Helping Kids Get Enough Sleep in a 24/7 World
For growing children, adequate sleep may be every bit as important as nutritious food and daily exercise. Yet, ever since Edison flipped on the first electric light, experts have been worrying about whether any of us are getting enough sleep! Now researchers are warning that online amusements, especially social media, are sabotaging sleep. Not long ago, the New York Times ran an... Read More
Supporting Adolescent Romantic Relationships
Your daughter’s latest crush has thick black hair and a brown belt in Aikido. Enamored of his vegetarian lifestyle and Eastern interests, she’s talking tofu and downloading anime movies by the gigabyte. You? Not so impressed. Learning from Love “Although many parents would like pre-teens to participate in supervised group activities, school dances, and trips to the mall... Read More
Miles of Milestones
Twelve years ago, a funny, twenty-something bachelor ran a half marathon with me in 36-degree weather to propose at the finish line. In front of our family and thousands of exhausted competitors, my runner’s-high spiked as I said “yes!” After 11 years of marriage, I thank God that Paul and I are still running the course of life together. I love reminiscing about that slow-paced,... Read More
Charity for Every Day of the Year
What’s the best way to raise generous kids? That question takes on new urgency during New Year’s resolution time, when families are pondering self-improvement acts and goals. Some experts argue that kids benefit more when they have year-round opportunities to think about and respond to needs that resonate with them. One study done by the Philanthropy Institute at the University... Read More
THE 39TH CENTRAL FLORIDA SCOTTISH HIGHLAND ‘GAMES
January 16th & 17th Central Winds Park, 1000 E. Hwy 434, Winter Springs FlaScot.com This lad inspired poem ─ penned by Chip Crawford, President of the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games ─ will ignite your Celtic spirit! On a search for my heritage… a longing to hold, ‘Twas a morning in January, I stepped out in the cold. The whispering voice in the wind since... Read More
Gift of Life: The Lifesaving Impact of Blood Donation
January is National Blood Donation Month and the need for donors cannot be overstated. According to the American Red Cross, a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion every two seconds. It is reported that 1-in-3 people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. Quite simply: Donation is essential to saving lives! Although all blood is made of the same... Read More
10 Myths About Pregnancy in Your 40s
Modern motherhood can be difficult to navigate with the conflicting messages that women receive. Celebrities make pregnancy in the 40s look like a breeze. So, what’s there to worry about? Well, what some women don’t know is that pregnancy in one’s 40s isn’t as easy as one might think. I experienced my own personal struggle with infertility and, fortunately, was able to have... Read More
Family Fun During Winter Break
You can count on Orlando Family Magazine to find all sorts of holiday happenings – see a complete listing of seasonal activities on page 26 of the December issue. But, after all the presents are unwrapped, Christmas cookies are eaten, and festive chaos has settled, you might discover that playing with newly gifted toys can only go so far in keeping your kiddos entertained. Enjoy... Read More
Local Medical Heroes (Even Little Ones) Lead the Way to Future Healing
Anyone who is a parent knows how challenging ─ yet rewarding ─ raising a child can be. But, when a child experiences mood or behavioral problems, the challenge can turn overwhelming. One local resource is readily available, yet many are unaware of it: Clinical trials, also referred to as research studies, are opportunities where advanced medical discoveries are in the making.... Read More
Getting the Most from Gift Cards
Gift cards have become the go-to present for parents who have run out of time, ideas or, let’s be honest, holiday spirit. The National Retail Federation estimates that, each holiday, 8-out-of-10 shoppers turn to gift cards for at least some of their gift purchases. Maybe that’s because the cards make especially good gifts for teachers, teens & tweens, and other hard-to-please... Read More
Bring on the RACKet!
As a writer, I love a cleverly worded acronym, pun, or slogan. A few years back, I discovered the abbreviation “RACK” which stands for Random Acts of Christmas Kindness. Since RACK has both a Facebook and Pinterest account, you know it’s official; and I officially love it ─ both the acronym and the challenge to positively pay it forward… especially during the holiday season. RACK... Read More
Parenting Resolutions for the Not-So-Perfect Parent
Considering the innumerable parenting books I’ve read and parenting workshops I’ve attended, I should be a perfect parent. But I’m not, of course; and nobody is. I’ve been a parent long enough, however, to realize that if I keep pressing forward and do the best job I can with a loving and sincere heart, my kids won’t be eternally scarred by my imperfections. This... Read More
Holiday Guide & Gift Giveaway
Festive Finds for Your Family Santa’s elves ─ aka the OFM team ─ are packaging up holiday cheer with presents for your family! You can WIN one of these gifts just by entering at OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com/Contests. Family Education Cooper & Kid This subscription activity & supply kit is designed for father-child bonding using imaginative and inventive things.... Read More
Holding On To Thanks
I’m making leftover turkey sandwiches — pieces of toast spread with mayonnaise and topped with thin slices of turkey and globs of homemade stuffing. The phone rings and I quickly lick my fingers, savoring the zip of sage before grabbing the receiver. It’s my mother-in-law calling with her annual day-after-Thanksgiving request. She’s not asking me to go shopping. Instead,... Read More
5 Minutes with Secily Wilson, Orlando TV Personality & Mom
For about a decade, I’ve had the privilege of calling Secily Wilson a friend and a colleague. Does her name sound familiar? Well, you’ve probably welcomed this kind do-gooder into your home too… perhaps through the television screen or a magazine article. Secily first became a household name years ago in Central Florida as an anchor & reporter for WKMG Local 6, and later... Read More
Enter to WIN four tickets to Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, now showing through Nov.29!
To be entered into this contest, simply answer this trivia question: Which aristocrat was preserved still wearing his boots? Hint: Re-read the Featured Event article from our October issue (http://bit.ly/1Psby9p). Oops! We could not locate your form. Expires: Nov 15, 2015 CONTEST RULES One contest entry per family. No purchase necessary. Prize is not redeemable for cash. Contest... Read More
Orlando Family Magazine Turns FIVE!
Wow, it’s hard to believe that Orlando Family Magazine is already celebrating its 5th anniversary! November traditionally correlates with a feeling of thankfulness and our team is beyond thankful that, because of your support, this publication continues to grow as Central Florida’s free, trusted source designed to inform, serve, and enrich local families with parenting ideas,... Read More
Party like a Centenarian!
At the beginning of the summer, I attended a birthday party for someone very special: my Nana. She turned 99! We’re already counting down to her next milestone year. And, if you look around, my Nana is in good company with many Americans now achieving centenarian status. Every year, UnitedHealthcare polls 100 centenarians for their insights on reaching the century milestone. To... Read More
The First Academy
How to Keep Tech Stress from Ruining Your Family’s Holiday
“Ooh! Thanks! It’s what I really wanted!” Every parent loves hearing those words of approval during the holidays and, these days, “it” is invariably a high-tech gadget. Whether the gift is a big ticket item (like a fancy cellphone, laptop, digital camera, or video game) or a smaller item (like an interactive pet), the next words after “thanks” are likely to be “How... Read More
11 Ways Families Can Salute a Veteran
During this month of Thanksgiving, don’t forget to express your gratitude to our military service members. Many organizations and veterans groups offer ways to help support and thank the armed forces. You family can help a veteran, deployed service member, and/or military families. Here’s how: Aid an expectant military mom. Nothing relieves a soldier’s worries... Read More
