October is the real beginning of fall. The leaves start to turn orange, red, yellow and brown. Halloween is right around the corner, and I get to see the interesting yard displays people put out. This year, there are other things on the grass — political signs. Have you talked to your kids about the election? Do you think it matters to them?

Halloween looks a little different around here this year. Trick-or-treating is canceled in some neighborhoods, or adapted to be more pandemic-friendly. In-school Halloween parties aren’t happening, and everyone is trying to figure out how to celebrate Halloween in a fun — and safe — way. Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Melissa Koski Carney shares six ways families can still enjoy Halloween in a pandemic-friendly way.

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On the latest episode of aParently Speaking, host Miriam Conner and Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra discuss how electronics are shaping our kids' development and lives, as well as what to do about technology addiction and cyberbullying. If you have screens in your home, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Everyday activities can be opportunities to expand learning — particularly for speech and language. Here are seven easy, familiar options you can do at home with your child that offer speech and language cues.

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Social media is one of the primary ways centennials communicate with their peers, local businesses and the global community. It is almost inevitable that your children will ask to create accounts on major social media platforms as they enter adolescence. The question of when they should be allowed to join social media is tricky. No parent wants to see their child left behind, but social media presents a whole new set of challenges. Learn how you and your child can take a safe approach to entering the world of social media. 

Starting Today, "SHELL-abrate" Halloween by enjoying up-close views of eels, moon jellyfish, flashlight fish, sharks, sea lampreys and other weird and wonderful animals. Pumpkins & Piranhas SEAsonal Fun Days include underwater pumpkins, animal trivia activities and a take-home for kids.

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