Two weeks ago, we covered everything Baby and this week we take the jump to Teens. Although we are only in the pre-teen parenting stage, we know it isn't far to fast forward before our kids will be learning how to drive, filling out college applications and trying to fulfill all of their volunteer service hours.  

The TEEN resources listed on SBParent.com covers a wide range of topics: Academic Support, Babysitter Training, College Checklists, College Financial Support, Driving Schools, Internships/College Resources/CIT Programs and Sports, Clubs, and Activities >>   Scroll down to learn more about the teen center and all of the great resources available.

• Be sure to check out our FAMILIES GIVING BACK for ideas for teen community service hours and internships. Some examples include: Help to collect baby items for WEB/Junior League of SB, volunteer with Laundry Love People, be a buddy to basketball player with special needs, and much more. Local teens (and pre-teens) volunteer their time every month writing for the Lobero Youth Spotlight to cover the local arts. Read the October issue >>
• There are amazing college SCHOLARSHIP opportunities through the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for both 4 year universities and city college. Learn about their application process >>
• Check out the senior year COLLEGE CHECKLIST to make sure your kids are on track >>
• Teen babysitters can post their availability on our CLASSIFIEDS >>
  

BRING YOUR BOOKS! BRING YOUR COSTUMES!
We hope to see you this Saturday, October 3 outside of La Cumbre Plaza's Guest Services for our 6th Annual Costume & Book Exchange. Guest Services is now accepting your like-new costumes and children's books and will give you a voucher to use on Saturday morning to get your new-to-you costumes and books. Even if you don't have a costume to swap, come to exchange children's books! Once the exchange is over, if there are any costumes left, you may buy one for $8. Infant costumes are often available. >>

MVP DAD...
Learn about our MVP dad who is a local pastor and father of three, Billy Calderwood. Judy Osterhage of Family Fuel told us, "With Billy's strengths and character he changes lives and changes this community." Read more >>

GO OUTSIDE...
Wilderness Youth Project posted information on the importance of outside play for children so learn how you can connect your family with nature.  >> 

Get your tickets soon for this fun event on Saturday...

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list. >>

BOXTALES Theatre Company, in association with Theatre UCSB, presents OM: An Indian Tale of Good and Evil on Thursday, October 1 at 8 p.m. (preview), Friday, October 2 at 8 p.m., Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., and Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m. Travel with BOXTALES Theatre Company to Ancient India as they re-envision The Ramayana, one of the world’s greatest epic stories. If you loved BOXTALES’ critically acclaimed production of The Odyssey you won’t want to miss their newest and most spectacular big stage show to date! Known as the “thinking man’s Cirque du Soleil,” BOXTALES thrills audiences of all ages with high production values, circus arts, live music, gripping drama and fantastical storytelling! General tickets are $43 and Students/Seniors are $18. Group sales are available; call the Lobero Box Office at (805) 963-0761 for details.

Youth Council: All teens are welcomed to attend the SB Youth Council meetings held the first and third Monday of each month at 5:15. The next regular meeting will be held on October 5th, at the City Council Chambers. Come express your concerns or participate in various leadership opportunities. Communities service available. For more information, call 897-2650.

Twelve35 Teen Center, 1235 Chapala Street: Come join the Twelve35 Teen Center crew. Experience Santa Barbara's only exclusive center for teens. Teens you have full access to XBOX 360, PS3, Wii, ful DDR system, Internet, Air Hockey, snack bar and recording studio. Community service opportunities also available for teens. Teen Center Hours: Mon-Fri, 2:30 - 7pm.

Rent the Teen Center: The Teen Center is also available for private rentals. Got a Birthday? Quinceanera? Or Youth Group? Call and inquire about rental possibilities.

Monday, October 12th, Youth Council hosts Mayor and City Council Candidate's Forum: The Santa Barbara Youth Council and Future Leaders of America will host a Mayor's and City Council's Candidate's Forum, to discuss issues that affect, youth, teens and the entire Santa Barbara Community. The event will be held at the Westside Community Center, 423 Victoria Street, beginning with a Meet 'n Greet the Candidates at 5 p.m. Teens and adults welcomed! For more information, call 897-2650.

Friday, October 30th, "Halo"ween @ Twelve35 Teen Center: Prepare to show your friends how scary you can be controlling this game. Free to all Twelve35 members. Not a member yet? Come in costume and get a free membership all day. Light (and free) refreshments. 4pm - 9pm.

Monday, November 9th, Monday Night Football @ Twelve35: Join us as we watch the Pittsburgh Steelers vs/ Denver Broncos. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments served. $3/donation. Dads are welcomed!

Attention Teen Service Providers: Have a great program and no teens? Are you looking to show off your talents; looking to provide a community service to teens in our local neighborhoods? Are you only lacking a facility? Please call Susan Young, 897-2652 for more information.

by Audrey Swanson, ZenSpa

Teenagers today are faced with so many challenges. Academics, popularity, athleticism, and technology, not to mention the stresses of peer pressure (which today seem quite frightening). The last thing kids should be concerned with is teen acne.

For many parents the only option that they are aware of is Dermatology which typically means prescription medications. In some cases a dermatologist is the only answer, but throughout my 18 years as an esthetician, most teen skin care issues are treatable without medication. As a matter of fact, many teen skin care related problems are due to improper home care and diet.

The first step is to start at home. Keeping teen skin clean and clear is a never-ending task. Fluctuating hormones, increasing stress, and over-productive sebaceous glands can lead to inflamed pores, blackheads and even cystic acne. The skin is the largest organ we have - it needs to be kept cleansed and hydrated in order to function properly. Many over-the-counter acne products claim to clear skin by using alcohol and other oil stripping agents causing irritation which leads to an increase in breakouts and redness. Professional grade products use higher quality ingredients which cleanse and exfoliate without drying or damaging the skin. Perfect skin won't emerge over night; however, with the proper products, results may be seen in 2-6 weeks. Routine facials will also help troubled skin through pore extractions and professional strength peels which further exfoliate the skin.

At ZenSpa, we focus on educating your teen to take proper care of their skin at home. We provide a Teen Facial for $45 which includes a consultation, skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions to remove blackheads, a purifying or hydrating mask and a recommended skin care system for home use. It is important to us to be there for your teen and provide a safe, comfortable environment for them to build their self esteem from. We hope we can be there for all of your teens skin care needs.

We can't protect our teens from everything, but we can help them get a boost of confidence by providing proper skin care tools.

For questions or to schedule a consultation, please contact: ZenSpa (805) 845-4701
4 W. Calle Laureles, Santa Barbara, CA 93015 www.zenspasantabarbara.com