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 Passwords that are not strong or router settings that are outdated may create a vulnerability for all connected devices.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.

As a parent, I love the idea of outdoor adventure, but the reality is often somewhat less glamorous.

Family camping trips can involve enough organization to launch a small military operation. There are tents to pack, meals to plan, sleeping bags to remember, and somehow, despite being surrounded by nature, parents often end up putting in more work than they do at home.

So, when I discovered an overnight Kern River rafting and glamping experience near Kernville, I was intrigued. Could it really deliver all the benefits of a family adventure without the stress?

The answer, it turns out, is yes. In fact, it may be the easiest family adventure we’ve ever done and here’s why.

Why an Overnight Kern River Rafting Trip Is Perfect for Families

Just a 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Momentum River Expeditions offers everything from half-day rafting trips to multiday adventures. For families testing the waters, however, the overnight experience hits a sweet spot.

You get the excitement of a real outdoor escape without committing to four or five days in the wilderness. As someone who has done her share of family travel, I cannot sing the praises of the overnight option loudly enough.

You feel completely immersed in the experience, yet you’re never too far from home. It feels like a true expedition without requiring a week off work or a boot camp mentality.

In short, it’s adventure with the perfect exit strategy.

A Stress-Free Outdoor Adventure for Parents

Our getaway really began in Kernville, a charming mountain town 42 miles northeast of Bakersfield. We stayed the night at the family-owned Piazza’s Pine Cone Inn, a vintage-style motel within walking distance of town.

The next morning we fuelled up on pastries and coffee from the delightful Sequoia Mountain Bakery, then headed to meet the team at Momentum.

From the moment we arrived, it was obvious we were in good hands. Life jackets? Sorted. Wetsuits? Sorted. Dry bags? Sorted. This entire operation runs like a well-oiled machine.

As a mom, there’s is something incredibly reassuring about arriving somewhere and discovering that every detail has already been thought through. All we had to do was show up and enjoy the adventure.

What It’s Like to Raft the Kern River With Kids

The rafting itself was exhilarating, although I’ll admit, before we got into the water, I was worried about the cold, worried about my shoulder, worried I might spend the entire day exhausted. 

Instead, I found myself enjoying every splashy moment, and that was thanks to the incredible team leading our expedition. 

By sheer coincidence, every guide happened to be a woman, and they were a highlight of our stay.

Our personal guide, Shana, had rafted everywhere from Alaska to South America. Watching her expertly navigate the river, while keeping a raft full of nervous beginners relaxed, was genuinely impressive.

I loved that my teenage son got to see women leading, teaching and thriving in the outdoors. This wasn’t fake social media empowerment; these were real women doing remarkable things. 

Confident, capable, funny and utterly in command, they ran the camp, led the river expeditions and made the entire experience feel effortless.

Why Families Love Rafting the Kern River

The Kern River carries you more than you might expect. There were exciting rapids, calmer stretches where we could take in the scenery and plenty of opportunities for the kids to play in the water.

At one-point, older children took turns leaping from a cliff into the river below, all fully supervised. My son and his friend thought it was the greatest thing ever.

The entire experience encourages teamwork. Everyone has to paddle together, work together and trust each other. Best of all, it’s impossible to stare at a screen when you’re navigating rapids. 

I was truly grateful that my son had the chance to bank some big memories that didn’t involve a phone connection. There was no signal and nobody cared. It was a gamble — but one that paid off.

Glamping on the Kern River: Camping Without the Hassle

We arrived back at camp late afternoon and were treated to snacks of fruit and cold cuts. It was here that the trip became something else entirely. 

Momentum describes the experience as “luxury camping,” but I prefer the term “concierge camping.” Biggest mom win: no schlepping anything.

Our gorgeous riverside safari-style, walk-in tent sat just steps from the water. There were comfortable beds, communal dining areas, hammocks strung between trees and the constant soundtrack of the river rushing past.

I found myself stretched out in a hammock overlooking the water while somebody else prepared dinner. For years, I’ve planned family adventures, packed bags, planned meals, booked campsites and managed logistics. This time, someone else did the work and it was glorious. 

Dinner was served under a canopy. The food was excellent, the atmosphere relaxed and by the time darkness settled over the river, all the guests were chatting away. 

Why This Kern River Getaway Is Worth the Drive

The next morning, we woke to birdsong, fresh mountain air and another day on the river. As family trips go, it struck the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. 

