Advice Archives

Adoption

Fostering Journey Final Chapter: Celebrating Adopting Our Son

After eight months in our home, I am thrilled to share that this past week, we adopted our sweet boy into our family. The adoption...

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Our Foster Parenting Journey: Summer Reflections

We’re wrapping up our first summer as a foster family, and our permanent placement (a 7-month-old baby boy) has been experiencing the daily outpourings of...

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Five Months into Our Fostering Journey: Eucatastrophe

A friend of ours came for dinner Easter weekend. He asked me, pointedly: “What have you learned – what has God shown you – this...

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Finding Joy in the Unexpected: Celebrating Foster Motherhood in Southwest Florida

We’ve had our little one for four months now, and although there are no guarantees and I can’t share details, the placement feels long-term. We...

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The Learning and Chaos as the Fostering Journey Continues

This is the latest article I've written about our journey as a foster family. It’s been almost three months since we took our first permanent...

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Fielding Questions as a Foster Parent

This is the latest installment of my fostering journey. Previously I shared about the circumstances surrounding the placement of a newborn baby in our home....

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Education

Local Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties

Bonita Shores offers three $500 college scholarships for high school seniors in that community, but in 2025 nobody applied. Longshore Lakes in North Naples offers...

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Teaching Respect and Empathy in Collier County Public Schools

Respect, kindness, and empathy aren’t just values—they're taught early in Collier County Public Schools through healthy relationships education. As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month...

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How CCPS Handles Emergency Communication

When an emergency occurs—whether it’s a severe weather warning, a precautionary lockdown, or another unexpected event—families want one thing above all: timely, accurate information they...

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Back‑to‑School Social Anxiety Tips for Collier and Lee County Students

As the new school year unfolds in Collier and Lee Counties, it's not just about school supplies—it’s a social reset that can heighten school social...

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Pediatric Tips for School Readiness in Collier County

Back-to-school season brings more than just shopping lists and sign-up sheets; it is also a time of transition that can impact a child’s physical and...

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Bear Creek Elementary Opening in North Naples

Bear Creek Elementary, the newest addition to Collier County Public Schools and home of the Cubs, will welcome its inaugural class of students on Aug....

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Financial

Local Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties

Bonita Shores offers three $500 college scholarships for high school seniors in that community, but in 2025 nobody applied. Longshore Lakes in North Naples offers...

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Domestic Violence Resources in Southwest Florida

October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when communities unite to support survivors, educate families, and work toward ending intimate partner violence. For families...

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Tips for Affordable Family Fun and Entertainment in SWFL

A typical family with parents and their two kids are ready for a typical family outing. The movies, bowling, and mini golf have been long...

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$20,000 Scholarship Applications Now Open for Collier County Seniors

Attention High School Seniors: The 2025 Schulze College Scholarship Application Is Now Open. Apply Today! The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation is once again awarding up...

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Many SWFL Parents Now Need Second Jobs to Pay the Bills

Despite working full-time jobs, Southwest Florida moms struggle to make ends meet due to rising costs. From social workers to stay-at-home moms, many are turning to side hustles and starting small businesses to survive.

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A three-step guide to uncover what college REALLY costs

Here are three things you can do to learn which colleges may fit into your family’s budget.

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Grandparents

A Grandparent’s Guide to Supporting Neurodiverse Grandchildren with Love and Patience

The role of grandparents in families with children with special needs cannot be underestimated. Here is a guide for how to support neurodiverse grandchildren.

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Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Amidst Challenges and Love

Explore the heartwarming journey of Celeste Lynch, one of millions of grandparents in the US raising their grandchildren. Discover the love, challenges, and resilience in their unique story.

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Destination: “Me” Trip with Grandparents

Grandparents get special bonding time when they take their grandchildren alone on vacation.

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Collier Grandparents Making Huge Difference at Parkside Elementary

Supporting the efforts of the staff are Parkside’s volunteers. One of the most significant efforts at the school recently has been the recruitment of more volunteers, principally retirees.

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Memories of My Grandparents

Grandparents are the windows to our past and, through their experiences, the keys to our future if we choose to grab them.

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Health

How to Help Children Sleep Better: Tips From a Local Pediatrician

Helping children sleep better is one of the most important—and often overlooked—ways parents can support their child’s growth, behavior, and learning. According to Salvatore Anzalone,...

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E-Bike and E-Scooter Safety Tips for Kids

As e-bike and e-scooter safety become a growing concern, especially among young people, we’re seeing a rise in both excitement and risk. These electric rides...

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Pediatric Tips for School Readiness in Collier County

Back-to-school season brings more than just shopping lists and sign-up sheets; it is also a time of transition that can impact a child’s physical and...

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Expert Tips to Keep Children Safe in Florida’s Summer Heat

Discover essential tips to keep kids safe in the Florida heat. Learn how to recognize heat-related illnesses, acclimate infants, find shade, dress appropriately, and prevent dehydration.

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How Southwest Florida Parents Can Create Healthier Social Media Habits at Home

Innocent distraction, barrier-breaking social connector, public health threat—when it comes to social media use by kids, all labels may apply. But for many parents, building...

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Tips for a Happy, Healthy Summer Camp Experience in SWFL

Overnight and day camps are not only an excellent childcare option for working parents, but they also allow kids to find their voice, build resilience,...

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Parenting

Parenting with Discipline, Respect, and Communication

When a newborn baby enters a home for the first time, a question many proud parents ask is, “What will they do as an adult?”...

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Neighbors Step Up for Naples Families in Need

Shanae Griffin was working a minimum wage job at a local fast-food restaurant and barely able to pay her bills. Then her rent went up....

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Discover How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey in Southwest Florida

From choosing the right instrument to fostering a love of practice, this guide offers expert advice on nurturing young musicians. Learn about the importance of encouragement, routine, and performance to help your child thrive in the world of music.

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Back‑to‑School Social Anxiety Tips for Collier and Lee County Students

As the new school year unfolds in Collier and Lee Counties, it's not just about school supplies—it’s a social reset that can heighten school social...

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How to Set Parental Controls on Your Child’s iPhone

Want to keep your child safe online? This guide shows you how to do parental control on iPhone. You’ll set limits, restrict content, block downloads,...

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Effective Parenting Strategies for a Disciplined Home

When a newborn baby enters a home for the first time, and dreams and expectations are limitless, a question many proud parents ask is, “What...

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Special Needs

Developing Executive Functioning Skills in Teens with Additional Needs: How Summer Routines Build Growth and Independence

Supporting Healthy Development During a Critical Transition Adolescence is a pivotal time when teens begin to seek independence, even as the brain—particularly areas governing impulse...

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