supporting families Archives

April 23, 2020 by

One fun side-effect of being at home is that everyone has lots more time to make – and eat – breakfast. This French toast recipe from La Brea Bakery makes use of their wonderful baguette (in case you didn’t finish it off with dinner) and doesn’t require any special equipment or technique. You can put the whole thing together the night before, then quickly finish it up in the morning to kick-start everyone’s day.

La Brea Bakery Oven Puffed French Toast

1 La Brea Bakery baguette (unsliced)

10 eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk

1 cup dark beer

Pinch of coarse salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cut the bread diagonally into ¾-inch slices and place in a dish in a single layer. Whisk together the eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, milk, beer and salt. Pour over both sides of the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a very large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter. Add the soaked bread, and brown on one side. Turn the bread over and place the skillet in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the toast is puffed and golden brown on the bottom.

For Los Angeles residents, fresh-baked artisan breads and pastries are available for 25% off for pick-up at the La Brea Bakery Café on South La Brea. The café’s full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner is available for pick-up, and also through Grubhub, Postmates, UberEats and DoorDash. In addition, health care workers, first responders and essential front-line employees can receive a free boxed meal that includes a sandwich, chips and a cookie when they present their badge or proof of employment at the South La Brea café.

April 23, 2020 by

When it comes to parenting in the COVID-19 era, the onslaught of “new normal” practices is, frankly, exhausting. But parents everywhere are rising to the occasion and finding ways to adjust.

In the realm of co-parenting – the term used most for parents who are divorced, separated or not in a relationship with each other – the challenge is especially real. Conflicts about shared custody, safety protocols and court-ordered support payments are on the rise. Family law attorneys are being inundated with calls and questions about co-parenting daily.

Communication, consideration and cooperation are key to co-parenting that is best for your child. Photo by Jonathan Daniels on Unsplash

Some of the more frequent inquiries are:

Can I have visits with my child during quarantine?
I don’t live near my child’s mother or father. How can I visit?
My former spouse cleans offices for a living. I’m scared for them to have custody. What should I do?
I need to work, and my co-parent isn’t helping with childcare. What do I do?

There are also questions about financial support, and the list goes on and on.

I sat down with Judge Sherrill A. Ellsworth, co-founder of the parenting app CoParenter and past presiding judge of Riverside County, and Laura Wasser, author of “It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way: How to Divorce Without Destroying Your Family or Bankrupting Yourself” and founder of It’s Over Easy online divorce services.

Ellsworth and Wasser agree that the first step during this unprecedented time is to take a deep breath and think before you act. Understand that you are in a very different situation. Take away the animosity for the moment. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense to go rushing to an attorney at this point, because most of the courts are closed, and you are not going to get a hearing,” says Wasser. “The courts are only dealing with domestic violence cases. So, save money and save your child’s emotional wellbeing during this time.”

First, think about what you need to do now. “This is about empowering parents to do the best thing for their family financially, emotionally and at this time for safety purposes,” says Ellsworth. “At the heart of this is keeping children safe and families safe. How can we plan for right this minute?”

Both experts advise discussing crucial questions together and putting everything in writing. You can always revise and readjust later. Here are a few things to consider:

Who is an essential worker?
Whose health might be especially at risk due to underlying conditions?
What is the family’s safety plan? All must adhere to it.
Whose household is safest?
Can co-parents safely exchange custody?
How can co-parents remain consistent during this time and keep the children’s needs at the forefront?
What is the schedule for each parent to see their child who might be sheltering in place in the other parent’s home?
What is the plan for making up days missed?
What is the “new normal” schedule in relation to school, chores and tech time?

Wasser believes that what she calls the “three Cs” will also help. “Even without a global crisis, we generally try to recommend that parents try to adhere to the three C’s: communication, consideration and cooperation,” she says, “and really, really listen to each other, keeping in mind that there are court orders in place and to the extent that you can adhere to those court orders, you should do so.”

Wasser’s CoParenter app is designed to help parents get through the most trying times. It is dedicated to eliminating high-conflict divorce from the list of adverse childhood experiences (ACES). According to co-founder Jonathan Verk, the platform has helped divert more than 20,000 cases from family courts. The app allows users to resolve disputes online in real time with a qualified mediator, and also helps them manage co-parenting duties via a calendar, messaging and journaling functions.

Start by taking that breath, as Ellsworth and Wasser suggest, and resolve to find ways to agree and to settle disputes during these difficult times. Along the way, practice compassion for yourself, your ex and, most importantly, for your children. If we rethink how our actions and words impact our children’s health and wellbeing, this situation could create a reset for the entire extended family.

Donna Tetreault is a journalist and host of the podcast Kids Under Construction.

