what's up for kids, november/december 2011

www.What’sUpForKids.com

WHAT’S UPFOR KIDS

VOL. 17 — Nov/DEC 2011

ORGANIZE Clutter Be Gone!

Ms. Manners Celebration Manners

FamilyFriendlytravel

Disney Cruises

Dad’s Watch Inflection Inspection

cookin’ cornerWinter Squash

plusFIND OUR

Daily Calendarof Things to DoAround Town

www.whatsupforkids.com


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Calendar……………………Page 16

Cookin’ Corner………………Page 8

Family Resource Directory…Page 23

Family Friendly Travel………Page 10

Modern Day Ms. Manners…Page 21

Dad’s Watch........................Page 12

Quick Tips for Organizing……Page 6

Receive the ALL NEW weekly What’s Up for Kids EZINE.

Subscribe for FREE at www.whatsupforkids.com

Letter From The Publisher:The holidays are here! Time to gather the family and join around the table! I’m excited to bring my family together this year with some new recipes and traditions. I’m taking the whole week of Thanksgiving off to enjoy my college daughter being home and create some new dishes! The December holidays are always so enjoyable too – all the parties and activities. Can’t wait!

There are so many great things going on around the South Bay and we try to find out about all of them! We’ve updated our website with a calendar button and will begin using a google calendar, so you can find an event and add it to YOUR google calendar easily! Take your kids to see the Nutcracker, build a gingerbread house or sign them up for a few days of winter camp fun! Enjoy the end of 2011 and the ringing in of 2012!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!

P.S. What’s Up For Kids is now offering YOU the opportunity to publish your very own online edition! Some areas are already reserved, but we have plenty of other areas around the country! This is a great opportunity to make some extra cash and know what’s going on in and around your community! Go to www.publishmywhatsupforkids.com for all the details!


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Calendar……………………Page 16

Cookin’ Corner………………Page 8

Family Resource Directory…Page 23

Family Friendly Travel………Page 10

Modern Day Ms. Manners…Page 21

Dad’s Watch........................Page 12

Quick Tips for Organizing……Page 6

Receive the ALL NEW weekly What’s Up for Kids EZINE.

Subscribe for FREE at www.whatsupforkids.com


QUICK TIPS FOR ORGANIZINGHelp…My Home is Cluttered!!

Here are a few tips and ideas to help create an organized, less stressful home.

1. Tackle clutter a little at a time. Use a timer set for 15-30-60 minutes. Doing a little at a time makes it doable and less of a chore. The timer gives “permission to stop”. Bit by bit!

2. Purge closets, cupboards & drawers regularly. Get the family involved by teaching the value of donating to charities. Someone needs your discards. Use these prompters: Doesn’t fit? Do we love it? When used last?

3. Choose a charity. Teach your children the value of being charitable. Knowing it will go to someone makes it easier to de-clutter.

4. Create a place or “home” for everything. Most piles and stacks of clutter are due to “homelessness.” When an object has not been assigned a “home” it is homeless, resulting in clutter. A ‘home’ is where it is either used or stored when not in use.

5. Establish routines. The idea is that doing something 21 times helps to create a habit. Good habits help to keep clutter under control.

Examples of routines:

a. Homework is stored near the exit door when complete.

b. House/car keys are returned to a purse, on a hook, etc. after each use for easy retrieval.

c. Snack dishes returned to the kitchen at bedtime help to eliminate clutter.

d. Shoes, toys are returned to their “home” after use.

e. Items to take with you in the morning go near the door. Backpacks, brief cases, tote bags, dry cleaning, books, homework, mail can be placed there before bedtime. They can be corralled in a basket or box. Attach a reminder to the door regarding refrigerated lunch boxes or lunch money.

f. When arriving home, bring everything into the house that does not belong in the car to cut back on car clutter. Keeping a supply of plastic grocery bags (stored in an empty tissue box) can help in easily gathering up trash for disposal.


8. Set up a maintenance plan. Assign daily tidy-up duties to each member of the family to help control clutter build up. When maintenance fails…. clutter develops. A good family mantra: “We all share the work and the fun.” This is also a great lesson for future generations!

With these techniques in place, entering your home after a busy daycan be a pleasure and not a problem.

Ahhh…Home Sweet…Clutter-Free Home!

