A young girl finds an egg at Doyle Park in Santa Rosa for the annual free Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Exchange Club. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Here’s where to take the kids to meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for Easter eggs and other holiday events throughout Sonoma County. This list will update as I learn about more events.

(If you’re looking for things to put in your kids’ Easter baskets, click here and here.)

Ongoing

Visits with the Easter Bunny: Through March 31, kids are invited to visit the Easter Bunny at the Santa Rosa Plaza and pose for a photo. On Sunday, March 18, Caring Bunny will be at the Plaza from 9-10:30 for children with special needs. If your pets want to visit with the Easter Bunny, bring them to the Plaza on Sunday, March 25 from 6-8 p.m. Find out more at simonbunny.com.

Saturday, March 24

Forestville Egg Hunt: Bring your basket to Forestville Youth Park for a morning of egg hunting, plus an announcement about the Coloring Contest winner. The event starts at 10 a.m. More information at forestvilleyouthpark.org.

Sunday, March 25

Sonoma Valley Mother’s Club Easter Egg Hunt: Starting at 11 a.m., enjoy a day of hunting for eggs, family activities, a bounce house and more, plus a visit with the Easter Bunny. Admission tickets are $20 per family (2 adults, 2 children), $5 for additional adult or child, $10 for photo, and free for babies 11 months and younger. Tickets will also include lunch, wine and other beverages. Find out more at sonomamothersclub.com.

Saturday, March 31

Exchange Club Easter Egg Hunt: Kids can hunt for eggs free at the 71st annual Easter Egg Hunt at Doyle Park in Santa Rosa. Egg hunts for age groups 2-3 year old, 4-6 year old and 7-8 year old start at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny and Time Out Teddy will be there to visit, and each child will receive a raffle ticket for exciting prizes. For more information, contact Linda at 707-479-3340.

Skate with the Easter Beagle: Enjoy a pre-Easter celebration at Snoopy Home Ice when the Easter Beagle dons a pair of skates and shows off his mad skills. Enjoy skating, prizes, Easter eggs and pictures with the Easter Beagle. Admission is $5, and includes skate rental. Find out more at snoopyshomeice.com.

History Museum Easter Egg Hunt: Come to the Sculpture Garden at the History Museum of Sonoma County for a fun egg hunt for kids 13 and under, followed by unique egg decorating projects. Admission is $7 per child, and participants must arrive before 1:30 p.m. Find out more at museumsc.org.

Sebastopol Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt: Kids of all ages are invited to an egg hunt at Ives Park in Sebastopol, plus a chance to take photos with the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget your basket to this free event! The egg hunt kicks off at 10 a.m. Find out more at sebastopolkiwanis.org.

Adobe Christian Easter Eggstravaganza: From 11-12:30 p.m., families can enjoy an egg hunt, games, emergency vehicle tours, an obstacle course, face painting, slide and jump houses, and more. Admission is $5 per family. Find out more at adobecc.org.

Petaluma Outlets Easter Children’s Fair: The Easter Bunny is coming to the Petaluma Outlets the day before Easter, and wants to meet you! From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy crafts, games, family entertainment, prizes and more at this free event. Find out more here.

Easter Bunny comes to Fundemonium: Visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny at Fundemonium in Rohnert Park. The free event will also include playtime in the activity area. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information at www.fundemoniumtoys.com.

Coppola Easter: While there won’t be an egg hunt this year, kids can still enjoy arts and crafts, games, face painting, an animal show and more at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and $12 per child, 12 and under. Proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Boys & Girls Club. More info at francisfordcoppolawinery.com.

Sonoma Valley Soroptimist 42nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt: You’ll want to come early for this popular egg hunt. The Sonoma Valley Soroptimist Club is hosting their annual egg hunt at 11 a.m. in the Sonoma Plaza, with an appearance by the Easter Bunny and prizes for kids who find a “Golden Egg.” Find out more at facebook.com/sonomasoroptimist.

Healdsburg Noon Rotary Easter Egg Scramble: Find hidden egg treasures at this holiday event, starting at 9 a.m. at Fitch Mountain Elementary School.  More information at healdsburgrotary.org.

