Why is a parked car so dangerous for children?

A hot car can become deadly much faster than many parents realize. On an 80-degree day, the inside of a vehicle can reach 109 degrees in just 20 minutes.

Children’s bodies heat up faster than adults’, which means a short errand or moment of distraction can turn into an emergency. Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.

What does A-C-T mean for parents?

The Department of Health’s message is easy to remember and easy to use. It gives parents and caregivers a practical plan for hot car safety for kids.

A — Avoid heatstroke

Never leave your child alone in a vehicle. That includes quick stops at the store, returning a shopping cart or running inside the house.

Lock your car when it is not in use. Children can climb into an unlocked vehicle on their own and become trapped, even if you do not have young children in your household.

C — Create reminders

Busy routines, lack of sleep and changes in schedule can all disrupt memory. Build reminders into your daily routine so your child is never forgotten in the back seat.

• Put your purse, wallet, employee badge or laptop in the back seat.
• Place your cellphone beside your child if you will need it at your destination.
• Use a visual cue, such as a stuffed animal in the front seat when your child is buckled in back.
• Ask your child care provider to call if your child does not arrive as expected.

Create a system you use every single trip. The more automatic it becomes, the safer your routine will be.

T — Take action

If you see a child alone in a locked car, act immediately. Call 911 right away.

A child showing signs of heatstroke must be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and cooled rapidly. Do not wait to see if someone returns.

How can families build safer daily routines?

Most tragedies happen when a routine changes or a caregiver is distracted. Prevention works best when it is built into everyday habits.

• Check the back seat every time you park.
• Keep a diaper bag or child item where you can see it before exiting.
• Text or call your partner after drop-off.
• Set calendar alerts for child care drop-off and pick-up times.
• Talk with grandparents, babysitters and older siblings about hot car safety.

Make “Park. Look. Lock.” your end-of-trip routine. It takes seconds and can prevent a tragedy.

How can Collier and Lee County parents spread awareness?

Hot car safety is a community issue, not just a parent issue. Neighbors, relatives, teachers and caregivers all play a role in child heatstroke prevention.

Share the A-C-T message with anyone who transports your child. Post a reminder in your car, save emergency contacts in your phone and talk openly about the risks with friends and family. In Collier and Lee Counties, where warm temperatures arrive early and stay late, these reminders matter throughout spring and summer.

Where can parents get more child safety support locally?

DOH-Collier is hosting a car seat safety check from 12 to 2 p.m. on April 7, 2026. Events like this can help families review basic safety practices and ask questions about protecting children on the road.

Safe Kids Southwest Florida hosts car seat safety inspections across Hendry, Glades, Collier, Charlotte, and Lee County, where parents receive one-on-one personalized instruction on how to properly install and use their children’s car seats.

Car and booster safety checks are performed by Nationally Certified Passenger Safety Technicians.

Agencies with Certified Car Seat Safety Technicians in Collier County

Call to make an appointment at one of the providers listed below.

• Collier County EMS – 239-252-3740
• Collier County Sherriff’s Office – 239-252-0367
• Greater Naples Fire Rescue – 239-348-7540
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Store – 239-262-5904

What is the one message parents should remember?

Hot car death prevention in Collier and Lee Counties comes down to a habit every caregiver can practice: Park. Look. Lock. Never leave a child alone in a car, create reminders before every trip and take immediate action if you see a child in danger.

For more seasonal family safety advice, read our Florida heat safety tips for children and our skin safety guide for Florida summers.

The post Hot Car Death Prevention in Collier and Lee Counties: Park. Look. Lock. appeared first on SWFL Family.

Connection during the tween and teen years doesn’t disappear. It changes. And often, it gets quieter.

Does connection still count if we’re not talking much?

Yes. Connection does not always sound like talking. Parents often worry when conversations slow down, but connection at this age can show up in subtle, everyday ways that are easy to miss.

• Sitting together while you’re both on separate screens
• Sharing a family meal with more listening than talking
• Doing chores side-by-side without much conversation
• Showing up consistently, even when enthusiasm is low

Key action: Keep showing up. A steady, calm presence builds safety over time—even when your teen doesn’t say much in the moment.

For more support on everyday communication, read Talking to Your Teen.

What should I ask instead of “How was school?”

“How was school?” is reasonable—and also one of the least effective questions for many teens. It can feel like a test, even when you’re simply trying to connect. Teens are more likely to open up when curiosity feels genuine rather than evaluative.

Try questions that invite reflection without pressure:

• What did you enjoy more than you expected today?
• What took the most patience?
• What was unexpectedly funny?
• What was the most interesting part of your day?
• What would you do again tomorrow?

If the answer is brief or unclear, that is still information. Silence can be part of communication. The pause may feel long, but listening without rushing to fill the space builds trust.

Key action: Ask one good question, then stop. Let your teen choose how much to share.

How can I show I’m human without oversharing?

Tweens and teens are experts at spotting inconsistency, and they can be skeptical that adults were ever young. A small, appropriate story about feeling nervous, making a mistake, or not having all the answers can lower pressure.

It shows your teen that uncertainty is not failure. It’s part of being human. Often, that matters more than advice.

What does respect look like with a teen?

As kids grow, connection shifts from control to respect. Respect builds trust faster than control.

• Knock before entering their room and wait when possible.
• Listen fully before responding—aim to understand first.
• Allow different opinions without turning every disagreement into a debate.
• Stay consistent with boundaries that truly matter.

When teens feel respected, they’re more likely to share what’s really going on—sometimes casually, sometimes at inconvenient times.

If screens are a frequent friction point, you may also find this helpful: Children’s privacy on social media.

What if I handled it badly—how do I repair?

