Summer is here, but not without its share of blood, sweat and tears. As parents, we’re used to trudging through it all — unstoppable forces until we come up against that immovable object. This year, just 72 hours after the first day of summer, I came face to face with my immovable object: a hip gone bad.

By the time you read this, I’ll have undergone surgery and will be (I hope) recovering well at home. While none of us ever wants to go under the knife, the timing was perfect. Since learning last year that I needed surgery, my main refrain was: “Just please let it be after my son’s prom, graduation and college admissions stuff.” In other words, like many moms, I had no time to take care of me. Thankfully, one by one, each of Sol’s senior-year milestones was reached:

He received his college acceptances, then made his final choice.

He attended prom — and on a yacht in Marina del Rey. But on the afternoon of prom, I got my first call ever from a school nurse: Our son had cut his finger on a robotics project and needed stitches! Luckily, my husband got him in and out of a packed urgent care by playing the prom card, and I found the perfect last-minute brooch for his tux by texting him photos from the shop and awaiting his yay or nay responses.

He turned 18!

He graduated — and we parents screamed our heads off as our robe-clad progeny pretended not to hear us.

We threw a backyard garden party to celebrate the graduate’s rite of passage with our extended community.

He got the nose piercing he’s been begging for. “At 18, you don’t need your parents for most stuff,” he told me. Yet, tuition still has to be paid and he still expects my hearty breakfast “sammiches” every morning.

As we cleaned up the party leftovers, I could sense a shift in my parenting journey: In a way, my husband and I were graduates, too.

In June, our digital editor, Nina Harada, attended her eldest’s kindergarten promotion. She emailed the L.A. Parent team after the ceremony: “I barely held it together. I am going to be a MESS for all graduations to follow. Cassandra, how did you survive Sol’s?!”

So far, I’ve held it together, but I have a feeling that come August (campus move-in time), I’ll have had a few breakdowns. And yet, these good cries are like a soft drizzle compared to the storms so many of our fellow families are facing (ICE raids, still trying to find their way after the L.A. fires and more).

I hope you and your family have a safe summer — and that you find ways to play, explore and unplug — even in the midst of chaos. This edition is a beautiful guide to help you do just that.

The post Editor’s Note: Rites of Passage appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Stories allow us to travel to new worlds, even when we are stuck at home. And while reading can be a solitary experience, it’s a wonderful way to bond with children, no matter how old they are. This summer reading list features books that will take readers to the depths of their imaginations to spark quality time and insightful discussion.

One Alley Summer

by Anne Ylvisaker

A coming of age novel in verse, “One Alley Summer” by Anne Ylvisaker is relatable story that can introduce young readers to poetry. The novel follows Phee in a the summer before she begins middle school as she begins a friendship with her new neighborhood, Mercy Jones. 

Recommended for ages 9-12.

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance

by Patrick Ness and illustrated by Tim Miller

“Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody: The Hat of Great Importance” by Patrick Ness is the second installment in his Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody series. This imaginative chapter book with illustrations is about the monitor lizards Zeke, Daniel, and Alicia and a hawk named Meil in their not-so-normal school days. 

Recommended for ages 8-12.

The Incorruptibles

by Lauren Magaziner 

In a world where sorcerers rule over humans, Fiora Barrowling joins the human resistance and enrolls in the Incorruptibles Academy. “The Incorruptibles” is a fantasy book by Lauren Magaziner about resistance and magic. 

Recommended for ages 9-15.

The Wild Robot on the Island

by Peter Brown

Based on Peter Brown’s original trilogy that inspired the movie “The Wild Robot,, “The Wild Robot on the Island” is a picture book about a robot named Roz that learns to adapt to her new island home. 

Recommended for ages 4-8.

Fern’s School for Wayward Fay: The Grim Adventure

by Fern Forgettable and as told by Piper CJ

The second book of the series Fern’s School for Wayward Fay, “The Grim Adventure” follows a school with students part magical and part human as they fight against Death itself. Written by Fern Forgettable as told by Piper CJ.

Recommended for ages 8-12.

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson 

“Stich Head: The Graphic Novel,” written by Guy Bass and illustrated by Pete Williamson, is a spooky coming of age story about family and acceptance. 

Recommended for ages 8-12.

Kitty Vs. Kindergarten

by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Eda Kaban 

The picture book “Kitty vs. Kindergarten,” written by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Eda Kaban, follows Kitty as he is forced to adapt to an unfamiliar environment: the kindergarten classroom. 

Recommended for ages 3-7.

Ash Wang is an editorial intern at L.A. Parent. Born and raised in Irvine, they will attend Pitzer College this fall. Wang is a member of @the309collective, and their writing has been featured in @CulturalDaily and the anthology “Home is a Hope.”

The post What to Read This Summer: Stories That Spark Imagination and Connection appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Few collective experiences celebrated around the world inspire goal setting, demonstrate the power of teamwork and teach the value in reaching for dreams as powerfully as the Olympics. And with Los Angeles set to host the games in 2028, this summer is the perfect time to start making Olympic-sized memories with our children.

