Parenting
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Special to SW FL Parent & Child
How to talk with your kids about sex trafficking and exploitation
Christy Ivie of Christy’s Cause in Estero shares tips and resources to help help keep kids safe from sex trafficking and exploitation. Read more
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Brian Tietz
Making memories
The things we do for our kids’ birthdays. My husband nearly passed out at one particular birthday party involving a very realistic-looking Batman costume. Read more
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Getty Images/iStockphoto
How to make your home the teen hangout
When teenagers are at your home, you know where they are, you know they are safe and what they are doing. Yet making a home teen-friendly can be a balancing act of supervision, things to do and sometimes just plain luck of where teens want to grav... Read more
Brian Tietz
A little inspiration
As SW FL Parent & Child magazine celebrates it's 20th anniversary, Pamela Hayford looks back on nearly 15 years as editor. Read more
Brian Tietz
Happy holidays
Gratitude makes the world better. When I’m stressed or otherwise in a bad mood, listing things to be grateful about turns my mood around. Read more
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
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
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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
Getty Images/iStockphoto
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
Things to Do
Pamela Hayford
ArtFest Fort Myers: Everything you need to know for weekend's event
ArtFest Fort Myers celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend as the event takes over the downtown Fort Myers' riverfront with art, food and kids' activities. Read more
Photo by Tim Aten/Naples Daily News
Eagle Lakes family, kiddie pools will be colder until heaters are repaired
The Eagle Lakes Community Park Aquatic Facility Family and Kiddie pools will be colder than usual. Pool heaters are currently being repaired. The county anticipates that heaters will be operational by Saturday, February 15. Read more
Courtesy of The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Top 12 family-friendly resorts in Florida
Travel writer and mom Jennifer Thomas gives us her Top 12 family-friendly Florida resort picks. Read more
Emerging Inventors: Amazing Dinosaurs
Children and parents learn, play and gain valuable social skills while exploring the homes, gardens and museum. The theme for this session is Amazing Dinosaurs. Children learn about these ancient animals that once roamed our planet. Read more
Feb 18, 2020
'Ding' Darling Tram Tour
Join an experienced naturalist for a tram ride through the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Learn about the refuge’s rich mangrove estuary ecosystem while looking for wildlife. Tram tours operate every day except Friday. Read more
Feb 18, 2020
Free Trolley Tours of Ave Maria
This 45-minute tour explores Ave Maria. Available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Meets at the Ave Maria Welcome Center in the Town Center. Reservations encouraged at 239-352-3903. Plus, live music 1-4 p.m. Thursdays. Read more
Feb 18, 2020
Luna the Screech Owl
Meet Luna the screech owl every Tuesday. On Thursdays, meet Annie the owl. Read more
Feb 18, 2020
Boston Red Sox Tee Party
Hit the links with Boston Red Sox players, major league greats and other celebrities in the 27th Annual Boston Red Sox Children’s Hospital Celebrity Classic! Held at The Forest Country Club in South Fort Myers, this golf event is your chance to g... Read more
Feb 18, 2020