Every parent gets it wrong sometimes. Every family has tense moments. What matters most is what happens next.

A sincere apology, or a willingness to revisit a conversation, can restore trust more effectively than trying to be perfect the first time.

• “I did not handle that well.”
• “I want to understand you better.”
• “Can we try that conversation again?”

Key action: Repair quickly and clearly. It teaches resilience and models healthy relationships.

When do teens actually open up?

Many meaningful conversations happen unexpectedly—late evenings, car rides, shared chores, or moments when everyone is tired and guards are down. Connection often happens on their timeline.

When your teen starts talking:

• Pause what you’re doing and give your full attention.
• Don’t interrupt.
• Resist fixing or lecturing right away.
• Reflect back what you hear: “That sounds really frustrating.”

Sometimes being heard is enough. Sometimes it’s the start of more.

How do I know if it’s more than typical growing pains?

There will be moments when your teen feels close and moments when they feel distant. Neither lasts forever. Connection is built slowly through consistency, patience, and showing up again and again—even when the response is a shrug.

If you’re ever concerned that what your child is experiencing feels like more than typical growing pains, it’s okay to ask for guidance. The Healthcare Network team offers pediatric care with integrated behavioral health support for children, teens, and families—a place to ask questions, talk, and get guidance when you need it. For information, call 239-658-3000 or visit HealthcareSWFL.org.

The post How To Connect With Your Teen When They Pull Away appeared first on SWFL Family.

How can the Olympics teach kids about hard work and perseverance?

One of the clearest things the Winter Olympics can teach kids is how much time and dedication it takes to compete at that level. The stories behind each athlete’s performance show that success is usually years in the making, not a single “lucky” day.

• Talk about the training we don’t see on TV such as early mornings, practice, and learning new skills.
• Ask: “What do you enjoy about your training?” to keep the focus on their love of the game.
• Follow up with: “What does your coach do when you’re finding it hard to learn something new?”

Use these moments to help your child recognize the value of persistence and listening to their own body. If they mention being pushed past their limits or feeling pressure to ignore pain, that’s your chance to talk about the difference between working hard and unsafe training.

What can the Olympics teach kids about winning, losing, and growth?

Another powerful lesson the Winter Olympics can teach kids is that the experience is about more than medals. Even the best athletes in the world fall, miss a shot, or finish off the podium.

• Point out athletes who smile, regroup, or congratulate others after a tough loss.
• Say: “You may not win every game, but you can still have a valuable experience.”
• Ask: “What do you like about your sport other than winning?”

When you celebrate effort, learning, and courage instead of just results, you show your child that every game is a chance to grow. This takes some pressure off and helps them enjoy their sport, whether they’re playing at a local rec league or dreaming big.

How can Olympic moments teach kids about respectful language and bodies?

Commentators, social media, and even casual conversations can shift quickly into judging athletes’ bodies or making inappropriate remarks. This is a chance to show your child how respect should look and sound.

• Speak up if you hear discriminatory, sexualized, or otherwise offensive comments about athletes.
• Ask your child: “Has anyone ever spoken about your body in a way that made you uncomfortable?”
• Focus on what bodies can do, not how they look: “All those muscles really help ice skaters jump high!”

Make it clear that all bodies are different and no one shape is better than another. When your child hears you talk this way, it teaches them to be kinder to their own body and more respectful of others on their team.

What do the Olympics show kids about safe coaching and support?

The behavior of coaches and adults around the athletes is another area where the Winter Olympics can teach kids important lessons. You may see supportive coaches who comfort athletes after mistakes, and sometimes you may see anger or pressure.

• Notice supportive moments: “That coach is being really kind to the athlete who lost.”
• Ask: “How does your coach behave when you lose or make a mistake?”
• Point out harmful behavior like throwing things, yelling, or pushing an injured athlete to keep going.

Use these examples to describe what a healthy sports environment should look like. Kids learn that it’s okay to expect respect, and that adults are not supposed to scare or shame them to get better performance.

How can Olympic teamwork teach kids about sportsmanship?

Even in individual events, the Winter Olympics often highlight teammates supporting one another. Those clips are gold when it comes to teaching kids about sportsmanship and kindness.

• Celebrate moments when athletes cheer for teammates who missed a goal or fell on the ice.
• Ask: “Did you notice how that athlete encouraged their teammate after the mistake?”
• Follow up with: “How do you and your teammates support each other?”

These small conversations remind kids that sports are about belonging and support, not just about being the best. They also help your child think about the type of teammate they want to be in their own league in Collier and Lee Counties.

How do I help my child talk about their own sports experiences?

Some of the most important lessons the Winter Olympics can teach kids actually come from what they share with you afterward. Children might not label something as “misconduct” or “abuse.” Instead, they say things like “My coach’s yelling is scary,” or “My teammates leave me out.”

• Ask open questions: “What do you like about your coach and your team?”
• Then gently ask: “Is there anything you would change?”
• Listen more than you talk, and stay calm so they feel safe being honest.

If you hear something that concerns you, you can follow up with the coach or program, explore other teams, or seek guidance from trusted youth sports organizations. Remember, every kid at every level deserves a safe and healthy sport environment.

Where can families learn more about safe sports?

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the nation’s only independent organization dedicated to ending sexual, physical, and emotional abuse in U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sport. As part of its prevention work, the Center offers free resources and abuse prevention courses for parents and kids, plus a mobile app with quizzes, tools, and a disciplinary database showing individuals under certain sanctions or temporary restrictions.

When you combine what the Winter Olympics can teach kids with reliable safety resources, you give your child a strong foundation in both skills and well-being.