Big dreams begin at home

I first became a fan of the Olympics in the summer of 1976, when I gathered with my friends to watch Queen Elizabeth proclaim the opening of the Montreal Olympic Games. The kids in my neighborhood decided to host our own “backyard Olympics.” Apparently, I wasn’t the only child inspired by those games. Olympic track and field gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee said, “It wasn’t until I was 14 and watched the 1976 Olympic games on television that I really started to dream about the big time.” Watching UCLA’s Evelyn Ashford compete in the 100-meters dash inspired Joyner-Kersee to also become a Bruin and eventually compete and medal in four Olympics.

Back in the ‘70s, we turned the shiny insides of Peter Pan peanut butter jars into gold medals. We covered Smucker’s jelly lids with tin foil to make the silver medals.  Bronze medal recipients received brown construction paper circles with BRONZE written on them in black crayon. We threw a broomstick javelin and a baking potato shotput, measured our long jumps with yardsticks and were covered in grass following our summersault-filled floor exercises.

The memories we made have lasted a lifetime, which is why I’ve continued the tradition with my own children every four years, including last summer when, in between watching the events in Paris, relatives and friends who happened by our house stood a chance to medal in kickboard races in the pool, water polo with a Vaseline-covered watermelon or a USA version of P-I-G at our local basketball court. We even played a round of Olympic Yahtzee.

The good news is you don’t have to wait for the games to come to L.A. to get in on the action. Here are a few fun activities you can do this summer to inspire your aspiring athletes to get moving and dreaming of going for the gold!

New ways to get active

Run by L.A.’s Department of Recreation and Parks, PlayLA is set to impact more than one million kids by the time the 2028 Olympic torch is lit. It boasts a broad array of youth athletic programs, including 26 Olympic and 10 Paralympic sports. Local public pools are not just for swimming. Many also offer water polo, synchronized swimming and kayaking lessons. Flag football will be a new Olympic sport in 2028, and multiple locations offer classes and leagues to join.

Inclusivity for every young athlete

Most summer leagues and clinics through PlayLA kick off July 7. Go to laparks.org/play-la to register for these low- to no-cost sports supported by a $160 million investment from LA28 and the International Olympic Committee.

Though Los Angeles hosted the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984, the 2028 Olympics will mark L.A.’s first time ever also hosting the Paralympic Games and, with that in mind, the adaptive sports offerings by PlayLA are robust, including tennis, para-equestrian opportunities and wheelchair basketball.

“PlayLA Youth and Adaptive Youth Sports Program has transformed the way we deliver sports to our youth,” says Department of Recreation and Parks General Manager Jimmy Kim. “We have been able to provide access to high-quality, inclusive and affordable Olympic and Paralympic style sports for kids. This movement reflects the spirit of the Games and ensures that this generation grows up with the opportunity to play, compete and dream in their own communities.”

Days and evenings full of fun

Summer Night Lights (SNL) is the extended recreation program at 40 public park sites across the city. Families and teens can enjoy a variety of activities with extended evening hours Thursdays through Saturdays, often including free food and movie nights. South Park, Hubert Humphrey and Costello recreation centers all have SNL kickoff events slated for July 10.

PlayLA Day – July 14 will mark three years until the opening ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics, and PlayLA will celebrate with a free event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offering Olympic-inspired activities for kids and families at L.A. Memorial Coliseum (the first venue in the world to host three Olympic Opening Ceremonies!). Registration is required. Go to laparks.org and search “PlayLA Day.”

Attention older kids –PlayLAis hiring coaches, especially for specialty sports such as skateboarding, fencing and archery. For more information, contact PlayLA via email at rap.playla@lacity.org.

GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play – Just across Exposition Park from the iconic Coliseum, you’ll find GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play, an all-new interactive exhibit at the California Science Center. Aspiring young Olympians can participate in hands-on activities and learn the science behind success.

“GAME ON! is engaging from the moment you enter the colorful space,” says Alyson Goodall, senior vice president and chief advancement officer for the California Science Center Foundation. “It’s incredibly immersive and interactive, and a wonderful opportunity for children to practice skills for familiar sports or try something new, all with virtual guidance from mentor athletes and rooted in core science principles.”          

Imagine practicing your swing and having Dodgers first baseman and World Series Champion Freddie Freeman offer tips on how to plant your feet with video playback! How about virtually swimming alongside Paralympian Jamal Hill as he demonstrates the physics of thrust, drag, buoyancy and gravity that helped him win his bronze medal?  How cool would it be if your soccer-loving child could get kicking advice from Angel City FC’s sister duo Alyssa and Gisele Thompson? And then there is “Lethal Shooter” Chris Matthews, who has worked as a shooting coach for numerous WNBA and NBA standouts. At GAME ON!, young athletes can learn the science behind the flight path speed of a basketball and test the arc and angle of their own shots.

“One of the best parts,” adds Goodall, “is that even if you’re not the one doing the activity, kids are gathering around, cheering each other on as they explore the science and test their skills.”

Thanks to the collaboration between the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, the LA84 Foundation and the Walter Family Foundation, the 17,000-square-feet exhibition is included with free admission to the California Science Center, though groups of 15 or more need timed reservations. Call 213.744.2019 or visit californiasciencecenter.org.

Your own backyard or local park

If you want to stay closer to home, why not bring the games to your own yard or a nearby park and use these easy ideas as inspiration?

