By Dorothy Pang, L.Ac.
Pang Acupuncture and Wellness

Hi! I’m Dorothy Pang, a licensed acupuncturist specializing in pediatric laser acupuncture, particularly for kids with ADHD and other focus or nervous system challenges. I’ve worked with many families over the years who are looking for gentle, drug-free tools to help their children thrive, and sleep is one of the biggest concerns I hear about. If bedtime is a daily struggle in your home, you’re not alone.

Sleep issues are incredibly common in children, especially in those with busy brains and sensitive nervous systems. The good news is that there are simple, natural ways to support your child’s body and mind in settling down for the night. Here are four of my favorite tools that many of my patient families have found success with:

1. Consistent Rhythm with a Soothing Wind-Down Routine

Kids respond beautifully to rhythm. A simple, predictable bedtime routine can act as a cue for the body and brain to begin slowing down. Choose 2-3 calming activities and stick with them each night in the same order. For example:

Keep the routine short and sweet — under 15 minutes — and aim to start it at the same time each night. Over time, this routine becomes a powerful signal that it’s time to rest. Let me personally say I recommend a shorter bedtime routine as a long, complicated routine can be taxing on a tired parent at the end of the day!

2. Magnesium: The Calming Mineral

Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and plays a role in calming the nervous system. Many kids today are low in magnesium due to modern diets and stress levels. You can incorporate more magnesium through foods like spinach, bananas, and pumpkin seeds, or consider a pediatric-safe magnesium supplement (ask your healthcare provider first). Another easy option: a warm Epsom salt bath (magnesium sulfate) in the evening, which helps relax both body and mind. This is an easy addition if you have an evening bath routine. One thing to watch for is magnesium can soften the bowel movements, and for some kids this is a benefit, while for others this may be problematic.

3. Acupressure to Support Sleep

There are simple points on the body you can gently press that help calm the nervous system. One favorite is called Yin Tang, located right between the eyebrows. Gently press this spot for 30 seconds while your child lies in bed, asking them to focus on big, slow breaths. It’s especially helpful for kids who have trouble shutting off their thoughts at night. Another point is Heart 7, located on the inside wrist crease on the pinky side — it’s known as the “Spirit Gate” and can be very settling. Simply establishing a gentle touch routine can be soothing for kids. Keep your pressure light, more is not better.

4. Laser Acupuncture for Deeper Nervous System Support

For families who want deeper support, pediatric laser acupuncture is a completely needle-free way to help regulate a child’s nervous system over time. It’s safe, pain-free, side-effect free and often calming in the treatment chair. Children with ADHD, anxiety or chronic sleep challenges often benefit from a short series of sessions, and many parents report that bedtime becomes easier, moods become more balanced, and their child feels better overall. It’s a natural tool that works on the root of the issue rather than just masking symptoms. My little patients look forward to their sessions with me!

A Final Thought

If your child has trouble settling down at night, you are definitely not alone. So many parents I talk to are frustrated, exhausted, and unsure of what to try next. The truth is, kids need help learning how to transition from “go-go-go” to “rest and recharge.” A short, pleasant routine combined with simple natural supports can go a long way in helping your child feel safe, relaxed, and ready to rest.

If you’d like to learn more about pediatric laser acupuncture or other natural tools for your child’s sleep, focus, or mood, I’m happy to chat. You can learn more about my work at san-fran-acupuncture.com.

Wishing you peaceful evenings ahead!

 – Dorothy

Dorothy Pang is a licensed acupuncturist based in South San Francisco who focuses on pain, fertility, and pediatric laser acupuncture for ADHD & ASD.

The first day of school brings with it a swirl of emotions - for kids and parents. Whether your child is starting preschool or TK for the very first time, moving up a class, or starting kindergarten at a "big kid school", this milestone is full of excitement, growth, and possibly a few tears (from both of you!).

Here are some ways you can support your little learner and make this school year a positive, confidence-building experience for the whole family.

1. Acknowledge the Emotions (Theirs and Yours)

Starting school can feel like a big leap. It’s completely normal for your child to feel excited one minute and nervous the next. Instead of brushing fears aside with a “You’ll be fine!”, try something like:

“It’s okay to feel a little nervous. I feel that way when I start something new too.”