To keep the lessons going after the Games:

• Use short “micro-conversations” on the way to practice or while watching local games to revisit these ideas.
• Explore new sports and programs through local leagues and our youth sports directory and events calendar for Collier and Lee Counties.
• Share what you learn about safe, respectful coaching with other parents, athletes, and volunteers.

With a few simple questions and observations, you can turn Winter Olympics viewing into a powerful classroom for your child—one that teaches effort, respect, safety, and the joy of being part of a team.

The post What the Winter Olympics Can Teach kids in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

You are not alone in feeling this way. Parents of children under 18 report higher stress levels than nonparents. When conversations about parenting focus only on the needs of the family, it can feel isolating and even shameful to admit you’re overwhelmed. You deserve care, too.

What is the super mom myth, really?

The super mom myth tells you that a “good” mom does it all: homemade meals, spotless house, thriving career, calm attitude, and endless patience. In real life, this impossible standard turns into chronic stress and mom burnout.

Burnout in mothers can show up in your body, emotions, relationships, and daily routines. It often builds slowly as you keep saying yes, taking on more, and ignoring your own needs.

Common signs of mom burnout include:

• Exhaustion, fatigue, or feeling tired all the time
• Annoyance, irritability, or a quick temper
• Withdrawing from family or your usual support system
• Feelings of guilt, regret, or “I’m not a good mom”
• Lack of fulfillment or confidence in parenting
• Trouble concentrating or falling and staying asleep
• “Analysis paralysis” or difficulty making decisions
• Changes in appetite

Some moms are at higher risk for burnout, including single moms, working moms, moms facing financial hardships or discrimination, and moms of children with special needs or chronic medical conditions. Noticing these signs is the first step toward loosening the grip of the super mom myth.

How can I let go of unrealistic “super mom” expectations?

The perfect mother doesn’t exist because you are human, not a superhero. The super mom myth often starts with tiny thoughts: “I should be able to handle this,” or “Everyone else is doing more than I am.” Letting go of those expectations can give you instant breathing room.

You do not have to do everything yourself. Try simple ways to take some weight off your shoulders:

• Use phone reminders instead of memorizing everyone’s schedule.
• Join a neighborhood school carpool so you’re not always the driver.
• Keep a frozen or easy meal on hand for nights when cooking is too much.

Mistakes will happen, and that is okay. Your worth as a mom is not measured by perfectly packed lunches or a spotless kitchen. Focus on what really matters: connection, safety, and love. Each time you choose “good enough” over “perfect,” you chip away at the super mom myth.

How do I practice real self-care (not another to-do)?

Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary. The super mom myth tells you that everyone else comes first and your needs can wait. In reality, taking even a few minutes for yourself can steady your mood and energy so you can show up for your family.

• Take a five-minute walk outside and breathe deeply.
• Call or text your best friend for a quick check-in.
• Listen to your favorite song while you unload the dishwasher.

On the busiest days, make it a point to take at least one short break and do something you genuinely enjoy. These brief moments of rest can shift your whole day.

Self-care also means not overcommitting. The next time your child’s coach asks for volunteers, remember that you are allowed to say no. Protecting your time and inner peace is an important part of caring for your family. For simple, low-pressure outings, explore family-friendly events around Collier and Lee Counties using local community calendars instead of adding more stressful obligations.

How do I find connection without comparison?

When super moms feel stressed, they often pull away from others, which can make burnout feel even heavier. Finding connection can bring comfort, perspective, and much-needed empathy back into your life.

Connection can be simple:

• Reach out to one trusted mom friend and be honest about how you’re feeling.
• Join a local support group, parent group, or faith community.
• Say yes to coffee with another parent after drop-off now and then.

As you build support, avoid the trap of comparing yourself to other moms. You see their highlight reel, not their hardest moments. Remember the motto: connection, not comparison. The right people will make you feel less alone, not less than.

Why does my own health matter so much?

Moms are often excellent at managing their children’s appointments and vaccine schedules but skip their own checkups. Between work, after-school activities, and household tasks, your health can slip to the bottom of the list. Yet your physical health has a huge impact on how you feel and how you show up as a parent.

Regular visits with your primary care provider or OB/GYN help catch potential issues early and support your long-term well-being. These appointments are a chance to talk about sleep, mood, stress, appetite changes, and anything else that feels “off.”

• Schedule your annual primary care or OB/GYN visit and keep it on the calendar.
• Mention ongoing fatigue, anxiety, or sleep problems to your doctor.
• Ask questions about how stress might be affecting your body.

You would not ignore these concerns for your child; your body deserves the same care and attention.

When is it time to get professional support for burnout?

Mom burnout can be a lonely and challenging experience. If you have tried resting more, saying no, and leaning on friends, and you still feel stuck, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. There is no shame in asking for help. In fact, it is one of the bravest steps you can take.

A licensed mental health counselor can help you:

• Rebuild joy and confidence in your daily life and in motherhood.
• Understand what is driving your burnout.
• Learn new ways to manage stress, guilt, and “super mom” pressure.

The post How is the Super Mom Myth Shaping Burnout for Collier and Lee County Moms? appeared first on SWFL Family.

Anxiety is now the most common mental health disorder in children and teens nationwide. Since COVID-19, local counselors report a sharp spike in SWFL students who feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, social media, and nonstop pressure. The good news: there are clear signs to watch for, and real help available here in Collier and Lee Counties.

Why are so many SWFL students feeling anxious about school?

Local therapists say there isn’t one cause. It’s a mix of pandemic disruption, academic expectations, lifestyle changes, and constant digital noise.

“The basic one is Covid, and even after five years, we are still seeing a lot of issues with social anxiety,” said Meagan Weems, lead child therapist at the David Lawrence Centers in Naples.

Many young children spent crucial developmental years without playgrounds, playdates, or in-person kindergarten. Instead, they learned to relate through screens. That gap shows up now as trouble joining groups, making friends, or speaking up in class.

