Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or adding another little one to the family, one question often catches parents by surprise: When should my child first see the dentist? The answer is probably sooner than you think.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. While many parents assume dental visits can wait until preschool, those first years are an ideal time to establish healthy habits and identify potential concerns early.

As both a board-certified pediatric dentist and a mom of two, I know how overwhelming those early parenting decisions can feel. Between feeding schedules, sleep routines, and developmental milestones, it’s easy to wonder if you’re doing everything “right.” That’s exactly why an early dental visit can be so reassuring.

Building healthy habits from the very beginning

A baby’s first tooth often appears around six months of age, right around the time many families begin introducing solid foods. That’s also when oral hygiene should begin. 

Baby teeth may be temporary, but they play an important role in a child’s development. They help children chew, speak clearly, and hold space for their permanent teeth. Caring for them early helps establish healthy habits that support oral health as children grow. Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, yet it is also largely preventable. Early dental visits provide parents with education, guidance, and the opportunity to address questions before problems arise.

What happens during the first dental visit?

Parents are often relieved to learn that the first visit is usually simple, gentle, and focused on education (not treatment). During the appointment, your pediatric dentist will examine your child’s mouth and discuss topics such as:

• Proper brushing techniques

• Healthy feeding and nutrition habits

• Fluoride recommendations

• Teething expectations

• Oral development

• Pacifier and thumb sucking habits

• Injury prevention

• What to expect as new teeth erupt

It’s also an opportunity for parents to ask questions (no matter how big or small). Establishing a dental home early allows families to build a relationship with their pediatric dentist and may help identify concerns before they become more complex. Prevention is one of the most valuable tools we have for supporting children’s oral health.

Creating positive dental experiences matters

One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is the opportunity to develop a positive relationship with dental care. Children begin forming impressions at an early age. When their first dental visits are calm, playful, and pressure free, they may be more likely to view dental care as a normal part of staying healthy rather than something to fear.

Many pediatric dental offices are designed specifically with children in mind, using age-appropriate language, playful environments, and gentle approaches that help children feel safe and comfortable. Even if your child cries or doesn’t cooperate perfectly during their first visit, that’s completely normal. The goal isn’t a perfect appointment: it’s gradually building trust, familiarity, and confidence over time.

Positive early experiences can encourage children to feel more comfortable with dental visits as they grow and may help establish healthy habits that last into adulthood.

Nighttime routines make a big difference

One of the most common conversations I have with parents involves bedtime routines. While breast milk and formula are wonderful sources of nutrition for babies, once teeth have erupted, frequent nighttime exposure to milk without cleaning the teeth afterward may increase the risk of early childhood cavities. Establishing a simple bedtime routine that includes brushing

before sleep is one way parents can help protect their child’s growing smile.

Pacifiers and thumb sucking: When should parents be concerned?

Pacifiers and thumb sucking are completely normal ways for babies and young children to self-soothe. In fact, many children naturally stop these habits on their own. The concern comes with prolonged use. As children grow, continued thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect jaw development and tooth alignment, which may increase the likelihood of

orthodontic treatment later in childhood.

Fortunately, there are many gentle, positive strategies that can help children transition away from these habits when the time is right. Every child develops differently, so discussing your child’s specific needs with your pediatric dentist can help determine the most appropriate approach.

Prevention starts with partnership

The first dental visit isn’t just about checking teeth, it’s about beginning a partnership between families and their pediatric dentist.

By starting early, asking questions, and creating positive experiences, parents can help support a lifetime of healthy oral habits.

Jenny Garcia, D.D.S., is a board-certified pediatric dentist, mom of two and founder of Oui Smile Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles. She is passionate about helping children build healthy smiles through prevention, education, and positive dental experiences while empowering parents to make informed decisions about their child’s oral health.

The post When Should Your Child First See the Dentist? A Pediatric Dentist Explains appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Nowadays, connected devices have become so integral to family routines in Los Angeles that it is as if almost every waking moment revolves around them. Parents rely on their laptops to go on working, kids do their homework with the help of the internet, family pictures are synced to the cloud storage service and other activities like banking, shopping and watching the latest movies, shows or sports events all take place over shared home networks. Of course, such advances in technology have made life easier and more comfortable, but at the same time have resulted in some very legitimate worries related to privacy and online security.

Luckily, managing and safeguarding your family’s online and digital activities is not beyond the average homeowner. If you adopt just a few easy-to-learn and simple habits, you can by a lot decrease the usual risks of the digital world and at the same time, build up usage and confidence in every family member when using connected devices.

Understanding the Daily Risks

Many parents mistakenly believe that only companies and IT professionals are the targets of cyber threats. Though households are equally and very often targeted. The phishing scam emails pretending to be school updates, fake delivery notifications and fraudulent banking alerts that lure are becoming increasingly convincing. Touching a link in a suspicious email may not only expose your sensitive information but also could bring the installation of harmful software.

The shared home Wi-Fi networks can be another security concern if not adequately protected. Passwords that are not strong or router settings that are outdated may create a vulnerability for all connected devices.