Naming emotions helps kids understand and manage them better—and lets them know they’re not alone.

2. Establish Consistent Routines

Young children thrive on routine. In the weeks leading up to school, start adjusting bedtime and morning routines so your child knows what to expect. Consistency helps them feel safe, prepared, and ready to face the day with confidence.

3. Practice Independence at Home

Give your child little opportunities to practice skills they’ll use at school:

Each “I did it myself!” moment builds their sense of capability.

4. Talk About What to Expect

Reading books about school is a gentle way to introduce the idea of a classroom, a teacher, and new friends. Walk or drive by the school together, or if possible, attend any open house or orientation events. Familiarity reduces anxiety.

5. Create a Goodbye Ritual

A special hug, a high-five, or a quick phrase like “See you later, alligator!” can make goodbyes easier and more reassuring. Stick with the same goodbye ritual each day so your child knows what to expect.

6. Stay Positive (Even If You're Nervous)

Kids pick up on our emotions. If you’re feeling anxious, try to model calm confidence for your child. Trust that they’re in good hands and that they’ll learn, grow, and adapt beautifully over time.

7. Celebrate the Little Wins

Each day brings something worth celebrating—a new friend, a story they loved, a picture they drew. These little moments matter. They’re building blocks of confidence and joy.

Starting a new school year is a big step, but your love and support provide the solid foundation your child needs to take it with courage. Take a deep breath, give that goodbye hug, and know that you’re both learning and growing together.

Here’s to a year of discovery, laughter, and proud moments. You’ve got this, and so does your child!

Children’s Book Festival – Oakland, September 20

Kids’ Day in the Park – San Jose, September 20

Aloha Outrigger Races – Santa Cruz, September 20

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, September 20, 21

Star Party at Crestview Park (Free) – San Carlos, September 20, 27

A Year with Frog and Toad (Free) – San Francisco, September 20-October 5

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, September 21

Pop Up Family Dance (Free) – Berkeley, September 21

Harvest Festival – Piedmont, September 21

Bike Rodeo – San Mateo, September 26

Family Harvest Campout – Muir Beach, September 26-27

Fall Campout on the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, September 26-27

Bay Area Maker Faire – Vallejo, September 26-28

Burlingame Pet Parade – Burlingame, September 27

Belmont Water Dog Run – Belmont, September 27

Chuseok Festival (Free) – San Francisco, September 27

Very First Concert (Free) – San Francisco, September 27

Habitot Mobile Museum (Free) – Oakland, September 27

Fall Bike Fest – Cupertino, September 27

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – San Jose, September 27

Mid-Autumn Festival – Millbrae, September 27-28

Cole Valley Fair – San Francisco, September 28

Craft and Connect at BADM – Sausalito, September 28

Very First Concert – Berkeley, September 28

Cal Sailing Club Open House (Free) – Berkeley, September 28

Movies in the Park – Burlingame, August 29, September 12

Children’s Fairyland 75th Birthday Celebration – Oakland, September 1

San Jose Giants Fireworks – San Jose, September 5

Movies in the Park – San Mateo, September 5, 12, 19, 26

The Addams Family by Berkeley Playhouse – Berkeley, September 5 – October 5

Hops and Props at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, September 6

Family Literacy Festival – San Jose, September 6

Fiesta on la Playa – Santa Cruz, September 6

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, September 6, 13, 20, 27

World Arts West Dance Festival – San Francisco, September 7

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, September 7

Storytime at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, September 7, 21

Santa Cruz County Fair – Watsonville, September 10-14

Honk! Jr – Palo Alto, September 10-28

September Nights on B Street – September 11, 18

Family Campout – Burlingame, September 12

Movies in the Park – September 12, October 3

Lantern Festival – Milpitas, September 12

Fall Family Sleepovers at Happy Hollow – San Jose, September 12-13

Fall Campout at the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, September 12-13

SF Jazz Family Matinee – San Francisco, September 13

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, September 13

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, September 13

Fall Equinox at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, September 13

End of Summer Social (Free) – Mountain View, September 13

Harvest History Festival – Mountain View, September 13

Silicon Valley Fall Fest – Cupertino, September 13

Retro Roadshow (Free) – Saratoga, September 13

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, September 13

Niles Canyon Train Rides – Fremont & Sunol, September 13, 14, 20, 21

The Physics Show – Los Altos Hills, September 13-21

Book Launch Party for “Preschool is Cool!” – San Francisco, September 14

Free Family Day at Marin MOCA (Free) – San Rafael, September 14

Fiesta Patrias – Redwood City, September 14

Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center – Sausalito, September 14, 28

Picking fruit at a farm is a wonderful way to blend education and fun. Children engage with nature, sharpen their fine motor skills by gently picking fruit, and learn about where food comes from — all while enjoying a screen-free, sensory-rich outing.