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

Our homes have always been our havens and now more than ever we are grateful to have a cozy place with our families to shelter in and face the current crisis with strength and hope.

With kids learning from home and parents working from home, we want to share a few NAPPA Award-winning products that will bring a sense of security, some ease and fun to daily activities.

Baby & Toddler Proof with Ease

Keep your little explorer safer while at home with Safety 1st Furniture Straps. These universal straps work in 3 different configurations to keep your children safe. Secure your TV to the Wall; Secure your TV to your Furniture; Secure your TV to your Furniture and your Furniture to the Wall (first strap of its kind).

While your curious toddler explores the house, the Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock will keep them out of restricted cabinets and drawers. Each magnetic lock provides a strong, childproof hold, and can be easily mounted to most surfaces. Operates with a magnetic key that should be stored in a high or secure spot. Adhesive backing allows for easy installation.

Make Brushing Teeth More Fun

BriteBrush is a game changer for kids who don’t always love to brush their teeth. This toothbrush uses songs, games and live coaching to encourage proper brushing in accordance with the Modified Bass Technique, a method that is widely endorsed by dentists. The brush also uses proprietary, smart sensor technology and a vibrating handle that encourages total mouth coverage and side-change recognition – and is equipped with a Parent Check Light to provide peace of mind that children are brushing correctly.

Add Ease to Your Cooking Time

We are all spending a lot of time home cooking now and the Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain’s universal design will take the strain out of straining. This heat-resistant, silicone colander is a practical way to get your food strained thoroughly while avoiding transferring the food out of the pot.

Keep Your Makeup Tools Clean

We know that your time is valuable and the Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner is here to help. Who wants to take the time to not only clean makeup brushes, but wait for it to dry? The Luxe spinner uses the newest technology to get all the dirt, grime and oil off of your brush within seconds of pressing the handle button.

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

One of our favorite things to do with our kids is READ! We can’t get enough books and we’re so excited to share these latest NAPPA Award winners!

A Celebration of the Shy, Introverted Kid in Us All

A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Sara Palacios is a sweet story that celebrates the shy and introverted kids among us, as well as the other small creatures to be found if we look closely enough. Poppy loves nature and can be found playing with bugs, but around people she’s more comfortable blending into her surroundings. At a party, Poppy stays out of sight until a special bug lands on the cake and draws her into the spotlight. Soon, the rest of the guests notice the beautiful dragonfly and Poppy, too. Maybe she’s not a wallflower after all, but a wildflower.

All About Our Big Feelings

Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival is the newest book in the Big Bright Feelings series, picture books providing kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence. Ravi never minded being the smallest in the family, until one day he runs into a lot of frustrations. Ravi gets so furious that he can’t control his temper anymore and he becomes a ferocious TIGER! Being a tiger is great, but when no one wants to play with him, Ravi discovers something very important about voicing his feelings.

A Hilarious Book About Potty Training and Independence

Sloth Went by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Benson Shum is a hilarious picture book about a sloth on the go. A sloth who is very slowly making his way to a major milestone: potty training! Today is Sloth’s big day. He’s excited. But he’s also nervous.What if something happens? What if NOTHING happens? More than a book about poop, this is an adventure story about facing your fears, gaining independence, and learning to do what you have to.

An Adventure of Limitless Imagination

The Girl and the Dinosaur is an evocative, enchanting picture book that celebrates one girl’s limitless imagination and takes readers on a magical journey far beyond the page, perfect for fans of the Fan Brothers. In a seaside town, Marianne often digs for buried treasure on the beach and one day finds a dinosaur skeleton! That night, Marianne wishes upon a star with all her heart that her dinosaur will come to life. When her wish comes true, Marianne’s adventures with her new friend are limited only by their imagination.

Strive & Grow with Exuberant Spirit

I Got the School Spirit is an exuberant celebration of the first day of school illustrated by award-winning Frank Morrison. This book will have every kid cheering for school to begin! Summer is over, and this little girl has got the school spirit. She hears the school spirit in the bus driving up the street–VROOM, VROOM!–and in the bell sounding in the halls–RING-A-DING! She sings the school spirit in class with her friends–ABC, 123! The school spirit helps us all strive and grow. What will you learn today?

Filled with Charm, Spunk and Kindness

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness and sunshine. Acclaimed author Renée Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new series — Ways to Make Sunshine.

A Delightful Story of Friendship and Kindness

Lily to the Rescue is an irresistible chapter book series from the New York Times bestselling author of A Dog’s Purpose Puppy Tales featuring Lily, a rescue dog who rescues other animals!

A Witty Book to Get Things Done

Flush! And 37 Essential House Rules is the family operating manual for the next decade – a witty book of research-backed rules to help you raise calmer, happier children. By drawing upon neuroscience, academic research and focus groups around everyday family life, Flush! brings essential house rules to life with Mrs. Wordsmith’s acclaimed hilarious illustrations and witty words of wisdom that kids and parents alike won’t stop repeating.

