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	<title>Health - Growing Up in Santa Cruz</title>
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	<title>Health - Growing Up in Santa Cruz</title>
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		<title>Nourishing Families, Strengthening Our Community</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/nourishing-families-strengthening-our-community/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=nourishing-families-strengthening-our-community&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=nourishing-families-strengthening-our-community</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:28:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[August 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=104936</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Discover how the Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition and local programs support families with breastfeeding education and community health resources.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/nourishing-families-strengthening-our-community/">Nourishing Families, Strengthening Our Community</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<title>Healthy Smiles for Every Age From First Tooth to Graduation</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/healthy-smiles-for-every-age-from-first-tooth-to-graduation-2/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=healthy-smiles-for-every-age-from-first-tooth-to-graduation-2&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=healthy-smiles-for-every-age-from-first-tooth-to-graduation-2</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:43:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[February 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=81053</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>February is Children's Dental Health Month. Learn how to maintain healthy smiles for your children from their first tooth through high school graduation.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/healthy-smiles-for-every-age-from-first-tooth-to-graduation-2/">Healthy Smiles for Every Age From First Tooth to Graduation</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<item>
		<title>Embracing the Best of Summer</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/embracing-the-best-of-summer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=embracing-the-best-of-summer&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=embracing-the-best-of-summer</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jamie McFaden]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:07:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[July 2025]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=71742</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The beautiful weather, gorgeous flowers in bloom, the camps, vacations and hopefully some R+R. Personally, This year is the first time I decided not to put my kid in any camps and zero planned vacations and use the summer to explore and be on the NON scheduled summer. So far, we are really enjoying it and as a working mom it forced me to take off some time that I too really needed. Living in a time where there seems to be much uncertainty, stress and added unnecessary pressures &#8211; I hope this will remind you whether you have a packed summer or a loose one like me &#8211; making time for family self-care is always a great idea! In fact, according to Elixr’s modern motherhood survey &#8211; 85% of mothers struggle to find person time, highlighting the major pressure of balancing career, motherhood and self care.” Every mom I’ve ever asked has admitted making time for themselves always seems like the hardest part of their long to-do list. Let’s work towards changing this and one way is through making plans WITH your family for self-care this summer. I’d like to share some of my favorite tips for Self-Care this summer for mom and dad + the whole family! It is easy to pack in lots of plans during “free” time in summer and I encourage you to create some sacred space for NOTHING. Here are my 10 tips for a super self-care refreshing summer for mind, body and soul! Make a list of all the things that bring you the most joy (have each person in your family help add theirs too) Look over that list and see what you can do throughout the summer &#8211; surprise for us, many of the things on the list are usually quality time, outdoor adventures and music/movemnet activities Start a family self-care routine together- maybe a morning walk for coffee or an evening cruise to see sunset- also a great time time clear and declutter! Taste the rainbow &#8211; so many fruits and veggies in season a fun and nourishing way to enhance wellness this summer is to see how many colors you can eat in a day! Check out one of the local farmers markets or farms. REST. Allow time to let go of the hustle to get up early and race out of the house or pack in the zillion plans many of us have every other season. Use this time to take a midday nap, read a book, snooze on the beach— nap with baby whatever it looks like for you &#8211; allow your family time for quality REST. Try something new together &#8211; maybe Goat Yoga, berry picking, family breathwork or Ukulele’s the weekend in SC or Capitola in the village. Save the date: July 12 for a special paddle out to honor a local surfer and mental health awareness. 