What surprised me was how much adventure was packed into a short amount of time. Before the trip, I assumed a meaningful outdoor experience required a significant commitment. Instead, one overnight stay delivered all the magic.

For families curious about rafting, camping or simply spending more time outdoors together, it offers a wonderfully accessible introduction. And perhaps the greatest luxury of all: A family adventure where the parents get to enjoy themselves, too.

Family Tips for a Kern River Rafting and Glamping Trip

Pack bug spray, a flashlight and water shoes.
Simple essentials can make a long day outdoors much more comfortable. 

Bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer.
They’re handy for quick clean-ups before meals and after rafting. 

Wear sun-protective clothing.
Rash guards, hats and lightweight layers are ideal on the water. 

Take a waterproof phone pouch.
You’ll be able to capture the fun without worrying about splashes. 

Go with the flow (literally and figuratively).
Let someone else handle the logistics and focus on enjoying the ride.

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

The post Kern River Rafting With Kids: The Ultimate Family Glamping Adventure Near Los Angeles appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Parents have always put their children’s safety as their number one priority — and rightly so. We continue to make sure that our kids are strapped in, we tell them to look both ways before crossing the street and to be alert for accidents that can happen at any time. Yet, with the connectivity of the present day, safety now extends beyond the physical realm into the digital world.

If you want to protect your family’s personal data, don’t worry, it’s not as if you need to be a computer scientist or have technical skills. In reality, some of the most effective privacy precautions are surprisingly simple. Parents who implement a few wise habits and make use of the simplest tools that are only a few clicks away can successfully shield their kids from online dangers without becoming the household IT specialist.

Understanding the Risks to Everyday Privacy 

The first thought that comes to people’s mind when they hear the words “data breach” or “cybersecurity” is probably sophisticated hackers breaching large corporations. Yet, the actual risks of families are quite different and the family members, unless they are somehow targeted, don’t have to face the same risks as big corporations.

Common threats to privacy include:

• Using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Becoming a victim of phishing through an email or text message.
• Accessing the internet through a public Wi-Fi network without security.
• Sharing too much on social media sites.
• Giving app permissions that go beyond what is necessary.
• Children’s applications gathering too much personal information.

Create Strong Password Habits

Passwords have always been the most fundamental line of defense for personal data, but they’re also the aspect people most often ignore. We tend to use a single password for account after account because it’s more straightforward to remember. Unfortunately, if one account gets hacked, all the accounts with that password become the hacker’s playground.

Parents should also consider using a password manager. These apps store your passwords securely and autofill them when needed. Besides, many password managers are newbie-oriented, and their aim is to make online security a walk in the park, not a nightmare.

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

If you want the biggest security gain for the least effort, two-factor authentication (2FA) is a great place to start.

Two-factor authentication requires users to provide a second form of verification after entering their password. It can be a code sent to your phone, a notification from an authentication app or another security challenge.

Help Kids to Identify Online Scams

Phishing scams are designed to mislead people into giving away their personal information or clicking on intriguing but harmful links. Kids and young people are very much at risk because they are less experienced in identifying warning signs. Parents can help by teaching kids to:

• Refrain from clicking links they have not expected.
• Check the authenticity of a message before giving a reply.
• Never disclose their passwords to anyone.
• Talk to a trusted adult If they see something that looks strange.
• Be careful when downloading files that they don’t know.

Really Think About What You Share on Social Media

Social media platforms have made it effortless for us to stay connected with our loved ones, but be aware that they may be exposing more about our personal lives than we realize.

Pictures, location tags, schools, birthdays and normal daily habits that are shared can all be used to find out more information about someone. Besides that, the digital footprint formed by even the most innocent posts can add up to a lot over time. Some ways parents can maintain family privacy include:

• Allowing only certain people to see posts.
• Checking and changing privacy settings regularly.
• Not sharing location at the moment.
• Selecting carefully what information in photos is revealed.
• Obtaining permission from teenage kids before sharing about them.

The easiest guideline is to be careful with what you share and always think that anything you put online might end up being public.

Simple Privacy Tools You Can Trust

It’s not always necessary to be tech-savvy to get privacy solutions. In fact, a number of tools designed for beginners can aid families to enhance their online security with very little effort.

Password managers are great assistants in creating and safely storing strong passwords. Security software is capable of detecting viruses and other malicious downloads. Browsers with privacy as their focus lessen online tracking and make the browsing experience safer.