Social media also fills a bigger space in kids’ lives than ever before. During the pandemic it was a lifeline, but it came with a cost.

“We do see the benefits,” Weems said. “Kids love social media, but it opens up a different avenue for bullying. We have been seeing social media becoming more and more of a problem.”

Naples counselor Jennifer O’Toole sees the same pattern.

“There are studies that show that being outside in nature reduces anxiety,” O’Toole said. “When you are constantly on screens and social media, you are getting messages that you are not enough, and there is always someone who is richer and thinner and prettier. That creates a lot of anxiety.”

How has school changed since we were kids?

Another major trigger for anxiety in SWFL students is school itself. The expectations look very different from what many parents remember.

Kindergarteners now have academic days with one short recess and no play kitchens or toy corners. Second graders may be reading complex texts and multiplying numbers. High school students cram in AP classes, dual enrollment, sports, and clubs so they look “good enough” for college.

“There is always academic pressure on kids and now the teenagers are in a very competitive stage that brings a lot of anxiety because they want to be the best,” Weems explained.

She recalled a teen who had eight hours of homework for her AP and honors classes. “There was no wind-down time,” Weems said. “She said, ‘I work until I sleep.’”

Patty DeVost, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Patty’s Place Concierge youth mental health care in Cape Coral, notices the same pressure in boys and teens she sees.

“A lot of kids suffer from anxiety from having too much on their plates,” she said. “I used to play outside until dinner time. You could just be a kid. Those days are gone. These kids are freaking out.”

One student she worked with described what many local children feel every day.

“Just yesterday, I noticed a student taking deep breaths while he was talking — almost like a nervous tic,” DeVost said. “When I asked if he felt nervous, he told me, ‘I feel rushed. I feel rushed in the morning, and I feel rushed to finish my work at school.’ A child shouldn’t feel that way.”

Which kids are carrying invisible stress?

Some children in our community are carrying more than homework and tests.

DeVost sees particularly high anxiety in children of immigrants. Some take on adult responsibilities, like grocery shopping, because their parents are afraid to be seen in public.

“They have talked about contingency plans; about where to go and who will take care of them if their parents are no longer there,” she said. “The families are on lockdown; they are not going out. They are hyper scared. There are a bunch of children in Collier County in that situation.”

Dr. Jason Saba, a licensed psychologist with Kids’ Minds Matter, hears similar stories from children in Lehigh Acres and across Lee County.

“My providers in the Lehigh office have seen that,” Saba said. “We want to get the word out that we don’t have to take any identifying information. We are going to help anyone who walks in the door.”

What does anxiety look like at different ages?

Anxiety has always been part of childhood, but the intensity and number of children affected have changed.

In toddler and preschool years, separation anxiety between 18 months and 3 years is a normal stage. Young kids might fear monsters or bad guys and need extra reassurance at bedtime.

As children grow, worries shift. Elementary and middle schoolers may lie awake worrying about grades, a hurricane, or whether their parents might divorce. Teens may worry about school shooters, social status, or college admissions. Lockdown drills can reinforce those fears, even when schools are trying to keep kids safe.

Signs of school anxiety can include:

• Frequent stomachaches or headaches before school
• Trouble sleeping or early morning waking on school days
• Crying, meltdowns, or refusal to get dressed or out of the car
• Clinginess, panic, or “what if” questions about safety
• Perfectionism, erasing work repeatedly, or fear of making mistakes
• Sudden drop in grades, missing assignments, or school avoidance

The New York Times reports that nearly one-third of adolescents have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point, pointing to screen time, reduced play, and increased academic demands as key drivers. Those national trends show up clearly in Collier and Lee County classrooms.

How do screens, social media, and gaming add to anxiety?

Parents often suspect that phones and games are part of the problem, and local experts agree.

O’Toole notes that when kids scroll constantly, they absorb a steady stream of “not enough” messages about their bodies, clothes, and lives. That can make even confident kids feel on edge.

Weems also sees more fear-based anxiety linked to unsupervised internet use.

“I am seeing a lot of unsupervised internet access,” she said. “For example, Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy’s – the titles and style are catered toward children, but they are actually horror games. There is fear-based anxiety from that.”

Social media and gaming can also crowd out sleep, exercise, and face-to-face time with friends. Those are the very things that protect kids’ mental health.

When should we consider counseling for school anxiety?

If school anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is stopping your child from learning, sleeping, or enjoying activities they once loved, it may be time to call in extra support.

Weems uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with many of her young clients at David Lawrence Centers.

“A lot of my clients missed out on crucial developmental times socially because they were not surrounded by their peers,” she explained. “So, we play Jenga or a card game to help with their socialization skills.”

She tailors each plan to the child.

“Everyone is different. There are so many different avenues,” she said. “Some of these kids are exposed to traumatic events.”

Kids’ Minds Matter, an initiative of Lee Health and Golisano Children’s Hospital, helps families find care, even when cost is a barrier. Founded in 2016, the program funds services and sends mental health experts into local schools to provide free counseling. They currently have five offices in Lee County and are opening one in Collier County.

“We look for the gaps in services in the community,” Saba said. “We don’t turn anybody away for lack of money. If they don’t have insurance, we find a way to take care of it, and we have the means to do it.”

There is one big challenge: access.

“We have a waitlist of over 300. We are helping kids as quickly as we can, but access is a big problem,” Saba said, noting that waits can range from a few months to a year.

What can parents in Collier and Lee Counties do right now?

While you wait for an appointment, or even before anxiety spirals, parents can make a powerful difference at home.

Saba stresses prevention and early action.