Easter in Rohnert Park: This Saturday, Snyder Lane Church is hosting an egg hunt for Rohnert Park families, full of fun and family activities. This year’s event includes the Easter Bunny photo booth, Fundemonium activities, game booths and more. And you won’t miss the KidVenture Family Production, which will include puppets, music, drama and story time, which takes place in several different showings before the Easter egg hunt. The fun takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (registration at 9:30) at 4689 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. To register for a show time, visit easterinthepark.eventcreate.com.

Sunday, April 1

Garden Valley Ranch Easter Egg Hunt: This free egg hunt takes place noon to 4 p.m. at Garden Valley Ranch in Petaluma, and will include live music, food vendors, face painting and games, plus the egg hunt. While there, take a look in the gardens for their whimsical Carousel Animals, a collection of antique originals from the 1800s that will be on display for perfect photo oppotunities. Find out more at gardenvalley.com.

Hunt for the Hare at Safari West: Kids of all ages can enjoy brunch on Easter Sunday, followed by an egg hunt and a cross-country “Hunt for the Hare” on the African savannah of Safari West. The 10 a.m. slot is already sold out, but there are still a few tickets left for the 2 p.m. start time. Cost is $75 for adults, $40 for kids 4-12. Brunch only is $42.00 for adults, $18.00 for kids 4-12. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa. 579-2551. www.safariwest.com

Easter Bunny comes to Larson Family Winery: On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny will relax after all that egg hiding for a chance to visit with families at Larson Family Winery in Sonoma. From noon to 2 p.m., kids will get to meet the Easter Bunny, and may even get a special treat. Grown-ups can also try some of the winery’s Gold Medal wines, as well. Find out more at larsonfamilywinery.com.

Do you have an Easter family event to add? Email Crissi Langwell at crissi.langwell@pressdemocrat.com.

The post Guide to Sonoma County Egg Hunts 2018 appeared first on The Village.

Following October’s destruction from the wildfires that devastated parts of Sonoma County, it’s hard to think about any kind of celebration, especially this soon. The holidays are supposed to be a happy time — a time when presents, large meals and home gatherings are the foundation of these seasonal celebrations. This year, things feel more subdued. We’ve all been affected, and this year’s holiday season is bound to be different.

If you’re unsure how to get through the holidays following the recent Sonoma County wildfires, here are a few suggestions to help carry you through.

Consider sharing your table with more people. Rather than a small gathering, combine your holiday with other families, encouraging a potluck meal to help spread the cooking responsibility and to try different dishes. Many people at the table will have fire stories to share and how their lives have changed, and the gathering could serve as a therapeutic way of healing.

However, if a large gathering feels daunting, consider a small gathering. Don’t force yourself to be a part of the usual traditions of getting together for the holidays if the idea of it seems overwhelming. After this time of stress, hardship and loss, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip big gatherings this year. Allow yourself permission to spend the day they way you need to, even if it means you need to cancel plans at the last minute.

Welcome the normalcy of the holidays, and celebrate full force. It’s hard to feel normal with so much loss around us. Since Oct. 9, many of us have had trouble focusing on anything but devastation and fire recovery. But the holidays come every year. It’s something you can count on. When the house is decorated, it symbolizes the turned page of the calendar and the passing of time. If you’re craving some sense of normalcy, let the holidays be it. Decorate your home. Turn on the Christmas music. Fire up the oven and bake some cookies. Enjoy every holiday tradition that makes you feel happy.

Do something for someone else. Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar, once said, “If you are feeling helpless, help someone.” Even if you have little, there is always someone that can benefit from your help. Call a friend or spend time with them, and then just listen. Lighten someone’s load by helping them accomplish something, such as folding their laundry, watching their children, or babysitting their kids. Donate your time at the food bank, or serve at one of the holiday meals.

You can also contact Sonoma County Volunteer Center at volunteernow.org and find out ways you can use your skills to benefit someone else, attend a few fundraising events or adopt a person or a family through the Secret Santa program at secretsantanow.org. These are only a few ideas, and ones anyone can do. Sometimes doing even the smallest thing for someone else can help to lighten the burden of a drastically changed life — yours and theirs.

