Children

Soon enough there will gatherings with loved ones as we celebrate our blessings during the holidays. But for many families, and children in particular, parties and even small gatherings can be stressful simply because kids are not yet well versed at greeting and meeting others. Many parents know the frustration of getting their children to simply greet or even acknowledge others-- especially “shy” children. This stress might make an introverted child even more withdrawn. The good news is that still waters run deep and shyness can be downright positive. And with understanding and forethought, parents can gently nudge bashful children out of their shells to grow and build those social skills and not miss out on the benefits of being more open.

The 2021 Children’s Trust Family Expo series concluded last month with a special drive-thru event at the recently opened Jackson West Medical Center in Doral. More than 200 cars participated in the drive-thru taking home backpacks, headphones, other goodies as well as information on resources available to children and families in Miami-Dade County.

The drive-thru event was an appropriate culmination of the Family Expo series that sought to reach out to those The Children’s Trust serves in a year still dominated by coronavirus pandemic concerns and limitations. The still ongoing pandemic took so much from all of us that finding its silver lining has been a challenge for everyone. And yet, having the world turned upside gave The Trust a chance to rethink some of the things it has always done, even positive ones. The Children’s Trust Family Expo falls into that category as the once-yearly event was canceled in 2020 and had to be rethought before returning this year.

Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Alhambra Orchestra to perform Oct. 24The hairs on your arms are standing, goosebumps are bumping and that chill you feel running up the back of your neck can mean only one thing – the Spooky Symphony is back, and in-person for its 12th year at 4 p.m., Sunday, October 24.

Like so many fun things last year, the Spooktacular Spooky Symphony, presented by The Children’s Trust went virtual. But this year, the scares return to the Miami-Dade County Auditorium in person with the best of both worlds during a one-hour concert that features the Alhambra Orchestra and Greater Miami Youth Symphony.

Miami’s historic Virginia Key Beach was a fitting location for the latest The Children’s Trust Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) activity as close to 100 participants came together to network, clean up the environment and have a good time on Saturday, October 9.

The youth leadership development program with a focus on service and advocacy held true to its mission by exposing those who showed up to the richness of Miami-Dade during an afternoon where they learned about microplastics and the harm they do to native mangroves. As well as the clean-up, the afternoon included a chance for many members to learn to kayak for the first time. The backdrop of Virginia Key – once Miami’s only beach that Black families could enjoy – provided both a sobering reminder of the region’s segregationist past and hope for what can be achieved by a diverse and united community in the future.

Miami-Dade County’s Coronavirus page on where and how to sign up to get COVID-19 Vaccine:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a special web page with Coronavirus information,

Florida Department of Health’s Coronavirus page.

The Miami-Dade School Board also has a Coronavirus page, as well as a Parent Guide to the Novel Coronavirus.

To learn more visit www.TheChildrensTrust.org or call 211.