9am PST in the village. Take the opportunity to help someone else &#8211; volunteer work or help out at a local animal shelter &#8211; there are so many in need and summer is a great time to lend a helping hand Put the electronics away &#8211; what screams vacation for many of us is time off technology &#8211; even if its just for a day, see if the whole house can do it and notice how everyone feels. Join a local group &#8211; mom walk co, Circle Family center and some other places have great groups you can join to be a part of something bigger and feel support! Challenge yourself! The summer many of us may feel “lazy” but this is a great time to read that book you’ve always wanted to, join a fitness challenge (I’m launching one for moms July 15th be sure you get my newsletterjaimemcfaden.com/) or find something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t made time for. You will thank yourself later! Support LOCAL &#8211; check out all the upcoming concerts, events and support the local community however you can. Cheers to a summer filled with self-care for the whole family. May we come together and disconnect to reconnect in the community &#8211; starting at home.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/embracing-the-best-of-summer/">Embracing the Best of Summer</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<title>Tips for Supporting a Neurodivergent Child During the Holidays</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/tips-for-supporting-a-neurodivergent-child-during-the-holidays/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=tips-for-supporting-a-neurodivergent-child-during-the-holidays&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=tips-for-supporting-a-neurodivergent-child-during-the-holidays</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:28:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[December 2024]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=55785</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For neurodivergent children, the holiday season can be challenging. This time of year is full of new experiences, new foods, new sounds, and new people. Simply put &#8212; for children who are neurodivergent, special needs or highly sensitive &#8212; new often equals hard. And when kids are having a hard time, parents are usually having a hard time as well. So how can parents keep the joy and fun of holiday activities and traditions while supporting their child? Here are four practical strategies for navigating the holiday season with a kid who needs some extra support. But first, let’s unpack why some children struggle with the holiday season. Why exactly are the holidays hard for kids with special needs? Holidays are often when we meet with extended family and friends to celebrate together. This means more people together in one space, either “invading” a child’s safe place or making the child go to a new, unfamiliar place. The holidays can be a sensory overload for neurodivergent/special needs children. The bright lights, loud noises of music and people talking, different foods, and increased activity can feel overwhelming for these children. Especially for kids who thrive on routine and predictability, these times can be uncomfortable. Their schedules are different, they don’t know what to expect, and they are around new and unfamiliar people and places, which can all create fear and dysregulation. So how can parents approach holiday gatherings and traditions in a way that supports their special needs child? Prepare your child and your family by talking about what to expect Do this early – think weeks in advance – and often. Describe or bring up details that your child knows or remembers. For example, “We are going to Nana’s house for Thanksgiving this year. Remember, she has the green house with the trampoline in the back.” Let them know what the plan is so they feel prepared and are not caught off guard. Such as, “We will get to the house, and you can play on your tablet, then we will eat dinner and afterwards, we can go home.” *Bonus tip: If your child is visually focused, make a visual schedule for the day or show pictures of family members they are going to see or a video of the place they will be at. Prepare your family and friends Let everyone know about the child’s sensory needs. For example, “Clara will be using an AAC device, she can talk with you through that and she might show you some pictures.” Or “Please do not ask Ben to give hugs or make eye contact.” It’s also helpful to tell family and friends about the child’s interests so they can more easily connect. Saying something like, “Antonio loves sea creatures. If you’d like to get to know him better, ask him about his favorite sea animals.” Finally, if your child exhibits common behaviors when they are overwhelmed or dysregulated – such as tapping, yelling, singing loudly, etc. – let your friends and family know about this before you arrive and before they see it. Bring comfort items from home to put your child at ease If your child has a favorite toy they usually want to bring everywhere, this isn’t a time to leave it behind. Come prepared with common items or activities that help regulate your child and bring them with you! If watching a video on their tablet helps them regulate, make sure you have the tablet charged and ready to go. It can also be very helpful to bring familiar foods or snacks for your child. This doesn’t mean they can’t sit and eat at the table with everyone, but make them feel comfortable and nourished while being a part of holiday traditions. Meet your child at his/her level and advocate for them by holding boundaries when necessary Setting boundaries for your child can look like saying no to caroling if they hate loud noises, not forcing them to play with cousins if they prefer to play alone or giving them some of the holiday meal without any pressure to try these new foods. Get comfortable with your child saying “no” to certain aspects of holiday traditions and honor the boundaries they set for themselves, such as not wanting to give someone a hug, or needing a break from the noise and activity. Katelin Carollo, CCC-SLP,is a speech language pathologist and clinical director at Central Coast Language &#38; Learning Center.