year, the event was hosted at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz. Each young visionary shared their unique ideas, from groundbreaking environmental solutions to cutting-edge technologies and social initiatives. Their presentations captivated the audience, highlighting the power of youth-driven innovation and the potential for these projects to transform communities and industries alike.The event served as a platform for these extraordinary teens to inspire others to think creatively and take action toward meaningful change. Brandon XuThe 2020 Northern Complex Fire destroyed 318, 935 acres of land and turned the skies over Northern California a dark orange from chemicals trapping carbon dioxide particles.As a middle schooler, Brandon Xu vividly remembers the acrid air and wondered what could be done to mitigate these types of natural disasters in the future. As a senior, he investigated whether mycelium, fungal threads that grow in the soil beneath mushrooms, could be used to create a drywall alternative that holds up to construction standards. Not only will his mycelium wall be better in disaster situations, it also reduces carbon emissions. Miles ElliottGlobally, we have reached a staggering 400 million tons of plastic consumption each year. Americans use an average of .75 pounds of plastic on a daily basis–that’s like throwing away over 35 pens worth of plastic every day. While some replacement bioplastics exist, Miles Elliott, a senior in the Bay Area, wanted to see if he could add to the conversation by focusing on plastics for household use.He created a bioplastic film alternative made from potato, alfalfa, and kelp and discovered that not only was it a viable replacement, but it even looked as clear as the “real” thing! Abigail MathewSince the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety rates have risen by 25% and one in five teens experiences symptoms of anxiety or depression. When confronted with growing anxiety among her peers, sophomore Abigail Mathew used her enthusiasm for homeopathic remedies to explore an alternative medication without some of the harsh side effects of prescription anxiety meds. Her research led her to passion flower, a plant native to the southeastern US, that has been used in conjunction with other herbs as an anxiety treatment before, but never studied independently. Preliminary studies show a positive correlation between heart rate reduction and passion flower use. Katie LuongIt is no secret that the education system in the United States is chronically underfunded. Schools across America suffer from massive teacher shortages, a lack of up-to-date technological resources, and a problem with both physical and mental student safety.To solve these problems, Bay Area senior Katie Luong looks to add to the Department of Education budget through a system of taxing the wealthiest 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01% of Americans using a sliding scale based on income. Her formula would see a negligible percentage of those Americans’ taxes being used to benefit millions of children across the country Isha BajpaiStories connect us, but with the growing digital divide between generations, it is harder for those narratives to be shared. More importantly, there is not a straightforward method for saving those stories for future generations. In an effort to “store the past in the future,” senior Isha Bajpai created Video Time Capsule, an app designed to make it easy for generations to share stories from their past without the confusion present in social media platforms. Inspired by stories of Isha’s family from India, the app provides prompts to help people feel comfortable sharing the stories that make them uniquely themselves. Kaaviya AravindFor years, Delhi has been labeled as one of the most polluted cities in the world as a result of burning waste, unchecked vehicle emissions, and firecrackers lit during religious celebrations.But while the air quality is so poor that at times it’s like smoking thirty cigarettes a day, small changes have been made and the daily AQI decreased by 29.4% from 2022 to 2023. Inspired by the communal changes made in her hometown, senior Kaaviya Aravind created PlanetPoints, an app that helps users see how their own small efforts towards sustainability can pay off in a big way.

The post Students Share Their Creative Projects first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Why Neighbors Matter for Your Self-Care Routine

Jamie McFaden — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:22:39 +0000

In the wise words of Fred Rogers, “I’ve always wanted a neighbor like you,” something our entire world needs most right now. In this column, I am sharing one of the most vital elements of self-care and it relates to COMMUNITY. The people we are around. The social relationships we have, impact our lives in a massive way. With election around the corner, I couldn’t help but write about a personal encounter with one of the candidates in our very own community, that has shown me the VALUE of neighborhood and reminds me of Mr. Rogers himself. As a kid, I loved watching Mr. Rogers – his kindness, empathy, ability to address difficult conversations and educate myself and others on ways that we can show up in the world as a KIND human. Something I believe the world needs more of. The neighbors in Capitola have all been so sweet – and one in particular: Gerry Jensen. Gerry is someone who raises the bar of what it means to be a high quality neighbor. I met Gerry years ago and he is always the guy who goes out of his way to check in. To see if anyone needs a helping hand… and I am about to share some of the ways he has impacted my life. He is always the person in the neighborhood helping others, and supporting all of the local business’s. He is so hands on in the community and it has a ripple effect. A while back, I was home and heard a loud bang at around 3am, my daughter was sleeping and we were alone. I nearly jumped out of bed and was afraid of what it could be. Guess who came to make sure all was safe? Gerry did… when I forgot to close the gate and worried our dog would get out… thanks to Gerry… I could go on and on and I know he does this for the whole neighborhood He started a non profit all about random acts of kindness and this is how he shows up everyday. He helped to fix our fence when it started to pull from the ground, there have been a number of ways he has shown up and helped, he is the guy who is constantly lending a hand. He’s this way with EVERYONE I’ve ever seen him interact with. A real STAND UP human… like Mr. Rogers. He and his lovely wife, Heather, are a superstar couple who I recently learned met when they were both single parents. They worked super hard to get to where they are today and endured many challenges along the way. They have four daughters combined together and are the type of family who showcases the real American dream, and LOVE. Gerry is the dad who made every cheer, sporting event and also helps to raise his grandkids. They are kind, generous and one of his daughters Genny even became our neighborhood sitter/mom helper. Once again, part of this community self-care and support. Reminding us that It takes a village… This family is one that I believe our community, and our world can learn from. Even the simple things like eating a meal together is a lost family connection in our busy world today. I decided to write this article about Gerry because he is an exemplary parent in our community and I hope to see him on Capitola City council. Regardless of your personal political views, one thing I am certain we can all agree on is this world would benefit from more kindness and love. Like the ocean in our town, each of us have a ripple effect as we walk through this earth and change starts within our community. I am thankful for the parents in this community like Gerry Jensen. To learn more about him you can go gerry4capitola.com Most of all I encourage you to go and meet your neighbors, see how you can get involved in the community and remember that our kids learn by how we show up, not by what we tell them to do…How will you show up for your neighbors this month? Send me your favorite ways to support the community to jaimemcfaden.com

