Rest stops for parents
OK, parents, here’s a question: Where do you escape?
We live in Fort Lauderdale, and we’ve found a few spots for those long afternoons with the kids. The first is Barnes & Noble on Federal Highway, across from Whole Foods. There is a Thomas train setup there that can easily keep a kid distracted for an hour. Things go well until the table and toy train tracks get crowded, or the size and ages of kids get out of whack. Then the tussles start, and well, it’s time to go.
We also head to the playground at Holiday Park. That takes more work, but it buys some time. We live right next to the park so it’s just a short walk away. If I’m really worn out, we’ll head to the fields, where the kids just run around. It’s easy, and I don’t have to worry about toddlers falling off playground equipment.
Another one: the 17th Street Causeway Bridge. My 2-year-old loves cruise ships, and seeing them from the car is enough to keep him content for a while. Not to mention the stop at Starbucks on Davie and Federal on the way back. That's the real escape. Caffeine.
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
South Florida Parenting is your guide for local events and things to do with your family. Our site offers resources, features and insightful columns on all types of parenting issues.
Parents and their children can access a multitude of free educational resources.