Pare back the giving and getting this year. For those who haven’t lost their home, it can feel inappropriate to match previous years of generosity within our families when so many have lost so much. Likewise, those who have lost their homes, jobs or have been financially affected by the fires in a different way may feel guilt over not being able to give as much. This year, make the holiday less about gift giving and large meals. Time spent with others, random acts of kindness and smaller trinkets can easily take the place of the usual wrapped present, and mean just as much, if not more. This not only eases any stress felt about money, but it could create meaningful memories and new traditions for the younger generation.

Make your needs known. In the wake of the fires, one thing I’ve heard often from those who haven’t lost their home is a feeling of helplessness among so much loss. People want to help, but aren’t sure how without getting in the way, or even that their help will make a difference. The underlying feeling is the desire to give, but they’re not sure how. While hard to do, it’s been helpful when friends who have lost their homes tell others what they specifically need. What is something you lost that you miss more than anything, or would make your life easier? Don’t be afraid to ask — you may just get it. And if pride is keeping you from speaking up, think of it like this: you are giving a generous person a purpose in this disaster.

Give yourself time. Life is different now, and there is no time limit on how to get over this kind of grief. Communities have been devastated. The landscape is scarred. Good people lost their jobs, their home and their sense of security. We’ve all been affected, regardless of where we landed on the other side of this tragedy. Here’s how you can help travel through the grief: If you feel like crying, cry. If you feel like staying home, stay home. If you feel like skipping the holiday meal, skip it. If you feel like certain traditions are too daunting, don’t do them. And if you feel adamant to let this holiday be the one piece of normalcy among so much grief, then make this season the best one possible. In other words, pay attention to how you feel, and honor it.

What is something that’s helped you get through emotionally after this disaster, and as we head into the holiday? Tell us in the comments.

Crissi Langwell is the author of several books, covering genres of magical realism, contemporary fiction and young adult, and lives in Sonoma County with her husband, blended family of three teenagers and a ridiculous teenage dog. Find her at crissilangwell.com.

The post How to get through the holidays after the Sonoma County fires appeared first on The Village.

My teens are visiting their dad across the country right now in a home that has no wifi. This means that the 15GB of data we share among the three of us is now dangerously low, and we have two weeks left until the next billing cycle. To compensate, I had no choice but to turn off their data this morning.

“Can you just give me 10 minutes so I can let all my friends know I’ll be offline?” my son texted me. I allowed it. Now his Snapchat story has one of his friends taking over, helping my son to keep up with his “streaks,” and all his friends are on notice that he’s unavailable for a few more days. Because talking on the phone is not an option, and being without internet means he is basically invisible.

Welcome to Generation Z, otherwise known as iGen.

This morning’s exchange was fresh in my mind as I came across an article on The Atlantic titled “Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?”

“Born between 1995 and 2012, members of this generation are growing up with smartphones, have an Instagram account before they start high school, and do not remember a time before the internet.”

The article points out the differences between the youth of today, and what teens were doing 10, 20, 30 or more years ago. One of the major differences was in teen attitudes and behaviors. For example, earlier generations of teens were more social and outgoing. But today’s teens are most comfortable in their own room. On a positive note, a survey showed that teens of today are less likely to get into car accidents or use drugs or alcohol than the generations before. But teen depression and suicide has skyrocketed since 2011, around the time that smartphone ownership reached 50%.

“It’s not an exaggeration to describe iGen as being on the brink of the worst mental-health crisis in decades. Much of this deterioration can be traced to their phones,” the article shared.

Another difference includes waiting longer to take on adult responsibilities, including getting their driver’s licenses or getting a job.

“Teens, in turn, seem to be content with this homebody arrangement—not because they’re so studious, but because their social life is lived on their phone. They don’t need to leave home to spend time with their friends.”

You can read the rest of the article here.

Have you noticed a difference between today’s teens and the teens of earlier generations? What would you say is the most significant change? And how do you handle your teen’s phone use and screen time? Let me know in the comments.

Crissi Langwell is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books, and lives in Sonoma County with her husband, blended family of three teenagers and a ridiculous teenage dog. Find her at crissilangwell.com.

The post How smartphones are “destroying” today’s teens appeared first on The Village.

(Photo by Emma Burgess)

Here’s where to take the kids to meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for Easter eggs and other holiday events throughout Sonoma County. This list will update as I learn about more events.

(If you’re looking for things to put in your kids’ Easter baskets, click here and here.)