The post Why Neighbors Matter for Your Self-Care Routine first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Building Healthy Sleep Habits

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 17:21:43 +0000

Isn’t sleep just the best? I definitely love it! As a parent, though, you quickly learn that the blissful slumber you once took for granted becomes a distant memory. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m far more enjoyable after a good night’s rest. Over the years, we’ve created a bedtime routine that’s been helpful. My daughter is only two, so I’m bracing myself for more nighttime wakeups. But even though we’re not quite back to uninterrupted sleep, I enjoy the nights we do get some quality rest and find comfort in knowing I’ve got a few strategies to help us through bedtime. Here’s to embracing the sleep deprivation phase with grace and a very strong cup of coffee! This monthly column provides tips for anyone who is helping raise children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, email me at triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Yesenia, Bedtime with my 3- and 5-year-olds is such a struggle. They refuse to stop playing and pick up their toys. They take forever to get into bed, then they get up often– they’re thirsty, scared, heard a noise, too hot, too cold. I know they’re just trying to avoid going to sleep. I have to tell them to be quiet many times before they finally fall asleep. We’re always tired and cranky in the morning. How can we make bedtime easier? Nadia Dear Nadia,Oh, bedtime battles. For many families, bedtime is stressful instead of a calm, loving way to end the day. And the bedtime struggles can lead to challenges during the day.Children who do not get enough sleep are often tired, irritable, moody and have difficulty concentrating. This can affect their behavior at home and school. Parents and caregivers can become exhausted, stressed and lose their patience more easily.Here are a few tips to help your children develop healthy sleep habits that will benefit the whole family: Identify possible causes of bedtime difficultiesSome children have difficulty falling asleep on their own when they’ve always been rocked, held or fed until they fall asleep. Other children have a hard time settling down if they haven’t had enough physical activity or they’ve had too much activity before bedtime. Fears, anxiety or stress can also keep children awake. Sometimes, parents accidentally encourage poor sleep habits by giving in to what children want (stay up later, watch more TV) to avoid arguments. These are just a few of the things that can affect children’s bedtime behaviors. Follow a consistent bedtime routineConsistent, predictable routines help children make the transition from being active during the day to being calm and quiet at night. Review your kids’ bedtime routine with them and discuss whether to add or change any steps. Here’s an example of a bedtime routine:– Play quietly before bedtime– Brush teeth– Go to the bathroom– Go to bed at the set time– Read a book– Say goodnight– Stay in bed until the morning Prepare your children to follow the routineWrite a list, draw or print pictures that show each step of the routine. Talk about each step and have your kids pretend to do each step before it’s actually bedtime. This allows your children to practice the routine when everyone is calm. Help them transition from daytime to nighttimeAt least 30 minutes before bedtime, tell your children they will be going to bed soon. Turn electronics off and engage them in a quiet activity such as puzzles, coloring or reading. Then 10-15 minutes before bedtime, tell your children it’s time to finish up the activity. Give them a clear, calm instruction to start their bedtime routine — “It’s time to get ready for bed. Please go brush your teeth.” Give descriptive praise when your children follow the bedtime routine This lets your children know you’re noticing their efforts, which encourages them to keep trying. Descriptive praise works best when it’s specific, sincere and focuses on the behavior you want to see more of. For example, “You’ve brushed your teeth and gone to the bathroom. You’re doing a great job following the bedtime routine!” In the morning, give more descriptive praise if your child stayed in bed the whole night. Final ThoughtsThere’s a reason why sleep is a basic human need. Our bodies and brains need time to rest and prepare for the next day. Developing positive bedtime routines is one way to help children develop healthy sleep habits that will last a lifetime. It’s a gift for both children and parents.

The post Building Healthy Sleep Habits first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.