1. Jar lids can be spray painted gold, silver and bronze if you want to get crafty while recycling and repurposing with your kids. Don’t have lids, ribbons or time? Many companies offer easy options. Visit orientaltrading.com for starters.  
2. Got a ping pong table or badminton set? Encourage your children to work on their skills throughout the summer with a friendly competition planned before school begins again.
3. If you have a pool for diving or a grassy space for a gymnastics floor exercise, make the judge’s score cards, make a list of moves that earn points and let kids rate the moves they like best.
4. Set up races down the sidewalk or around a park path. Let kids who don’t want to run keep the times.

Making summer memories shine

There is still time to get your young gymnasts and synchronized swimmers, weightlifters and badminton champions to put down their electronics and start dreaming of gold.

It might be one of their favorite memories of the summer of 2025, and it might get them thinking about what sports they’d like to see in person when the Olympics come to town in just three summers!

Suzanne Weerts is an author, teacher and producer who loves sports but is far more effective as a fan than an athlete. 

The post Backyard Olympics: Inspire Kids To Dream, Play and Shine appeared first on L.A. Parent.

With more than 3,700 miles of hiking trails in Southern California alone, you could spend every day exploring a new trail, but if you’d like your family to join you on some of those excursions this summer, consider choosing trails that everyone — all ages and abilities — might enjoy.

These suggestions for outdoor activities take into consideration the contrasting needs of hyperactive young children and aging adults with limited mobility, including those using powered devices and walkers. Bring water, sunblock, hats, shades, snacks, binoculars and comfortable shoes to all of them. All parks listed are ADA-compliant.

South Coast

Wetlands and marshes

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center – Torrance; Tues-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Little kids love this small park, which offers a series of educational programs tailored to them. There are brochures in the parking area for self-guided tours. At least 275 species of birds live in this park. Dogs not allowed. 

El Dorado Nature Center – Long Beach; Tue-Sun, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

In this manmade environment built with the soil extracted from construction of the 605 Freeway, children can enjoy watching turtles bask in the sun while older folks can rest by the lake to look at the waterfowl. With three connecting loops, the park offers a total of 3.25 miles of trail, mostly shaded. The soil is so soft that people often walk barefooted. Parking $8-$9 on holidays; passes with senior discounts. Dogs not allowed.

Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve – Marina del Rey; daily

Enjoy about four miles of soft trail. Watch for butterflies. Look for easy parking on Bluff Creek Drive.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve – Seal Beach; daily, 6 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Originally home to the Tongva people, this rich coastal ecosystem surrounding a tidal mouth has been a restoration project for decades. The 1,300-acre park offers four miles of flat trail accessible to powered mobility devices and strollers. From the trails, visitors have a vantage point to observe Bolsa Chica’s biodiversity far beyond the beautiful birds, including endangered plants and even sea lions. Pamphlets are available at the two free parking lots. Dogs not allowed.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park –Wilmington; daily, dawn to dusk

Around 300 species of migratory birds enjoy the freshwater lake, the tule marsh and the willow forest. The two flat trails have a total combined distance of 5 miles. Free parking. Fishing permit needed.

Overlooking the Ocean

Point Vicente Coastal Trail –Palos Verdes Peninsula; daily, dawn to dusk

Also known as Vicente Bluffs, this trail runs several miles east and west parallel to the south rim of the peninsula. Stroll west as long as you can, taking in the spectacular view. Don’t miss the interpretative center, the whale-watching deck or the lighthouse, which opens only on second Saturdays. Have a picnic or watch the sunset. It’s all free, including parking. Bring a jacket. Leashed dogs are OK.

Urban

Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area – Los Angeles; March to October, 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Nestled between La Cienega Boulevard and La Brea Avenue in Baldwin Hills, Kenneth Hahn is an urban gem with a network of hiking trails at varying difficulty levels. The trail closest to the Japanese garden is ADA compliant. To avoid parking fees, use the shuttle bus for 25 cents.

Suburban

Powder Canyon Trail – La Habra; dawn to dusk

The best family-friendly trail of the entire Puente Hills Preserve is a 1.1-mile portion of the Powder Canyon. Equipped with complete facilities. Leashed dogs allowed.

Mountain

Crystal Lake Recreation Area/Campground – Angeles National Forest, accessed from Azusa via California Highway 39

This overnight camping trip requires planning. Adventure pass and fishing permit are needed. Senior discounts are available. Pack all you need to feed and shelter your family for a weekend, but think simple, practical and economical. California Highway 39 is a long, winding road shared with cyclists going uphill. Kids might need something for motion sickness.

At 6,000-feet elevation, Crystal Lake campground has running water, clean bathrooms and 120 tent sites. Arrive late on Thursday or early on Friday ahead of Labor Day to secure one of the three ADA-compliant sites. Use only designated, bear-proof garbage containers. Leave no trace is the principle.

There are two ADA-accessible, interpretative trails with brochures: Golden Cup Trail (0.25 miles) and Pinyon Ridge Trail (a new 1-mile loop). The lake trail is 2 miles long and mostly on the road, then you hike down the last .25 miles on a wide trail. Swimming is not allowed. For a greater challenge, older children and strong adults can take an adventure day of their own. Windy Gap Trail is 2.5 miles long (one way) with an 1,380-elevation gain of moderate difficulty. It serves as a popular path to the Pacific Crest Trail and to Little Jimmy Trail Camp. Visit sierraclub.org for a list of 10 essentials to bring. Pick up a trail map at the ranger’s office.

