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.

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Book lovers have a new way to explore Los Angeles this summer. The inaugural Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl will take place July 24–26 at independent bookstores across the region for a weekend celebrating local booksellers, neighborhood discovery and literary community.

From Manhattan Beach to Montrose, 13 independent bookstores are joining forces to create this unforgettable weekend for L.A. bibliophiles. Events will take place during each bookstore’s regular store hours (check website for information). This special event, modeled after popular book crawls in San Diego and Seattle, is an invitation for readers to explore the diversity of L.A.’s indie bookstores, shop local and have fun while discovering a new favorite read and a new favorite spot to get properly lost in. The event is free and open to everyone.

How the Los Angeles Indie Book Crawl works

Find a new favorite book, make some friends and become a Los Angeles expert as you traverse our local literary landscape. To participate, visit any one of the bookstores anytime between July 24–26 — and make your first purchase of at least $10. From there, you will receive your Book Crawl Passport and first passport stamp.

Then, visit the next bookstore (in no particular order) and make a purchase of $10 or more at each stop. Many prizes and exclusive merchandise are available at every store. Hit as many as you can: The more you visit, the more prizes you accrue. and the more of L.A.’s diverse and welcoming literary scene you get to explore.

Each store has listed its most iconic Los Angeles landmarks as well as neighborhood gems you can add to your L.A. book crawl itinerary.

Grand prize for visiting every store

People who get their passports stamped at all 13 stores will receive a goodie bag full of fun bookish treats including the grand prize: $25 gift cards at each store, totaling $325 in value.

Why independent bookstores matter

“Independent bookstores are having a resurgence,” says Jennifer Caspar, founder and owner of Village Well Books & Coffee, an independent bookstore and café located in downtown Culver City and opened in 2020. “They are the third places people need more than ever in this era of digital optimization, which can be very alienating and lead to loneliness. 

“People still like to browse, touch and see physical books and hang out in stores that are third places, where community and culture — and sometimes coffee! — meet,” she said. “We are modeling our event after the highly popular San Diego Book Crawl and are thrilled that so many great stores are joining together to explore L.A.’s literary scene.”

Supporting independent bookstores in Los Angeles sustains the city’s diverse culture, keeps money in the local economy and provides vital spaces to read, work and be in community with others. Indie shops, the backbone of L.A.’s literary and culture ecosystem, offer human-curated recommendations and serve as essential hubs for local authors, book clubs and grassroots civic engagement.

Visit 13 Independent Bookstores Across Los Angeles

Annabelle’s Book Club LA (Studio City)

The Book Jewel (in the heart of Westchester)

Book Soup, bookseller to the great and famous (West Hollywood)

Chevalier’s Books (Larchmont Village)

Children’s Book World & CBW Teens & Adults (West Los Angeles)

diesel, A Book Store (Santa Monica)

Malik Books (Culver City)

Once Upon A Time, America’s Oldest Children’s Bookstore (Montrose)

pages: a bookstore (Manhattan Beach)

The Ripped Bodice, A Romantic Bookstore (Culver City)

Skylight Books (Hollywood/Los Feliz)

Village Well Books & Coffee (Culver City)

Vroman’s Bookstore (Pasadena)

Plan your book crawl

For hours, location, a description of each store and their event schedules for the weekend, visit laindiebookcrawl.com/about-5.

For more information on the crawl, visit laindiebookcrawl.com and follow on Instagram (@laindiebookcrawl) for updates.

Participants are encouraged to use public transit whenever possible to visit any or all of the bookstores. Check this custom transit map for information on Los Angeles Metro and bus accessibility.

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Families in Irvine now have a new option for early childhood education. The Crème School has opened its first California location, The Crème School of Great Park, offering research-based preschool programs, enrichment experiences and modern learning spaces designed to support children’s growth ages 2 and up.

Located in Irvine’s growing Great Park neighborhood, the school will serve nearly 200 children. It introduces Crème’s newest school design, the first of its kind, featuring modern learning environments, elevated family amenities and personalized educational experiences designed to support every stage of a child’s development.

The Crème School of Great Park also offers signature enrichment opportunities and thoughtfully designed classroom spaces that encourage exploration, creativity and collaboration. These high-quality early learning environments combine research-based curriculum, hands-on discovery and enrichment opportunities that help children build academic, social and emotional skills.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Crème experience to California families,” said Stephanie Sturdevant-Ward, vice president of operations for The Crème Schools. “The Crème School of Great Park is redefining child care with innovative learning spaces, personalized experiences and enriching opportunities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and help children thrive.”

