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How to Truly See, Support, and Celebrate Your Middle Child

By
Lori Orlinsky
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Lori Orlinsky is the author of "Being Middle," a children's book which will be released Aug. 12.

When my third daughter was born, my middle child, Ellie, took one look at her baby sister and asked: “When can I see her naked?” That moment marked my official entry into the world of parenting a middle child—unfiltered, unpredictable and unforgettable.

Middle children are often portrayed as the quirky ones, the peacekeepers or the ones quietly struggling to stand out. And while stereotypes like “middle child syndrome” can be overblown, there’s truth behind their need to feel seen, valued and understood.

“Middle children are often squeezed between the spotlight of the oldest and the needs of the youngest,” said Dr. Sandra Whitehouse, senior director at the Child Mind Institute. “This can shape their personality and make them feel overlooked—but it also gives them a unique strength in empathy and independence.”

Here are tried-and-true ways to help your middle child thrive:

1. Listen with Intention

Even when they’re not demanding attention, slow down and tune in. Being truly heard helps middle kids feel important.

2. Create One-on-One Time

A weekly ice cream run or a simple walk together can go a long way. Make time that’s just for the two of you.

Create traditions for you and your middle child to bond through.

3. Let Them Be the Leader

Give them space to shine. Let them plan dinner, pick the movie, or guide a younger sibling. It builds trust and confidence.

4. Celebrate What Makes Them Them

Support their interests, even if they differ from their siblings’. Give them freedom to decorate their room, choose their outfits and explore their passions.

5. Quit the Comparisons

Avoid saying things like, “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” Celebrate your middle child for who they are, not how they measure up.

6. Capture Their Moments

Don’t let their milestones slip by. Take the picture. Share the win. Show them their story matters just as much.

7. Create Traditions Just for Them

Even a small monthly ritual, like “Taco Tuesdays” or a bookshop trip, can help them feel special and prioritized.

RELATED: Baby University Founders Encourage and Support South Toledo Families

8. Ask Their Opinion

Let them weigh in on family plans or daily choices. It reminds them their voice is valued.

9. Encourage Friendships

Outside the Family Middle kids can feel caught between siblings. Help them build their own circles where they can be fully themselves.

10. Ditch the Stereotype

Stop labeling them “the middle child” as a personality type. Speak to their identity, not their birth order.

The truth is, middle kids are magic. They’re resourceful, empathetic, and full of heart. When we show up for them, they rise in remarkable ways.

Lori Orlinsky is a freelance writer and award-winning, bestselling children’s book author. The second book in her BEING ME series, Being Middle will be released on August 12 – National Middle Child’s Day.

August 2025: Free Family Fun

By
Toledo Parent Staff
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Aug. 1

Free First Fridays & Make and Take Craft Day

Enjoy free museum admission and a make-and-take craft. 

Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green

Crazy Craig’s Juggling Variety Show

A high-energy, interactive, family comedy, juggling, variety show.

Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave.

Free PBS Kids Weather Hunters WGTE Movie Night

Catch the premiere of Weather Hunters, a new PBS KIDS show created by Al Roker that blends adventure and comedy to spark curiosity about Earth science and meteorology. Registration is required.

WGTE Public Media, 1270 S. Detroit Ave.

Star Struck: Star Party with Toledo Astronomical Association (All Ages)

Escape city lights and marvel at the night sky with the Toledo Astronomical Association. 

Howard Marsh Metropark, 401-621 S Howard Rd., Curtice

Aug. 3

August Early Stages (ages 3-4) Drop In Class

Parents and preschoolers ages 3-4 are invited to a monthly 45-minute drop-in class using song, movement and puppetry to introduce early theatrical skills.

Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd.

Jeep Fest Family Zone

Inflatables and games for kids of all ages.

Hensville Park, Monroe and N. St. Clair St

Jeep Fest x Imagination Station Kids’ Zone

The Kids’ Zone, hosted by Imagination Station, includes a Jeep® Power Wheels course, science experiments, hands-on activities and more.

Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way

Science Saturday 

Explore the fascinating world of mussels, turtles and fish while learning what makes the species in our rivers and streams so unique.

Providence Metropark, 13827 US 24 West, Grand Rapids

Aug. 4

Be My Neighbor Day

Lucas County residents can enjoy free zoo admission during Be My Neighbor Day, featuring visits with Daniel Tiger, special crafts, care package assembly, giveaways and other tiger-tastic activities.

The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way

Aug. 5

Shots for Tots n Teens

Shots 4 Tots is a Toledo-Lucas County Health Department program offering immunizations for children from birth to age 18, administered by professional public health nurses.

Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd., Holland

National Night Out

Join Metroparks Toledo Rangers, Toledo Police, Firefighters, and community partners for a free, family-friendly event featuring face painting, free roller skating, touch-a-truck vehicles, rock climbing, a toy giveaway, and a kids’ bicycle course.

Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St.

Aug. 6

Toddler Trails (Ages 0-3)

Introduce your little ones to the wonders of nature with this outdoor, multi-sensory play and exploration program, where toddlers and their adult companions discover and connect with the natural world together. Registration is required.

Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave.

Rollin’ Free Wednesdays at The Ribbon

Roll into summer fun with Rollin’ Free Wednesdays at The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark! Every Wednesday through August 27, enjoy free roller skate and blade rentals. 

With generous support from S&G 

Glass City Riverwalk, 1001 Front St.

Aug. 7

Toledo Botanical Garden Play Date

The Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo invites families with young children to a free playground playdate.

Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr.

Family Movie & Karaoke Night

Sing along during community karaoke followed by an outdoor screening of Wicked under the stars. 

Smith Park, 668 Dorr St.

Aug. 8

Movie and a Craft: Moana 2

Spend thet afternoon watching “Moana 2” and making a beautiful lei to take home.

Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr.

Lightyear – BGSU Summer Movie Series

Features a pre-movie experience with BGSU Planetarium “Star Talk” shows, followed by a screening of Disney’s “Lightyear” on McLeod Lawn. Stick around for telescope viewing after the film; weather permitting!

Bowling Green State University, 1001 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green

RELATED: Kids Eat Free! Or Close To It

Aug. 9

Back to School Fair 2025

Talk with staff from different local schools, extracurricular activities and more!

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St.

Rise & Thrive Back to School Community Health Fair

Families are invited to a community event offering mental health resources, school and sports physicals, vision and dental screenings and more.

Wayman Palmer YMCA, 200 E. Bancroft St.

Oak Openings Metropark Play Date

The Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo invites families with young children to a free playground playdate.

Oak Openings Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton

Tinkering Takeover

Enjoy interactive science and engineering with a spark of creativity during Imagination Station’s Tinkering Takeover.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd.

Aug. 11

Tinkering Takeover

Get excited about STEAM with hands-on activities exploring circuits, coding, fabrication and more!

Toledo Heights Branch Library, 423 Shasta Dr.

Aug. 12

Countdown to Kindergarten

Get ready for Kindergarten with the Library at this fun, informational event. Registration is required.

Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave.

Aug. 13

Try it! Youth Fishing (Ages 17 and Under)

Youth ages 17 and under can enjoy a free fishing event with poles and bait available while supplies last (ages 16 and 17 must have an Ohio fishing license); participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.

Cannonball Prairie Metropark, 9725 Monclova Rd., Monclova

Family Pride Night

Enjoy family-friendly games and activities in honor of Toledo Pride.

Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St.

Aug. 14

Oregon Splash Pad Play Date

Splash around with Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo. 

Oregon Recreations Dept, 5330 Seaman Rd., Oregon

Family Movie & Kickball Night

Family Movie & Kickball Night returns to Detwiler Park with a free screening of “Captain America: Brave New World,” back‑to‑school kickball fun and eSports gaming. 

Detwiler Park, 3900 N. Summit St.

Aug. 15

Library Playdate

Children and their favorite grown-up are invited to a fun, engaging program designed to build early literacy skills through play and exploration.

Sylvania Branch Library, 6749 Monroe St., Sylvania

Rockets Movie Night

The University of Toledo will host a free community movie night featuring bounce houses, themed games and autographs from student-athletes.

Glass Bowl Stadium, 1745 Stadium Dr.

Aug. 16

2025 Black Men’s Wellness Day

Visit the Kids Zone to let your little ones explore health and wellness through fun, interactive and educational activities designed just for them.

Scott High School, 2400 Collingwood Blvd.

Back to School, Back to Nature Bash

Get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure at the Back to School, Back to Nature Bash, a family-friendly outdoor event that encourages movement, creativity and mindfulness in nature.

Swan Creek Metropark, 4659 Airport Hwy.

Aug. 19

Shots for Tots n Teens

An immunization program for children from birth through 18 years of age is administered by professional public health nurses for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd.

Aug. 20

August Kids Club

Whip up some fun at this month’s Kids Club: In the Kitchen, where little chefs create simple snacks like fruit pizza or trail mix while learning about healthy eating through hands-on, interactive activities.

Franklin Park Mall, 5001 Monroe St.

Aug. 21

Woodlands Park Playdate

Let the kids enjoy the playground at Woodlands Park in Perrysburg while you relax and socialize in the shade! 

Woodlands Park, 429 E. Boundary St., Perrysburg

Aug. 25

Preschool Dance Party

Join the lively dance party designed just for kids ages 2-5, filled with music, movement and toe-tapping fun!