If you can only stay in the Crystal Lake recreation area and walk the short trails around camp, do not be discouraged. Disconnect from your digital devices and play camp games, creating beautiful memories for your family along with the breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Canyon.

Born in Venezuela, Lisbeth Coiman is a trekker of intersecting paths and an avid hiker with aching knees. She is the author of “I Asked the Blue Heron: A memoir” and “Uprising/Alzamiento,” a poetry collection that calls attention to the humanitarian crisis in her homeland. Visit lisbethcoiman.com.

The post Multigenerational Hiking: Trails for the Whole Family appeared first on L.A. Parent.

According to “The New York Times,” summertime insomnia can occur due to extended daylight hours disturbing one’s circadian rhythm and melatonin production. Trade in screen time in favor of a good book to calm the mind and get some sleep. Our July book roundup focuses on easy to read books that can be read to young readers as a bedtime story or read to oneself at bouts of summertime insomnia. 

MS. RACHEL AND BEAN AND THE BEDTIME ROUTINE: Encouraging a Calm and Comforting Good Night

by Ms. Rachel and Mr. Aron and illustrated by Monique Dong 

“MS. RACHEL AND BEAN AND THE BEDTIME ROUTINE: Encouraging a Calm and Comforting Good Night” is a picture book from the famous Ms. Rachel that teaches young readers about bedtime routines. 

Recommended for ages 3-8

Embarrassed Ferret

by Lisa Frenkel Riddiough and illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi 

In rhymes and fun illustrations, “Embarrassed Ferret” follows Ferret as she learns that nobody’s perfect. 

Recommended for ages 3-7

Jurassic Girl

by Michele C. Hollow 

“Jurassic Girl” is a historical fiction book perfect for STEM enthusiasts that follows the 12-year-old fossil hunter Mary Anning. 

Recommended for ages 8-12.

Bakery Babies

by Meredith Newman and illustrated by Ka Huen Kwong 

A whimsical tale of babies sneaking out of their cribs and to the local bakery, “Bakery Babies” is a sweet picture book to read to young readers. 

Recommended for ages 3-8.

For A Girl Becoming

by Joy Harjo and illustrated by Adriana Garcia

By exploring connections to nature and one’s ancestors, “For A Girl Becoming” is a picture book rooted in Native American traditions. 

Recommended for ages 4-8.

For more book suggestions, check out our June Book Corner.

The post JULY BOOK CORNER: READ BEFORE BED appeared first on L.A. Parent.

When school is out and it’s too hot to go outside, screen time tends to reach an all-time high and creativity an all-time low. Music teachers from Red Pelican teach us how to flip the script with these easy, yet engaging, DIY musical instruments that are not only fun but also mean the kids are playing with math, creativity and even physics.

When thinking of making our own instruments at home, parents might let out a huge sigh and think that it’s more of a messy mission, but here are six nearly foolproof projects to create with items found in most homes. 

All of these DIY musical crafts are best suited for children ages 5 and up, with adult supervision as needed.

1. Water Glass Xylophone

Fill glasses with colored water to make a beautiful and functional water xylophone. If you want an octave, collect eight glasses. You can use most household glasses, but they should be relatively the same size, if possible.

Fill each one with water to different levels and play with what different amounts of water sound like. The lower the level of water, the higher the pitch is. Tuning the “xylophone” to a scale can be tricky, but have patience, it is so fun when you can sing with your instrument.

To take it up a professional notch: tune your xylophone to a “C Major” scale. If you’re looking at a piano, that’s the major scale you can play without using any black keys.

Need extra help tuning? Look on your smart phone for a wide array of free “Tuner” apps that are sure to help you get the perfect intonation from your “Xylophone!”

Once you’ve got your “Xylophone” perfectly tuned, add a drop of food coloring to each glass. Mix and match colors, add more or less dye, and you’ll get a beautiful array of colors!

You will tap your glasses with an object (such as a barbecue skewer with a rubber ball on the end or plastic/acrylic handle of cutlery). You don’t need to hit it hard, so please stand by your child as they explore! Feel free to play music in the background and have your child play along. 

2. Homemade Rain Stick

Using a small to medium-sized mail tube (found at the post office, an office supply store or online), carefully hammer two dozen nails (wooden dowels work well, too) into the tube. Next, fill up the tube with about two cups of dried beans, rocks, lentils or rice before hot gluing the bottom of the mail tube on. The different materials inside of your rainstick will affect the overall sound. It can be fun to build multiple rain sticks with unique blends of materials in each, and explore those different sounds with your kids!

After the adult portion of the craft, let your child decorate the rain stick with paint, yarn or glitter, if you’re feeling brave.

Now that they’re ready and decorated, ask your child what they notice about the different sounds. What happens when you flip the rain stick slowly? Quickly? What if we shake it? Can we tap it? There’s so many ways to play with a rain stick – it just takes a little imagination!