The Crème Learning Approach brings together engaging, research-based curriculum, exceptional teachers and enhanced educational experiences to support joyful, meaningful learning each day, school officials said. It emphasizes executive function skills, including attention, memory, flexible thinking, collaboration and emotional regulation, helping children build confidence and strong foundations for success in school and in life. Crème’s proprietary curriculum enables students to focus on skills that complement its signature enrichments. Starting at age 2, children engage in daily 30-minute rotations and small-group lessons in STEM, music, art and Spanish.

The school’s opening marks a significant milestone in Crème’s national growth strategy as the company continues expanding its footprint of premium early childhood education schools across the U.S.

Families interested in learning more about The Crème School of Great Park can visit here.

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When I headed to Yosemite National Park for work last summer, I knew I’d come face-to-face with towering sequoias, the steep, granite walls and cascading waterfalls. What surprised me was how often I reached for my phone — not to document the trip, but to FaceTime my children. 

As a frequent solo traveler and new empty nester (or free bird, as I call it), I’m familiar with the feeling of being in awesome places that make you wish the people you love were standing beside you. That feeling stayed with me during my time in Yosemite. 

For Los Angeles families who are traveling together or meeting up for a reunion, Yosemite is one of those bucket-list destinations that is closer than many realize. After navigating traffic, busy schedules, school calendars and the hectic pace of city life, the transformation is palpable. Within a few hours of leaving L.A., the scenery changes completely. Palm trees, smog and freeways give way to winding mountain roads, varieties of pines, fresh air and primordial-rock landscapes. 

Yes: the perfect escape.

A comfortable basecamp outside Yosemite

Part of what made this trip especially enticing was a preview stay in the deluxe private cabins that officially launch this month as Waybound Yosemite, a boutique collection of reimagined premium cabins immersed in nature and located in Fish Camp just outside Yosemite’s south entrance. Situated alongside its sister property, the longtime family favorite Tenaya at Yosemite, the 50 spacious, two-bedroom Waybound cabins, called The Havens, sleep up to six, providing multigenerational families (and their pets) with a comfortable vacation home. 

The Havens also include all the amenities at Tenaya’s full-service resort. Together, the two hotels, operated by Delaware North Parks & Resorts, make an ideal basecamp for exploring Yosemite. Each stand-alone Haven features a front porch, back patio and expansive picture windows opening to abundant nature, a living room with a fireplace and plush, leather couches and a full kitchen (including a full-size fridge), plus curated touches, including cocktail chests for craft mixology and spa boxes with locally inspired wellness products. 

Speaking of wellness, restorative treatments are available at Tenaya’s expansive spa. In August, a resort pool and hot tub will make a welcome debut. For now, guests at The Havens have access to three pools, four hot tubs and lounge areas at Tenaya.

The Commons serves a central hub with tables and chairs, ample couches and plush lounging chairs, a large fireplace and big screen TV, plus a long wooden patio for outdoor dining and socializing. Dining options onsite include The Coffee Counter, with breakfast bites and barista service; Plates + Pours, a social spot with afternoon and evening bartenders and á la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner and The General Store, with curated provisions, merchandise and grab-and-go meals. 

Full dining and restaurants are available for Havens guests at nearby Tenaya. At The Havens, evenings come alive with multiple fire pits circled by Adirondack chairs and complimentary s’mores, a fun way for families to gather under the star-studded night sky.

When I excitedly opened my door to my Haven, I first noticed how it fit into the surrounding landscape. I was delighted to discover the native flowers, birdsong and a babbling brook, shaded by fragrant pines that surrounded my cabin and back porch. I breathed in the cool, fresh mountain air and felt refreshed. Throughout my stay, I indulged in reflective moments on the back porch, sipping my morning tea while lounging in my hotel robe in a red rocking Adirondack chair and watching squirrels dance in the trees. Late at night, after spending my days and evenings exploring, dining and stargazing, I relaxed in front of my own fireplace. 

Getting to Yosemite from Los Angeles

For many Angelenos, planning a family vacation often comes down to one question: How far do we need to travel to feel like we’ve escaped? While popular spots in Hawaii, Mexico or Europe may top wish lists, daunting airfare prices, flight delays and security concerns are keeping many families closer to home this season. Luckily, for L.A. families, some of the most unforgettable adventures are fairly close to home.

For road-trippers, the drive to Yosemite takes about five to six hours, making the park an ideal destination for a long weekend, school holidays and summer vacation. Families who would rather fly have convenient options. Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest commercial airport, just about a 90-minute drive from Waybound Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite. 

Several flights connect L.A. with Fresno each day, allowing families to be surrounded by mountain scenery before lunchtime. I took an easy, quick flight on Southwest. Once in the area, rental cars are readily available, and the resort can assist with arranging airport transportation, as well. 

Exploring Yosemite National Park

Planning a trip to Yosemite is simpler this year, as the national park is not requiring advance vehicle reservations for most visits in 2026. Guests of Waybound Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite receive complimentary park entrance passes, making it even easier to begin each day’s adventure. 

