Articles
Most Recent Articles
Pumpkin Crafts and Pumpkin Patches
Fall is in the air and it's time for pumpkin crafts and pumpkin patches. Read on for four fun pumpkin-themed crafts plus a list of Monterey and Santa Cruz Pumpkin Patches! Read more
Additional COVID-19 Testing Coming to Monterey County
The Monterey County Health Department has partnered with California National Guard and California Testing Task Force to offer free pop-up drive through COVID-19 testing sites at rotating Monterey County locations. Read more
What parents need to know about human trafficking
According to the Monterey County Office of Education and the Department of Social Services, it is believed that more than 100 children ages 10-18 have been trafficked in Monterey County since 2015. You don’t need to panic but you do need to be aware. Read more
Watsonville Apple Picking
We found two local apple orchards close to Monterey open for apple picking. It’s a perfect activity for social distancing fall fun but hurry, the season ends in later October/early November. Read more
Teaching Your Kids About Civic Responsibility
With a contentious election just weeks away, the importance of educating our children about their civic responsibility has never been greater. We have some suggestions that work for all ages. Read more
Monster Mash: Nixing Nighttime Fears
Parents love seeing little ghosts, ghouls, and goblins on the doorstep at Halloween. But when monsters, ghosts, and other imaginary figures start keeping kids awake at night, it’s another story. Read more
WCGD? (What Can Grandparents Do?)
It's a tough time, we get it. As grandparents, ask yourself, "what can I do to help my family?" There are so many ways you can lend an assist around your grandkids' altered education, Halloween celebrations, and fall activities. Read more
Has Halloween Been Cancelled? No!
Is Halloween canceled? No way! But it may be wise to think beyond some of our traditional celebrations this year. Here’s how our family is getting into the spirit from home. Read more
A Safe Halloween for Monterey County Families
Monterey County Health Department is advising County residents to show their Halloween spirit this year by doubling down on dress-up and decoration and reducing their risk by avoiding trick-or-treating, or big holiday gatherings. Read more
Monterey & Santa Cruz County Pumpkin Patches 2020
This year brings changes and challenges to our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch. Although we have lost a few of our normal haunts in Monterey and Santa Cruz County the remaining patches are taking extra precautions to ensure your safety. Read more
2020-21 Monterey Bay Parent Family Favorites
With almost 11,000 votes counted, Monterey Bay Parent's Family Favorites for 2020-2021 have been decided. Congratulations to all of the finalists and to this year's winners! Read more
Five Factors for Strong Families
The good news is that the bad things that happen to a family don’t define them, and we can minimize the risks of adversity to children’s developing brains and bodies, which are more sensitive to stress, using “protective factors.” Read more
Calm Down: Mindfulness for your Family
“For children, mindfulness can offer relief from whatever difficulties they may be encountering in life. It also gives them the beauty of being in the present moment.” Read more
Is an Educational Pod Right for Your Family?
But, for a variety of reasons, some parents are choosing to form learning (pandemic) pods. Learning pods are created by families who want alternative educational experiences for their children. Read more
Starting a Fall Garden on the Monterey Peninsula
A fall and winter garden can be bountiful and easier to take care of than you think, as cooler weather helps retain moisture and keeps most of those pesky little pests at bay, two of the most significant issues for gardeners during the warmer months. Read more
Special Occasion Fun (Even in a Pandemic!)
Do you have a birthday you want to celebrate? Or, are you looking for a substitute for a canceled weekend trip? We rounded up five creative ideas in Monterey County – any of them would set the stage for a special afternoon. Read more
Talking About the Pandemic with Your Kids
The pandemic has now been with us for almost six months, and no one knows when it’ll pass. How can parents talk to their kids about it in a way that’s realistic and helpful but doesn’t make them worry? Here’s what the experts say: Read more
Confronting Racism: Setting an Example for Your Grandkids
The point is to get a conversation started. And remember they are watching you: pay attention to your statements, attitudes, and actions. Be a part of the solution so that we can leave our grandchildren a much better world. Read more
Adulting 101: Get your finances in order!
Some of you may think that making a will is somehow morbid – thinking about what will happen when you die or an advanced directive of what wishes you have if you become medically incapacitated. It isn’t. Read more
You’ve chosen Monterey Bay Parent Magazine’s Family Favorite Finalists!
Being a Monterey Bay Parent Magazine Family Favorite is a BIG deal! Winners get to proudly display the Family Favorite logo and have bragging rights for an entire year. Vote for your favorites on MontereyBayParent.com through September 7. Read more
Wildfire Threat Evacuation Planning
Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties are seeing unprecedented wildfires. Even if you think you are in a safe area, create an evacuation plan and take time now to be prepared. Read more
Tips on Coping with Wildfire Smoke
With wildfires throughout the Monterey Bay area, our air quality is now unhealthy to hazardous depending on the area you are in. There are some things you can do to help minimize the impact. Read more
Monterey County Board of Supervisors Dedicates One Million Dollars to Closing the Digital Divide
During the Monterey County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, the Board of Supervisors took a bold step to approve one million dollars to address the digital divide in Monterey County. Read more
Saving Money on School Supplies
We're all heading back to school – even if it is virtual and the need for supplies won't be changing. Buying binders, notebooks, pens, and other supplies always adds up but there are ways for Monterey Bay area parents to save money. Read more
Father's Day: Stay open to new adventure
The rituals of summer have changed. We have had to create new rituals to signal the changing of activities and preparation for what comes next. Read more
Stress Busting for Kids
With the Coronavirus dominating our lives, many kids are feeling emotional effects of the uncertainty. How can we help our kids get through these stressful times so they can learn to calm themselves down? Read more
PANDEMIC PARENTING: Homeschooling for Beginners
Whether you go with your public school’s distance-learning option, a home-based charter, or decide to file a PSA, you may want to socialize, co-teach, or even go in on a private tutor with a small group of like-minded families. Read more
Back to School Health Reminders
Even though school won’t start in a classroom due to the Coronavirus, I want to make sure my daughter is healthy and ready for school. I turned to the medical experts to learn more about immunizations and check-ups. Read more
![kid exercising pano [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1539/download/kid%20exercising%20pano%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=30a080176c15ec4e9caf45b48e62bff6 "kid exercising pano [Converted].jpg")
Managing Your Kids’ Breaks During Virtual School
Movement breaks also help address childhood obesity and the many other health concerns about children not getting enough physical activity since play time has been dramatically reduced for reasons like increased technology use. Read more
RV 101: Planning a Family RV Vacation
With COVID-19 concerns on everyone’s minds, travel restrictions to other countries, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring, it’s hard to plan a weekend getaway, let alone a family vacation. Read more
![kid exercising pano [Converted].jpg](https://www.montereybayparent.com/downloads/1539/download/kid%20exercising%20pano%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg?cb=30a080176c15ec4e9caf45b48e62bff6&w={width}&h={height} "kid exercising pano [Converted].jpg")