For more award-winning books and products, visit nappaawards.com

April 15, 2020 by

With our living rooms turned into virtual classrooms, parents everywhere are searching for ways to enhance their kids learning while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. We want to share some of our recent NAPPA Award winners that bring the fun and learning right to your home.

Foreign Language Made Simple

With so much time at home, why not introduce your kids to a new language. Language Together offers a series of books in various languages including Spanish, French, English, Traditional Chinese and Mandarin. Developed with teachers, the Spot Color Immersion Method® combines picture cues, simple sentences, humor, repetition and a story-based approach. Includes online audio narration by a native speaker.

A Magical Classroom

If your kids love games, they will not even realize they are learning with Adventure Academy. Developed by the creators of the award-winning ABCmouse learning program, Adventure Academy™ is a multiplayer online game for elementary and middle school children. It features thousands of learning activities—games, quests, educational videos, animated series, books and other types of reading materials presented in a fun and safe virtual world. Available on computers, tablets, and smartphones, Adventure Academy builds critical knowledge of essential curriculum topics in language arts, math, science, social studies, and more.

Engage with Math

To help kids better engage with math, the Z-kai’s Zoom-Up Workbook is a great tool. Zoom-Up is tailored to develop children’s mathematical thinking, problem solving and explanation skills that are necessary for their future success in STEM. This Workbook contains 45 challenging problem sets that are designed to be close to children’s daily lives and to optimize their understanding and perseverance. Children will be able to find delight in utilizing math in the real world. Solving challenging tasks will also help them develop confidence and motivation.

Enhance Visual Learning

To have some time away from the screen, but continue the learning, try Star Right Multi-skill Flashcards and the Star Right Multi Math Flashcards Pack – Great for visual learners.

A Card Game of Mental Math

For a challenging card game that reinforces math skills, Proof! is a fast, fun and addicting math game that the whole family can enjoy. Work that mental math magic as you race to find creative equations hidden among nine number cards.

For more NAPPA Award-winning products, visit nappaawards.com

March 30, 2020 by Cassandra Lane

Claudine Cooper enjoys a family workout with her husband and kids outdoors.

Long-time fitness trainer Claudine Cooper, second from right, misses her group fitness class members, but has always worked out with her husband and kids. Photo Courtesy: Claudine Cooper

Some of us are gym rats and group-fitness fanatics, addicted to revving up our endorphin levels in the midst of people doing the same. Zumba, weight classes, kickboxing, cycling, yoga … we’re here for all of it. And so, when the different cities and states began temporary shutdown of businesses to curb the coronavirus spread, we faithful gym and fitness studio members crumbled a little inside.

Of course, it was the right thing to do. But what do we – and our active children, who are now without their sports and P.E. outlets – do to keep our bodies moving? LA-based fitness trainer and mom of three Claudine Cooper says physical exercise helped save her life, and she speaks often about its benefits for our brains and our emotional health.

Sure, we could all turn on some pre-recorded videos to follow a workout routine (and there is nothing wrong with this), but fitness experts such as Cooper quickly transitioned to live virtual workouts – the next best thing to an in-person class. Since the quarantine, I have tuned into Cooper’s 30-minute live workouts on Facebook and Instagram, focusing on legs one day and arms and abs on others. In fact, Instagram’s live stories are all abuzz these days with many of your favorite fitness experts and magazines offering live yoga, dance and boot camp workouts. After finishing Cooper’s workout one morning, I clicked Women’s Health magazine’s Instagram story and did abs and a stretching routine to round out my workout.

To keep your kids from sliding down the sedentary sinkhole while we’re homebound, invite them to work out with you. Cooper encourages us not to give up if our kids are resistant at first. “My kids are just like yours,” she says. “They would love to watch TikTok and Netflix all day if they could. But as a parent, and a fitness trainer, it is important that my children stay healthy and active.”

Her tips to keep you and the kids active and healthy include:

Make a schedule of activities and stick to it. Designate specific times for TV, iPads, phones and video games, but also to get outside and go for a walk, run or hike.
Turn on your kids’ favorite songs and learn the latest dances with them. For instance: make a TikTok video with them.
Play active games such as Twister, charades or musical chairs.
Clean out closets and make bags to donate to families in need.
Allow your kids to help complete home improvement projects.

The good news is that there’s no shortage of fitness professionals generously offering to keep your family healthy during the quarantine. Beachbody, creator of popular home workouts such as P90X and Insanity, is releasing a few kid-friendly workouts for free. The programs are not their typical tough workouts, but rather a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted way to keep kids moving and entertained while they’re stuck inside. The free programs include Shaun T’s Fit Kids Club, YouV2 featuring Leandro Carvalho and Double Time featuring Tony Horton.