Through April 15
Easter Bunny at Coddingtown and Santa Rosa Plaza Malls: Kids are invited to take photos with the Easter Bunny this year at Coddingtown near JCPenney Court and the Children’s Play Area, or in the center court of the Santa Rosa Plaza. To reserve your appointment, go to simon.noerrbunny.com.

Saturday, April 8
Petaluma Egg Hunt: Kids 12 and under can enjoy a day of finding eggs, plus have fun with children’s activities, face painting, live performances and more. It all takes place at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma from 10 a.m. to noon. Find out more at facebook.com/PetalumaSunrise.

Sunday, April 9
Egg Hunt at Farmstead: On Sunday, kids can enjoy hunting for eggs, visiting the Easter Bunny and a variety of other fun activities at Long Meadow Ranch’s Farmstead, and parents will be treated to a Bloody Mary with admission. The festivities begin at 10 a.m., and the hunt starts at 11 a.m. Admission is free for kids, $15 for adults. Find out more at longmeadowranch.com/things-to-do/events/egg-hunt.

Saturday, April 15
Sebastopol Kiwanis 37th Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Children of all ages are invited to search for treats and colored eggs at Ives Park in Sebastopol. The free event starts at 10 a.m. Details at sebastopolkiwanis.org.

Saturday, April 15
History Museum Egg Hunt: Kids 13 and under will have fun searching for eggs in the sculpture garden at the History Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa. Admission is $7 per child, free for accompanying adults. Must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to take part in the egg hunt. Find out more at museumsc.org.

Saturday, April 15
Easter Bunny comes to Fundemonium: Visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny on Saturday at Fundemonium in Rohnert Park. The free event will also include playtime in the activity area, and free frozen yogurt samples. Starts at 11 a.m. More information at www.fundemoniumtoys.com.

Saturday, April 15
Petaluma Outlets Easter Event: Join the fun at the Petaluma Outlets on Saturday with arts and crafts, bounce houses, face painting and more, plus a visit with the Easter Bunny. You can also enter the raffle for an Easter Basket. The free event kicks off at noon.

Saturday, April 15
Spring Hills Eggstravaganza: On Saturday, take part in the free Easter Egg Hunt taking place between 3-5 p.m. The event will also include games, bounce houses, crafts and a BBQ. Find out more at www.springhills.org/easter.

Saturday, April 15
Hunt for the Hare at Safari West: Kids of all ages can enjoy brunch on Sunday, followed by an egg hunt and a cross-country “Hunt for the Hare” on the African savannah of Safari West. Choose from the 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. start time. Cost is $75 for adults, $40 for kids 4-12. Brunch only is $42.00 for adults, $18.00 for kids 4-12. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa. 579-2551. www.safariwest.com

Sunday, April 16
Easter Bunny comes to Larson Family Winery: On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny will relax after all that egg hiding for a chance to visit with families at Larson Family Winery in Sonoma. From noon to 2 p.m., kids will get to meet the Easter Bunny, and may even get a special treat. Grown-ups can also try some of the winery’s Gold Medal wines, as well. Find out more at larsonfamilywinery.com.

The post Guide to 2017 Sonoma County Easter egg hunts appeared first on The Village.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump smiles as he arrives to speak at an election night rally, early Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, in New York.  (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Tuesday was my daughter’s 14^th birthday. She wanted two things this year: To go to a Warriors game and to see a woman elected president of the United States. And here I thought the Warriors tickets were going to be hard to deliver.

On Wednesday morning when Clara rose to go to school, I had to tell her that her new president was Donald Trump. “How could this happen,” she asked in shock. I told her I didn’t know.

We hugged in silence for a long time.

How do you talk to your kids about what happened? I’m not talking about policy, I’m talking about behavior and human decency. As I wrote in my column on Sunday, “It’s not just that I wouldn’t want Donald Trump in the White House. To be clear, I wouldn’t want him in my house — certainly not alone with my wife or my  daughter. . . I’ve seen too many guys like this in my lifetime, and I’ve been able to tell my kids that people like him never win. But one may be about to.” And he did.

So what do we say the next time we see a child, maybe one of our own, mock somebody with a disability or call someone a “pig?” What about those children who are concerned about the possibility of a friend at school being deported?