Children who are virtually soaked with the technology of their times may also end up anonymously downloading malicious apps or engaging in freelance personal information through clickbait on websites. That is one of many reasons why you and all family members should digitally secure your home as much as possible.

Steps That Would Greatly Increase Your Security

Don’t worry if you are not very good with technology; you can always improve the online security of your family.

Make your first contact with strong, different passwords for every major account and if managing these passwords becomes difficult, then a password manager may be an answer. Always activate two-factor authentication when offered — most of all for email, bank and online stores.

Keeping your gadgets up to date is just as necessary. Most software updates are essentially security patches that help shield your system against newly discovered vulnerabilities. On top of that, setting your system to install updates automatically is not just handy but a straightforward and very powerful way of maintaining security.

Once parental controls have been set up, it is best to carry out a check of the privacy settings of browsers, apps and social networks regularly to limit the sharing of unnecessary personal information. Educating your kids to identify phishing emails, pop-ups and messages will most often lessen the probability of them being tricked by online frauds.

Extra Protection for Families Using Macs

Many homes in Los Angeles have Apple computers where the whole family works, does school assignments, gets creative and keeps the family organized. Although Macs have very strong security features built-in, it’s a smart idea to get a step ahead in protecting online activity on family-shared devices.

Encrypting your family’s internet connection is a good way to keep it private but the family won’t even notice they’re changing their computer usage. For parents who just want a simple and easy-to-use product, the Mac version of Private Internet Access is available here. Plus regular software updates, strong passwords and safe browser habits, this product can be a reliable way of securing your family’s online exposure.

Discuss Digital Security as a Family Topic

The use of technology in families works best when all members are taught responsible use. For instance, parents and guardians can explain to their children the dangers of sharing personal data with strangers, how to identify scam or fake websites, and topics about when one should seek help. Setting light rules like giving limits on the time of watching TV, games and allowing them to download and use apps can reduce the number of dangers the children may face.

Besides, grown-ups are expected to demonstrate simple, good digital habits like using strong, secret passwords, staying away from potentially dangerous websites and not forgetting to log out of shared user accounts. Family cybersecurity, if it becomes an everyday part of family life, will change securing one’s personal data from being viewed as a difficult and laborious task to a normal thing that everyone wants to do.

Small Actions That Bring Great Peace of Mind

Your security around devices is not about removing all of the possible risks; it’s about making smart, manageable decisions that protect your family’s information over time. Strong passwords, securing your home Wi-Fi, keeping devices updated and, if necessary, adding privacy tools are the four main things parents can do to create safer digital habits without any feeling of being overwhelmed.

Technology is going to continue to be a major part of family life, but with a few commonsense measures in place, Los Angeles parents can not only benefit of it, but also be more sure and safe that their family’s personal data is well protected.

A lifestyle author who writes about parenting, wellness and the evolving rhythms of family life, through relatable stories and honest reflections, Jatin aims to inspire families to slow down, connect deeply and find joy in the small, meaningful moments of everyday living.

The post Why More LA Parents Are Taking Their Family’s Device Security Seriously appeared first on L.A. Parent.

This summer feels especially meaningful for my family. My toddler will start preschool in August, and we’re preparing to welcome our second son this fall. Like so many parents, I’ve found myself thinking about routines, transitions and the kind of childhood I hope to create for my boys.

Everywhere I look, I see advice about avoiding the “summer slide.” Keep the learning going.

As a parent, I understand why. School success matters. I want my children to love learning and walk into school feeling confident and prepared.

But over the past several years, I’ve also had the privilege of leading Friends of the Children–Los Angeles, where every child we serve is paired with a paid, professional mentor — whom we call a Friend — who commits to walking alongside them from kindergarten through high school graduation. That experience has reinforced something I now believe deeply, both as a leader and as a mom.

I’ve come to believe that children don’t experience life in silos, so we shouldn’t support them in silos either.

At Friends of the Children–Los Angeles, we care deeply about school success. We want every child to love learning, graduate from high school and discover what’s possible for their future. But we’ve learned that those outcomes are built on so much more than academics. They’re built on social and emotional development, physical health, meaningful relationships and overall well-being.

Because children are whole people, not test scores.

As parents, I think we know this instinctively. A child who’s hungry, anxious, lonely, exhausted or overwhelmed isn’t in the best position to learn.

That’s why I believe the conversation should be about summer slide and relationships. Summer reading matters. Math matters. School readiness matters. But children are also building confidence, curiosity, emotional security and resilience. Those are the qualities that help them walk back into the classroom ready to learn.

One of the biggest surprises of becoming a parent has been realizing that parenting isn’t just about raising children. It’s also about managing ourselves.

Our children borrow more than our advice. They borrow our calm, our stress and our confidence. Which means one of the greatest gifts we can give them is making sure we have enough support to keep showing up as the parents we want to be.

I’ve also noticed something else as a new parent: It’s incredibly easy to become focused on what’s next. Are they talking enough? Should they know more letters? Is it time for potty training? Do they need another activity?

