Advice Archives

Adoption

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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Navigating Foster Care in Naples: A Family’s Continuing Journey

This is the fourth article I've written about our journey as a foster family. In late September, we became a licensed foster family through One...

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Navigating the Challenges of Becoming Foster Parents

Explore the realities of foster parenting in Southwest Florida. Learn about the challenges, the need for foster homes, and the support available to families opening their hearts to vulnerable children from author Anna Snyder.

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Choosing Foster Care: Our Journey from Only Child Dreams to Opening Our Home for Healing

Discover our family’s journey from dreams of a big family to fostering, embracing the call to provide a safe, loving home for children in need. Learn about the impact and rewards of foster care in SWFL.

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A Personal Adoption Story: The Gregware Family

This local mom shares her journey of adopting two girls through the foster care system.

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Education

Why the Collier County School Board Wants Flexibility in Start Times

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session kicks off March 4, and Collier County School Board members have been actively advocating for key issues outlined in our...

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Our Favorite Books Honoring Black History Month

This list contains a book for every kind of reader.

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Embracing Black Excellence: How Attending an HBCU Transformed My Future

At the age of 12, I stumbled upon Howard University. Little did I know that discovery would completely alter the trajectory of my academic and...

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New, Innovative Educational Microschool Model in Naples

Students sit on comfortable couches learning about electricity. Later they might go out and gather eggs or plant some vegetables while integrating math or reading...

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A Tradition Connecting Seniors and Kindergartners in Collier County Public Schools

In a heartwarming new annual tradition, seniors from Aubrey Rogers High School and kindergarten students from Veterans Memorial Elementary School gather each year on the...

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A First-of-Its-Kind Collier County School Designed to Help Students with Autism

Autism Collier Charter School opens August 2025 with a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio, after-school care, clubs, and programs designed for children with autism. Tuition free and life-changing for families in Collier County.

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Financial

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

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation is once again awarding up to 15 new $20,000 college scholarships ($5,000 per year) to deserving 12th grade students from eligible high schools in Collier County.

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Domestic Violence Resources in Southwest Florida

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find resources here.

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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

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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Measles are on the Move

How Can I Protect My Child from Measles?Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications, especially in young children. With...

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The Brains of Tweens and Teens: 3 Ways to Support Their Emotional Well-being

Parenting a tween or teen can be challenging. But if we truly understand what is happening with their brain during this time of development, we...

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How to Protect SWFL Children from Cyberbullying and Keep Them Safe

A decade ago, a bully might torment a child in the classroom, lunchroom, on the school bus or playground. But when that child was safely...

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Why SWFL Teens and Tweens Need Annual Checkups: The Importance of Preventive Care

Parents of adolescents or teenagers hear a common refrain: they don’t want to visit the pediatrician, where exam rooms with whimsical art, colorful stickers, and...

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5 Ways Play Therapy Can Help Your Child

What is Play Therapy? Play therapy is a modality in which trained clinicians use the therapeutic powers of play to help children with their mental...

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Parenting

How to set parental controls on your child’s iPhone

Learn how to set up parental controls on your child's iPhone with step-by-step instructions. Manage screen time, restrict content, block app downloads, and keep your...

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How to set up parental controls for your child’s Android device

Learn how to set up parental controls on your child’s Android device with step-by-step guidance. Use Google Family Link to manage screen time, restrict content,...

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Navigating the Challenges of Becoming Foster Parents

Explore the realities of foster parenting in Southwest Florida. Learn about the challenges, the need for foster homes, and the support available to families opening their hearts to vulnerable children from author Anna Snyder.

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How AI is Revolutionizing Parenting: From Virtual Assistants to Mental Health Support

Discover how AI is transforming parenting with virtual assistants, smart apps, and mental health tools, helping parents save time, reduce stress, and focus on family.

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Choosing Foster Care: Our Journey from Only Child Dreams to Opening Our Home for Healing

Discover our family’s journey from dreams of a big family to fostering, embracing the call to provide a safe, loving home for children in need. Learn about the impact and rewards of foster care in SWFL.

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How to Choose the Best Volunteer Activities for Your Family

Family volunteering builds bonds, boosts happiness, and teaches compassion. Discover tips for finding age-appropriate, local, and fun activities, plus explore SWFL non-profits to get started.

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Special Needs

Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach and Compass Naples Achieve Autism Certification for Inclusive Travel

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and two local Margaritaville properties are marking the occasion with a milestone in inclusive hospitality. Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers...

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Third Grader Spreads Joy to Special Needs Kids at Sea Gate Elementary

At just 8 years old, Carol Myles Villani possesses a level of compassion rarely seen in children her age. Instead of spending her recess on...

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Southwest Florida Tween Proves That Adaptive Ice Skating Has No Limits

When Krista Cianfrani entered her daughter in Neapolitan Family’s annual cover contest, we knew that we didn’t just want Daniella on the cover; we wanted...

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Local Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs

Here are a few summer camp options in SWFL to make sure your child with special needs has an awesome summer.

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Parenting Strategies for Teens with ADHD: 5 Expert Tips

“I got detention for forgetting my book three times in a row,” read Michael’s text. His mother wasn’t surprised. Michael was diagnosed with ADHD when...

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The Naples Players Introduce a Unique Sensory Room, Redefining Inclusive Theater for SWFL

Many theaters across the country offer sensory friendly shows in an effort to increase access to the dramatic arts. Locally, however, The Naples Players has...

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