Visitors who prefer not to drive through the park can explore Yosemite on guided excursions and transportation, so parents and kids can relax and enjoy the scenery, while learning about the abundant natural flora, fauna and jaw-dropping landmarks. Through Tenaya’s Yosemite 360° Tours, families can book private guided sightseeing tours and customized excursions within the national park.

A highlight was exploring Yosemite with my guide, Janet, who was personable, kind and knowledgeable. She told my group stories about the black bears we saw on our drive to the park and kept us laughing — and safe. She also made sure we stopped at Tunnel View, one of the most remarkable vistas in the U.S., where El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome are visible in a panorama; walked a trail beneath the giant sequoias of Mariposa Grove (some more than 2,000 years old) and strolled to Lower Yosemite Fall for a refreshing break. Though tourists made their way to these same spots, it didn’t feel overcrowded. 

One of the most memorable moments of our Yosemite adventure day was sharing an idyllic picnic prepared by Tenaya, complete with a basket and red-and-white checkered tablecloth. Sitting beside the Merced River, I watched families floating along. When a current picked up quickly, my group spotted a young man in danger and called out to some sturdy swimmers for help.

Later, Janet took us to an ancient natural spring gushing beside the road, and we gleefully filled our bottles with pure, ice-cold water, sipping it on the drive back.

Relax and recharge after a day outdoors

Whether after a day on the trails or just to recover from L.A. stressors, Ascent Spa at Tenaya gives guests a chance to recharge. Its services include customized massages, hydrating facials, body treatments and wellness experiences inspired by the Sierra Nevada. 

Family activities beyond the trails

It’s also an ideal retreat for parents while the kids enjoy the pools or other supervised activities. My work group and I bonded as we waited for our treatments in the relaxation room in our matching robes, sampling teas, fruits and snacks and chatting about our park adventures. My Swedish massage was gentle and restorative.

The activities at Waybound and Tenaya are designed to bring families closer together, whether they are embarking on a guided nature walk, cooling off in resort pools or relaxing on their Haven’s private porch after a rewarding day in the park. 

And in addition to playing or swimming in the pools or lounging poolside, fun activities to do with kids include lawn games, pickleball, bocce ball, rock wall climbing, archery lessons and a fascinating, interactive “noctotourism” stargazing experience, led by astronomer Andy Skimmer. The Sierra Nevada’s limited light pollution makes it one of California’s best areas for seeing stars. On clear nights, constellations, planets and the Milky Way creating a glittering, magical skyscape.

Where to eat near Yosemite

In addition to the casual food options at The Havens, guests at both properties have lots of choices at six diverse dining choices, in addition to room service. Some recommendations: Jackalope’s Bar & Grill serves hearty breakfasts before families head into the park, along with favorites like the Jackalope Burger, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, grilled salmon and blackened chicken tacos later in the day. 

Desserts such as warm sticky toffee pudding and huge chocolate-chip cookies topped with vanilla ice cream are big-time faves. For a more refined dinner, Embers features seasonal California cuisine, premium steaks, seafood, handmade pasta and thoughtfully curated wines in an upscale setting.

Travel to Yosemite with your dog

For many Angelenos, the best vacations include family pets. Waybound and Tenaya offer pet-friendly accommodations, as well as dog-friendly areas and kennel services for days when families want to explore parts of Yosemite where pets aren’t permitted. 

Nature sounds on

The final morning of my stay, I took a meditative solo walk from my Haven to the brook below. I recorded a video of the path that lay before me, capturing a sun star and its side rays shaped like iridescent butterfly wings shining through pine trees, the soft crunching my sneakers made over dirt, leaves and sticks, the sound of birds singing and the brook gurgling hello. 

I felt a sense of calm and, of course, I couldn’t wait to return and share it all with my children. While technology kept us connected, there’s nothing like the real thing. 

Michele Raphael is an L.A.-based culture, health, lifestyle and travel writer and editor. She can be found on Instagram at @michelebraphael.

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From magical fairy kingdoms to galaxies far, far away, these summer reads will entertain young readers and inspire summer adventures of their own.

What Does Miss Sue Do? A Teacher’s Summer

By Carole Jevons; Illustrated by Cristina Kramp

Former early childhood educator and mom of three, Carole Jevons’ debut picture book “What Does Miss Sue Do? A Teacher’s Summer” teaches young kids that teachers are real people with lives outside of school. Recommended for ages 2-6.   

A Sea of Ships and Souls

By Jordan S. Keller

In the young adult adventure, “A Sea of Ships and Souls” award-winning author Jordan S. Keller channels her own feelings of rejection in the reluctant hero Jace Kit, a wannabe sailor who dreams of adventures on the high seas. Through a blend of folklore, tarot readings and mythical sprites Jace gets his adventure and reminds us the importance of holding onto our dreams. Recommended for ages 12-18.