“Being present with kids is essential,” he said. “When parents are present, they hear what their children are thinking and feeling. Those conversations help give kids the tools they need to cope.”

Practical steps you can take include:

• Slow the schedule. Look at your child’s week and remove at least one activity if they seem constantly rushed or exhausted.
• Build in calm time. Protect a short daily block for free play, reading, or quiet time with no screens.
• Limit social media and scary content. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night and review games or videos with your child.
• Get outside together. Walk, bike, or play at a park. Time in nature can lower anxiety for both kids and adults.
• Partner with school. Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if mornings are a battle or grades suddenly change.
• Talk about feelings early and often. Name anxiety when you see it and let your child know it’s okay to ask for help.

For low-pressure family time that can help everyone reset, explore local parks, beaches, and community events. Neapolitan Family’s Collier and Lee County calendar lists kid-friendly activities that can give your child a break from school stress while keeping them connected in healthy ways.

If school feels like too much for your child, you are not failing, and neither are they. School anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties is a community-wide issue with real causes. With your steady presence, support from local providers, and small daily changes, your child can learn to cope, grow, and feel safe at school again.

The post School Anxiety in Collier and Lee Counties: When School Feels Like Too Much appeared first on SWFL Family.

Whether you’re managing a child’s allergies, following up on a chronic condition, or just want quick advice, telehealth helps you stay on top of your family’s health without putting the day on pause. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access—no complicated setup required.

How does telehealth make healthcare easier for busy families?

Between work schedules, homework, sports, and caring for aging parents, getting everyone to the doctor can feel impossible. Telehealth brings care to you, instead of the other way around. You can meet with a primary-care provider or specialist wherever it’s most convenient.

Many families find it easier to book a virtual visit:

• During a lunch break or naptime
• Right after school, before evening activities start
• From home when a child is too tired or uncomfortable to sit in a waiting room
• From work or college if an older teen needs to connect with their provider

There’s no commute, no parking, and no need to arrange childcare for siblings. Telehealth also makes it simpler to keep follow-up appointments and stay consistent with care plans, because visits are shorter and easier to fit into your day.

What can parents use telehealth for?

Telehealth is useful for more than “sick visits.” It can help with many everyday health needs, as well as ongoing care for your whole family.

Common telehealth visits for families include:

• Minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, allergies, or rashes
• Medication checks and refills
• Follow-up visits after an in-person appointment or hospital stay
• Reviewing lab work or imaging results with your provider
• Support for long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• Questions about nutrition, sleep routines, or healthy habits
• Mental health check-ins for kids, teens, and adults

Telehealth can also be a helpful option for grandparents or older relatives. Regular video check-ins can reduce unnecessary trips to the clinic and help families spot concerns early, before they become emergencies.

How does telehealth keep your family connected to their care team?

Telehealth isn’t just one video visit—it’s an easier way to stay in touch with your providers over time. Many telehealth platforms now include secure patient portals where you can see upcoming appointments, visit notes, and test results all in one place.

Depending on your provider’s system, you may be able to:

• Send non-urgent messages or questions to your child’s doctor
• Review lab or imaging results as soon as they are available
• Track progress with weight, blood pressure, or blood sugar between visits
• Update your child’s medications or allergies before an appointment

This ongoing communication helps parents make informed decisions and stay engaged in their family’s health goals. It also gives older kids and teens a chance to learn how to manage their own health with support from you and their care team.

Is telehealth safe, private, and covered by insurance?

Many parents wonder if online visits are really secure. Reputable telehealth platforms are designed with privacy and safety in mind. They use encrypted technology and follow HIPAA rules to protect your family’s personal health information, just like an in-person office.

Cost is another common concern. The good news is that most major insurance plans—including Medicare and Medicaid—now cover many types of telehealth visits. Coverage can vary, so it’s still a good idea to check your benefits before your first virtual appointment, but telehealth is becoming an affordable, mainstream option for families in Southwest Florida.

How can you get the most out of a telehealth visit?

Telehealth works best when you prepare the same way you would for an in-person appointment. Before your visit, think through what you want to share so your provider can help you quickly and clearly.

A few simple steps can make your family’s telehealth visit smoother:

• Write down your main questions or concerns so you don’t forget them
• Have your child’s medications, inhalers, or supplies nearby
• Know recent readings if you track blood pressure, blood sugar, or weight at home
• Choose a quiet, well-lit spot where your provider can see and hear you clearly

During the visit, don’t hesitate to ask your provider to repeat something, show you how to use a device, or explain next steps again. Your care team wants to make sure you leave each visit knowing exactly what to do.

How do Healthcare Network telehealth services support local families?

For families in Collier and Lee Counties, telehealth is one more way to stay connected with local providers who know your community. Healthcare Network offers telehealth visits so patients of all ages can access care that is convenient, compassionate, and close to home—even when they’re online.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, scheduling a quick after-school check-in, or talking through a new concern, Healthcare Network’s telehealth services are designed to bring high-quality, patient-centered care right to your screen. To learn more or schedule a telehealth appointment, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000.

The post How Can Telehealth Help Families in Collier and Lee Counties? appeared first on SWFL Family.

Many children have lived their entire lives on social media—from the first pregnancy announcement to ultrasound images, gender-reveal videos, and proud newborn photos. As they grow, every milestone is often captured: first bites of solid food, first steps, first day of school. Family vacations, sports, and holiday celebrations all appear online. For many parents, it’s a joyful way to stay connected with relatives and friends.

But experts say that sharing those joyful moments can also expose families to unexpected risks.
“I like to always focus on positive things, but there are negative things attached to social media,” said Eileen Cherbini, clinical coordinator of Florida Gulf Coast University’s department of counseling and a former school counselor for 18 years. Social media is a wonderful tool for staying in touch, but it requires responsibility, Cherbini said.