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/tips-for-supporting-a-neurodivergent-child-during-the-holidays/">Tips for Supporting a Neurodivergent Child During the Holidays</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Strategies to Build Resilience and Emotional Strength</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/strategies-to-build-resilience-and-emotional-strength/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=strategies-to-build-resilience-and-emotional-strength&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=strategies-to-build-resilience-and-emotional-strength</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Lori Butterworth]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:24:54 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=53665</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>According to Webster’s, resilience is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. Here are strategies parents can use that are based on three well-researched, go-to resources for parents: SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) developed by Eli Leibowitz from Yale; Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) developed by Matt Sanders at the University of Queensland in Australia; and The Anxious Generation, NYU professor Jonathan Haight’s last, well-researched bestseller. Resist the Urge to Fix Validate your child’s emotions but resist the urge to solve every problem for them. Our parental instincts are to protect our kids and keep them from harm. But often trying to fix our child’s problems for them sends the message that they’re not capable of fixing things themselves. Try saying things like, “I can see you’re upset, and that’s okay,” to show you understand their distress. Then, offer support without taking over, saying, “I’m here if you need help, but I know you can handle this.” The SPACE program helps parents of anxious children learn to avoid doing things to accommodate kids’ fears while unintentionally fueling their anxiety. For example, parents of kids who are afraid to sleep alone will try to avoid their child’s discomfort by sleeping with them well into adolescence. Every night the message “you’re too weak and afraid to sleep on your own” gets reinforced. In short, jumping in to keep our kids from experiencing pain can undermine their ability to build self-confidence and resilience. Model Values-Driven Choices I use a fun game in therapy to help kids identify what is important to them and what is not. We take about 50 cards with values-based words: Independence, Honesty, Patience, Courage, etc. We sort the cards by “Most Important,” “Somewhat Important,” and “Not Important.” Then, we talk about each selection in the “Most Important” pile and sort the cards again. By the end of the game, the child has narrowed it down to the top five things that matter most to them. This sparks conversations about why knowing what is most important helps us set goals aligned with who we are.I encourage parents to do this with their kids and talk about the values they share and each family member’s unique values. As parents, knowing our values allows us to demonstrate how to act in alignment with those values, even when facing difficult challenges. For example, if your family values “Kindness,” you can show your child how to remain kind and compassionate, even in stressful situations. If you, as a parent, value “Respect,” you can demonstrate self-respect and show respect to others even amid conflict. This helps children understand that living according to our values is more important than trying to avoid discomfort. It teaches resilience by showing that they can continue to pursue meaningful actions despite difficult emotions. Turn Challenges into Learning Opportunities When your child encounters a manageable challenge, welcome it. Without taking over, allow your child to face age-appropriate challenges that might involve failure. Gradual exposure to difficult situations helps kids build confidence and learn to manage adversity. Find opportunities for your child to learn from setbacks. Again, validate your child’s feelings and then encourage them to think about what they can learn from a situation. Ask questions like, “What can you do differently next time?” to help them develop problem-solving skills and resilience. Share your own experiences with failure and how you overcame it. Help your child see setbacks as temporary and part of growth. Be a Helicopter-Parent Yes, you heard that correctly. It’s time for parents to become more helicopter and hover more when it comes to screen time and social media. And, it’s time to back off and stop hovering in the real world. Jonathan Haight describes the disastrous cultural shift from play-based childhood to phone-based childhood and how as parents, we’ve become irrationally fearful of stranger danger in the real world while handing our kids a device that opens them up to predators worldwide. I’ve heard people say that the genie is out of the bottle and there’s nothing parents can do about kids and social media. I disagree. There’s a lot we can do. Let’s start by considering the primary function of social media. For