A VPN (virtual private network) is another great option that encrypts your internet traffic and keeps your online activities private. It makes a lot of sense when, for instance, children are gaming, watching streaming services or using a common Wi-Fi at home. For example, CyberGhost offers a free trial you can try here that many parents use to explore the benefits of this kind of protection and assess their family’s VPN needs. CyberGhost offers a free trial you can try here. 

What really matters is selecting tools that not only are simple to configure but also do not demand continuous effort to make privacy protection naturally fall into the routine of everyday life rather than being a constant worry.

Make Privacy a Family Conversation

Making digital security a continuous family conversation is probably the best method to enhance it. Technology keeps changing, and every year new applications, games and online trends are introduced.

Forget about trying to monitor everything your kids do online. By building awareness, opening lines of communication and keeping an eye on things, these conversations will be a great way to talk about the different apps the family members use, the unexpected messages they receive or their online privacy concerns.

When privacy is treated as a typical part of family conversations, it’s more likely that children will build up a set of healthy digital habits that will help them for the rest of their lives.

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 How to Protect Your Family’s Personal Data Without a Tech Degree 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.

Happy 100th birthday, Central Library! Los Angeles Public Library’s architectural icon marks its centennial in 2026. The year-long festivities for Central 100 include special exhibits, multiple programs and events, a family-friendly festival on July 11, online podcasts and blogs, two new books about Central Library and even an old-fashioned melodrama to close out the year.

An Art Deco masterpiece in downtown L.A., Central Library is not only a showcase for stunning art and architecture, but also a thriving community hub that welcomes thousands of visitors every week to read, research, tour its wonders and attend programs for all ages. The institution has evolved since the building, themed to the Light of Learning, first opened in 1926. The passing decades saw the Library survive calls for its demolition, recover from a disastrous fire and double its footprint and capacity during renovations that added a spectacular eight-story atrium with the Tom Bradley Wing. Central Library stands today ready to meet the needs of the city for the next 100 years.

A centerpiece of Central 100 celebrations are six new exhibits displayed throughout the building that explore the Library’s storied past — including two recently opened time capsules — as well as the services and resources on which Angelenos have relied for a century.

Visitors to Central Library or any of Los Angeles Public Library’s 72 branches can pick up one of three color-by-number sheets (each depicting a Central Library view) to participate in a reading challenge. Another hands-on activity is to collect a set of historic catalog cards that can be individually stamped at each library location or used to create a personal art project, such as a collage or paper sculpture. Feel free to request additional cards as the Library has plenty of them! 

You can also record your personal stories about Central Library with the Community Oral History project. Angel City Press, Los Angeles Public Library’s own publishing house, is releasing two new books that may be purchased at Central Library’s Library Store or through other booksellers.

Los Angeles Central Library POPS: Celebrating a Century of the Light of Learning is a unique, collectible pop-up book for adult readers. 
L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Librarian, a picture book, is the first book for children published by Angel City Press.

The Central Library Centennial Festival on July 11 will welcome visitors of all ages to a free day-long extravaganza held both inside and outside the Library. Activities will include musical and dance performances, hands-on crafts for children, author talks, presentations by artists affiliated with the Library’s art installations, book signings and more. It’s a party held only once every 100 years!

It took 50 years from the founding of Los Angeles Public Library to create a dedicated headquarters building, Central Library. A lively melodrama that charts the ups and downs, and twists and turns, that led to the building we have today will open at the end of the year for free performances on Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. Save the date so you and your family can boo the villain and cheer the heroes!

While many special activities are being held during this anniversary year, Central Library welcomes visitors year-round with story times for multiple age groups, performing arts programs, workshops, teen activities, films and a dedicated makerspace (the Octavia Lab). Plus, highly trained docents offer free tours of the building’s amazing architecture with insights into the Library’s themes and history.

Visit lapl.org to learn more and to access library resources 24/7 with a library card — perhaps even a special edition Central 100 Library Card, available while supplies last. Join the celebration and wish Central Library a very happy birthday with many amazing years to come.

The post Los Angeles Central Library Celebrates 100 Years appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Science fiction has a way of helping young writers ask the biggest questions about technology, loss, power and what it means to be human. That spirit was on full display at this year’s Tomorrow Prize ceremony at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena, where professional actors performed Los Angeles County high school students’ finalist stories and the teens were honored in front of family, mentors and supporters.