“You need to be cautious of what you share,” she said. “Not everybody has good intentions. The children are not part of the decision making. Our generation was given this incredible tool, but there needs to be guidance. We need to be aware of the consequences of what we post.”

Think before you post

She advises posting vacation photos after returning home so no one knows your house is empty. She advises parents to constantly check security settings because they can change during a phone update.

“Parents should not be posting anything that is private,” Cherbini stressed. For example, never post pictures of kids in the bathroom. “Think about the privacy of the child. If you are questioning what you are posting, don’t post it.”

Cherbini also advises college students to think before posting. “At FGCU we tell students you are going to be looked at online for employment, so be really aware before you post.”

Ariella VanHara, a licensed clinical social worker with FGCU, also agrees that social media can offer both benefits and risks.

VanHara noted that social media is a way for people of all ages to connect socially and build community. She sees nothing wrong with celebrating a child’s achievements online, but parents need to understand the risks.

“Nothing on the Internet is actually private,” she said. For example, “there are emojis to cover up private parts, but there are ways to erase emojis. And as the child grows up, those posts may resurface.”
She added that even seemingly harmless posts can cause embarrassment or harm later.

“Families might record their child having a temper tantrum,” VanHara said. “Is that fair to the child? Once you put it out there, you can’t control what people say. Be mindful of what is acceptable to share.”
Many parents in Southwest Florida said they are cautious about what they post.

“I post my children’s accomplishments as well as gatherings with friends to tag their parents as well because they would also appreciate the photos,” said Lauren Osborne. “I also post photos of us attending events around town and tag the organizers. What I don’t post is emotional vulnerability or anything that has to do with discipline.”

Tessa Morris said she became even more careful after hearing that photos of children in swimsuits had been stolen and reposted on porn sites. She now avoids posting anything of her daughter in gymnastics attire and mostly shares short-term content.

“I post more on “my stories” because they disappear after 24 hours,” she said. “I go through the posts, and if I see someone I don’t know I block and report them.”

When sharing becomes risky

Lt. Wade Williams, who works with INTERCEPT and the Victim Service Bureau of the Collier County Sheriff’s Department, said posting anything publicly online can be dangerous. He says it is not as easy as simply avoiding a photo with a child’s name, sports team, or school.

“Any public posts containing photographs of a child can be, and often are, exploited,” Williams explained.
“I would not recommend posting your children’s photos publicly at all.  Sending them to known friends on social media or posting where only your known family and friends can see them is fine.”

Williams said predators use small clues to identify families and children.

From just one social media account, “it is extremely easy to figure out where someone works, lives, or goes to school. These offenders are very motivated. If they come across a kid they like, they will take deliberate actions to get more information, to see if they can contact the child or befriend the mom online.” 

Williams says AI has made the risks ever greater. 

“We have seen a huge increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material,” Williams said. “Offenders are taking innocent pictures from social media using them to create ultra-realistic images.”

Child advocates are also raising alarms about “kidfluencers” – children featured in family blogs and vlogs whose daily lives are broadcast online, and essentially live on a permanent TV or movie set.

Predators talk online about ‘Instamoms’ – mothers who post a lot about their kids, according to Wiliams. They pay close attention to those accounts of bloggers and vloggers. These advocates stress that it is important for parents to respect their children’s privacy and digital footprint. There are reasons to be concerned about these vloggers and influencers that turn their homes into reality shows as a way to make money.

Pushing for protections

Across the country, people are beginning to understand how growing up on social media can affect a child. In Illinois, Cam Barrett turned her childhood trauma over her mother’s online posts into advocacy, becoming an internet watchdog pushing for stronger protections for children. In a CNN report, Barrett talked about how her mother posted about her first period when she was just 9 years old. Everything in her life, from a skin condition to a car accident to tantrums, was posted on social media. Barrett helped Illinois become the first U.S. state to pass a law requiring parents of children featured in money-making online content to put a percentage of gross earnings into a trust. She also testified before the Washington State House about the state’s children’s privacy bill.

For many families, social media has become a digital scrapbook of childhood. But as the lines between memory-keeping and public sharing grow thinner, experts remind parents that the most meaningful moments don’t have to be posted to be preserved. Sometimes, keeping a memory private is the best way to protect it.

Additional Resources

• How to Protect SWFL Children from Cyberbullying and Keep Them Safe
• How Southwest Florida Parents Can Create Healthier Social Media Habits at Home
• How to Set Parental Controls on Your Child’s iPhone
• How to set up parental controls for your child’s Android device

The post Children’s Privacy on Social Media: What Parents Should Know Before Posting appeared first on SWFL Family.

Laying a foundation

Just as architects rely on blueprints to guide the physical design of a home, parents need to draft a set of plans that will enable them to establish discipline inside the home. The foundation of a house is the most critical feature, and anchors everything that follows.

Parents setting out to build a disciplined home should start by pouring a solid layer of respect.

Respect allows parents and children to show consideration and appreciation for each other. It fosters an atmosphere where family members are tolerant and accept individual differences. In a respectful environment, a family does not mistreat or take advantage of each other.

Successful parents know that they cannot demand respect from their children. Instead, parents can garner respect by taking charge. Respect flourishes when parents are fair and consistent and model treating others with respect. One of the ultimate rewards of establishing relationships based on mutual respect is the likelihood of winning a child’s cooperation.

Active listening

Once a firm foundation of respect has been laid, parents can then begin framing their home with communication. The frame relies on the foundation, as communication relies on respect, to support parent discipline. Communication is the process of exchanging information, which strengthens the relationship between parent and child. Grounded in trust, this relationship provides children with a forum for safely communicating their needs and feelings.

