Families

Comparing child care costs: Can you afford an Au Pair?

Submitted by Joy Purdy, GMJ News Anchor

Thursday, January 31st, 2013, 6:37pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- How impressed were we, to walk into the Hardages' home in Riverside and hear 2-year-old blond-haired, blue-eyed Olivia speaking Chinese as well as she does English.

"She picked up the language so quickly," says Olivia's mom, beaming with pride.

"And we have Chen to thank for it!"

24-year-old Chen Zhang has been a fourth addition to the Hardage household for the past year-and-a-half.

"The benefits for our family are great," explains mom and dad, Charlie and Elizabeth Hardage.

Chen has her own room in the Hardage home, shares meals -- she's considered more a member of the family than merely an employee.

Chen is what's called an au pair: a childcare worker -- very often from overseas -- who lives and works in the home, in exchange for salary, room and board.

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Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Friday, December 7th, 2012, 12:01am

Enter to Win: Discover New Fantasyland and make Disney memories all year long!

First Coast News wants give you a year of Walt Disney World® magic with Florida Resident Annual Passes! Experience a new land full of adventure and excitement. Where beasts roar and mermaids sing. New Fantasyland®, the largest expansion in Magic Kingdom® history, welcomes you into the Enchanted Forest to explore Prince Eric’s Castle. Go under the sea with Ariel. Dine in Beast's Castle. Join Belle for a retelling of the “tale as old as time.” Play in all four theme parks year-round, experience magical Holidays, access special Passholder events, and step inside Disney stories like never before!

Enter for a chance to discover new Fantasyland and make Disney memories all year long!

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Submitted by Rachel Leitao, First Coast News Staff

Monday, November 19th, 2012, 9:53pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It's that time of year where everywhere you look there are Turkeys, fall vegetables and pumpkin pies.

For people with food allergies a Thanksgiving meal can be tough. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, an estimated 4 percent, of adults and 8 percent of children have food allergies, with young children affected most. Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions, with nuts and wheat being the biggest offenders.

Chef Micah Windham executive chef at Pele's Wood Fire in Riverside shared a few gluten- and nut-free Thanksgiving ideas to help make a delicious and allergy-free meal.

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JU Orthodontists Set the Record Straight During National Orthodontic Health Month

Submitted by rdaigle on Monday, October 1st, 3:51 pm

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Orthodontists at Jacksonville University are taking time during October’s National Orthodontic Health Month to educate the public and clarify best practices for the maintenance of your smile.

Dr. Mark Alarbi, dean and program director of the Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, said there are many myths that need to be busted regarding orthodontic care, but one of the most common misconceptions is that parents need to wait for their children to loose all of their baby teeth before evaluating the need for braces.

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New Autism Support Group to Launch through Grant from Community First Credit Union

Submitted by rdaigle on Friday, July 6th, 9:41 am

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – Parents of autistic children will soon have a supportive environment in which to share their feelings, ideas and treatment options, thanks to a $1000 Investing In You grant from Community First Credit Union. The grant will help launch The S.T.A.R. group, named for the benefits the group will bring its members: support, teaching, advocacy and respect.

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Submitted by My Community, Community News

Thursday, May 24th, 2012, 7:58am

Jacksonville, Fla. – Free swim lessons offered for children are available again this year for families who qualify based on financial need.

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Submitted by Kate Barnette, Wife, Mom, Photographer, Blogger

Friday, April 6th, 2012, 8:43pm

I recenlty went to Disney On Ice Toy Story 3 and it was incredible! The lights were bright, the characters were spot on, and the skaters were amazing and had me feeling like I could get out there on the ice with ease. My friend and I brought some of our daughters and we were all glued to our seat the whole show through. The show lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with an intermission in between. Be sure to get your face painted, get your cotton candy with either a Buzz hat or alien hat attached to the bag, and buy your Toy Story 3 gear.

If you missed this show, be sure to go over to Disney On Ice online to find out when the next show is coming our way. You can see more pictures from the show at my family blog, www.barnettes.com.