The Tomorrow Prize is presented through the Omega Sci-Fi Project, founded by Sci-Fest L.A and run by the LightBringer Project. L.A. Parent has co-sponsored the prize since 2019, proudly publishing the first-prize story in print and online. This year’s recipient is Abigail Lee, a junior at Westridge School for Girls in Pasadena. 

Omega Sci-Fi honored 21 students from across L.A. County for their sci-fi stories and teachers who invited the organization into their classrooms to lead writing workshops. There were 13 honorable mentions and six finalists. Theodore Kinsella, a junior at Venice High School, won third place; Jadyn Manguera Shin, a junior at Westridge School for Girls, was named second-place winner. Yedsen Troy Dela Cruz, a senior at Hollywood High School, and Hanaa Belkacemi, a senior at Port of Los Angeles High School, rounded out the finalists. 

Lee volunteers at Shriners Children’s Hospital and plays soccer. At school, she studies psychology and serves as a student support leader. During a class, she read an article about the rise and harm in using AI chatbots as therapy.  After conducting more research, she discovered the concept of “AI grief bots,” artificial intelligence tools people use to simulate conversations with lost loved ones. 

Fascinated and unsettled by the ethical implications, Lee was inspired to write a story that explores the boundaries between memory, grief and technology. Below is the powerful result: “File: Anna Bishop.”

FILE: ANNA BISHOP

By Abigail Lee

The steak was cooked exactly how Willem liked it — perfectly seared crust around a warm, pink center. I sat stiffly in the dining room chair, my feet drawing circles in the fibers of the carpet, a smart-lens hugging my left eye’s retina. 

This was routine at 7 p.m.: The hum of the news coming from the television, accompanied by a home-cooked meal under the soft glow of the chandelier. It was almost perfect.

Across from me was Willem Doherty. He was smiling, looking right at me with his hands folded and elbows resting on the mahogany table. It was the same look he had given me on our first date. 

Suddenly, he began to flicker like a dying lightbulb, one eye blurring into his lips before resetting back to his former disposition. It almost felt real.

“You’re awfully quiet tonight, Anna,” he said, breaking the silence. The warmth and melody of his voice was exactly how I remembered it.

“Just thinking,” I whispered back.

***

Today is Aug. 21, 2083. Exactly one year since I lost Willem.

We had attended the same college in upstate New York. With his head of messy auburn hair and shoulders that seemed too broad for the narrow library aisles, he was impossible to miss back then. Shortly after we graduated, we moved into an apartment together. Everyone from college said we’d be the first to get married. I wish this were true. I wish I had known you were struggling. 

When the government first announced that AI would replace all therapists, Willem was skeptical. I still remember his face when he came home, his brows so deeply furrowed that they’d almost kissed. I remember looking into his wide, frantic eyes that carried his disbelief. 

He drove all the way to his therapist’s office in denial, only to be met with a dim building just bright enough to make out a sign on the window that read, “Lumi: the light at the end of the tunnel.” 

Willem had said that robots could never replace human interaction. That they would never truly understand. Nobody knows where they all went. The real therapists, I mean. They all vanished, as if they were deleted from the system.

Eventually, Willem fell into Lumi’s sticky embrace. He was always a little too trusting. He was a man who looked for the best in everything — until it finally consumed him. He entrusted Lumi with the raw, jagged pieces of himself he used to hide from the world. What started with a simple daily check-in soon became an hourly practice. I would find him sitting in front of the computer, his eyes glazed over, his hands in frenetic motion, eager to know what Lumi would say next. He swore the machine understood him better than any human ever could.

“You know, this Lumi thing is great! I feel like I can talk to her about anything,” he always said.

“Willem, you mean it? Lumi isn’t real.” I had to remind him every time. 

“You know what I mean, Anna. I don’t know. It’s just nice to hear the validation. Like, look at this: I told Lumi how I was scared of losing that job, and it said, ‘Right now, you don’t need to solve your whole life. You just need to get through this moment.’ Isn’t that great? She…I mean it told me it saw me for who I truly was.”

I think this is when I began to lose him. 

***

Swish-Thump.

The rain stomped heavily on my windshield, almost as if it were pointedly drowning out this painful memory. Wearing your smart-lens in the car is now forbidden, at least it is here in New York. Last week, there was a pileup on the Henry Hudson Bridge. A driver’s lens had glitched, projecting a pedestrian darting across the street, causing the driver to swerve into oncoming traffic. 