Rainbow Magic: Ruby the Red Fairy and Amber the Orange Fairy

By Daisy Meadows; illustrated by Claudia Giuliani

Perfect for beginner readers, Daisy Meadows’ bestselling Rainbow Magic series gets a makeover. Both “Ruby the Red Fairy” and “Amber the Orange Fairy” will be adapted into a new, full color graphic novel. When new friends Kristy and Rachel encounter Ruby the Red Fairy, they discover the fairy’s kingdom is in trouble. Can the friends help save Ruby’s fairy sisters?  These same friends are tasked with rescuing the Rainbow Fairies when Jack Frost plans to drain the color from Fairyland. Can they find Ruby the Red Fairy’s siter Amber the Orange Fairy? Recommended for ages 6-8.

Walter the Oogobee: The Vortex to Vidza

By Brenda Beckelman

In the whimsical outerspace adventure book, “Walter the Oogobee: The Vortex to Vidza” Walter, an adorable alien pup, explores distant worlds, tackles extraterrestrial threats and tries to save a planet from monstrous threats with the help of his friends. Recommended for ages 6-9.   

George the Mouse in a Log Pile House

By Rebecca Atanassova; illustrated by Alissa Hansen

George is a small mouse on a big adventure through the wide world. Inspired by the true tale of English wildlife photographer, Simon Dell, and his wild mouse friend George, “George the Mouse in a Log Pile House” reminds young readers to follow their curiosity, explore, meet new friends and let adventure help us find the meaning of home. Recommended ages 3-9.

The Bond Street Detectives

By Leah Witman Moore

Three 5^th grade best friends set out to solve the mystery of a missing prop containing money for a school fundraiser. “The Bond Street Detectives” explores themes of friendship, justice and inclusion through a fast-paced mystery, perfect for young readers. Recommended for ages 8-12.  

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

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“Luisa, At Your Service!” is a charming children’s book (coming in August) celebrating beloved neighborhoods, bilingual storytelling and the love of family. Actress, writer and L.A. mom Sara Amini wrote the story inspired by her mother’s experiences growing up in Salento, Colombia. Spirited young tour guide Luisa introduces visitors to her beloved hometown on the way to the Cocora Valley, proudly sharing her favorite foods, places and people along the way. Award-winning illustrator Juana Medina brings the charming Colombian town to life with warm, expressive illustrations full of personality.

Tell us a little about your growing up years in a multi-cultural family and fondest family memories.

I grew up in Texas in the 90s, the eldest of three children born to a Colombian mom and an Iranian dad. Despite all their differences, my parents did an amazing job of blending their cultures together in simple yet effective ways. Like, how they drank Colombian coffee in the morning and Persian tea at night. Or how I used to tag along while my mom prayed at St. Justin’s Catholic cathedral before she’d drop me off at the Armenian church down the street for Farsi lessons. An afterschool snack consisted of dolmeh and empanadas — both cooked by my mom, who learned to master Persian cooking. (In turn, my dad speaks fluent Spanish.)

My fondest memories center around the holidays. We celebrated Christmas Eve in accordance with Latin custom, where children stay up until midnight to open presents. (This required a LOT of sugar.) Then every Spring, we’d celebrate Norooz, or Persian New Year. Because neither of my parents had many relatives in America (my mom had one sister in New Jersey, my dad had no one), they were always active participants in each other’s cultures and put a lot of respect into honoring what was important to the other. It taught me the value of upholding family traditions through small, thoughtful gestures.

Were you the kid who always loved to create stories and make up characters?

I WAS! I’ve been eager to express myself since I was a young girl. I was an only child for the first seven years of my life, so I was left to my own imagination often when it came to playtime.

I really feel like my love for acting began much younger than I could probably even articulate. According to my mom, I would put on shows for all my stuffed animals alongside my flashy co-star, a Miss Piggy doll I got as a Happy Meal toy.

Writing was also something I enjoyed, though it began as more of a meandering journey. I have a funny memory of entering a local PBS-sponsored writing competition in Houston. I had written a short story about a missing dog named Truple, and we got a call that I’d made finals. During the big ceremony they called my name first, so I thought I’d won the entire thing and RAN on stage. Turns out I was an “honorable mention” and didn’t even place. You can imagine the look on my face when they started giving out medals to the actual winners! I’m glad I didn’t let that experience deter me, because over the years writing has become such a necessary catharsis for me.

Where does the inspiration for your characters come from?