I recognize that instinct in myself because, at its core, it comes from love. We want our children to thrive. But my work has taught me to ask a different question. Before asking, “What’s next?” I try to ask, “What’s already beautiful about this child?”

Maybe they’re deeply curious. Maybe they’re kind. Maybe they notice every butterfly on a walk or are finally brave enough to try something new. Those strengths deserve our attention, too.

When we talk about the summer slide, we’re often talking about what children might lose. But I find myself wondering what they might gain. If we’re only measuring what they haven’t mastered yet, we risk overlooking the strengths they’re developing every single day.

One of the reasons I care so deeply about this work is because I’ve experienced childhood from two very different perspectives. I grew up with very few resources. We shopped the clearance rack. I qualified for free school lunch. Summer camps and enrichment programs simply weren’t part of my childhood.

Today, I’m raising my sons with opportunities I never had. That’s not something I take for granted. But becoming a parent has reminded me that, regardless of our income, neighborhood or circumstances, most parents are asking the very same questions: Am I doing enough? Is my child okay? Will they grow into a kind, confident person?

What changes isn’t how much we love our children. What changes is the amount of support we have around us.

I’ve yet to meet a parent who didn’t want the very best for their child. I’ve simply met parents with different levels of support, opportunity and resources available to help them get there. That’s one of the reasons I’d love to see us change the way we talk about families navigating adversity.

Too often, we begin with what’s missing. At Friends of the Children–Los Angeles, we try to begin with what’s already there. A family experiencing housing instability isn’t defined only by instability. They may also be remarkably resourceful, resilient and deeply committed to creating a sense of home under incredibly difficult circumstances.

Recognizing those strengths doesn’t diminish the challenges they face. It reminds us that people are always more than the hardest thing they’re going through.

The same is true for children. Children are not their trauma. They’re curious. Creative. Funny. Kind. Resilient.

When we begin with strengths instead of assumptions, everything changes.

Last summer, one of our professional mentors — whom we call a “Friend” — spent every Wednesday with her mentee. Sometimes they went to the library. Other times they explored a park or grabbed lunch together. The activities almost didn’t matter. What mattered was that every Wednesday, that child knew someone was coming.

That’s what makes our model different. Our Friends aren’t volunteers who come and go. They’re trained, paid professionals who make a long-term commitment to a child — from kindergarten through high school graduation. We believe consistency isn’t simply nice to have; it’s one of the most powerful ingredients in healthy child development.

Most parents aren’t looking for someone to replace them. They’re looking for trusted adults who reinforce what they’re already building at home.

Children thrive when they’re surrounded by caring adults who know them, believe in them and keep showing up over time.

One of the things I love most about raising a family in Los Angeles is that children grow up surrounded by people who shape them in big and small ways — a teacher, a coach, a neighbor, another parent or a mentor. We all become part of one another’s village.

As parents, we spend a lot of time asking, What should my child be doing this summer? Maybe another question is just as important:Who are the adults helping my child become who they’re meant to be?

This summer, I hope we worry a little less about checking every developmental box and spend a little more time noticing the child right in front of us.

The one who asks a hundred questions.

The one who notices every butterfly.

The one who’s finally brave enough to try something new.

Those moments are building something, too.

So yes, read together. Visit the library. Go to the beach. Explore a museum. Cook dinner together. Get bored enough to imagine something new. But don’t underestimate the ordinary moments: the conversations in the car, the trusted adult who keeps showing up and the confidence that’s quietly growing.

Maybe the real measure of summer isn’t just what our children learned. It’s who they became — and who helped them get there.

Jorie Das is executive director of Friends of the Children–Los Angeles. 

The post Beyond the Summer Slide: What Kids Really Need to Thrive appeared first on L.A. Parent.

While it’s not an outright ban, Los Angeles Unified School District students will soon have less access to technology during the school day. The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education has approved a new policy establishing age-appropriate limits on classroom screen time beginning this fall. 

Building on cellphone restrictions that LAUSD adopted last year, the new guidelines are intended to ensure technology supports learning without replacing teacher-led instruction and face-to-face interaction. 

District leaders say the goal isn’t to eliminate technology from classrooms but to encourage thoughtful, developmentally appropriate use.

“As we continue to navigate the evolving role of technology in education, our priority remains ensuring it is used in ways that support high-quality instruction, student engagement, and overall well-being,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “Technology is an important tool that can expand access and enhance learning, but it is most effective when used purposefully and guided by educators.”

What will change?

The policy establishes maximum instructional screen-time limits that vary by grade level.

Beginning in August, students in early education through first grade will generally not use individual devices during classroom instruction. Schools will still be able to use shared device carts when needed for assessments, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other approved exceptions. Students in the district’s Virtual Academy are exempt from the policy.