most kids, social media is a way to connect with friends, and social connection is a healthy, necessary developmental activity. Taking away your child’s phone while “everyone else” has one, isn’t the answer. According to Haight, we must replace phone time with playtime. Haight suggests four new norms for groups of parents to agree to: 1) No smartphones before high school; 2) No social media before age 16; 3) No phones in schools; and 4) More independent play. Let the Children Play Back in the 1970s, I was a kid running around with my friends until dark without a parent or phone in sight. The crime rate was higher than it is today. But today, parents are irrationally hovering over their kids in the real world and throwing up their hands when it comes to the digital world. We need to switch on the parental hover button when it comes to social media and switch it off in the real world. I tell parents, that instead of “play dates” and scheduled activities every day after school, give kids time to run around the neighborhood playing freely. It is time for us to let go and let grow. To build resilience in children, parents should validate emotions without fixing problems, allowing kids to face challenges and build confidence. Modeling values-driven choices and encouraging learning from setbacks helps children align actions with what matters most to them. Parents should actively monitor and limit screen time and replace it with independent, unstructured play. This balanced approach, based on SPACE, Triple P, and “The Anxious Generation,” builds resilience by teaching kids to manage difficulties and pursue meaningful goals despite challenges.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/strategies-to-build-resilience-and-emotional-strength/">Strategies to Build Resilience and Emotional Strength</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Aloha Santa Cruz</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/aloha-santa-cruz/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=aloha-santa-cruz&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=aloha-santa-cruz</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Mar 2024 22:21:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[April 2024]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=40983</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As we enter springtime, the weather (finally) shifting, plans for summer emerge, and a lovely time to gear ourselves up for fun in the sun. Summer is RIGHT around the corner. (Have you registered for Jr Guards or Camp Capitola yet? ) On a recent adventure to Hawaii, for both business and pleasure &#8211; I felt so thankful to get away from the cold, wet, winter we have had and enjoy beach bliss with my family:) . It got me thinking of the ways we can embrace the Aloha vibes at home. Aloha means “love, peace, and welcome it is a main word used all over the islands of Hawaii. I am going to share with you the top 5 ways you can create aloha energy at home. So often we are looking, searching and seeking out ways to feel the joy of life and oftentimes forgetting it is right where we are, if we choose. The word, “Mana” in Hawaiian means Energy &#8211; as my family and I sat making Lei’s together we were taught to focus on the Mana we put into each flower on the Lei and think of who we want to share that energy with. Just taking time to be present together doing a fun activity made us all feel closer and more connected. The Hawaiian culture is strong and as a visitor you can’t help but feel welcome into the Ohana (family) when you are here. The warmth of the sun radiates throughout the islands wherever you go. I am a huge advocate for travel, vacation and seeing new places &#8211; and it also reminded me of how blessed we are to call such a fabulous place home that many come to vacation, year after year. And in reflection, decided to make this all about some of the ways we can embrace the mana of Santa Cruz.I encourage you while reading this blog to think about life in Santa Cruz and what it means to you and your family. How do you celebrate living here and what ways are you diving into the Santa Cruz culture. What are some of the fun things you want to experience here this spring and summer? What are some of the ways you want to experience more and share Santa Cruz with people who come to visit. Sunrise and Sunset bliss We are blessed to live near the ocean and have opportunities twice per day to catch both sun up and down. Not only is this a beautiful way to start or wrap the day but it can become a ceremonial way to bond with yourself and family. To wake up fresh and end the day in peace. And best part &#8211; it is great for our circadian rhythms, which will help our rest and create awareness to a calmer nervous system. I see the same few people everyday watching sunrise and sunset (definitely more sunset hour) but I invite you to wake up a bit early to check out sunrise in a beautiful location like Depot hill one morning and start your day that way. Leave the car at home One of the things I enjoyed most abut staying in a hotel in Hawaii is being able to walk everywhere we needed. Living in Santa Cruz offers many walkable places where you can either walk to get groceries or just take a nice stroll along the shoreline. Make a conscious choice one day to do everything that is walkable in your area, or drive to an area like 41st and spend a day there just walking everywhere you want to go. You will discover new things and feel like you are on vacation. Check out some of the local small businesses and meet new people. Live music/Local spots and food You step foot into