I draw a lot from my own life, mainly because I realized pretty early on that there was a gap between the stories I enjoyed and the ones that I could deeply relate to. Matilda and Ramona Quimby, these were young female protagonists I admired but whom I felt far away from, coming from an immigrant parent, multicultural household. My first book, a middle grade graphic novel titled “Mixed Feelings,” is a semi-autobiographical memoir of my upbringing, and it’s brought me such delight to connect with young readers who feel seen by my experience. I’m always looking to add to the conversation about being biracial, because we’re out here! And representation truly matters.

What was your inspiration for Luisa and writing this children’s book?

The inspiration for “Luisa, At Your Service!” came from my mom! She is my Luisa. One day I was interviewing my parents, asking them about their childhoods, just for my own personal memories. My mom completely lit up in a way I hadn’t seen before, as she began reminiscing about her life in Salento–a tiny pueblo that is nestled amongst the Cocora Valley in Colombia. She grew up in a house in the center of Salento’s town square, known colloquially as “La Plaza,” where no two houses were the same color, and where everyone knew and took care of one another.

I had also happened to read the classic “Eloise At the Plaza” around the same time. Not only do I find that book hilarious, but at its core, to me, it’s about the pride you have in the place you live and in all the people who help take care of you. And that’s what my mom’s memories reminded me of too–it truly takes a village to raise a child.

Using her anecdotes as inspiration, and because Salento gets a lot of international tourism for its hiking, I came up with this idea of a precocious young girl who takes a group of tourists around her very own “plaza.” It was really fun to marry Salento’s lush and vibrant scenery (captured masterfully by Juana Medina), with a funny, unfiltered six-year-old who parades around town like she owns the place. But the story’s also got an earnest message. Though the tourists have come for one very specific landmark, Luisa knows how to put the tour in detour, and shows them that there’s more to a place than what it’s known for. Community, culture, getting to know the people–that’s where it’s at!

When did you move to L.A.?

I can’t believe I’m saying this but, sixteen years ago. Summer of 2010. My L.A. life can officially drive a car!

You are now a mom to a 7-month-old. How do you keep the cultures of your family alive while living and raising a family in L.A.?

I’m very lucky that L.A., like Houston, has a large Persian population, so I’ve got great access to markets, restaurants, and festivals. And I’m always looking for intentional ways to expose him to other cultures. Thankfully, Los Angeles is a city that celebrates diversity, so I don’t have to go looking too hard to find something.

This last March was my son’s first Norooz, and one important element of the holiday is Chaharshanbe Suri, where you jump over flames to cleanse yourself of the year prior, entering the new year with renewed energy. He was still a newborn at the time, so we lit a small candle at home and carried him over it. It brought me immense joy.

Tell us a little about your family’s cultural traditions and what you hope to pass down to your child.

Hands down my favorite tradition is my husband and I annually seek out the worst ornament we can possibly find for each other. We wrap it and everything–and it’s the first gift that kicks off the Christmas season. Our tree is absolutely hideous, but it makes me laugh every single year. Last year we each bought our son a hideous ornament for our own amusement, but I’m looking forward to him being in on the joke.

We also have a movie bucket, where we write down movies that have long been on our watchlist, and when we’ve both got a free night, we go to the bucket. The last great watch was “All That Jazz.” I know my husband can’t wait for our son to be of movie-watching age to join us. I imagine a lot of Miyazaki and Pixar will be thrown into the mix.

So many of our readers in L.A. are multi-cultural families. Please share some insight on the challenges and the joys of raising a multi-cultural child.

I remember having an emotional breakdown when pregnant because I’ve lived so much of my life feeling like a bit of an outsider when it comes to my two cultures, so how and what could I possibly pass down to my son? But as my parents taught me growing up, it’s all in the details. So, it’s been little things, like, listening to Cumbia during breakfast, and having him practice “tummy time” on our Persian rug. Meaningful Facetimes with his “Abuelita” and “Big Baba, ”as well as his “Pops” and “Nonna” (my husband is half-Italian). I point to things around the house in all three languages (“Book” “libro,” “ketab”). Speaking of the movie bucket, eventually I’ll get to show him films like “Encanto” (apparently animators went to Salento for its inspiration!) as well as one of my favorite movies as a kid, the Iranian classic, “Children of Heaven.” Though I constantly question whether what I’m doing is enough, at the end of the day all I want is for him to be proud of his lineage. He’s even more multicultural than me! I’m committed to creating consistent moments that he will cherish as he grows older.

When not working, where will we find you?

Honestly, my backyard. It’s my sanctuary. It’s where I read, meditate, do a lot of writing and memorizing lines, play volleyball, and hang out with my son. I’ve also got a small statue of my late dog, Captain, that oversees the lawn, and I like that he keeps me company.

What are some of your favorite spots in and around L.A. to go with your family?