Starting later in the school year, older students will have daily or weekly limits on instructional screen time, including homework:

• Early education, kindergarten and Grade 1: 0 minutes per day
• Grades 2-3: Up to 20 minutes per day (100 minutes per week)
• Grades 4-5: Up to 30 minutes per day (150 minutes per week)
• Grades 6-8: Up to 60 minutes per subject each week
• Grades 9-12: Up to 90 minutes per subject each week

The district also plans to restrict student-led use of YouTube and other video-streaming platforms during instruction and review existing classroom technology contracts.

When will the changes take effect?

Implementation will happen in phases:

• August 2026: Early education through Grade 1
• November 2026: Grades 2-5
• January 2027: Grades 6-12

District officials say schools will receive professional development, while families will receive back-to-school resources and guidance before each phase begins.

Why is LAUSD making this change?

According to district officials, the policy reflects growing research on children’s screen use and feedback from nearly 19,000 participants through the LAUSD’s ThoughtExchange community engagement process.

The new guidelines are designed to:

• Preserve teacher-led instruction
• Prioritize educational use of technology
• Reduce unnecessary screen exposure
• Encourage developmentally appropriate learning experiences
• Balance technology with whole-child development

“Our charge now is to recalibrate, evaluate the role of educational technology in the classroom and balance access to that technology with the kinds of instruction and interaction we know help students thrive,” Board Member Nick Melvoin, who introduced the resolution, said following the board’s vote.

Will parents have a voice?

Yes. An amendment approved with the policy requires the district to conduct annual public reviews and gather feedback from educators, students and parents on how the guidelines are working. The first review may include school experience survey questions asking families whether students spend too much, too little or an appropriate amount of time using devices at school.

District officials say the policy will continue to evolve as new research emerges and schools gain experience implementing the guidelines.

At a Glance: LAUSD Screen-Time Limits by Grade Level

The post LAUSD Screen-Time Limits: What Parents Need to Know appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Until recently, I never understood the appeal of escaping to the desert for a summer vacation. Why swap a mild L.A. summer for a dry and brown furnace intent on sucking every drop of moisture out of your hair, skin and throat?

In the middle of L.A.’s “June gloom,” I left behind our 70-degree weather for a scorching high of 109 in Palm Desert, which averages about 300 days of sunshine per year.

On the drive, I consoled myself with imaginings of sparkling lagoons and spa tubs, crystal bowls and chimes and the feel of cool hotel-room air on my skin. This was, after all, a solo retreat to one of Palm Desert’s oases: JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. 

I wanted to see how Spa Desert Springs incorporates treatments, wellness tech and practices inspired by those who live in the world’s blue zones — five regions across the globe where researchers have found people live exceptionally long, active lives.

Who doesn’t want to live to 100, especially if they can do so in reasonably good health? I hope to still be dancing, writing up a storm, making new friends of all ages and seeing new-to-me parts of the world well into my 10^th decade. 

A girl can dream. Especially when she’s on a solo retreat.

Best Desert Advice: Hydrate, Eat Light, Embrace the Night

I didn’t need to run the A/C for the first part of my drive, but I switched it on as my car floated into an invisible cave of heat that had me reaching for my water bottle. It was already warm. Luckily, I had stopped in Rowland Heights for two throat soothers: a jelly-lychee drink and coconut-pineapple juice, so I sipped on those until I pulled into the resort’s self-parking garage. 

I decided to leave my bags in the car and relax in my room with no agenda until the sun said its final goodbye. On the way to the checkout desk, I saw a table holding two large containers of ice water — one with orange slices and one with cucumbers. I drank a glass of each. 

The lobby was buzzing with activity. Folks were seated around the bar at Aquifer65 (which serves California cuisine, bar bites and sushi), watching the FIFA World Cup. A few families with children were waiting in line to board boats for the sunset cruise around the resort’s lakes. The boat rides are $5-$10, depending on the day and time. 

Set on 450 acres of desert gardens, lakes and mountain views, the hotel is Palm Desert’s largest resort, with 884 guest rooms.

From my 7^th-floor room balcony, the sun was casting a pink light across the jagged edges of the San Jacinto Mountains. I could see couples and families dining on Rockwood Grill’s patio to my left, lit-up boats sailing across the wide lake in front of me and people soaking in the cool waters of the three Oasis pools tucked in the center of the lake. 

The sound of water runs throughout the resort, a soundtrack that seems to cool things off. A little.

Once the sun was nowhere to be found, I slipped out of my room and descended to the walking path surrounding the lake, familiarizing myself with the location of the restaurants and my main reason for being here: the spa. Before I left, I stashed my water bottle and the hotel’s courtesy waters in my room’s fridge — treats to look forward to after my daring venture into the hot, hot night. 

I took at peek inside Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, which offers a classic teppanyaki experience where the entertainment is as much a part of the main course as the food. Guests sat around a sizzling grill while chefs put on a lively, family-friendly show. The menu features steak, chicken and seafood cooked right in front of you, along with sushi options if you want something lighter. I backed out, deciding to save this bit of theater for a return visit with family. 