Children often seek out their parents when they need to be heard and understood. To best understand a child’s feelings, parents can rely on active listening, which is putting oneself in the child’s place and paying close attention to what is being said. By listening intently, keeping an open mind, and refraining from making judgments, parents help their children understand that they are respected and valued, which generally translates into a willingness to continue to express their feelings.

Active listening begins with establishing eye contact and showing a genuine interest in what is being shared, and continues with restating and clarifying, or checking for understanding. Active listening concludes with summarizing and helping others to reflect and better understand their feelings.

Two skills at the core of good communication are noticing one’s tone of voice and leading with open-ended questions. It is important for parents to pay attention not only to what they say, but also how they say it. Nothing ends a conversation quicker than questions requiring a yes or no response.

Setting limits

With a solid foundation of respect and a strong frame hewn from clear communication, parents can assemble a roof composed of discipline. The roof, or discipline, secures the home. Discipline, often misunderstood, is not a form of punishment. It involves training or teaching behavior. Children need clear limits and like to know what is expected of them. Limits provide a sense of security. However, simply establishing limits does not mean that children will cooperate or enjoy being called out on their behavior.

Since children will test the limits to see if rules are important and will be upheld, parents must assume authority and enforce fair consequences consistently by allowing children to make choices and experience the consequences of their decisions. Choices allow children to be responsible for their behavior and take ownership of changing it. Rewards and punishments, on the other hand, make parents responsible for children’s behavior.

When it comes to consequences, parents should ask themselves, “Who owns the problem?” and “What would happen if I didn’t interfere?” It is important to not protect children from consequences. Looking the other way and excusing misbehavior provides a disservice to children and perpetuates unaccountability. Discipline is a gradual release process. Initially, parents are in charge and create boundaries. Over time, parents and children share the decision-making.

This takes us back to our original question: “What life skills should a child possess when they leave home?” Ideally, the ability to answer for their conduct without making excuses, to consider the consequences that their actions and decisions have on others, and, ultimately, to act responsibly.

Stephen McFadden is the coordinator of school counseling K-8 for the Collier County Public Schools. Kaliegh McFadden is a Florida-certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor and works as a master’s level behavioral health provider for Healthcare Network. This father-and-daughter team resides in Naples, Florida.

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“I knew I would be homeless with four kids,” she recalled.

She found a place for her two oldest children to stay, but when she was evicted, she and
her 4-year-old twins began living in a car or at a hotel.

“It was scary at first. I wanted my girls to be safe,” Griffin said.

St. Matthew’s House in Naples had room for her in its women’s shelter, but there was no place for the girls. As Griffin was looking for additional help, she discovered Better Together.

Better Together is a local non-profit that pairs families in need with families that can help. The nonprofit helps parents experiencing financial difficulties, medical crises, domestic violence, unemployment, or underemployment, with the goal of keeping children out of foster care by relying on volunteers, the church community, and donors. The group says it is simply neighbors helping neighbors.

Background checks and home visits are conducted by Better Together for each volunteering family. Then the nonprofit matches children with volunteer families. The average stay for a child is 41 days, and 90 percent of families are reunited in 90 days or less. Some children stay for as little as one day. Better Together has helped more than 12,000 children since it launched in 2015.

Families reach out to Better Together for a variety of reasons. For Griffin, it was the escalating cost of living in Southwest Florida.

“Now in Florida, it is so ridiculous. Everything is so expensive,” Griffin said. “I am the single mother of four kids. How can I get two jobs?”

Griffin’s daughters, Chrniyah and Janiyah Davis, went to live with the Fuller family in Collier County. Griffin admitted that it was hard to hand her twins over to strangers.

“It was scary, but I knew I was doing it for the right reason,” she explained. “I knew they were sleeping comfortably, going to school, being cared for, learning manners.”

Sharing their home

While the twins lived with their host family, Griffin was able to move into St. Matthew’s House and get a higher paying job at a convenience store. Meanwhile Chrniyah and Janiyah lived the more typical life of 4-year-olds. They attended preschool, learned simple tasks like how to set a table, slept in real beds, attended sporting events, took dance lessons, and went on vacation.

Abby and Isaac Fuller and their children, Noelle (14) and Troy (10), welcomed the girls. Noelle gave up her bed and let the twins share her room.

“It was fun,” Noelle said. “My room is big enough to share with them. I played with them. I put on new bed sheets with mermaids and princesses and put up dollhouses and we got some wooden dressers.”

“They joined our family because they didn’t have a home,” Troy added. “I loved how they were here with us. It was like having little sisters.”

Abby and Isaac Fuller said the experience was very rewarding.

“I always had a big heart for kids who are without,” Abby Fuller said. “I always felt like I wanted a house full of kids.” 

She said Better Together works well for her family because they can help a child without a long-term commitment.

“We weren’t going to foster because that leads to adoption, but Better Together leads to reunification,” she explained.

A typical life

The Fullers wanted to expose the girls to as much of a typical life as possible.

“The best thing [for kids] is to have a schedule,” Abby Fuller explained. “We had to teach them how to play. It was having them helping with dinner, learning to wash their hands – all the daily things that people take for granted. We taught them how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and how to put on their own socks and shoes. We were teaching them to be independent.”

They also took the girls swimming, got them bicycles through Bikes for Tykes, and included them in family outings.

This wasn’t the first time the Fullers hosted children. A year earlier, they had a 4-year-old boy living with them. The child had been living with his mom in a Walmart parking lot before arriving at the Fullers’ home.

“We potty trained him because he didn’t have access to a toilet before,” Abby Fuller said.
The Fullers say it is hard when the children go back home, but they know that is the goal. The couple would like to host children again in the future.