– Paul Gullixson

Save

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So, maybe it wasn’t the nicest of comments. Yes, Landon Benton of Quincy, Illinois bears a close resemblance to Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors – especially for someone who is only 10 months old. But after his mom posted some photos on Instagram, some online commenters started calling him “Stuff Curry” in reference to his, well, plumpness.

But give Landon’s mother, Jessica Benton, credit. She’s making the best of it. She’s embraced the nickname and has been dressing her son in a Curry jersey.

“I’m not going to let them fat shame my baby and put it all over online . . . “ Benton told ESPN. “I wanted to really turn it into something good and take control of it and say, ‘Okay, we’re going to own this name. Yeah, we’re Stuff Curry. We look like the famous basketball player.’ ”

this video #babylandonlee #stuffcurry . #Repost @espn with @repostapp. ・・・ There’s more to Instagram star “Stuff Curry” (@babylandonlee) than meets the eye.

A video posted by Baby Landon (Stuff Curry) Lee (@babylandonlee) on May 22, 2016 at 9:11am PDT

As of last count, ‘Stuff Curry’ had more than 35,000 followers on Instagram – including my daughter, who thinks he’s “adorable.”

Yeah, but can he shoot threes? Right now, even our own Steph seems to have forgotten how to do that. He’s the one who is getting stuffed these days.

The post Meet “Stuff Curry,” the rising star of Instagram appeared first on The Village.

A mom recently made a list of 44 things she wanted her kids to learn before they hit adulthood, which is something we should all think about as we’re raising our own future adults. I know for me, there are certainly some major values and skills I want for their lives. So without further ado, here are 15 things I hope to instill in my kids before they hit their adult years.

P.S. Have any you want to share from your own list? Leave it in the comments!

1. Honesty is always the best policy. Best way to not be caught up in a lie is to not do anything worth lying about. But if you do find yourself in a situation where you’re tempted to fib your way out, DON’T. It might make things uncomfortable in the moment, but trust me, you’ll be better for it in the long run.

2. The first step to something great will likely feel insignificant. This goes for anything – learning a new skill, saving money, beginning a new project… But it especially goes for getting a new job. You cannot expect to enter the workforce and be given an impressive job title and high salary right off the bat. The reality is you will probably be paid far less than you want to be paid for a job that only hints at your interests – if you’re lucky to get that close to your dream job. Do it anyway. Even the most successful chefs started out washing dishes in the back. With experience comes knowledge, and that will help you not only learn more about where you want to be in life, but will help others easily recognize your potential. Which brings me to #3….

3. Take pride in your work. I don’t care if it’s sweeping the floor, working a minimum wage job, or climbing the corporate ladder – always put your best effort into what you are doing. After all, if you can’t handle the smallest of tasks with finesse, what makes you think you can handle the bigger ones?

4. Handle your money like an adult, not a kid. Keep your checkbook balanced. Do not rely on credit to get the things you want. Save for expected expenses, and unexpected ones, too. Never pay a bill past its due date. Avoid borrowing money like the plague (but if you must borrow, always pay it back). Live only as large as a portion of your paycheck – not the whole thing, and definitely not more than you make. And regularly give to charity.

5. Learn to cook one meal really, really well. By all means, learn to cook in general. But find that one dish that will impress. There will come a day when you will need to pull that ace out of your sleeve (cooking for your significant other’s parents, inviting the boss over for dinner, contributing to a dinner party…). Wouldn’t it be nice to be prepared beforehand?

6. Do your best to only speak about your spouse in kindness. Not only will badmouthing your spouse kill your marriage, it will also kill your friendships. Trust me, there is nothing funny about being stuck in a room with someone who can only say snarky things about their husband or wife, even in jest. It’s just uncomfortable and terrible, and no way to treat a person you love.

7. Never stop learning. Read lots of books, take a class, learn a new language, study a culture or religion, challenge yourself to a new word a day, pay attention to the news of your community/state/country/world…. Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” This is truth. Live by it.

8. Figure out your passion. And once you do, don’t let life get in your way of pursuing that passion. If you love singing, then join a choir or band. If you’re a writer, join a writing group. If you’re an artist, take classes. If you love to build things, go fishing, play golf, then do it!