After locating the spa, I circled back to the hotel to check out a popular family venue: JW Entertainment Zone, a 12,000-square-foot space that just so happens to be California’s largest resort arcade. You’ll find Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, duckpin bowling, simulators, racing games and many more machines lighting up the space. There’s also a movie lounge with beanbags to stretch out on. The film of the night was “A Goofy Movie.” I smiled at a little girl tugging on her father’s hand. “Let’s watch the movie,” she said, and he followed her lead without protest. 

Like most of us parents when we get to treat ourselves to some me-time, I thought of my own son. Even at 19, he’d love it here, heading straight for what he considered “vintage” games.  

By the time I retrieved my bags and returned to my room, the temperature had tiptoed to 86 degrees. I ran my bubble bath in the deep oval tub flanked by shutters exposing it to the room. Under this additional sound of water, I sipped my refrigerated H20 and nibbled on a yellowtail roll I picked up from Aquifer65. 

It was a perfect bath and dinner. In fact, Japanese cuisine, seafood and salad turned out to my only nutritional sources during my entire stay. Light, tasty, satisfying and, most importantly, cool.

It’s Spa Time

Like many people around the world, I was mesmerized by Netflix’s “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” In the early 2000s, National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner set out to decode the secrets of longevity. His expeditions unveiled the world’s five “blue zones” — Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, Calif. — areas with the highest rates of living centenarians.

Buettner dubbed the habits and characteristics these regions share as the “Power 9” — from natural movement to having a strong purpose to being part of the “right tribe” for you.

After bingeing the docuseries, I was determined to increase my practice of these habits. First, I scoured grocery stores looking for the “magic” purple Japanese yam featured in the series. And while I’m a bonafide gym rat, I push myself to walk in nature, including a weekly walk with a big, all-ages neighborhood group. We stop to point at flowers, coo over a gaggle of front-yard roosters, eat mulberries from Dan’s wild “sidewalk farm” in our dense urban neighborhood.

Still, I’m always on the hunt to find additional ways to effectively reduce my stress levels, and lying face-down for a treatment at Spa Desert Springs is an activity I would gladly do daily. Each experience blends local tradition, natural elements and longevity-focused practices inspired by the blue zones, Spa Director Dawn Ferraro told me during our tour.

Palm Desert’s largest spa, it spans 38,000 square feet and includes a shop and Spa Bistro, which serves light and refreshing meals representing the culinary culture of each blue zone.

 “Live to 100” highlighted how Okinawa has long been nicknamed “Land of the Immortals.” Feeling inspired, I signed up for the Okinawa treatment, a nourishing body wrap that blends hand-harvested rice, clay, seaweed and botanicals to hydrate, brighten and smooth skin while reducing dullness and signs of aging. 

My appointment was set for late afternoon. Early that morning, I ate a salad for breakfast on Rockwood Grill’s patio, watching the black swans glide across the lake. My son FaceTimed me, and I was not annoyed in the least to share my time with him. I pointed the phone toward the lake. “That’s beautiful, Mom,” he said. “I’m so happy for you.”

At lunchtime, I sauntered over to Spa Bistro, choosing the Okinawa Bowl (sweet potato glass noodles, shaved carrots, cilantro, miso-honey vinaigrette and chili crunch topped with a hot-smoked salmon fillet) and a blackberry cocktail, remembering not to overeat. My taste buds were tingly and satiated, a foreshadowing of my treatment.

In the candlelit, calm music-filled Couple’s Spa Suite featuring two plush massage tables and a massive tub, Miranda worked miracles on my sore body, gently wrapping it in the rice mixture that included uplifting scents of peppermint, lime and eucalyptus. “Any problem areas I should know about?” she asked, and I told her I’d recently been to the doctor for foot pain. My podiatrist, in fact, was suggesting the impossible: That I take at least a monthlong break from my beloved Zumba classes. 

As Miranda massaged away the hurt, the prospect of cutting back my seven-day-a-week workout schedule seemed a little less anxiety producing. Why have I so doggedly worked out past these chronic pains? I thought. And why don’t I reward my muscles, joints and bones more with recovery? 

The 90-minute treatment included a cooling rice bath and, to my delight, a rubber ducky! Who knew a childhood toy could be a meditative device? As I pushed the ducky towards my feet and watched it float back toward me, I was entranced. Deep in a zone that maybe, just maybe, was blue.

The spa also has gender-separate and co-ed relaxation lounges, a spa wardrobe, an aromatic hammam, Finnish sauna and a Turkish steam room. After my treatment, I had about an hour until closing time. I chose to spend it in the spa’s first interactive co-ed wellness lounge, which integrates wellness with technology and features 15 state-of-the-art lounge chairs designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

While I’ll never submit to a robot giving me a body treatment, I sank happily into the MindSync Chair, reclined and donned headphones. Ferraro chose the “emotional reset” option on the screen. The music, designed to synchronize brainwaves, made me feel as though I was simultaneously flying and grounded. After the first session stopped, I hit “soul soak” and had no idea I’d fallen asleep until an employee woke me. 

The spa was closing. It was time to go.