a restaurant or hotel in Hawaii, you are greeted by some incredible sounds of the island. There is live music playing everywhere and it sets a scene as if you are walking into a beautiful, joyful movie. Music is a great form of therapy and in Santa Cruz there are so many options to go and hear some local sounds. Have you seen the Expendables yet? Heard the amazing vocals of Mira Goto? Or gone to play Ukulele on Sunday with friends in the village? Look up some local music and go enjoy sounds of SC. Feeling like trying something new? Pick local spots to taste some of the best foods like La Marea, Gayles and Home. Embrace time in nature and the wildlife Hawaii is filled with beautiful plants, animals and so is Santa Cruz. We are so fortunate to live in oen of the most beautiful places in the world and we can tour the coastline for some of the best beaches, wildlife experiences and more. Take a tour on the Chardonnay cruise for sunset, rent a paddle board at Capitola Beach co, or take a journey down south through Monterey to Big Sur. Ohana means family One concept that Hawaii has DIALED in, very similar to my big Greek family is the concept of embracing this life WITH the ones you love. Self-care is my jam and one of the best tips I can share is to connect with your family &#8211; this goes for chosen family as well! Take some time this month to plan some fun activities and spend quality time with those in your life that make this experience beautiful. Act as if you are on vacation for a day, or a weekend and notice how much more fun you all have. Be a tourist for a day and enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa Cruz. What are some of your favorite things about Santa Cruz that you want to share? Send me some of your favorite local spots for a chance to be featured in my next write up. By Jaime McFaden</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/aloha-santa-cruz/">Aloha Santa Cruz</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<title>Healthy Family Habits for the Holidays</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/healthy-family-habits-for-the-holidays/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=healthy-family-habits-for-the-holidays&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=healthy-family-habits-for-the-holidays</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Nov 2023 19:54:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[November 2023]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=32889</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Holiday season is here and whether you are the type who loves all of the seasonal celebrations or not, it’s a time to reflect and focus on wellness as the year comes to an end. The holidays tend to be filled with fun and family, yet can also be incredibly stressful and overindulgent for many.Instead of waiting for the New Year to create some wellness goals, why not start now so you can enjoy the seasonal favorites without feeling crummy after.One of the biggest calls I get as a health coach towards the end of December from people feeling awful in their skin and self-care has gone out the window, hoping to jump into action in the new year with resolutions.Unfortunately, most new years resolutions fail by January 15th and people are left feeling frustrated and discouraged. We are creatures of habit and we act from behaviors that are comforting to our brain.Raising awareness to these holiday behaviors can help us make simple shifts this year. Four holiday hacks you can use this season to avoid the stress of putting your health on the back burner are: Be mindful with your foodInstead of grabbing at every holiday sweet, make a commitment to enjoy in smaller amounts (on average people gain up to 5lbs during the holidays)Color your plate &#8211; just by raising awareness to your food you will make healthier choicesPace yourself at parties, snack on healthy stuff first and drink 1 glass of water per cocktailCreate boundaries with your timeThe holidays are a great time to say “NO” to the things you really don’t want to do- instead of feeling the pressure to do all the things, look at your calendar and pick and choose what you really want to do.Carve out time to do the things that truly bring you joy with your familyInstead of getting sucked into the consumerism of holidays, lean into some of the healthier habits you enjoy with family and friendsCreate your own family rituals which enhance bondingIf you have kids, this is a perfect time to create some of your own family holiday rituals &#8211; arts and crafts, baking or cooking together and embracingFamily fitness is a great way to burn off some of those extra holiday treats &#8211; it can be as simple as planning a daily walk with your familyTake time off electronics &#8211; cant stress this one enough, we are using electronics both adults and kids WAY more than we need to collectively and it is not good for our brain/body &#8211; come up with other activities you can do together this holiday season to bond and let go of the screensYear end reflectionsTake some time as we near the end of this year to reflect on 2023, what were some of your favorite memories, what were some challenges you faced. Celebrate where you are today and all that you have accomplished in 2023Create some end of the year intentions &#8211; have your family participate with you to support each other in goals and staying healthyOnce again, holidays come with so much joy and happiness for many and also can be surrounded with lots of stress. Prepare yourself before the holiday’s hit so you can avoid some of the hooplah that can take away from the