9. Make time for fun. Once we get into adulthood, sometimes this part is forgotten. There’s a job to go to, a house to clean, bills to pay, errands to run, committees we signed up for, a family to care for, life to contend with… All of those things are important. But so are you. Schedule in a portion of your week when you can enjoy the things you like to do so you can be a better worker, friend, mom or dad, etc.

10. Treat everyone as you wish to be treated. We all want love, kindness, equality, generosity, honesty, dependability, and more wonderful traits from the people around us. Be this to the world, and the world will be this to you.

But on the same token…

11. Do not give anyone permission to walk all over you. You are your best advocate. Stand up for what you believe is right.

12. Abuse is never okay. Be it hitting, using derogatory names, or making dangerous threats, these are not the actions of someone in love. These are actions of someone who wishes to control their partner. If you are tempted to take these actions against someone else, get help immediately. If someone is mistreating you, get out of the relationship. Don’t walk, RUN. Because if you stay, you are giving that person permission to treat you in a way no one should be treated. You cannot change them. It is not your job to change them. But it is your job to look out for your own safety, because no one is going to do it for you.

13. Appearances DO matter. Sure, we say beauty lies on the inside. But can a potential employer really see the inner beauty of the person they are interviewing? First impressions can never be taken back, regardless of the situation. So always leave the house wearing clean clothes. Keep your hair and teeth brushed. Shower regularly. And seriously think about where you place artistic expressions on your body.

14. Don’t forget me when you leave the nest. I want you to be independent and make it on your own. That is my biggest goal for you when you leave this house to create a home of your own. But call me once in awhile, okay? Let me know how you’re doing. Keep me in the loop about what’s important to you, what you’re struggling with, who your friends are, what’s going on in your life. I’m your mom, and I always will be. And you’re one of my favorite people in the whole world. Keep in touch.

15. Love your sister/brother. He/she shares your history. He/she is your closest link to our family. Be there for each other, celebrate each other’s families, cheer each other on. Don’t ever take your sibling for granted. When I leave this world, nothing will make me happier than knowing you have each other to lean on.

The post 15 things I want my kids to know before they’re adults appeared first on The Village.

Malia Obama, oldest daughter of President Barack Obama, is in her senior year of high school, and she has been accepted to attend Harvard University as her college of choice. However, before the first daughter attends her very first college class, she will be taking a year off—otherwise known as a “gap year.”

Big in Europe and Australia, and just now catching on in the US, a gap year is when students decide to delay their entry to college to either catch their breath after high school, or to gather some life or work experiences before embarking on their college career.

For Malia, the decision to take a gap year makes sense. Her father is in his last year of presidency, and there will be a lot of changes as the family adjusts to life after the White House. So, it doesn’t really seem like a big surprise that she isn’t jumping right into college after she graduates from high school.

For me, however, a gap year was not my parents’ favorite decision that I made. I wanted to move out with my boyfriend and begin working full-time right away. They wanted me to go away to college and pursue the classes I needed toward the writing or teaching career I had often talked about.

In the end, I won out. I moved out the day after high school, increased my hours at work, and gained some real life experience. A year later,  I still wasn’t going to college. More than that, we were broke and had accidentally started a family.

Whoops.

My education took an alternative turn from the traditional route of college. I was lucky in that my experiences still led me to where I wanted to be in life. But because of the hardships I also faced from this life decision, I don’t heartily recommend taking a gap year.

Proud mom note: My daughter—the one we started our family with—is graduating from high school this year (and starting classes at Sonoma State University in the fall).

With all that said, however, I still recognize that there are many students who are disciplined enough to take a year off after high school and still sign up for college courses a year later. If that is your choice (or your child’s choice), here are 10 things you can do in that break between high school and college.

1. Travel
Trust me when I say this, there will never be a more perfect time for you to journey someplace new and live out of a suitcase. Later on, you will have a career, a family, obligations, responsibilities…. There will be so many things that will chain you where you are, making it difficult to just get up and go. So take advantage of the moment. Embark on a road trip to a new state. Or grab your passport and get on a plane. Peruse Groupon or Travelocity for deals, or split the tab with a few good friends.

2. Get a job….and save!
Work experience is worth its weight in gold. Future employers want to know about your past jobs, and they want to know you’ll be a good employee. This is a great time to pad your resume with a few small-time jobs, and even work your way up the ladder. Plus, a portion of that money can go toward next year’s college tuition, saving you money in the long run.