Editor’s Note: Ann Gambrell is an organizational consultant and speaker avail-able to inform and entertain audiences. She facilitates weekday and Saturday Clutter Support Groups and teaches organizing classes through the Torrance Adult School . To learn more, phone Ann at 310-212-0917 or request her for FREE monthly email tips email [email protected]. You will be glad you did.


cookin’ cornerIt’s Harvest Time for Winter Squash

In Southern California we don’t have many leaves that change color in Fall – instead we have a new rainbow of Fall colors at our Farmer’s Markets. As winter squash comes into season, the tables are full of oranges, yellows and greens. Win-ter squash can sometimes seem a little intimidating because of their size, but they are actually really easy to use. One of our favorites is Spaghetti Squash. It’s a big, yellow squash that is full of spaghetti-like strands. Simply cut it in half, place it in a baking dish with a little water, cover with foil and bake at 375 for 45 minutes. Then get the kids to help scoop out the strands -- it’s like magic! Top with a little butter and drizzle of honey and you have a sweet snack that is chock full of nutrients.

• NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS – While winter squash is considered a “starchy” vegetable, it’s actually a fantastic provider of complex carbs (the good ones!). Better yet, a single serving has 145% of the vitamin A you need every day plus tons of vitamin c, potassium and fiber.

• VERSATILITY – Winter squash comes in all shapes and sizes and can be used in so many different ways. Try cutting but-ternut squash into cubes, tossing with olive oil and roasting at 400 degrees until tender and brown. Top with salt, pepper and some chopped basil for an easy dish. Or get color-ful Kabocha squash from the market, cut in half, bake at 350 until tender, then blend with some chicken stock for a creamy, luxurious soup.

• SOMETHING NEW – One of the best ways to get out of a rut with your family meals is to bring the kids along to the Farmer’s Market and have them help you pick out something new. Have them pick their favorite colored squash and get them to help cook it at home. Making new discoveries together in the kitchen is a great way to get kids connected to their own nutrition.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to our Cookin’ Corner writer, Melanie Barsuk from Simple Gourmet. For more information about cooking classes, private parties and Kids Summer Cooking Camps with Simple Gourmet, go to www.simple-gourmet.com or call 310.318.6484.


utcrackerutcrackerutcrackerutcracker


family friendly travelAll Aboard! Disney has done it Again!

Introducing the new Disney Cruise Ship – Fantasy! The Fantasy will join her sister ship the Dream this coming March 2012.

Similar in style to the Dream the Fantasy will accommodate 4000 passengers and have incredible sailings to the Caribbean. The Disney Cruise line is known in the industry for its outstanding service and attention to detail, with state of the art technology and an early 20th Century feel, you truly have entered the best of both worlds.

With beautiful Eastern Caribbean ports of Call like, St. Maartan, St. Thomas, or Western Caribbean port of call like , Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and of course a stop at Disney’s own private island Castaway Cay there is something for everyone. Disney offers many excursions to choose from (extra cost) to engage your off ship adventurous spirit. Disney continues to one up itself with interactive clubs for all ages of kids and plenty of outdoor activities. The Fantasy has three swimming pools, one for kids, one for families and one just for adults. They have once again, thought of everything!

The dining onboard all of the Disney Cruise line Fleet is second to none. With Adult only restaurants, main dining room or casual fare with the Disney touches!

If you are looking for a very well thought-out holiday with not a care or worry to get in your way, consider the Disney Fantasy or any of the beautiful Disney Cruise Line ships. Space is still available for the popular summer months! Don’t miss out on a Magical Memorable Vacation! Editor’s Note: Thank you to our Family Friendly Travel writer, Karen Murphy. You can read all about Karen on our new website. Or reach out to her by phone and plan your summer trip! Karen can be reached at the Travelstore in Palos Verdes, 310-750-9413 Work, 310-922-6902 Cellemail: [email protected]


Discovery & Enrichment Studio

20% off First Month’s Membership

(Applies to Enrichment and Piano Classes for first time customers)

Ages Birth to 6

...

Early Childhood Enrichment, Preschool Readiness &Piano and Music Theory in a Fun, Playful and Safe Environment

310.535.0001 | wondertreekids.com 710 S Allied Way (The Edge @ Plaza El Segundo) El Segundo, CA 90245

WhatsUpForKids_r8.indd 1 8/12/11 4:29:33 PM


DAD’S WATCHK.I.I.D.S.S.