true meaning of holidays!The holidays are traditionally about quality time with people we love, let’s remember WHY we are celebrating this holiday season and spread the love and cheer to those around us. Holiday guideHere is my holiday guide to NOT stuffing yourself this holiday season. After 15 years in the fitness industry, I see the same patterns repeated by those who want to feel better but struggle to shift habits before the new year. This guide will give you some tangible tools and action steps to stay healthier this holiday season.stan.store/Jaimemcfaden/p/get-my-ultimate-holiday-health-guide-now By Jaime McFaden</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/healthy-family-habits-for-the-holidays/">Healthy Family Habits for the Holidays</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<title>Mama Bear Self Care Back to School</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/mama-bear-self-care-back-to-school/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=mama-bear-self-care-back-to-school&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=mama-bear-self-care-back-to-school</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Aug 2023 07:19:37 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[August 2023]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=29110</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It’s that time of year when we are hitting the stores to get our kids school supplies and enjoy the last few weeks of summer. This is also the time when we may feel a bit sad that the summer is coming to an end as we’ve just been getting into the flow of the non-scheduled routines. Or maybe you are reading this so excited to get back to your kids’ school routine &#8211; either way, there is a transition coming up and I want to share a big tip on preparing for this change as a parent to keep it smooth for our kids. Everyone talks about the village needed for our children, but what about for the parents as we evolve and keep everything together through the changing seasons. Whether your kids are starting a new school, new class or phase of life &#8211; one of the most important things we can do for ourselves as parents is line up our personal village. These are the people that will be around to support you through each shift. Take a moment right now to think about your village &#8211; who are the people you spend the most time with? Who are the friends you could call for support if you need it? Who are your friends that keep you active? Who are the one that distract you or add chaos to your life? Taking social self-care into account is incredibly helpful this time of year as we get back into the swing of things. It is easy shifting from summer to fall to let all of our personal self-care go out the window because we end up spending all of our energy prepping things for our kids and forget about ourselves. This is where the village comes in! Social support is one of the biggest markers for well-being in any society. The relationships we have and the people around us are certainly going to influence our behviors and routines. Three things to keep in mind when it comes to HEALTHY social self care and curating you village this season: Take inventory &#8211; literally go through your phone, texts, social media &#8211; make note of who you spend the most time with, watching or around and notice how you feel with them. Are there people in your circle who are lifting you up or more dragging you down. As we shift into the end of summer &#8211; work towards cultivating a village that is supportive, encourages your growth and definitely loves your family! Taking space or setting boundaries with some of the friends who can be more distracting can be really helpful right now. Simple tip: Make a list of the people who FILL your cup &#8211; include them in your life more and pay it forward 🙂 Check in with what your family needs. Maybe you struggle with dinners or getting to your kids’ activities on time. As a busy parent, I have people in my village who are helpful in all sorts of areas. Learning to ask for help is a big one &#8211; as busy parents we tend to feel this need to do it all, but in reality &#8211; that’s not ideal. If we can work together with our village we can end up feeling healthier and happier. The hardest part is just asking. The people around you are sure to want to pitch in and help. And of course &#8211; be sure to offer help to those around you when you can. It’s a collaborative effort. Join a mom group or hire some help where needed, it will be well worth the investment! Just say NO. It’s ok to hide away for an hour with your favorite beverage to take some much needed QUIET time. One of the toughest things parents find with self care is learning to make their own time a priority. It might feel hard at first but even putting your kids in front of a good movie every once in a while, so you can get much needed solo time to prepare for the upcoming week can be actually very beneficial for the whole family. This is also a great time you can phone that friend or neighbor and drop the kids off for a bit to get organized. Lastly, get the kids involved. Get to know their friends, activities and have them pitch in to build out the family back to school routines. Kick of nightly family dinner and family daily walks. There are social self-care activities your kids can help with at all different ages. If you are struggling to find a supportive village &#8211; be sure to reach out! Join one of my weekly walks and I can support your curating your own self-care village. Enjoy the rest of summer and remember you are doing a fabulous job!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/mama-bear-self-care-back-to-school/">Mama Bear Self Care Back to School</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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		<title>Summer Self-Care for Families</title>