3. Popsicle Stick Harmonica

Channel your kids’ inner Stevie Wonder or Bob Dylan with these popsicle stick harmonicas. After the ice-cream truck is long gone and you’ve cleaned off the sugary residue from the popsicle stick, gather your supplies: two jumbo craft sticks or popsicle sticks, a wide rubber band, two smaller rubber bands, a straw and scissors. 

Cut the straw into two pieces that are 1–1.5 inches long. Stretch the thick rubber band length-wise around one of the craft sticks. Place one straw on each side under the rubber band. Place the other stick on top like a sandwich and attach them together on each end with a small rubber band. It will need to be wrapped around the end a few times.

Now you’re ready to play! Blow into the middle of the “harmonica.” Adjust the pitch by sliding the straws closer together or further apart. When the straws are closer together, the section of the vibrating rubber band is shorter, making a higher sound. Slide the straws all the way to the edges to get the lowest possible sound, though it’s still relatively high-pitched.

4. At-Home Pan Flute

If your family has ever seen “Peter Pan” and the pan flute has struck a chord (pun intended), then a homemade pan flute might be a less breakable, more affordable alternative to the real wooden deal.

This is one of the easiest instruments to make. You’ll need nine straws, a ruler, scissors and clear tape. Line up the nine straws and starting with the second one to the left, cut off two centimeters. Cut each remaining straw by two additional centimeters to create descending heights of straws. Gently tape the straws as they are in the row at the top and the bottom of the straws. Then, start blowing into the straws on the side where they line up and be transported to Never Never Land.

5. Homemade Maracas

Disney’s “Encanto” has got kids dancing and moving to so many amazing rhythms! How about maracas?

You can create simple hand-held maracas with any empty, recycled vessel. For example, plastic Easter eggs, Pringles jar or old pill bottles are easy options. Other supplies you will need: saran wrap, rubber band and weighted fillers, like dried rice, beans, pasta, beads or anything that fits and makes a sound. Extra supplies like yarn, paper, tissue paper, markers and crayons can be fun to use for decorating. This works with any age, but the little ones will especially love this activity.

Choose your vessel and fill it with fillers for your desired sound. Keep shaking, using different amounts to see what sounds you like. Once you’ve found your ideal weight, voilà, you have an instant “maraca”!

Use yarn, markers, tissue papers, etc. to personalize your maracas. Once decorated, shake away!

6. Paper Plate Tambourine

If your kids want to lean into the tambourine stylings of Stevie Nicks, the paper plate tambourine could be a good place to start.

Using two heavy-duty paper plates held face to face, punch holes every two inches around the circumferences of the plates. Double knot a piece of yarn, weave the yarn around the plates, then tie another knot to secure the plates together. With a second string of yarn, string a jingle bell through your yarn and continue weaving your plate. Alternate your jingle bells every other hole or more, depending on how loud you want it to be. When you get back to the hole in which you started, tie off your yarn again.

Like with the maracas and rain stick, allow your children to unleash their creativity and decorate their new prized possession.

Extra Credit

After making these instruments and learning about the sounds of each, get friends, family and neighbors involved to compose a concert with your DIY instruments.
 
Making music at home is just the beginning of your child’s musical journey. These DIY instruments offer a wonderful introduction to rhythm, pitch and creativity, but there’s something magical that happens when children receive proper musical instruction. Just like these crafts, age five and up also happens to be a wonderful time to begin private music lessons. Children at this stage are often ready to focus, follow instructions, and start developing foundational skills that will support a lifetime of musical growth.
 
Red Pelican brings high-quality music lessons right to your home, building on that natural curiosity and excitement your kids have already discovered through building these homemade instruments with you. Whether they’ve fallen in love with the melodic sounds of their water glass xylophone or can’t stop shaking their homemade maracas, Red Pelican’s experienced instructors can help nurture that passion into real musical skills. Music education doesn’t just teach children how to play instruments—it develops discipline, boosts confidence and gives children a valuable skill that lasts a lifetime.
 
 
 
 

The post Keep Your Kids Out of Treble – And Boredom – With These DIY Musical Crafts appeared first on L.A. Parent.

This July, the rhythmic pulse of drums and paddles will echo across Brandenburg, Germany as more than 4,000 elite athletes from more than 30 countries compete in the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships — the most prestigious event in the sport’s international calendar.

Among them? 14-year-old Ysabella Cajanding from Bellflower — making waves on the Junior U.S. National Team.

“These kids have made sacrifices for two years preparing for Germany, and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Nathan Salazar, Team USA coach.

Dragon boat racing, a sport with roots dating back over 2,000 years in China, is now one of the fastest-growing water sports worldwide. It combines fierce physical endurance, flawless timing, and team unity — teams of 20 paddlers race in sync to the beat of a drum aboard 40-foot-long boats adorned with traditional dragon heads and tails. It’s a spectacle of culture, community and competition.

“I want to bond with my team, make memories, and hopefully win gold,” Ysabella said about the upcoming trip to Germany. ”I like the community it creates with my teammates. We’re working together, paddling together and winning together.”

For Ysabella, this journey started when she was just seven years old, paddling alongside her dad Rex who has competed for over two decades. By age 12, she was making history, competing internationally in Thailand, where she brought home three gold medals and two silvers, becoming the youngest competitor at the 16th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Competition.

