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Miami Herald

The Children's Trust: Program allows parents to get a pass for summer

While our children often experience summer with wide-eyed excitement - picturing endless playdates, pool days, and screen time - parents often brace themselves for the real summer marathon. Gone are the structured school hours that gave parents precious windows to work, run errands or simply breathe. With school out, routines can easily fly out the window as well and, for many, stress can fly in. Summer may feel like a season of leisure for kids, but for parents, it's often a three-month juggling act with no intermission. Summer can be filled with long, unscheduled days without meaningful activities if parents and caregivers don't prepare. Plus, fewer than half of American families will take a summer vacation this year, according to recent studies. For many, the classic summer getaway is more a fantasy than a plan. It's enough to make parents yearn for a break - a pass, even. And now, they just might get one. The Children's Trust is offering a refreshing new initiative as part of its already popular Parent Club aimed at supporting parents exactly when they need it most. It's called the Parent Club Pass, and while it won't give you a literal time-out, it offers something even better: family rewards and recognition for parents who take an active role in growing their parenting skills and connecting with others. Here's how it works: By attending three different Parent Club workshops, parents qualify to receive a Parent Club Pass. This pass unlocks free access to local family-friendly outings like theater or sports events, movie nights, or admission to popular attractions like museums and parks. It's a small gesture with big impact — a way of saying, 'We see you, parents, and we appreciate what you do.' These aren't dry lectures either. Parent Club workshops are offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, and they're designed to be welcoming and practical. The sessions cover topics for parents and caregivers of children at every developmental stage, into the teen years. Parents who attend in-person workshops at some locations benefit from free child care for kids ages 3 to 12, snacks and a chance to win raffle prizes. For those who prefer the comfort of home, virtual workshops are available too. The program not only equips parents with real-life tools for handling everyday challenges — from tantrums to teen troubles — but also fosters a sense of community. That's crucial in a time when parenting can feel incredibly isolating. For many, the Parent Club is as much about connection as it is about education. Credits toward the Parent Club Pass are earned by attending different workshops and completing a short survey. Once you've racked up three credits, The Children's Trust will send you a notification to redeem your pass. It's that simple. For more information and to sign up for a workshop, visit And the support doesn't stop there. Parents can also take advantage of The Children's Trust's upcoming 2025 Family Expo, happening August 2 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. This free, family-centered event offers everything from school supplies to games, entertainment and connections to helpful local child and family programs. It's a great one-stop-shop to prepare for back-to-school season while also having some fun. Learn more at Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is also offering its Parent Summer Academy, a series of webinars and watch parties in July designed to build community and share valuable resources. It's another way to plug into learning, support, and shared experiences— without leaving your house. Visit Parenting in the summer may not always be easy, but with programs like the Parent Club Pass and other family-friendly initiatives, this season can be a time for connection, growth, and a bit of joy. So here's to making the most of the sunshine months — not just for our children but for ourselves, too. Let's turn this summer into a time where we all get a little something back. Director of Programs Bevone Ritchie, M.S., oversees a wide range of parenting and family development programs across the county for The Children's Trust. For more information, visit