3. Join the Peace Corps
This is an opportunity for you to do something great for mankind, and to also see the world in the least expensive way possible. There is an application process and a few requirements involved, but if you’re approved, you will find yourself in a new part of the world, making new friends, and aiding others who are relying on your help.

4. Cross a few things off your bucket list
I know you have one. Perhaps it’s seeing the Grand Canyon. Maybe it’s running a marathon. Whatever it is, this is a great time for you to create a few memories, do all the things you’ve always wanted to do, and give you a few new stories you’ll tell your grandkids one day.

5. Hike the PCT.
You know, like Cheryl Strayed did (and told about in her memoir, “Wild”). Or just do a week-long backpacking trip like my friend, Inga Aksamit, did (and told about in her own memoir, “Highs and Lows on the John Muir Trail“).  Make sure you have a pair of sturdy shoes!

6. Learn something new
Take a sail-boating class. Learn how to bone a fish. Discover how tie every knot there is. Learn how to sew your own outfit, or how to knit a scarf. Practice putting up a tent on your own, and then how to tear it down. Take a dance class, a yoga class, a jujitsu class, or a singing class. Learn how to ride a horse. Learn how to do a back flip. Learn to speak a new language. Take all the fun classes you can now. The possibilities are endless.

7. Write a book
You know you have one in you. Might as well use this time to jot it down. Who knows? It could become the next bestseller.

8. Learn some life skills
You know good ol’ Mom and Dad? They actually have a few tricks up their sleeve. They can balance a checkbook in the blink of an eye. They can whip up a meal for five in 30 minutes. They can change the oil on the car, or switch out the windshield wipers. They can budget their finances with a few bucks leftover. Use this next year to learn everything you can from these wise people you call parents about how to be truly independent.

9. Do nice things for others
If you love animals, the local animal shelter would probably appreciate your help. Enjoy farm work? See if any of the local farms need a hand. Have a neighbor with an overgrown lawn? Grab your dad’s lawnmower and mow their lawn. During this next year, look for ways you can add brightness to someone else’s life through random gestures of kindness.

10. Gain some perspective
What are your goals in life? What do you wish to accomplish by the time you’re 25, 30, 40 and more? What kind of career will make you happy? What are the values you wish to always take with you, and what are the bad habits you hope to shed? Use this next year to become clear on what you wish for your life, and to start mapping out your plan to make that happen!

What would you add to a gap year list? Did you take a gap year? What was your experience like?

The post 10 gap year ideas for students between high school and college appeared first on The Village.

Stephen Curry, holding his daughter Riley, laughs with Andre Iguodala during the Golden State Warriors Victory Parade and Rally in Oakland, on Friday, June 19, 2015. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

We may root for them, but it’s not easy to like some professional athletes. There aren’t a lot of  role models out there. Then there’s the Warriors’ Steph Curry, the guy who not only has no problem knocking down a game-winning 38-footer at the buzzer (Think the Thunders game on Feb. 27 ), but also shows no fear in having his daughter with him during a post-game press conference (Think Riley stealing the show following his team’s Game 1 victory in the conference finals last year.)

If there’s any doubt about the pride he takes in being a dad, check out this interview with Steph in the June edition of Parents magazine. It’s one of the first times he and his wife, Ayesha, have talked about their relationship and their experiences in raising Riley, 3, and Ryan, 10 months. (First off, how many professional athletes make the cover of Parents as well as Sports Illustrated – and just about every major sports publication there is – in the same month?)
Here are two great moments in the interview with Parents:

Steph Curry on road games: “FaceTime helps me a lot. I feel like I’m at home even though I’m not. My girls get to see me, and Riley is at the age where she asks where I am and when I’ll be back, counting down how many ‘sleeps’ until Daddy gets home.” Any parent who travels can empathize.

Ayesha on Steph: “The thing I love about him is that he’s not too cool for school. He’ll get down on the floor and play with the girls. He’ll put on dress up clothes if he has to, and he’s very patient, which is something I’m not. We balance each other out.”

Yes, you have to like this guy (and his family). But he’s making life difficult for guys like me.