Debbie Allen is offering free online tutorials on a variety of dance styles.

Beloved dancer and actress Debbie Allen has been offering free dance tutorials on everything from ballet to African dance to salsa. You can follow her on social media at #DanceWithDebbieAllen. Her Instagram is @therealdebbieallen. “The universal language is dance,” she says. The cherry on top? Lying flat on the ground, arms in a wide V, to stretch and, as Allen says, “connect with the Earth.”

Monarchs Gymnastics in Los Angeles is offering at-home gymnastics on Monarchs TV.

The popular LES MILLS brand is offering a series of workouts for those of us who love to get drenched in sweat, and some of them are free.

Lynn Montoya, fitness trainer, nutritionist and health coach, is offering free 20 minute HIIT sessions on Instagram Live, @LynnMontoyaFitness. The live workout videos will begin everyday at 12 p.m. PST and will remain available 24 hours for those who are unable to join at the start time.

My son’s martial arts dojo in Inglewood, Kingi’s Kajukenbo, closed its doors March 16, which forced them to postpone the week’s belt tests, but the owners are using Instagram to keep students engaged and competitive. “As fighters, we adapt and change, and rise to the call. While our doors may be closed, our community transcends our school walls, so we expect you all to use this time well, to sweat, train, take care of yourself and care for your loved ones,” Robert Kingi wrote on the dojo’s Instagram feed.

While martial arts students can’t get together right now, Kingi’s Kajukenbo offers online lessons and more.

The website Go Noodle offers a colorful mix of videos to get limbs moving, from Nickelodeon’s Young Dylan Dance Along to Zumba and “Poppin Bubbles.”

On the quieter side of things, SCHOOL, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to promoting harmonious learning in academics and life, is offering free online classes in yoga and mindfulness to kids, teachers and parents. The organization’s curriculum meets Common Core State Standards. In the teacher-focused classes, educators can learn course content online to share with students in virtual classrooms. The youth classes aim to give kids a foundation for “developing constructive habits and behaviors” and the parent classes are designed to steady and uplift parents and other adults. All services are free at this time with donations accepted. For more, email founder Kelly at info@school-yoga.org.

With these and so many other choices, keeping ourselves physically healthy while we’re in quarantine is more than possible – it’s an opportunity for new ways of working out and connecting. “It may seem like a daunting task to put work and sports and activities ‘on hold’ for a few weeks, but slowing down and reconnecting with each other might be what we all need right now,” Cooper says.

On that note, don’t scoff at the old basics: taking a walk with the family, jumping rope in the backyard or shooting some hoops together. These little things add up to keep the spirits high and the quarantine gain at bay.

March 19, 2020 by Christina Elston

When was the last time you took a deep breath? If you’re like many of us, it’s been a minute. Stressful times (like when you are quarantined at home with your kids) make most of us resort to shallow breathing – or even holding our breath.

This can lead to low-grade chronic stress, says Sandy Abrams, who specializes in sharing calming, empowering breathing tips in the corporate world and is the author of “Breathe to Succeed.” Abrams, mom of sons who are now 22 and 24, uses these techniques in her parenting as well. “I started to use the power of breath in parenting for all sorts of different applications, like patience and being present.” Here are three of her favorites:

Sandy Abrams

Beverage and Breath: Most of us like to enjoy a cup of something (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) to start the day, even when the morning is chaotic. Create a morning ritual by setting an intention for the day, holding your cup, closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths. “Find in that small moment a sort of meditation to empower yourself for the day,” she suggests.

Lion’s Breath: This is one of Abrams’ favorite breathing methods to use with kids. It immediately purges negative energy – and makes everyone laugh. Just close your eyes, take in a deep breath through your nose, then snap your eyes and mouth open wide as you stick out your tongue and breathe out with a roaring sound. Afterward, enjoy the giggles. “Laughter is a great thing to do with your children,” Abrams says. “Laughter is breath, too.”

Bumblebee Breath: To close all the “open tabs” you have running in your brain and tap into creativity, try this technique. Close your eyes and take a long, deep inhale. Close your ears with your thumbs and use your fingers to gently cover your eyes. For the whole length of an exhale, make a humming/buzzing sound like a bee. “After one or two rounds of that, you just breathe normally for a few rounds and then you open your eyes, and you’ve got that blank slate you need for creativity,” says Abrams.

Taking three deep breaths any time (especially with your eyes closed) is a great way to regroup when life throws you a curve. Make your exhales longer than your inhales for a deeper sense of relaxation.

Stay well.

#staywell #playlearnconnect #nappaawards #family #parenting #kidsathome