“I started because I saw my dad doing this sport. He’s been a part of it since before I was born, and he saw my interest growing and put me in the boat with him. Now, I’ve been paddling for half my life,” Ysabella said.

Now, Ysabella and Rex are not just father and daughter, but also teammates representing Team USA on the global stage. Their shared passion for dragon boat racing has built more than strength, it’s deepened their bond and created a legacy of teamwork and resilience.

When she’s not on the water, she prioritizes her wellness and conditioning for the sport. According to a nationwide survey conducted by Planet Fitness, teens believe physical activity helps deal with emotional ups and downs of being a teenager, and 93 percent agree that regular exercise is beneficial when handling challenges. 

“Watching my daughter grow through sports and at the gym, I’ve seen how it strengthens more than just her body—it gives her confidence, clears her mind, and helps her face the daily challenges teens deal with today. She also has our full support. Her mother, Liz, provides her with good nutrition and mental stability, always reminding her that she’s a student before an athlete,” said Ysabella’s father, Rex. 

Ysabella is a regular at her neighborhood Planet Fitness, where she utilizes Team USA coach-approved machines that target the back, shoulders and core muscle groups she needs to excel as an athlete. She works out at Planet Fitness three times a week, noting that the gym has lots of space for her to complete her fitness routine. 

“I have an athlete mentality, and I’m thankful that my local Planet Fitness has the space for what I need to accomplish. It’s hard to find a good gym that’s not overcrowded,” said Ysabella. 

She especially enjoys the resistance bands for assisted pull-ups, something that not every nearby gym provides. Both Ysabella and Rex use the massage chairs and hydromassage beds at Planet Fitness to cool down and recover their sore muscles. What’s more uplifting, 90 percent of teens say exercise helps them feel happy, with 88 percent noting improved mood after exercise noted by the survey.

Whether they are training for a sport or just want to get in some healthy exercise, Planet Fitness is dedicated to investing in teen wellness. The franchise is offering free memberships to high school students and athletes nationwide ages 14-19 from now until Aug. 31 as part of Planet Fitness’s annual High School Summer Pass Program. For more information on how to sign up, head to planetfitness.com/summerpass. 

The post L.A. County Teen Makes Waves at World Dragon Boat Championships appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Since before our son could toddle, he’s been traveling alongside my husband and me. We’ve bundled him, backpacked him, and “Bijorned” him on boats, planes and automobiles. 

We’ve trekked together across many continents, and explored cities and deserts nearer home, instilling in all of us, a love of exploration and renewal.

Our family odyssey has taught us invaluable lessons — some profound, some hilarious, and some that smelled suspiciously like goat. Here are seven big takeaways from our travels that extend far beyond the school gates.

Curiosity creates lifelong learners

Young people sometimes show a premature weariness with life — it’s all algorithms and eye rolls. But the world outside WiFi is endlessly fascinating.

Our son’s curiosity exploded in the best way possible once he saw how kids lived around the world. We’ve watched pre-teens hunting for food with their parents in Africa, seen children clean their classrooms in Japan, and youngsters fish at dawn, in the Amazon.

In Fiji, we looked on in awe as children made music with found objects, showing a deep resourcefulness and creativity we rarely see at home. My son learned an invaluable lesson that day; when there’s no toy shop, you must make the toys. 

All our minds have been opened many times — and honestly, if my son ever loses interest in TikTok, I’ll credit the children of the Andes.

Confidence comes from climbing, not clicking

True confidence stems from real achievements and a sense of being capable. While American society often promotes confidence, it sometimes leans into a “fake it till you make it” mentality. The idea of posing in front of someone else’s Maserati doesn’t build genuine self-esteem.

True, hands-on experiences create a deeper sense of accomplishment and identity, and travel is a short-cut to that. It’s important your kids, partner, and family see you trying new things, solving problems, and having fun — whether it’s figuring out where to buy sunscreen, replacing lost contact lenses, or picking the perfect picnic spot.

Our family has learned this first hand during our travels. We’ve all faced moments of uncertainty and confusion — wondering where to catch a bus, deciphering signs to find waterfalls, or trying to figure out opening hours in another language. Tackling these challenges together has given us a “we’ve got this” attitude. 

Empathy needs no translation

In this digital world, connecting both to nature and to people has never been more important. I’ve watched our son connect to a Masai tribe in Tanzania and to a woman carrying a small goat in Peru. I’ve looked on as a beautiful lady served our son soda in Japan and admired our son’s gratitude in receiving it. 

I’ll never forget the time, high up in the Andes, a group of women grabbed him as he ran up the stairs to greet them at 12,000 feet altitude, and then nearly fainted in their arms as the lack of oxygen hit. They wrapped him in blankets and made him a cup of cocoa. 

It was extraordinary to see him give himself over to this tribe of mothers without a word of English being spoken. It takes a village, sure — but sometimes it also takes an Andean auntie with a flask and a good sense of humor.

Think outside the goldfish bowl

Fixed perspectives can suffocate potential and understanding but shopping at a busy weekly market, doing laundry at a local laundromat, or trying a food that might be considered a pet (side order of guinea pig anyone?), creates not just curiosity but also empathy. 