There’s a terrible affliction sweeping the nation and if I understood dialogue beyond my native Brooklyn tongue I’d say it’s sweeping the world. It’s called KIIDS. It was incubated by kids and originally spread by kids, however, adults young, middle and senior are rapidly becoming the major carriers.

I’m talking about “Kronic Improperly Inflecting ‘Da Sentence Syndrome” a.k.a. KI-IDSS! Lemme ‘splain. How often do you hear a kid end a perfectly normal declara-tive sentence with an upward voice inflection as if they’re asking a question. For instance, ask your children what they did in school and one of them will answer, “Well, I went to HOME ROOM? Then my LOCKER? Then I ate LUNCH? and af-ter math I came home.” The last sentence ends properly with a downward tone. There’s this steady build up of anticipation culmi-nating in a huge and boring let down. They take you from a Hitchock thriller to Mr. Rogers...”So it was DARK? And I heard a NOISE? And I flung open the DOOR? And I made my bed.”

It’s kind of a cute patious among middle school-ers and teens prone to affectations, but now it ap-pears every person and paragraph is infected with KIIDSS.

Not only do my kids and their friends have KI-IDSS, but I’ve observed KIIDSS in parents, teach-ers, retail clerks, politicians and physicians...”So your tests came back NEGATIVE?” It makes me want to scream, “I DON’T KNOW! YOU TELL ME! YOUR THE FRIGGIN EXPERT! DID MY TESTS COME BACK NEGATIVE OR WHAT?”

Next time I hear this type of language I’m gonna WOMP the speaker upside the head on every question mark and say, “DOWN! Your supposed to inflect DOWN!”

I don’t know, maybe I’m getting a little to CROTCHETY? Maybe I should just chill OUT? OH NO! YIKES! I’ve got kiidss! I mean, “I’ve got KIIDSS?”

Uhhhhhh, these KIIDSS today.

Editor’s Note: Along with “On Dad’s Watch” Michael Malgeri writes a series of books he calls “Bedtime Stories about Capitalism,” which teaches kids about honest profit making. Visit http://www.kids4biz.com


Visit www.whatsupforkids.com for more calendar events!

CALENDAR OF EVENTSOngoing Weekly

As Events Details May Change,

Please Call Ahead.MONDAY

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., R.H.E., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No registration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 310-377-9584, ext. 601.

Miraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 11:30am. 377-9584.

Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts a storytime for ages 2-5 year olds. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551.

TUESDAYPeninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime Ages 2-5. No reg-istration necessary. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.

Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for vari-ous age levels at 4 South Bay locations. Call for the details. 373-0280.

WEDNESDAYMiraleste Library, 29089 Palos Verdes Drive East, R.P.V., hosts storytime for ages 2-5. Free. 3pm. 377-9584.

Lomita Library, 24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, hosts preschool storytime at 10am. 539-4515.

Peninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.

THURSDAYPeninsula Center Library, 701 Silver Spur Rd., RHE, hosts storytime for ages 205. 10:15 & 11am. 377-9584, ext. 601.

Redondo Beach Library North Branch, 2000 Artesia Blvd., hosts storytime for 1-5 year olds. 1pm. 318-0675

Redondo Beach Main Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., hosts Pajama story time. All ages. 6:45pm. 318-0675

FRIDAYLittle Fawn, a parent participating nature pro-gram for children ages 2-5, takes place every Friday at Deane Dana Friendship Park, 1805 W. 9th St., San Pedro. 10-12noon. $5. (310) 519-6115.

Kid Concepts, 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Tor-rance, presents a special program every Fri-day night. 6pm. Free with paid admission to the center. 465-0075.

Kids Music N Motion hosts classes for vari-ous age levels in Rancho Palos Verdes and Torrance and San Pedro. Call for times and details. 373-0280.

Malaga Cove Library, 2400 Via Campesina, PVE., hosts Babies in the Library, a storytime designed just for 6-23 month olds. No regis-tration necessary. 10:30am. 310-377-9584, ext. 551.

SATURDAYBarnes & Noble, 1800 W. Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach, hosts Children’s Storytime. 11am. 310-725-7025.

Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Tor-rance, hosts habitat restoration every Sat. 9am-12noon. 782-3989.


SUNDAYRoundhouse Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier offers storytime every Sunday at 11am. 379-8117.

Southern California Live Steamers offers free train rides the first Sunday of every month from 11am—3pm at the East end of Wilson Park in Torrance.

Information about many activities come to us after our print deadline!

Visit the website for moreexciting things to do with your family!

www.whatsupforkids.comDo you have an event

that you are planning?

Have it listed for free in our print magazine or online atwww.whatsupforkids.com

Print deadline for the January/February issue is

December 10th, 2011.

Online calendar listings can be submitted anytime!

Email them [email protected]


Visit www.whatsupforkids.com for more calendar events!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts SEA Lab with touch sea animals, sea crafts and more. 6:30pm. (310) 371-7546 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Del Amo Fashion Center, Hawthorne Bl. and Carson Blvd., Torrance, JoAnn’s Court, presents Kids Club the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. 10:30am. All ages welcome. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR/Heartsaver. 9am-2pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 6-9pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call(800) 618-6659.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email [email protected] Redondo Beach Library, 303 N. PCH, hosts Cookies and Cards. Teens will make holiday cards that will be given to the Redondo Beach Senior Citizen Center. Open to kids grades 7-12. 3:30-4:30pm (310) 318-0675 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts a Supersitter Class for kids ages 12-14. This 2 session class is $30. To register, go to www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 628-6659.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 La Leche League of Redondo Beach, hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. [email protected]

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo,Torrance, hosts Fall Festival of Nature crafts for kids. 10am – 12noon. $5/person.(310) 782-3989.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science: Create Native American art. 2-4pm. $5 per person. AND hosts Water Colors for Kids. Ages 8+. $10. 10am-12noon (310) 782-3989.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 The South Bay evening group of LaLeche meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Beach Cities Health District. 7:00pm. Free. [email protected] WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at St. Luke’s Church in Rolling Hills Estates at 10am. For more information, email Susan at [email protected] SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Dance Peninsula Ballet presents its 23rd annual production of The Nutcracker at the Norris Theatre, 27570 Norris Center Dr, Palos Verdes. Experience the magic. Shows 11/26 & 11/27, 122 & 12/3. Tickets $30 for Adults, $18 (17 and Under). Box Office (310) 544-0403. www.dancepeninsula.com SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. (NO Saturday walk this month due to holiday) 310-782-3989 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Providence Little Company of Mary hosts CPR for family and friends. 6-9pm. Register at www.providenceclasses.org or call (800) 618-6659.

CALENDAR OF EVENTSNovember/December

NOV 2011


DEC 2011

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Marionette Mayhem. 10:30am Food Court. (310) 371-7546 MOMS Club of San Pedro meets the last Wednesday of every month at Peck Park Recreational Center, meeting room B, San Pedro. 10:30am. Call Shannon at 310-809-1886 or [email protected].

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Tor-rance, hosts a tyke hike. 10am. $5 donation. 782-3989. Del Amo Fashion Center, Hawthorne Bl. and Carson Blvd., Torrance, JoAnn’s Court, presents Kids Club the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. 10:30am. All ages welcome.

Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, hosts a special kids event with Wonder Tree. 11am. Get the details at www.shopmanhattanvillage.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a Star Party. Come view the planets! 8:30pm - 10:30pm. Free. (310) 782-3989

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club: Art Work-shop, in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9La Leche League of Redondo Beach, hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. [email protected]

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Tor-rance, hosts a night hike. $5/person or $10/family. 6:30-8:30pm. (310) 782-3989

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Tor-rance, hosts 2nd Sunday Science, “Ancient