What’s in Season in August?

• Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries are still available at local farms through August.
• Stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and plums are often in their prime through the summer months.

Popular local picks:

• Blue House Farm (San Gregorio): Certified organic strawberries, available weekends 12-5 pm; open May–October. Offers a farm stand and kid-friendly layout.
• R&R Fresh Herbs (Pescadero): U-pick raspberries, blackberries, and olallieberries daily 10 AM–6 PM, with baskets priced per pound or basket.
• Webb Ranch (Portola Valley): U-pick berries until July/August. Small entrance fee, ages 2 and under free, check website or call for available days.
• Swanton Berry Farm (Davenport): California’s first certified organic strawberry farm. U-pick strawberries open weekends 9 am - 6 pm, plus great farm stand.
• Earthseed Farm (Sebastopol): A solar-powered organic permaculture farm with Afro-Indigenous roots. U-pick runs through November. In July/August expect pluots, apples, raspberries, and blackberries. Reservations required, group entry fees apply.
• Boring Farm (Sebastopol): Organic raspberry farm open Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm through August. Reservations required, including parking fee.
• Duckworth (Sebastopol): Three different varietals of organic blueberries with kid-friendly access. 8/2 is the last day of the season, 8 - 10:30 am. Bonus: sheep and ice cream!

Family-Friendly Benefits & Tips

• Berries on low bushes are perfect for young children. Just watch out for thorns!
• Use this time to teach kids about plant growth, farm life, nutrition, and sustainability.
• Call or check social media before heading out to confirm availability, as seasons can shift based on weather.
• Reservations: Earthseed, Boring, and Duckworth often require reservations, so book early.

What to Bring

• Light layers, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), sturdy closed‑toe shoes
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Containers or baskets (some farms provide them, but it's helpful to have your own)
• Cooler or insulated bag to keep picked fruit fresh if you're going to be out for a while

Parent Tips for a Happy Harvest

• Start Early: Morning visits beat the heat, crowds, and give you better fruit.
• Pick Together: Let kids pick low-hanging fruit while you handle higher branches.
• Stay Gentle: Show children how to twist or roll berries off gently to avoid damaging farms.
• Keep it Fun: Make it a game: Who finds the reddest berry? Who picks the plumpest?
• Respect the Farm: Stay in designated areas, don’t eat fruit before paying, and leave no litter behind.

Coventry & Kaluza – Circus & Comedy (Free) – Atherton, August 16

Banjos and Bluegrass – Woodside, August 17

Salt Marsh Safari (Free) – San Jose,  August 19, 23

Bob Baker Marionette Theater (Free) – Menlo Park, August 22

MakeArt Family Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 23

Cultura Fest (Free) – South San Francisco, August 23

Kids ‘N Fun Festival – Cupertino, August 23

Star Party at Crestview Park (Free) – San Carlos, August 23, 30

Summer Family Sleepovers at Happy Hollow – San Jose, August 23-24, 30-31

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, August 24

Origami Palooza – San Francisco, August 24

Tale of the Dragon Puppet Show (Free) – Menlo Park, August 24

End of Summer Concert with AndyZ – Portola Valley, August 28

Parents Night Out at Axe – Oakland, August 29

Paint a Plane at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, August 30

Dholrhythms Dance Company (Free) – San Francisco, August 1

First Friday Cosmocon – Oakland, August 1

Birds of Prey (Free) – Gilroy, August 1

Alice in Wonderland – San Carlos, August 1-3

Sunset Fridays at SF Zoo (Free) – San Francisco, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