“Oh my goodness! So sorry,” I yelped.

 “Don’t be embarrassed,” Ferraro said. “It just means you needed the rest, and Miranda did a great job.” 

I asked her what I should check out in town, and she launched into how beautiful the Shops at El Paseo are at night. Mid-sentence, though, she changed her recommendation. “You know, the best thing might be for you to go to your room, order room service and rest for the rest of the night.”

She was right. I don’t even remember how I got into bed. 

Rising with the Desert Sun

I rose just before dawn the next day and went to sit out on the balcony. It was only 83 degrees, and the breeze did not yet feel like invisible fire. I sat down on the chair, then gasped when I looked across the table to discover that I was not alone. 

A mourning dove was perched on the chair opposite me, her head bowed, her chest inflated like a balloon. She side-eyed me. I left her alone. We watched the sun begin to wake up the mountains.

As the light grew stronger, the dove began to move. Fluffing her feathers to wake them up, to get herself ready for the day. Your tai chi, I thought. 

When she finally flew away, I stood and did a few stretches of my own, then went down to visit the Chilean flamingos, a delightful draw for early risers like me and the families with children who would make their way down later, perhaps after a breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

While my purpose in the desert was to find respite through the resort’s innovative wellness offerings, I appreciated that the property also creates meaningful ways for people of all ages to connect.

The promise of blue zones, Buettner says in “Live to 100,” is “to get every good year we can get out of this body of ours.” And that includes purposeful time alone and with our right tribes.

 Family Fun on the Resort 

• Families can enjoy 5 pools at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. 
• Play golf on 2 Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses.
• The Desert Springs Tennis Club has 8 pickleball courts. 
• Guests have complimentary access to the 18-hole mini championship putting course, with clubs available for all ages.
• Take electric boat rides across the resort’s lakes and waterways. These set sail from the lobby. The resort’s lakes are home to swans, flamingos and other aquatic wildlife cared for by the on-site conservation team. 
• The 12,000-square-foot JW Entertainment Zone is California’s largest resort arcade, featuring Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, duckpin bowling, simulators, racing games and more. 
• The JW Family Passport program offers activities for all ages, including nature walks, family yoga, flamingo feedings, scavenger hunts, trivia nights and ice cream socials, with prizes for participation.
• The resort’s Hot Shoppe serves nostalgic treats including root beer floats and ice cream.
• The hotel’s “Paws & Pamper” program for VIPs (Very Important Pets) offers dog-friendly in-room amenities and pet spa items such as lavender blankets and CBD treats for four-legged guests.
• Access to bike rentals, fish feeding and group fitness (18 and up).
• To view and book resort activities, visit JW Marriott Desert Springs activities calendar.

Cassandra Lane is a mom, author and editor-in-chief of L.A. Parent. 

The post Why JW Marriott Desert Springs Is the Perfect Palm Desert Getaway appeared first on L.A. Parent.

LA’s BEST is now enrolling students for its free summer programs across Los Angeles. Since 1988, LA’s BEST has provided safe, joyful and high-quality expanded learning opportunities that support the academic, social and emotional growth of elementary school students.

Summer programming runs June 15–July 24 and includes arts, STEM, sports, recreation, academic enrichment and hands-on learning experiences. Students may attend any participating LA’s BEST summer site, regardless of summer school enrollment status.

Families can find a participating site and apply at lasbest.org/find-a-site or learn more at lasbest.org.

About LA’s BEST

LA’s BEST (Better Educated Students for Tomorrow) is a nonprofit afterschool and expanded learning program serving more than 23,000 students across 201 LAUSD elementary school sites. Through a unique public-private partnership with the City of Los Angeles and LAUSD, LA’s BEST helps children thrive by providing enriching learning experiences at no cost to families.

The post Free Summer Programs for Kids at LA’s BEST appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The other day, I sat with a new mom while she fed her baby and cried at the same time. She wasn’t crying because something terrible had happened — she was just exhausted. Overstimulated. Trying so hard to do everything “right.”

At one point she looked at me and said, “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to listen to anymore.”

And honestly, I understood exactly what she meant.

As a birth worker serving families throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties, I see this all the time. Parents today have access to more information than ever before, but many feel more anxious, isolated and unsure of themselves than ever.

Everywhere you look, someone is offering advice. One video says your baby should be sleeping independently by a certain age. Another says the opposite. One expert says to follow a strict routine. Another says routines are stressful for children.

Even during pregnancy and postpartum, moms are constantly being told what they should be eating, buying, tracking or preparing for.

It’s a lot.

Too much information; not enough support

I think social media has created this feeling that there’s a “correct” way to parent and that if you just research enough, buy the right products or follow the right routines, you can somehow avoid mistakes.

But parenting doesn’t really work like that.

Babies are different. Families are different. Parents are different. And sometimes, all the information online just leaves people feeling more disconnected from themselves.

I’ve worked with mothers who spend hours reading parenting advice at 2 a.m. while questioning every decision they make. I’ve also seen parents feel guilty for not enjoying every second of early motherhood because online it can seem like everyone else is handling things perfectly.