We’ve been to a cat park in Lima, Peru, and there was a shared sense of joy, peace and play with every human and creature in the area, and, in Madrid, a history-filled whole roast suckling pig dining, remains a family highlight.

In transit, we’ve had to visit a local eye doctor (Austria and Spain), a tailor for to fix a camera bag (Zimbabwe), and a local electronics shop to fix an iPad (Japan), which were all adventures of their own. 

And it’s not just kids who can learn. Camping is not my first choice of a vacation but when my son wanted to go, I rented an RV and it turns out, that for a few days, I can enjoy life in a mobile home. And yes, I brought half my house for a three-day camping trip. And yes, I used all of it. Don’t judge.

When the plan becomes cereal in bed

Life doesn’t always play out as it should and neither will your vacation. Things screw up, everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes things are less than the photo presented. We learned as a family how to research, leap, pivot and that sometimes it’s okay to go back to your room to sleep and wait to get out to the next place. 

On a walking trip through Japan, after a day that saw us hike at a high elevation for 7.5 miles, from Matsuzaki to Hiroshima, the three of us ended the day snuggled in our room, enjoying bowls of cereal in bed, instead of a group dinner. 

While exploring the Dolomites, a magical hiking day turned into a mad dash down the mountain when torrential rain clouds arrived with lightening. It felt like an episode of The Amazing Race to return to the tram to hitch a ride down before it closed for the day. Travel is chaos with a sense of direction, and learning to pivot is part of the package.

Adventures lead to smarter choices

Many people often have an unrealistic understanding of what’s safe and what’s risky but travel can teach us valuable lessons about making sound decisions and clearly navigating through life.

In Africa, when our son asked if he could stand and put his head out of the roof of our Jeep, our guide responded: “There are few rules out here in the Bush, so do what you want. I’ll tell you this however, the nearest doctor is six hours away and he is a shaman. The nearest doctor the way you are used to it is a plane ride away, so choose your actions carefully.” He sat down.

On a Japanese commuter train, we watched everyone clean up before they departed, and now we’re just as committed to always leaving our public areas just as tidy when leaving.

You can tell your kid to watch their phone until you’re blue in the face, but it may take being in a group when an adult is pickpocketed, such as happened to us in Spain, for them to take notice. 

Coming home with new eyes — and heated toilet seats

There’s a huge amount of joy in budgeting for a trip and anticipating the adventures that lay ahead – but mistakes happen. 

I once had to return a bunch of scarves to a Japanese museum gift shop because I’d wrongly calculated the exchange rate. And that’s fine because we also found joy in unexpected places; for example, we learned that the Japanese use heated toilet seats, and so my husband purchased one as a souvenir!

Returning home after traveling makes us fully appreciate the comfort and security of our everyday lives. These moments of gratitude, mixed with the excitement of our adventures, inspire us to value what we have and think about how we can protect and share these experiences for future generations.

From the peaks of Patagonia to the canyons of California, our journey continues. But the real treasures? Curiosity, resilience, empathy and an unshakable belief that cereal in bed sometimes beats fine dining.

Pack light. Laugh often. The world is waiting — with snacks.

Margot Black is a Los Angeles-based travel writer, mom and founder of Black Ink PR.

The post 7 Life Lessons Kids Learn from Traveling the World appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Although the school year has ended for many students, summer allows the time and freedom for young readers to explore topics that they are interested in. This month we have a roundup of books that will teach young readers about specific subjects and different perspectives they may not have previously considered.

Some of Us

By Rajani LaRocca and illustrated by Huy Vuon Lee

“Some of Us” explores all of the different pathways that push one to immigration in a picture book that celebrates how immigrants make up the United States.
Recommended for ages ages 5-9.

Jaxon’s Magic Eyes

By Jaxon Corey and illustrated by Heidi Rodis

Eleven-year-old author, and L.A. local, Jaxon Corey draws on his own experiences with color blindness to tell an inspiring story about acceptance in his picture book “Jaxon’s Magic Eyes“. Recommended for ages 3-8.

I Said No: A Kid-to-Kid Guide Keeping Private Parts Private

By Zack and Kimberly King and illustrated by Susan Szecsi

Already a child safety bestseller, the updated version of “I Said No: A Kid-to-Kid Guide Keeping Private Parts Private” focuses on helping kids distinguish between green and red flags in the real world. This picture book can help parents introduce the difficult topic of keeping private parts private to young readers. Recommended for ages 4-9.

Racing the Clouds

By Sydney Dunlap

Sydney Dunlap explores addiction in a tween-appropriate way in “Racing the Clouds.” This chapter book follows 13-year-old Sage as she goes to visit her grandparents and grapples with guilt, healing and relationships. Recommended for ages 10-15

Hop Around

By Shvona Chung and illustrated by Courtney Huddleston

Through a vibrant picture book, Shvona Chung’s picture book “Hop Around” teaches young readers the beauty of immersing themselves in different cultures. Recommended for ages 5-9.

A GIFT OF DUST: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet

By Martha Brockenbrough and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

“A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that teachers young readers about fossils, dust and the Sahara. Recommended for ages 5-9.

For more book recommendations, check out our May Book Corner.