San Jose Giants Fireworks – San Jose, August 1, 8, 9, 22

Crazy for Camels – Walnut Creek, August 2

James Henry at Magical Bridge – Redwood City, August 2

Super Silly Puppet Show (Free) – Pacifica, August 2

Peninsula Humane Society 75th Anniversary Celebration – Burlingame, August 2

The Prince Bride with SF Symphony – San Francisco, August 2, 3

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, August 2, 9, 16, 23

Free First Sunday at Asian Art Museum (Free) – San Francisco, August 3

Yo Gabba Gabba Live! – San Jose, August 3

Storytime at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 3, 17

Hello!Lucky Music & Story Hour – San Francisco, August 6, 13

Central Park Music Series – August 7, 14

Calvin Kai Ku Kids Show (Free) – San Francisco, August 8

Port of Oakland Harbor Tour (Free) – Oakland, August 8

Family Camp Out – San Carlos, August 8-9

Cartooning for the Whole Family – San Francisco, August 9

Open House at Park Branch Library (Free) – San Francisco, August 9

Coventry & Kaluza – Circus & Comedy (Free) – Pacifica, August 9

Coventry & Kaluza – Circus & Comedy (Free) – Brisbane, August 9

Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, August 9

Planes, Trains, and Cool Cars – San Carlos, August 9

Harvest Season at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, August 9

Foam & Fun (Free) – Mountain View, August 9

Retro Roadshow (Free) – Cupertino, August 9

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, August 9

Bay Area Aloha Festival – San Mateo, August 9, 10

Niles Canyon Train Rides – Fremont & Sunol, August 9, 10, 16, 17

Fiesta en el Parque – San Francisco, August 10

Second Sunday for Families at SFMOMA – San Francisco, August 10

Back to School Jam (Free) – San Francisco, August 10

Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center – Sausalito, August 10, 24

Bubble Bonanza at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, August 10, 31

Steve Chaney and Corny Crow Puppet Show (Free) – Menlo Park, August 10

End of Summer Library Open House (Free) – Burlingame, August 14

Caterpillar Puppets (Free) – San Francisco, August 15

Foster City Summer Days – Foster City, August 15-17

Staying close to home this fourth? Check out some of the 4th of July 2025 events happening along the Peninsula:

Half Moon Bay Ol’‑Fashioned Parade & Festival

Millbrae July 4th Beats, Brews, and Vines

Foster City Celebration & Dog Parade

San Mateo – 4th in the Park

Redwood City's 4th of July Parade, Festival & Drone Show

Palo Alto Summer Festival & Chili Cook‑Off

Mountain View – Shoreline Amphitheatre Fireworks Spectacular

It’s that time of year again: school’s out, sun’s out, and the kids are ready for some outdoor fun! Calendars are filling up with play dates, birthday parties, and other events. On top of making sure our kids are having fun, we want to make sure they are staying safe. Read on for some summer safety tips from Shyam Sivasankar, MD, a Pediatric Emergency doctor.

What are common reasons for kids to visit the Emergency Department in the summertime?

Most of the time it is going to be heat- or injury-related. To prevent heat-related illnesses: don't leave your kid in the car, stay hydrated, apply and reapply sunscreen and cover up with a hat and lightweight/breathable clothing (proper sun protection is a must!), and remember to take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioning. 

It’s important to always wear a helmet when on a bike or scooter, even if it is a "short" ride. We see lots of cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and head injuries. People often underestimate the strength of our skulls - although head injuries may seem intense, I would talk to your on-call pediatrician or nurse advice line before coming to the ED for head injuries. 

Sometimes it will be water-related (i.e. swimming or lake-related injury). If there is any concern for drowning or near-drowning, you need to call 911. If there is some coughing or difficulty breathing that persists beyond the potential swallowed water, come to the ED for an evaluation. 

What types of issues should I bring my kid into the Emergency Department for, versus Urgent Care or getting a rapid appointment with my pediatrician?

Head injuries with vomiting: Come to the ED.

Small cuts and bruises: Urgent care. Falls can usually be seen at urgent care. 

Larger cuts or lacerations, swelling of joints, or obvious deformities should go to the ED. Some urgent care centers have x-ray machines, but some limb injuries will end up being sent to the ED, and sometimes that's hard to predict. 

What’s the most important thing parents can do to keep kids safe at the pool?