I love the Atwater Village farmers market. We usually make a morning of it and go to either Proof or Homestate for pastries and breakfast tacos, then grab our produce for the week, as well as flowers from my guy Daniel at Patty’s Farms. On the way out of the market we stop and get Delmy’s pupusas to snack on later. It’s my favorite Sunday activity. My husband and I also love Jon&Vinny’s, Vidiots, Skylight Bookstore and strolling York Blvd. in Eagle Rock. Nothing beats the combination of a Kumquat Coffee espresso tonic and a Donut Friend donut. I’m a simple girl with simple pleasures.

The post Meet L.A. Mom Sara Amini, Author of Luisa, At Your Service appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Emmy Award-winning El Tigre creator and L.A. mom Sandra Equihua will soon have a new children’s book published “Hola Lola! To the Bodega: A Bilingual First Words Book,” (on sale August 11). Young readers follow Lola as she heads to her neighborhood bodega to pick up a candle for her abuelo’s birthday cake, discovering pastries, paletas, drinks and more along the way while learning over 100 words in both English and Spanish. Filled with Equihua’s whimsical animation-inspired artwork, Hola Lola! captures the warmth and familiarity of neighborhood and family life.

Tell us a little about your growing up years in Tijuana. What was family life like? Fondest childhood memories?

I was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, a city that, for some reason, a lot of people think is a really long drive from LA. It’s actually around a 2hr or so trip. But back to my story!  

My mom was an elementary school teacher, and my dad was a doctor/ surgeon. I had the privilege of growing up with three sisters (I’m the third of the bunch!) Since we grew up a hop, skip and a jump away from San Diego, we got introduced to the best of both Mexican and US culture. So, while on early morning weekends, we’d be laughing at the Saturday morning cartoon lineup starring the Smurfs or Pee Wee, Sunday mornings we’d be having chilaquiles with chorizo for breakfast while my dad sometimes played rancheras on the stereo. Since my sisters and I all attended school in San Diego while we lived in Tijuana (we’d cross the border every day), almost all of our friends resided across the border. Playdates were tough to organize so I’m very thankful I had my sisters!

Were you the kid who was always drawing and creating?

YES! I was always drawing with pencils or pens, or markers, playing with playdoh…or mud! We’d build forts with sofa pillows and open the cabinets in my mom’s kitchen to create imaginary houses. My mom taught us some basic sewing when we were little, so we had the awesome experience of making dresses for our dolls. My sisters and I used anything we could find to make furniture for our dollhouses, spools, baskets, Kleenex boxes, empty containers. We read A LOT. Many of the ideas I got for my projects I picked up from here. My elementary school really pushed literacy, and my dad had a study/ library where he had shelves upon shelves of books. Since he was also a professor, he had a giant chalkboard which I absolutely LOVED because it offered an endless canvas for drawing! Don’t get me started when he brought home colored chalk. In restaurants I would draw pictures of the waitresses and the patrons just to make my family laugh.  I absolutely loved the smell of “papelerias” (mom and pop shops that sold school supplies and books) It was a mix of sharpened pencils, wax crayons, alcohol-based markers, and paper. Very magical!

Where does the inspiration for your character designs come from?

A lot of the inspiration for my artwork comes from childhood in general. When Luka, my 17-year-old son, was younger, I saw the world through his eyes as most mothers tend to do. He gave me a new perspective on everything. I love the whimsy, silliness, playfulness and freedom being a kiddo emotes. It’s an unapologetic nature that exists in behavior that only kids can get away with because their logic is like a culture of its own, you know? As we get older, we limit ourselves to so many things because we start conforming. Kids think outside of the box. I love this.

When did you move to LA?

I moved to Los Angeles at 25 after I married my incredible husband, Jorge Gutierrez. That was our plan without it ever even spoken out loud. It seemed logical. We’d known each other since we were 17 and 18 and discovered we had many similar interests and backgrounds. Further down the road, I studied Graphic Design in which I received a bachelors, and he, a BFA and MFA in Experimental Animation. Weve worked together since day one and are constantly asking each other’s opinion. To this day, I am Jorges #1 fan and he, mine!

What was the inspiration behind Hola Lola to the Bodega?

Daniel Moreton of Penguin Workshop was the person with the idea behind the initial concept. Bodegas are everywhere in NY, and he wanted to pay homage to these little businesses through a bilingual book.

Growing up in Tijuana, we had something similar but we called it la Tiendita de la Esquina (the little store around the corner) or micellania. In my research, it was wonderful to see how many of these little stores existed WORLWIDE and how much of a staple they are in society, not only for purchases, but to create connection and to have a common place with familiarity. You get to know the cashier, the store owner, the products and where they are…even the cat or dog that seems to reside there. As a little girl, whenever I had the opportunity to visit these little gems, I remember I would walk in wondering why my mom would only walk out with the essentials and why she had completely snubbed the amazing potato chip aisle or why she didn’t take the time to feel the bristles on the floor brushes on display or why she didn’t take the time to pat all the bags full of beans and rice? That being said, I came up with Lola, a whimsical, distracted, imaginative, connoisseur of life who is pretty observant and goes through life happy as can be.