Meanwhile, many new parents are deeply overwhelmed and barely getting enough sleep.

Parenting was never meant to be this lonely

One thing I hear from families over and over again is how alone they feel.

A lot of parents are raising babies far away from family or without the kind of community support people used to have naturally. Many are trying to balance work, household responsibilities, recovery and childcare all at once. And even though we’re more digitally connected than ever, many parents still feel like they have nobody to really lean on.

Sometimes what helps most isn’t another parenting podcast or a new routine chart. Sometimes, it’s simply having someone sit with you and remind you that you’re doing OK.

That support matters more than people realize.

Learning to trust yourself again

One of the most important things I try to remind parents is that they do not need to perform parenthood perfectly. Children don’t need parents who have all the answers every moment of the day. They need parents who are present, loving and supported themselves.

Some of the moments children remember most are usually the simple ones anyway. Eating popsicles outside. Being rocked to sleep. Listening to stories before bed. Sitting together after a hard day. Those moments don’t usually make it onto social media, but they matter.

I think many parents are craving permission to slow down a little and stop feeling like every decision carries enormous weight. At the end of the day, parenting is not about perfection. It’s about connection.

And most parents are doing far better than they think.

Rachael Jerahian is the founder of Nature & Nourish Birthing Co., where she supports women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood with holistic care from bump through baby. Find her on social media @natureandnourishbirthingco and at natureandnourishbirthingco.com.

The post Parental Burnout: Why Parents Feel Overwhelmed and What Helps appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Summer is made for simple pleasures: running barefoot through the grass, family game nights on the patio, bike rides around the neighborhood and long days spent exploring. Whether you’re planning beach trips, backyard adventures or educational activities to prevent summer learning loss, our Summer Fun Guide is packed with products designed to help families make the most of the season.

Every item featured has been tested and evaluated by the NAPPA Awards team, giving parents trusted recommendations for fun, learning and adventure.

Savor the longer days, warm nights, friends, family, laughter, picnics and the beach. To add to the summer fun and make your backyard the place to be for all the kids, how about a Monster Jam truck with 360° donut water spraying power, candy-scented hoops and balls or a bow launcher?

Invite the neighbors for an outdoor art show with giant spirographs to turn your sidewalk into a dazzling spiral canvas. Or test your skills with a Giant Color Stack Challenge, Cone Toss or Tower Stack. Summer wouldn’t be the same without long bike rides and some gardening.  Check out all the fun here.

The post Best Summer Toys, Games and Gear for Kids appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Mark Ebinger, Tom Freeman and Mark “Moke” Coffey are three gay fathers co-raising twins, a feat they document in “Our 3 Dads,” their viral YouTube reality series redefining modern American family life. After garnering nearly 1 billion views across platforms, the show is now in its third season, and the audience continues to grow along with the family.

Ebinger and Freeman are parents of 9-year-old twins Beau and Coy. Beau is Ebinger’s biological daughter and Coy is Freeman’s biological son. Though Ebinger and Freeman divorced in 2019, Freeman lives in the guest house of Ebinger’s West Hollywood home and co-parents the twins alongside Ebinger’s new husband, Moke Coffey. Together, they are a family built on shared responsibility, love and a big dose of humor.

In Season 3, the dads prepare to grow their family once again with their close friend and twins’ surrogate mother, Ashley, while the twins go into the studio to release their first original music project and the family partners with Tailwaggers to help surrendered pets find forever homes.

The three dads recently chatted with me about fatherhood, prioritizing their twins, excitement for the new baby and hopes to normalize LGBTQ+ families by sharing their own.

How has “Our 3 Dads” affected your role as a father?

Ebinger: The show’s made me more aware that the small moments — like school drop-offs and bedtime pandemonium — are actually the story, so I try not to miss them.

Coffey: It’s made me more intentional, whether it’s blending smoothies at 6 a.m. or juggling everything. I know the example we set matters beyond our house.

Freeman: I never imagined that at 72, I’d be packing lunches and doing school runs. I didn’t see that coming, but I love it. 

What does Father’s Day typically look like for you all? 

Ebinger: We usually start with breakfast at home because the kids like to “host,” which really means chaos in the kitchen and a lot of laughs.

Coffey: A pool day is always in the mix — L.A. makes that easy — and the best part is just being together without overplanning it.

Freeman: Last year, I fell asleep mid-Father’s Day and woke up with both kids on top of me watching a movie. That’s pretty much the dream. 

It can be challenging to balance onscreen and offscreen life for family vloggers and influencers. How do you make sure you’re prioritizing the kids — and family time offline?

Ebinger: The kids are our number-one priority and only participate if they want to — some days they’re all in; other days they’re not, and we let that be. 

Coffey: We keep the focus on the dads and the story, and if the twins choose to step in more as they grow, that’s their call. 

Freeman: Sometimes, the best moments happen when the cameras are off anyway, and we’re OK with that.

How excited are you and the twins about baby number 3?