Especially when water is involved, an adult must be constantly supervising and paying attention. As a general rule, assign one adult to be a photographer and everyone else should put their phones away or indoors to avoid distractions. Drownings happen in an instant, so it is best to be vigilant. All parents should also consider taking a first aid/CPR class. 

If I’m going on a hike with my kids, what would be some good things to bring in a first aid kit?

I love this question - it's a good one. I have bandaids, hydrocortisone, triple antibiotic cream, kid-safe insect repellent, sunscreen, and water. And remember to check for ticks after your hike, especially if you were in a wooded area.

____________________________________

Shyam Sivasankar is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) physician who splits his time between Palo Alto, California and Austin, Texas. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, followed by residency at Stanford University. Since completing his fellowship at Dell Children’s Medical Center, he practices as an EM physician at Stanford Healthcare and St. David’s Medical Center. 

The San Mateo Parents Club has a variety of fun events throughout the summer. Check out our Events page, and RSVP to an event for some summer fun!

Reposted with minor edits from an SMPC blog post from June 27, 2023.

Burlingame Library Family Fun Nights – Burlingame, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Open Cockpit Day at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, July 2

Chalk Festival – Redwood City, July 3

4th of July in the Park – San Mateo, July 4

San Jose Giants Fireworks – San Jose, July 4, 5, 18

Paint-A-Plane at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, July 6

Storytime at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, July 6, 20

Slim Chance Circus – Redwood City, July 8, 9, 12

Central Park Music Series – San Mateo, July 10, 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14

Parent’s Night Out at Filoli – Woodside, July 10, 17, 24, 31

Ka-Hon Kids Show (Free) – San Francisco, July 11

Port of Oakland Harbor Tour (Free) – Oakland, July 11

Salt Marsh Safari (Free) – San Jose, July 11

Woodminster Summer Musical: Hello Dolly – Oakland, July 11-20

Cartooning for the Whole Family – San Francisco, July 12

Color Me Mine Kids Night Out – Alameda, July 12

Roundtable Reading – Berkeley, July 12

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, July 12

Retro Roadshow (Free) – Los Altos, July 12

Summer STEM Bash (Free) – Mountain View, July 12

Play Like a Miner – San Jose, July 12

2nd Saturday on the Farm – Watsonville, July 12

Family Nature Weekend at Filoli – Woodside, July 12, 13

Second Sunday for Families at SFMOMA – San Francisco, July 13

Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center – Sausalito, July 13, 27

Puppet Art Theater – Redwood City, July 15, 16, 19

Kids Air Faire – San Carlos, July 16

Coventry & Kaluza (Free) – Tiburon, July 17

Unique Derique (Free) – San Francisco, July 18

Truckloads of Fun (Free) – Mill Valley, July 18

Fun-tastic Friday with Sean’s Music Factory (Free) – Palo Alto, July 18

Children’s Fairyland Summer Sleepover – Oakland, July 19

Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, July 19

Kidstock (Free) – Mountain View, July 19

Cupertino Campout – Cupertino, July 19

Family Fun Day (Free) – Scotts Valley, July 19

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, July 19, 20

Sunday Streets (Free) – San Francisco, July 20

Trapeze Arts Performance – Berkeley, July 20

Rabbit Hole Theater – Woodside, July 20

Hansel & Gretel the Untold Story – Palo Alto, July 20-August 10

Afro-Peruvian Dance (Free) – Redwood City, July 22, 23, 26

Alice in Wonderland Jr – Mountain View, July 24-27

Once Upon a Mattress by Youthstage – Berkeley, July 24 – August 27

Manilatown Ensemble (Free) – San Francisco, July 25

Bhangra & Beats Night Market (Free) – San Francisco, July 25

Parents Night Out at Axe – Oakland, July 25

Frozen by CMTSJ – San Jose, July 25-August 3

Seaside Story Hour (Free) – Redwood City, July 26

Wet and Wild Day at the J (Free) – Palo Alto, July 26

Retro Roadshow (Free) – Gilroy, July 26

Cal Sailing Club Open House (Free) – Berkeley, July 27

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, July 28

James Henry Performance (Free) – Redwood City, July 29, 30 & August 2

Space Week at Chabot Space & Science Center – July 30-August 3