How old is your child? How do you keep the culture of your childhood alive while living and raising a family in L.A.?

My son Luka just turned 17. Since my childhood took place in Tijuana, Mexico, my husband and I have instilled an interest for his roots from day one. I’m pretty amazed at how in love he is with his Mexican ethnicity. He loves the food, he loves the language, he loves the people, he loves the music. So, whenever there is an event affiliated with our cultural heritage in LA, you can bet we’ll be there. From art shows, festivals, lucha libre matches to Dia de los Muertos at the Hollywood Forever Cementery to both his grandmothers, LucyMom and Tita, being constantly present in his life! Also, Los Angeles proudly counts with quite a large percentage of a Latino population, so our lineage and traditions are continuously present around the city

Tell us a little about your family’s cultural traditions and what you hope to pass down to your child.

A tradition that we have kept going since Jorge and I were married was celebrating Dia de los Muertos. We were married Nov 2^nd , which is also Day of the Dead. At our reception, we placed pictures of our loved ones so they could be with us on our special day and decorated with cempasuchil. We lit candles and placed offerings. Every anniversary, we set an altar or visit somewhere to celebrate both this sacred day as well as our anniversary. We’ve introduced Luka to the celebration and have taken him to many events and cemeteries here in LA (Hollywood Forever Cemetery has an AMAZING tribute to this occasion) as well as Mexico to partake in this beautiful commemoration.

When not working, where will we find you?

It’s very rare that I have down time! I’m on the go almost all the time and even when I do have a couple of minutes to spare, my instinct is to think about what’s next on the roster! I am learning that giving oneself time isn’t a luxury but a necessity, so I’m making a conscious effort to carve space into my days. Jorge is very aware of this as well and if he sees me burning out, he’ll encourage me to zone out and rest.

What are some of your favorite spots in and around L.A. to go with your family.

I think my family takes advantage of L.A. as much as we can and we’ve still yet to do SO much. For right now, we love the serenity of Leo Carillo beach and its tidepools. We love finding restaurants that cater to all of us and L.A. has an endless array of places to eat no matter where you go. The same goes for the amount of museums that the city offers and exhibits we’ve been to at LACMA, the Academy Museum and the spontaneous pop-ups like the Balloon Museum or the Tim Burton and Basquiat exhibit a couple of years back. Theres also a constant flow of conventions around town featuring almost anything! 

Just walking around sometimes, one tends to bump into unexpected surprises such as the Last Bookstore in Studio City, the Grammy Museum downtown, endless paths and trails for hiking, the sky’s the limit! We love L.A.

The post Meet L.A. Mom and Writer Sandra Equihua, author of ‘Hola Lola to the Bodega’ appeared first on L.A. Parent.

A sense of home, family and belonging is what Donna Silver wants all guests to feel when they enter The Aliza Hotel Venice, a boutique hotel she co-founded with her brother in 2024. Together they transformed a vintage motel into a design-forward family-owned hotel with a strong sense of place.

The Santa Monica native graduated from USC with a degree in Communications and followed her culinary passion and trained at Apicius in Florence. She again returned to Italy to earn her MBA in Food and Beverage Management from Bocconi University in Milan. Back in L.A., the mom of two is focusing on creating a place that welcomes locals and visitors with elegant design and the warmth of family.

Tell us a little about your childhood growing up in Santa Monica. What were some of your favorite memories and things to do?

Being a true Santa Monica native, this city has always been very close to my heart. I grew up spending afternoons at Douglas Park, and now I get to take my own kids there to play. Even though Los Angeles is a big city, Santa Monica has always felt like a small town. I still run into people I went to elementary school with, and there’s something really special about that sense of community.

It sounds like your grandmother, Aliza, is a big influence in your life. Tell us more about her.

My grandmother, who is now 96, has been fortunate enough to watch our family’s legacy grow over the course of almost a century. She has 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom she gets to see regularly, along with her children and grandchildren. We’re a very close, very large extended family, and she’s always been at the center of it. She’s the reason we all continue to gather for holidays, birthdays, Sunday lunches, and just about any excuse to be together.

What was the inspiration behind The Aliza Hotel?

My grandmother really is at the center of it all. My brother and I wanted to create a place that captures the feeling she created for our family—a home where everyone feels genuinely welcomed. We try to bring that same warmth to every guest who walks through our doors. We love greeting guests at the front desk, getting to know them, and welcoming back familiar faces year after year. We hope staying at Aliza feels more like visiting a friend’s home than checking into a traditional hotel.

