Parenting
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Brian Tietz
Spooky & sweet
Autumn is my favorite time of year. Even here in Southwest Florida. The leaves might not change colors, but this region has its own magic. Read more
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Walt Disney Studios
Disney's bedtime hotline returns
The Disney Bedtime Hotline is back with your kids' favorite characters to lull them off into a deep slumber, including Anna, Elsa and Yoda. Read more
Amanda Inscore
The secret to life with kids and pets
Tips to help families navigate the spectrum of pet ownership, from choosing your new family member to preparing for the inevitable. Read more
Brian Tietz
Puppy love
We were walking in downtown Fort Myers during some event when I knew we would end up adopting our first dog as a family. Read more
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Is your child the bully or the bullied?
Middle school can be tough: switching classes, learning locker combinations, more challenging coursework. It’s also where the most bullying begins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 49 percent of children in grad... Read more
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Are your children safe?
Some 70,000 children will ride school buses this year in Lee and Collier counties. The deaths of two students, in two separate incidents, have put the spotlight on bus stop safety. Read more
Courtesy of Child Care of Southw
Bullying prevention starts before kindergarten
Helping our youngest children learn to make connections with others and reinforcing positive behaviors helps prevent bullying later in a child’s life. Read more
Brian Tietz
First day of school! First day of school!
Sending your child off to their first day of school can be exciting, but it’s also a bit nerve-racking. Do they have all their supplies? How will they find their way through the school? Will they be safe? Read more
Courtesy of The Hollis Co.
RISE Weekend in Fort Myers: Rachel Hollis to be at Hertz Arena
Writer and motivational speaker Rachel Hollis plans to lead women through a three-day personal growth conference when her popular RISE Weekend comes to Southwest Florida. The conference visits Hertz Arena Jan. 9-11. Read more
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Study says too many babies referred for tongue-tie surgeries
Researchers say babies could be getting tongue-tie surgery more often than needed so they can successfully breastfeed. Read more
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10 tips for boating with kids
Sea Tow Foundation provides tips to keep youngsters safe and happy on the water. Read more
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
Where to find loaner life jackets in SW FL
Need a life jacket? You can borrow an extra life jacket from the Sea Tow Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner Program, which now boasts over 550 life jacket loaner stations across the country. Southwest Florida locations are listed below. Read more
Things to Do
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Fall Fests, Halloween events and other spooky fun
The corn mazes and zombie paintball are just one of dozens of Halloween and autumn-themed events this month. There’s everything from the spooky and scary to the sweet. Read more
Jeff Fay/special to SW FL Parent & Child
Take a haunted road trip through Florida, if you dare
Florida has many legends and spooky places to visit — especially around Halloween. According to HauntedPlaces.org, there are 570 documented haunted spots in Florida. With the help of site owner Bill Spann, we put together a hauntingly good road trip. Read more
Andrea Stetson
Meet the ghosts of Fort Myers on a Haunted History Tour
The Haunted History Tour by True Tours feeds into teens’ love of the macabre and explores the real history of downtown Fort Myers. Read more
Key Marco Cat Exhibit
The Key Marco Cat and other rare 500- to 1,500-year-old Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts discovered on Marco Island in 1896 are showcased in an exhibit from January 2019 to April 2021. Read more
Nov 15, 2019
Baby Boot Camp
Certified fitness professionals instruct exercise classes for pregnant, postnatal and ultra-fit moms every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in WINK Playland. Read more
Nov 15, 2019
America Recycles Day
Buy one admission, get one free in celebration of America Recycles Day. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger. Read more
Nov 15, 2019
Be the Astronaut
Plan a space mission and learn about the technology and skills required to be an astronaut, to fly spaceships, pilot landers and drive rovers in this exhibit designed by NASA engineers. Read more
Nov 15, 2019
Sensational Sharks
Join a park ranger for a fun talk about sharks. Reservations are required. Included with regular admission, $4 for a vehicle with one person, $8 for a vehicle with 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians and cyclists. Read more
Nov 15, 2019