“Better Together asked us why we wanted to do this, and I said, ‘We want to help’,” Abby Fuller said. “We aren’t rich, but we are fortunate to have a four-bedroom, three-bathroom house. We have the room. We like to serve.”

Families helping families in Naples

Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together, founded the organization in Naples in 2015. Now there are chapters across Florida, except in Miami and the Panhandle. She hopes to include those areas soon and eventually expand into other states.

“I used to work in the child welfare system, and I saw how hard it is for families,” Rose said. “My family struggled when I was growing up and volunteers helped, and we were able to get out of [the difficulties] without the government getting involved.”

Rose has hosted 26 children over the years. She took care of a toddler for a few days while his mother prepared her home for Hurricane Ian. She hosted three children while their mother left a violent situation at home.

“Now they are in a safe place,” she said. “Many families don’t have a lot of good, safe choices. There are families that have a sick child, but if they leave work, they don’t get paid and can’t pay their bills. The families seeking help could be homeless, could have a medical emergency, could have an addiction and want to get help, but don’t have the support for their kids. It could be single parents going through an unplanned change.”

There are currently almost 200 host families in Southwest Florida, but Rose said a lot more are needed. She noted that hosts come from all walks of life—college students, married couples, singles, retirees, snowbirds, and more.

“It is something everyone can do,” she said. “It really is rewarding. We build relationships that will last. We have a great need. There are so many families in the community that need help. Our motto is families helping families.”

The post Neighbors Step Up for Naples Families in Need appeared first on SWFL Family.

Lay a strong foundation

Elementary school is the perfect opportunity for students to explore their interests. With related arts classes already integrated into the school schedule, kids are able to take a look at areas that they might want to pursue in middle school and beyond. Chad Craig, the music teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples, explains how classes are great exposure to the fundamentals of music and demonstrate to students what it takes to become proficient in an instrument.

Craig shares that piano, violin, or ukelele are a good foundation for a student looking to begin playing prior to band, orchestra, or chorus classes in middle school. “The ukulele has taken over the musical world in the last decade,” he said. “A child can learn two or three chords and start playing hundreds of songs.” Starting out with an instrument like ukulele is the financially feasible option for most families, as it allows kids to try out whether playing an instrument is something that excites them by building off the fundamentals they are already learning in music class.

Establish a routine

When a student does start learning a specific instrument, setting up a practice routine is important. Wendy Willis taught flute in Naples for 20 years and was an elementary music, band, and chorus instructor for pre-K through eighth grade at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples for seven years. When it comes to how parents can support their children’s music education, she finds that encouragement to practice is the most important thing they can provide.

When asked about whether parents should push their children to practice, Willis explains that much of it rests on the child’s own musical aspirations. “If you want to give it a fair shot, parents should say ‘This is your job right now,’” Willis said. By helping to establish a regular practice schedule, parents can ensure that their children are giving this new activity a fair chance. Students who practice consistently will see their skills improve, which enhances their enjoyment of playing and lays the foundation for success in music. The practice sessions don’t need to be long, especially for a new musician. Consistently practicing every day for 15 minutes is more effective than slogging through an hour once a week.

Show up

No matter what age a student is, performing is important because it demonstrates to themselves and those around them the positive results that practice can have. Showing up for your child at these performances helps pave the way to a positive musical experience.

Craig and Willis both emphasized the importance of parents attending performances. “Students want to show off their hard work and talent,” Craig said.

“It is important because it shows that you’re supporting what your child is doing,” Willis added. Attending concerts and recitals over a span of years allows parents to watch their child’s growth as a musician, student, and person. It is a rewarding experience for the student and the parent, because both have put in hours of practice into being the best that they can be.

It’s not one or the other

A common obstacle faced by protagonists in coming-of-age movies is when parents value sports over music. Unfortunately, this is an instance where art is imitating life. But it doesn’t have to be one or the other – many students participate both in music and sports in middle and high school.

Craig grew up playing football and participating in the marching band. It was a

valuable experience for him because so many of the positive lifelong skills that he developed in those activities were reinforced from both activities. “Kids can be athletic and musical,” Craig said.

Personal experience

As a 19 year old who has been studying the flute for nine years and counting, I have found that what I need most from my parents is encouragement. Attending concerts, sitting through mock auditions, and occasional (sometimes frequent) reminders to practice ensured my dedication to music.

In sixth grade, my mom surprised me with a book of flute music from The Greatest Showman film. She realized how important the flute was to me, and she wanted to acknowledge my hard work. Knowing that she recognized the effort I was putting in and rewarded me with something that reinforced my love for playing encouraged me to practice and play new music. As a sophomore in college, I continue to hold that memory close to my heart still and play music from that book.

What mattered most to me was the time my mom took out of her day to sit and listen to me practice. It’s really hard to find motivation to practice if you can’t see an end goal, but having someone to share my music with became that motivation.

Alternatives to Private Lessons

Are private lessons too time consuming or expensive? Check out some of these great resources and tips below.

YouTube: Lots of musicians provide free video lessons online, but consider asking a band, orchestra, or choir director for channel recommendations to aid your child’s study of their instrument.

Essential Elements Method Books (Essential Elements Interactive, Book 1 with online media access).

IMSLP.org: Free access to thousands of scores and pieces of music online. Get more info at IMSLP.org

Audition opportunities through school: Solo & Ensemble; All-State Band; All-County Band.

The Music Foundation of Greater Naples: Haegg and Samson Scholarship Competitions provide free private lessons to students. More information at www.musicfoundationnaples.org

Encourage your kid to find a practice buddy: play duets, have scale competitions, and just make sure they’re playing their instrument!

The post Discover How to Support Your Child’s Musical Journey in Southwest Florida appeared first on SWFL Family.