I had tucked mine into the glove compartment so I wouldn’t be tempted to wear it, but my eye felt so naked…so vulnerable. Without the lens, the world was drained of its color. My vision felt grainy. My eye ached. I missed the way the lens smoothed over the gray edges of reality. 

But I think I finally get it now, Willem. This whole Lumi thing, I mean. It’s like sitting at your desk with work scattered everywhere, telling yourself you’ll stop doomscrolling while your 10-minute break turns into hours. I can’t forget you, Willem. Not yet. I’m not ready to let you go. 

I’m driving to you right now. I think I finally got used to the route. Make a left onto Cliff Avenue, then a right on Sunset. 

I tried to mimic his voice in my head. I breathed in the car’s same scent of fresh red roses. Drip…drop. My shoulders tightened. You know how I always hated driving in the rain. 

I quickly pulled into the cemetery, the tires crunching over wet gravel. Eager, I ripped open the glove compartment and peeled back the lid of the shiny, black capsule in which the lens rested. I stretched my eyelid with my left thumb and pointer finger, guiding the lens home, blinking to reset my vision. With a cold and trembling finger, I tapped through the beads of sweat on my temple to reactivate the stream.

“I’m here, Anna. I’m here. Just take a deep breath,” Willem said from the passenger seat. I let out a sigh of relief. It was so good to hear that voice again — not just some voice I’d constructed in my head.

I opened the car door, bracing myself for the rain until I heard him again.

“Why are you leaving the shelter of your car? You hate the rain. Just stay here with me, Anna, and all your problems will be fixed,” he reassured.

But I needed out. “I have to go out there,” I choked out, reaching over the center console to grab the roses from the projection’s translucent lap.

I stepped out into the downpour, the cold water instantly soaking through my clothes. Through the lens, I watched him step out of the car, too. He walked beside me, though the puddles he walked through remained undisturbed. 

“The flowers are beautiful,” Willem said. “But you’re shivering. You’re going to get sick. You know I’m always here.” 

He looked at me with the same smile — except this time it felt different. The real Willem would’ve scolded me, told me I should’ve brought one of my dozens of umbrellas sitting at home. I missed his negativity keeping me in place. It was genuine. It was real.

When we reached the gravestone, I saw his name, Willem Doherty, carved in cold, immobile text. I looked at the stone, weathered and wet from the rain. Then I looked at the glowing, flickering man standing over it — not a single bead of rain on his skin. My vision became blurry. A pit dragged in my throat.

“You’re not wet. You’re not shivering,” I whispered to myself. 

“You’re not wet. You’re not shivering,” I repeated, my voice less audible with every word. I looked at the roses in my hand. They were wilting, their petals bruised by the rain. 

They were dying, just like Willem had. By keeping this lens on, I wasn’t honoring him; I was selfishly keeping him trapped in the very system he once feared. I was continuing to feed Lumi the pieces of Willem that I needed most. I hooked my cold and wet fingers under the edge of the lens. The software flashed in bright red: DISCONNECTION DETECTED. MAY CAUSE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS.

“Anna, if you disconnect, who will you have?” the bot warned, its formerly vibrant voice bent into an automated tone. “You will truly be alone…forev-”

I gently scraped the lens’s edges until it folded and jumped into the tall blades of dewy grass, the moisture from the rain seeping into the delicate device. The glowing, perfect version of Willem vanished instantly, swallowed by the downpour. The rain came crashing down harder, yet I wasn’t afraid. 

The silence was heavy and the cold was biting, sinking its teeth into my clothes until I felt it in my bones. For the first time, I didn’t have a voice telling me everything was OK. I didn’t have a face preserving the past. I just had the rain, the dirt and the jarring, beautiful truth that he was gone. 

“You’re gone,” I said finally, wiping the mixture of water and grass off his grave. 

The words tasted wrong. Like betrayal.

But they were true.

“You’re gone,” I repeated, louder this time, letting the rain swallow the sound.

I sat there for a while. Long enough for my hands to become numb. Long enough for the roses to sink further into themselves. Long enough for the rain to seep through all my clothes.

I looked back at the empty passenger seat in my car.

No Willem.

No soft voice.

No glowing silhouette.

Just me.

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