The post JUNE BOOK CORNER: LEARN SOMETHING NEW appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Sohyun Kim’s calling to make a difference for families in Los Angeles who have children who learn different came early – and gave her a clear path forward.

Kim was a high school teacher for several years at Taft High School in Woodland Hills and then started working in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis in 2013. As a bilingual and bicultural educator and clinician, she worked with Korean families to provide culturally-sensitive support. She has also been teaching at Cal State LA and at CSUN since 2020, including undergraduate and graduate-level ABA courses.

Today it is Dr. Sohyun Kim – having received her Ph.D. in Special Education from UCLA – who heads up SK Behavior & Learning, a team of dedicated professionals with expertise in ABA and consultation, and their focus is on providing personalized and effective support to individuals and families by using family-centered approaches in culturally-responsive ways.

We met Dr. Kim through the Special Needs Resource Fair we did in conjunction with The Help Group earlier this year and were impressed, so we asked her to share her journey – and passion for helping – with our community.

L.A. Parent: When did you feel a pull to help children who learn differently?

Dr. Kim: Honestly, answering this question brings me full circle. My very first job after college was at The Help Group, working as an instructional aide in an art classroom filled with students on the autism spectrum. There was one student I’ll never forget – he didn’t use words to communicate, but the stories he told through his artwork were extraordinary. Watching him express complex thoughts and emotions through color and movement opened my eyes. I began to understand that learning and communication don’t look the same for everyone, and that’s OK. It’s a difference we’re meant to honor.

That early experience planted a seed of dedication in me, a desire to meet each child where they are, with awe, empathy and curiosity. Over the next decade, I became a teacher, a board-certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), earned my Ph.D. in Special Education from UCLA and eventually founded SK Behavior and Learning. But it all started in that art room.

L.A. Parent: How did you build your business?

Dr. Kim: While pursuing my Ph.D. at UCLA, I was conducting a research project about the experiences of Korean American parents raising children with autism. My goal was to amplify the voices of culturally and linguistically diverse parents, a demographic that is significantly underrepresented in research. 

I was deeply immersed in the academic side of things – reading and conducting research, analyzing data and writing – but I kept feeling this urgency: These aren’t just data points. These are real families, with real struggles, trying to find their way in a system that doesn’t always speak their language – literally and culturally.

I wanted to take everything I was learning and actually do something with it, so I started SK Behavior and Learning with a simple mission: To offer ABA services that felt deeply respectful of who they are – linguistically, culturally, emotionally. It was a small team at first, with like-minded people who shared the same mission. We started with a handful of families, but we kept growing through word of mouth because families felt that they were respected and supported. 

L.A. Parent: What sets your company apart from others?

Dr. Kim: I think what makes us different is how much time we spend getting to know each family – really getting to know them. Not just the child’s goals or the paperwork, but what the family cares about, how they see their child, what they hope for. We don’t come in assuming we know what’s best. We ask a lot of questions. We listen.

Most of the families we work with speak more than one language or live between cultures, just like I did growing up. That’s part of why we’re so intentional about being respectful and curious. We talk a lot in our team about cultural humility – not pretending to be experts in someone else’s culture, but being open and willing to learn.

At the end of the day, our goal isn’t just to teach skills. It’s to build trust. To help families feel safe, seen and supported. When that happens, the learning comes because the connection is there first.

L.A. Parent: How did your upbringing in a bilingual and bicultural home shape your work?

Dr. Kim: Growing up in a bilingual, bicultural home shaped how I see the world. I was constantly navigating between two cultures – translating not just language, but expectations, norms and emotions. I watched my parents try so hard to advocate for me in school, even when the system didn’t make space for them. Their love and resilience stayed with me.

That experience fuels my empathy and my accepting of differences as the beauty of human diversity. I know firsthand how it feels to be misunderstood or overlooked simply because of cultural or linguistic mismatch. That’s why I’m so passionate about providing care that is culturally sensitive and rooted in respect for other cultures while being proud of my own. I want our families to know: You don’t have to change who you are to receive support. You don’t have to explain your entire culture. We’re here to listen, learn and walk with you.

L.A. Parent: What services does your team offer?

Dr. Kim: We offer a range of services tailored to where each child, and each family, is on their journey. That includes:

• Early Intervention: We target developmentally appropriate skills such as communication, joint attention, play and daily routines.

• ABA Program: We target meaningful goals within the domains of communication, social/leisure skills, imitation, daily living skills and motor skills and behavioral readiness through evidence-based strategies.

• Parent Training: We use family centered principles to provide culturally responsive parent training. We empower the parents so that they can confidently use positive behavioral strategies as a part of their daily routine.

• Adaptive Skills Training: We help your child with various daily living skills to foster independence at home and in the community.

• IEP support: We help families understand their rights and communicate with schools.

We offer services in multiple languages and we’re always ready to learn more about what makes each family unique.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many families, each with their own hopes, worries and beautiful strengths. I carry their stories with me every day. They remind me why I do this work, and why it matters to meet each child and caregiver with both clinical expertise and human compassion.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do promise to listen, to ask questions and to honor what makes each family unique. Because I truly believe that when we center care around empathy, cultural humility and connection, we can help children not just grow but thrive.

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