Reptiles”. 2-4pm. $5/person, $10/family. (310) 782-3989

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 MOMS Club of Hermosa Beach hosts a meeting the 2nd Tuesday of every month. For information, email [email protected] SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, hosts wreath making for all ages. Make a holiday wreath using items found on the preserve. $10 per person. 10am 12noon. (310) 782-3989 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 La Leche League of Redondo Beach hosts a breastfeeding support group the 2nd Friday of every month at Beach Cities Health District. 10am. (424) 634-2660. [email protected] (CALL FOR HOLIDAY SCHEDULE) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Mom’s Club of Palos Verdes in a non-profit support group for moms. They meet the 3rd Wednesday of every month at St. Luke’s Church in Rolling Hills Estates at 10am. For more information, email Susan at [email protected]. (CALL FOR HOLIDAY SCHEDULE)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Del Amo Fashion Center, Hawthorne Bl. and Carson Blvd., Torrance, JoAnn’s Court, presents Kids Club the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. 10:30am. All ages welcome.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Bring the whole family to LA’s biggest holiday show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavil-ion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Enjoy choirs, music ensembles, dance companies and more. FREE. 3-6pm.www.holidaycelebration.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 South Bay Galleria, 1815 Hawthorne Blvd., Redondo Beach, hosts Kids Club: Round-house Aquarium, in the Kids Club Food Court Stage, Level 3. 6:30pm. 310-371-7546.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Madrona Marsh, 3201 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, hosts a nature walk 10am. Free. 310-782-3989


FRIENDLY FITNESSThe Best Fitness Advice I Could Give You

If you had to ask me what the best fitness advice was it would be to find compliance. For me and many of my clients and friends, that means SCHEDULING it.

Are there better exercises for each of us to be doing? Yes.

Are there more effective ways to change your body fat than some of the methods you are currently using? Yes.

But the bottom line for a lot of us, is DOING IT and DOING IT CONSISTENTLY.

How do you do that?

Usually the most effective way to get it done is to pay for it. Hire a trainer or a coach or join a group class. I understand not all of us can do that however, but it really is the best choice to get moving and have some positive results.

The second is to SCHEDULE it.

Sounds simple, yes? But even I have had an issue with this in the last 10 months. I lost my workout partner last year ( she moved) and since then it has been hard to find someone else with a similar schedule, desire and fitness level to replace her.

Having a workout partner is great to keep you on track for just DOING the exercise. Schedule it in your day, put it in your calendar, let others know you are UNAVAILABLE and then commit to it.

I really get bothered when fitness people want to tell the couch potato who hasn’t committed to ANY movement in months or even years, to go do HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING!!

Ah, Hello????

That MIGHT last a few weeks ( most likely not–unless they paid for it) and then that person reverts back to their old habits because they stepped TOO FAR out of their comfort zone too soon.

My best fitness advice is to DO something and DO IT OFTEN. Once fitness becomes part of your regular life 2-5 times a week and you sustain it for longer than 3 months, THEN we can modify WHAT you are doing and stop wasting time throwing out options of things you are most likely NOT going to do for long.

Take out your pen and calendar, get ready to email a few friends and SCHEDULE yourself a workout date. Have some fun why don’t you?

JJ Flizanes, Director of Invisible Fitness, named best personal trainer in Los Angeles for 2007 by Elite Traveler Magazine, has appeared on NBC, KTLA, CBS and Fox 11. Best selling author of Fit 2 Love: How to Get Physically, Emotionally, and Spiritually Fit to Attract the Love of Your Life and Knack Absolute As: Routines for a Fit and Firm Core, JJ’s mission is to help women feel gorgeous and confident in a bathing suit without starving or killing themselves in the gym. www.fit2love.info and www.invisiblefitness.com


modern day ms. mannersFamily Celebration Manners

Bringing the tots to Grandma’s for dinner (in other words, teaching best behavior).As the holiday’s approach you may find yourself invited in the in-laws, friends, or the delightful boss’s home for a special party or dinner. Have no fear when the invitation states children welcome.

Usually the vision is little Tommy running amuck pulling the punch bowl off the table or feeding the family dog rich food until it passes out or throws up. But before you head out the door in frilly taffeta and bow ties, be sure to follow some simple preplanning guidelines.

Set the stage. Sit Tantrum Timmy and Pouting Penny down for a chat about what • the evening will entail and what is expected of them

For the safety of the children and the guests, feed them prior to the event. You • can never be sure that what will be served is detectable nor timely

Develop a quiet signal • that the children know you mean business. My father would get a look in his eye that was directed towards me when I was naughty that would make me stop dead in my tracks

Start with and keep the • upper hand. Kids learn very quickly which buttons to push and they usually push them in public at the most inappropriate times

Know when enough is enough. Idle threats of “Oh, Stop That Johnny” do not • work. If necessary pull the child aside as not to impress them and make your displeasure know.