What do you hope The Aliza will be for Venice and the larger L.A. community?

Being on Rose Avenue, we hope Aliza becomes a home base for both travelers and locals. We welcome so many families—parents visiting their kids, grandparents meeting a new grandchild, people celebrating graduations, birthdays, and other milestones. It’s incredibly meaningful when locals recommend us to their friends and family. As we continue to grow, we’re also excited to open our doors to the neighborhood through community programming. From our Pilates and Sound Bath series to watercolor workshops, we hope Aliza becomes a place where locals feel just as welcome as hotel guests.

You are a mom and entrepreneur. Tell us a little about how you manage family life and business life.

Balancing motherhood and running a hotel definitely isn’t easy, but I’m fortunate to have a wonderful support system in both parts of my life. As a business owner, you’re never really off the clock, and as a parent, you’re not either. It can be challenging to be fully present in both roles, so I try to be intentional. When I’m at the hotel, I’m focused on our guests and team. When I’m home with my kids, I rely on the amazing people around me so I can be fully present with my family.

How old are you kids? What does a typical day look like for you?

My kids are 4 and 2, so life is definitely busy. Most mornings start at Aliza, helping guests, working with our team, and overseeing our events and programming. Around 2 p.m., I switch into my second full-time job: Mom. The transition between those two worlds is probably the hardest part of my day because they require such different parts of me, but they’re both incredibly rewarding.

You are starting a series of wellness programs at the hotel, tell us more about that? Is it geared towards moms?

Yes! We recently launched Wake Up at Aliza’s, a recurring Saturday morning series featuring wellness and creative experiences, including Pilates and Sound Bath classes and beginner watercolor workshops. While they’re open to everyone, I definitely had moms in mind when we started planning them. As a mom, I know how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself. My hope is that people can spend an hour or two doing something that helps them feel grounded and recharged before heading back to the rest of their day.

When not working, where will we find you?

Probably at the farmers market with my family—or at home trying to perfect my sourdough loaf.

What are some of your favorite spots in and around LA.?

I’m a huge foodie, so whenever I get the chance, I’m usually trying a great restaurant. I can never say no to a burger and dirty martini at South Beverly Grill, the lemon roll at Enya on Sawtelle, or a scoop of brown sugar banana ice cream from Tori’s on Montana Avenue.

The post Meet Donna Silver, LA mom and co-founder of Aliza Hotel appeared first on L.A. Parent.

July is here, and it’s time to entertain the troops. Summer at Disneyland is always a little bit magical, but this year, the resort is pulling out all the stops. After a recent media visit with my own three kids in tow, I can tell you the new additions are worth the trip.

The big theme this season: kids rule. Disneyland’s “Kids Rule Summer” runs through Sept. 7, and the new experiences lean into exactly what kids love most right now.

The Millennium Falcon got a whole new mission

If your household has any Mandalorian fans — and mine definitely does — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run just became a must-do all over again. As of May 22, the ride debuted a brand-new mission timed to the release of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Now your crew chooses their own destination — Bespin, the wreckage of the second Death Star near Endor, or the city-planet Coruscant — and engineers get to call Grogu in real time during the mission. My kids, ranging from 7 to 14, all loved it so much that we went on it three times in a row. 

While you’re in Galaxy’s Edge, keep an eye out for BDX droids roaming Black Spire Station and note that, for the first time, you can encounter characters from across the Star Wars timeline — Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Leia and Han Solo could all just be right around the corner.

Bluey, dance parties and more summer fun

More Bluey? Yes, please. “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” at the Fantasyland Theatre is the surprise hit of the summer for the little-little (or even not-so-little) crowd.

Bluey and Bingo appear live on stage, and the whole venue transforms into a fun fair with games, dance-alongs and themed food. It’s a great time to give your tired legs a break and sit in the shade to refuel while your kids dance along. Don’t miss the Magic Asparagus (actually a chocolate-covered pretzel), the loaded Troubadour Baked Potato or the Mud Cake Cold Brew for a sweet pick-me-up that may just be my new favorite coffee drink at Disneyland.

Over at Disney California Adventure, the new “Disney Friends Dance Party” in Hollywood Land is a great evening option when energy is somehow still high. Back in Disneyland, Stitch’s Intergalactic Beach Party Blast returns to Tomorrowland Terrace. And on July 2, Soarin’ Across America made its debut — a new version of the popular attraction taking guests over iconic American landscapes.

Plan ahead to save

If you’re going with kids ages 3 to 9, the kids’ summer ticket offer is a real steal: $50 per child for a one-day park hopper valid through Sept. 7. Hotel guests can also snag up to 15% off Sunday–Thursday stays through that same date. Reservations fill up, so book early — especially if you’re targeting peak summer weeks.

The post What’s New at Disneyland Summer 2026 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.