My kids, particularly my 13-year-old daughter, Clara, is crazy about Curry and his whole family. Her dream job: being the Curry’s babysitter. Her second dream job: Being Riley Curry.

In other words, she’s making me work on my jumper.

Anybody else have families that are as Curry crazy as mine?
– Paul Gullixson

The post Steph Curry – an MVP (most valuable parent) as well? appeared first on The Village.

When my son was two-years-old, he mastered the art of scaling the rails of his crib before toddling in to the living room where his father and I were watching TV, grinning because he had outsmarted us. From that point on, it became impossible to keep him confined to his crib. We’d place him in there, and our little Indiana Jones would manage to swing back out and greet us before we’d even sat on the couch.

Obviously it was time for a big boy bed.

We held our breath as we tried it out the first night. And our son was so thrilled to be considered old enough for a regular bed that he stayed put as we kissed him goodnight and closed the child gate on the doorless doorway to his room. We thought things were going well when things remained quiet in the back part of the house. Too quiet. I got up silently from my place on the couch and peeked in on him in his room. And there he was making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of the sheets on his bed. He had managed to climb over the gate, grab the ingredients he needed, climb back over, and then work his magic like a true chef.

After that, we kept the child gate up – but we also wedged two chairs on top of that to create a sort of cage. And yes, despite the fact that this successfully trapped him, my mischievous little monkey still attempted his escape by climbing to the top of the barricade and howling in glee.

The simple truth is, kids don’t like bedtime. They’re so afraid they’re going to miss something fun, they will do anything to stay up as late as possible. And besides, they’re not tired – why do THEY have to go to bed?

Because you’re tired.

Well, that, as well as the fact that they need a full night’s sleep to be able to function the next day, grow properly, and not be so grumpy that you’re tempted to hand them off to the nicest looking stranger you meet. And the best way to prepare them is by creating a bedtime routine that will help get them in the mood for curling up under the covers and staying in bed. Here are a few tips on how to get this done.

1. Verbally prepare them. Give them a rundown of what’s to be expected before bedtime. “First you’re going to take your bath, then brush your teeth, then we’ll read a story, say our prayers, and then go to bed.”

2. Keep it short and sweet. 30 minutes is a good amount of time for bedtime. If you can get it to 15, even better. But when it starts creeping up towards an hour of bedtime prep, those angelic kids have successfully managed to manipulate you. Let them know you are reading ONE story, and not their entire collection of Junie B Jones books – and stick to it.

3. Induce sleep. Alright, put that drowsy cough syrup away. Instead, try a warm cup of milk or a warm bubble bath. Rub their back for a few minutes while you two talk about pleasant things that happened that day. Keep the lights low and noises soft to instill a calming mood.

4. Make sure they’re comfy.  Do they have enough blankets and pillows?  Are they warm enough?  Is their bed mattress quality enough to help them sleep?  A good night’s sleep hinges on a decent bed to sleep on (and as someone who finally bit the bullet and bought a new mattress, this is a reminder to you adults as well.  I’ve never slept so good!).

5. Keep it consistent. Once you’ve found the perfect mix for your bedtime routine, stick to it every night. Kids thrive on routine. It makes them feel safe knowing what to expect. A nightly schedule will become so habitual you soon won’t have to even remind them what comes next.

And then, once they’re in bed….

6. Keep the rest of the house as “boring” as possible. If the TV is on, keep it low. Turn the lights down. For at least 30 minutes, try to make staying up as uninteresting as possible. With a lot of work and a little luck, your little crumbgrinder is sure to get used to sleeping at the same hour every night.

Of course, it’s not just the little kids who need a full night’s sleep. Older kids need to get enough shut-eye as well. Yet, teens aren’t going to be keen on getting tucked in with a bedtime story after you give them a bubble bath. But they can still benefit from a modified routine. End the night by talking about the highs and lows of their day, maybe even enhanced by a nightly cup of chamomile tea. Make a steadfast rule that the kitchen is closed, the electronics are to be put away (or collected by you), and that bedtime means they can either go to sleep or do a quiet activity until they’re tired enough to sleep.

For my little escape artist, using a mixture of being firm about bedtime as well as doing the same thing every night helped me to eventually be able to get him to bed without ever having to argue with him. To this day, bedtime is a steadfast rule in our home.

What are some of the ways you help your child get to sleep?

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