		<link>https://growingupsc.com/summer-self-care-for-families/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=summer-self-care-for-families&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=summer-self-care-for-families</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[growingupsc]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:16:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[June 2023]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://growingupsc.com/?p=27500</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Summer means: school’s out, kids are home and routines can go out the window. One of the greatest things you can do for your family this summer is map out some FUN ways to practice self-care. Just a refresher: self-care is all about taking responsibility for our wellness. It’s about making time to nourish our body, mind and spirit every day. As a parent, I believe the greatest gift we can give to our kids is leading by example when it comes to our health and well-being. The good news is you can still have all the FUN this summer and practice self-care. Not to mention, all of these tips are a perfect way to bond with members in your family. Here’s my 5 tips to embrace summer self-care! Daily Dance Party! Create a family playlist where everyone gets to pick their favorite songs and each morning pick one and everyone can dance around the house. Spending just 5 minutes moving our bodies is a great form of exercise and when we do it together with our family, we are cultivating connection. Dancing can feel “silly” to some family members so another idea is going for a walk after a meal together, a family plank challenge or even create an obstacle course in the yard! Most of all, have FUN while you move your body. Homemade Popsicles This is a favorite of my kid and all her friends. All you need is 2.5 cups of your favorite fruit, 5-6 tbsp honey, ½ tsp vanilla, ¾ c yogurt and ½ tsp lemon juice. Blend all ingredients up and pour into a popsicle mold. You can experiment with all sorts of flavors and colors to taste the rainbow AND get some nutritional value to your hot summer day! Stress Less Zone Use a calming breathing technique to chill ANYONE out this summer. When things get heated (not in the good way) choose a calming code word (ours is PINEAPPLE). Whenever someone says the word, anyone around takes three super deep breaths. Fully inhale through the nose and exhale out of the nose or mouth. See if you can lengthen the exhale longer and slower. This adds to the calming effect by activating our parasympathetic nervous system. Often times this ends in a bout of hysterical laughter which is the best part Quality Time Ritual Create ONE family ritual you can stick to most days of summer that is focused on QUALITY TIME. One of my favorite ways to do this is having NO electronics at the table when we eat. In our current culture almost every kid has a tablet/ipad at the table. I hate to break it to you, but this is feeding a bigger problem for a “quick fix.” If we don’t have any discipline around electronics, they will take over. Self-care is about cultivating discipline for our wellness in all areas. Quality time is so important for families and with all the stress in our lives often we skip it because we are burnt out or exhausted. The truth is, quality time can sometimes be a daily practice.:) Some other ones are: family walk around the block, or gratitude practice. Save Up for a Fun Summer Adventure! This one is definitely a favorite activity of mine and helps me to teach my daughter about MONEY! We love adventure and during the summer there are so many fun activities we want to go do. There are many which are free: beach, hiking, etc. But it’s also really fun to start a summer savings jar and plan a special activity you want to do as a family so everyone can help reach the goal. What I love most about this as a parent is teaching kids about what things cost, how to earn, save, redeem and get rewarded for planning ahead. So often we forget that finances are tied to self-care and money touches on ALL areas of our lives. Why not educate our kids while we plan some fun activities! Many of us feel like self-care is selfish or something we are supposed to do alone. Let’s put that old theory behind and start working on our health WITH the ones we love. I created over 365 ways to practice self-care in the book I wrote last year “Waves of Self-Care: It Takes a Village” and these are a few of my favorites for families. Summer is my favorite season. I have found it to be extra important to continue our self-care journey with our family! Jaime McFaden is an international self-care specialist focusing on raising awareness of what self-care really means. She is a best-selling author of WAVES of Self-Care: It Takes a Village, and works with busy burnt out mamas supporting them on sustainable self-care. Host of Self-Care secrets podcast. In her free time she spends time with her family playing at the beach. You can connect with her on social media @jaimemcfaden or jaimemcfaden.com</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://growingupsc.com/summer-self-care-for-families/">Summer Self-Care for Families</a> first appeared on <a href="https://growingupsc.com">Growing Up in Santa Cruz</a>.</p>]]></description>
		
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