Ebinger: The twins are fully invested. They’ve been helping pick out nursery furniture and debating what the baby should call them.

Coffey: We actually ran a diaper-changing competition with a baby doll to “train” and Tom won, which was not the outcome we expected.

Freeman: I’ve been underestimated. Turns out, I’m the fastest diaper guy in the house!

What has the response been like to the new season?

Coffey: The response has been incredible! People are really leaning into this next chapter with us.

Ebinger: Our followers tell us they appreciate how open we are about our family, and that we always put the kids first. We hear from so many people who grew up going from one home to another with parents who were constantly fighting — and that really resonates with them. For us, it’s always been about creating a home that feels stable, supportive and full of love, no matter what our situation looks like.

With a growing audience, what are your goals for the show?

Ebinger: It’s about visibility for gay and LGBTQ+ families and relatability — showing that our family may look different, but the love, chaos and milestones are universal. We have so many fans come up to us on the street, saying we’ve inspired them to be themselves and that it gives them hope for their own families. If we can continue to accomplish that, we’ll be thrilled. We always say it takes a village, and ours includes everyone who’s followed along with us.

Coffey: We want to keep telling honest stories, whether it’s preparing for baby number 3 or just navigating everyday life as a family. From our surrogate, Ashley, to our extended circle, our family has always been about showing up for each other.

Freeman: If people can watch us argue over something silly and then sit down together 5 minutes later, that feels pretty real to me. It’s not traditional, but it works — and that’s kind of the point.

What’s next for “Our 3 Dads” — and for your family?

Ebinger: We’re excited to keep building. This time next year, it will be “baby, baby, baby.” Before then, we’re going to get some traveling in. Canary Islands, here we come!

Coffey: We’ll be appearing on a new show, “Million Dollar Nannies” [which premieres June 17 on Hulu], and we’re continuing to explore opportunities across digital and TV.

Freeman: As long as I’m still part of the ride — and maybe not climbing as many stairs — I’m happy!

Watch “Our 3 Dads” on YouTube, with new episodes on Thursdays at 9 p.m. PST. Follow the show on Instagram.

The post ‘Our 3 Dads’ Stars Share Their Journey Through Fatherhood and Family appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Downey families recently got hands-on support for navigating the digital world at Ed. C. Lewis Elementary, where a PTA Connected event offered them online safety guidance, screen-readiness resources and 200 refurbished laptops for preselected attendees.

According to Pew Research, 4 in 10 parents feel they could do better at managing their kids screen time.

“We believe in empowering parents and caregivers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to support healthy screen readiness and digital well-being at home,” said Yesica Vasquez, vice president of the Ed. C. Lewis Elementary PTA. “We are bringing families together to learn, grow and navigate technology safely so every child can thrive both online and offline.”

The event opened with a discussion for parents and caregivers exploring the question, “Is my family screen ready?” Families also participated in activities focused on online safety and building healthy digital habits, using resources from AT&T ScreenReady®. 

Children attending the event engaged in activities inside AT&T’s Mobile Connectivity Center, an 18-wheeler-based hub that provides internet access, devices and digital resources.

“Technology plays an important role in how families learn, connect and navigate daily life, and we know many parents and caregivers are looking for support as they make decisions about their children’s digital experiences,” said Mylayna Albright, vice president of Corporate Responsibility at AT&T. “Through our collaboration with National PTA and programs like Ready, Tech, Go!, AT&T is helping equip families with practical tools, trusted resources and meaningful conversations to build safe, healthy and confident digital habits at home.”

Said Gabe Middleton, CEO of Human-I-T: “Early access to technology isn’t about the technology. It’s about whether a kid grows up feeling like the world is built for them. At Lewis Elementary, AT&T is bringing the connectivity, National PTA is bringing the trust families have in their school and Human-I-T is bringing the devices and the support to keep them working. After 13 years of doing this work, I can tell you the kids who get there early carry that confidence the rest of their lives,”

Ed. C. Lewis Elementary PTA was selected by National PTA to receive $1,500 of support from AT&T to help conduct the program. The school’s PTA is one of 230 elementary school PTAs nationwide selected to receive a grant for the 2025-2026 school year.

“Ed. C. Lewis Elementary PTA and PTAs across the country at all levels work hard every day to make a difference for students, families and schools and make every child’s potential a reality,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of the National PTA.

“We are pleased to equip Ed. C. Lewis Elementary PTA with resources to engage families in a critical dialogue around screen readiness and digital safety and empower them with information and resources to make the best decisions for their families.” 

The program is part of a collaboration between National PTA and AT&T to help address the digital divide. Since 2021, AT&T has committed $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030. 

This includes distributing more than 31,000 computers to students and their families across California since 2021. Additionally, National PTA’s PTA Connected initiative seeks to improve digital access, equity and well-being for all children through tailored programs, resources and more. 

Learn more at  PTA.org/Connected and ATT.com. 

The post Downey Families Learn Digital Safety and Receive Free Laptops appeared first on L.A. Parent.