If you make a conscience, be sure to follow through•

Now, go out and enjoy a festive evening!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to our writer, Constance Hoffman of Learn Social Graces. Get more information about Constance atwww.LearnSocialGraces.com or call (310) 210-6103.


Family Resource DirectoryCLASSESClasses—ArtKidsArt-Redondo Beach (310) 316-93311802 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beachwww.kidsartredondobeach.comEmail: [email protected] art classes for students ages 4 and up. Students are taught according to their individual skills and abilities. Call today for FREE class.

Classes—DanceThe Dance Factory School of Performing Arts (310) 519-360028901 S. Western Ave., #113, Rancho Palos Verdeswww.Dance-Factory.com Where kids grow up and make memories to last a lifetime. Ages 2 and up. University trained teachers—limited class size.

Peninsula School of Performing Arts (310) 375-13982325 PV Drive West, PVE700 Silver Spur Rd, RHEPlease check our website: pspadance.com, for class infor-mation, teacher bios, calendar and fees. Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz and More! Tita Boulger, director.

HEALTHCAREHealthcare - Dentistry/OrthodonticsMitra Evans, D.D.S (310) 375-3939 23326 Hawthorne Blvd., #350, Torrance, 90505 Family and cosmetic dentistry for adults and children. Warm and friendly atmosphere.

SERVICES FOR THE FAMILYFinancial ServicesAlessandra Capital ManagementGreg Alessandra (310) 377-9220501 Deep Valley Dr., Ste. 202, Palos VerdesAn investment advisory team with over four decades of combined experience. Personalized, confidential service offering objective advice.

TravelTravel Store, Karen Murphy (310) 750-941324 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274Vacation planning expertise for families including Club Med, family villages, cruises, Hawaii, Alas-ka, Europe, Mexico, Caribbean and Disney World. Email: [email protected]

SAFETYPOISON CONTROL (800) 876-4766

The Family Resource Directory is published within the What’s Up For Kids magazine. Many category headings are available—JUST ASK!

The Family Resource Directory contract is only $75 per issue. To place a listing, call our office at (310) 544-1042 or email the listing to: [email protected]. Deadline for the January/February Edition is December 10th.

WHAT’S UP FOR KIDS, LLCP.O. BOX 3893PALOS VERDES, CA 90274Cathy Alessandra, Editor/PublisherCindy Donnelly, Sales Associate

(310) 544-1042, Fax (310) 265-0809E-Mail Address: [email protected] Site: www.whatsupforkids.comwww.GotSummerCamp.com

What’s Up For Kids assumes no liability for the contents, including any credentials stated or claims made by persons or estab-lishments included in this publication.

For information on placing a business ad, please call

(310) 544-1042.

modern day ms. mannersFamily Celebration Manners

Bringing the tots to Grandma’s for dinner (in other words, teaching best behavior).As the holiday’s approach you may find yourself invited in the in-laws, friends, or the delightful boss’s home for a special party or dinner. Have no fear when the invitation states children welcome.

Usually the vision is little Tommy running amuck pulling the punch bowl off the table or feeding the family dog rich food until it passes out or throws up. But before you head out the door in frilly taffeta and bow ties, be sure to follow some simple preplanning guidelines.

Set the stage. Sit Tantrum Timmy and Pouting Penny down for a chat about what • the evening will entail and what is expected of them

For the safety of the children and the guests, feed them prior to the event. You • can never be sure that what will be served is detectable nor timely

Develop a quiet signal • that the children know you mean business. My father would get a look in his eye that was directed towards me when I was naughty that would make me stop dead in my tracks

Start with and keep the • upper hand. Kids learn very quickly which buttons to push and they usually push them in public at the most inappropriate times

Know when enough is enough. Idle threats of “Oh, Stop That Johnny” do not • work. If necessary pull the child aside as not to impress them and make your displeasure know.

If you make a conscience, be sure to follow through•

Now, go out and enjoy a festive evening!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to our writer, Constance Hoffman of Learn Social Graces. Get more information about Constance atwww.LearnSocialGraces.com or call (310) 210-6103.

what's up for kids, november/december 2011

Documents

family friendly travelpage

family resource directorypage

new weekly whats

quick tips

organizinghelpmy home

stressful home

kids ezine

stacks of clutter