Growing Up in Santa Cruz

10 Calming Phrases Every Parent Should Know

growingupsc — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:55:17 +0000

Spring has sprung, bringing wild energy and big emotions. Discover 10 calming phrases and 5 essential tools to help parents stay composed and model respectful behavior.

The post 10 Calming Phrases Every Parent Should Know first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Expression Beyond Words

Tovah Petra Kolodinski — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:53:26 +0000

For many children, emotions are not easily put into words. Discover how creative expression through art, music, and movement offers a natural pathway for processing feelings.

The post Expression Beyond Words first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Kids Day Shows the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz

Brad Kava — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 18:40:41 +0000

I'm totally psyched for Kids Day on May 2 for a number of reasons. First: I have used that day for a decade to measure the health of Downtown, which I'm afraid has too many critics and not enough people appreciating the center of art, culture, music and shopping we have.

The post Kids Day Shows the Heart of Downtown Santa Cruz first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Why Summer Camp Matters More Than We Realize

Brad Kava — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:38:05 +0000

Brad Kava explores why summer camp is as vital as school, sharing how a movie-making camp helped his son build confidence and public speaking skills.

The post Why Summer Camp Matters More Than We Realize first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Car Culture Is Costing Our Kids

growingupsc — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:35:56 +0000

A poignant letter to the editor discussing how car-centric infrastructure in the U.S. limits children's freedom and autonomy compared to the Netherlands.

The post Car Culture Is Costing Our Kids first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

How Children Learn and How You Can Help

growingupsc — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:29:33 +0000

Learn why children up to age 10 learn up to 40 times faster than adults and how parents can create a more effective, fun, and exciting learning environment.

The post How Children Learn and How You Can Help first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Why Summer Camp Matters More Than Ever

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:28:18 +0000

Explore why summer camp is more vital than ever for children's physical health, social growth, and digital detox in today's screen-filled world.

The post Why Summer Camp Matters More Than Ever first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz Spring Break Checklist

Bay Federal Credit Union — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:25:06 +0000

Spring break in Santa Cruz does not have to mean a plane ticket. Before the week begins, here is a simple checklist for a local break that feels like a break.

The post Santa Cruz Spring Break Checklist first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

The College Dream Nearly Slipped Away

growingupsc — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:16:58 +0000

Estrellas Brillantes helps Watsonville students navigate the FAFSA crisis and achieve their dreams of attending a four-year college through personalized support.

The post The College Dream Nearly Slipped Away first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Healthy Screen Time Habits

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:05:30 +0000

Learn how to establish healthy screen time habits and family agreements for children and teens with expert advice from Triple P's Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo.

The post Healthy Screen Time Habits first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.