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd.

Aug. 26

Mommy Meet Ups

Connect with a community of fellow Black moms while learning valuable pregnancy and parenting information in a space focused on rest and stress relief. Registration is required.

ProMedica Ebeid Center, 1806 Madison Ave.

Aug. 28

Burnham Park Play Date

Enjoy the playgrounds and explore the sand box construction site at Burnham Park with Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo.

Burnham Park. 6850 Maplewood Ave., Sylvania

Kinderskills

Kinderskills helps children ages 3 to 6 prepare for kindergarten through storytime and fun activities that build gross and fine motor skills.

Walbridge Library, 108 N. Main St., Walbridge

Aug. 30

Try it! Youth Fishing

Youth ages 17 and under can enjoy a free fishing event with poles and bait available while supplies last (ages 16 and 17 must have an Ohio fishing license); participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.

Cannonball Prairie Metropark, 9725 Monclova Rd., Monclova

Aug. 31

Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo End of Summer Party

Celebrate the end of summer at The Ribbon with your skates and scooters, plus ice cream with the Mothers’ Center of Greater Toledo!

Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St.

Library Programs

Your Next Move: Real Talk on What’s After High School!

This interactive workshop is designed to help teens explore all the options out there after graduation.

Aug. 1

Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3265 Glanzman Rd.

Aug. 4

Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St.

King Road Branch Library, 3900 King Rd.

Aug. 5

Main Library, 325 N. Michigan St.

Aug. 6

Sanger Branch Library, 3030 W. Central Ave.

Aug. 7

Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St.

Holland Branch Library, 1032 S. McCord Rd, Holland

Animals Up Close with Indiana Wild

Learn about conservation, protecting wildlife, and responsible pet ownership.

Aug. 4

Birmingham Branch Library, 203 Paine Ave.

Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon

Aug. 5

Locke Branch Library, 703 Miami St.

Maumee Branch Library, 501 River Rd., Maumee

South Branch Library, 1736 Broadway St.

Recognizing Safe Sport Day: Taking Action Together

By
U.S. Center for SafeSport
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The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides a sport safety check-list for parents.

International Safe Sport Day is recognized annually on August 8. As families across the United States are transitioning from summer activities to a new school year, Safe Sport Day provides an important opportunity to take a step back and think about the resources, skills and rules that are necessary to prioritize safety in sport.

We all want athletes to experience the benefits of sport: teamwork, setting goals, striving to improve, building confidence, learning sportsmanship and developing healthy habits for life. This commitment means we cannot forget about our collective role and responsibility in creating constructive sport environments.

As parents and adults in the lives of children, you are essential in the well-being of your young athletes. And, you don’t have to do it alone. The U.S. Center for SafeSport is in your corner—on International Safe Sport Day and everyday—to support you in creating environments free of abuse and build demand for a healthier sport culture where every young athlete can thrive.

Sport safety checklist for parents

This time frame from the end of summer and back-to-school is incredibly busy. Children are getting ready for a significant transition and parents and guardians are making sure their kids are ready for the classroom.

Amid all the chaos (or once things start to settle), it’s important to find time to explore sport safety resources and tools. The U.S. Center for SafeSport has a list of steps parents and guardians can take below. While this isn’t a one-and-done exercise, this transitional period marks an important opportunity for a safety refresh.

Tip: The SafeSport Ready App has resources and tools you can access while on the go. So, the next time you find yourself with a few moments during halftime, waiting for practice to get out, or a game to start, you can explore prevention education resources and more.

RELATED: A Mental Health Day, Used Wisely, can Rejuvenate Overburdened Youngsters

When it comes to safety, parents are often the first line of defense. You should feel empowered with the support, tools, and resources to advocate for your child’s wellbeing in every aspect of their athletic experience. On International Safe Sport Day, we recognize that every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from sport, safe from abuse and misconduct. It’s a responsibility we all share, and the U.S. Center for SafeSport is here to help.

More SafeSport resources

Facing Daily Challenges as a Parent with Personal Health Hurdles

By
Mary Rose Kulczak
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LaKedria and Don Lozano tackle the daily challenges of parenting through health challenges.
The Lozano family includes children Espy (10), Renny (8), Lio (6) and Rio (5).

 

Parenting little ones can be exhausting, even on the best of days. But parents with debilitating diseases, illnesses or disabilities have even more hurdles to overcome on a daily basis. 

LaKedria Lozano knows this all too well. As a homeschooling mother of four children, ages 5 to 10, her weekly calendar is already full. She also has to manage multiple health conditions, from fibromyalgia and migraines to partial blindness. Recently, she was diagnosed with a condition called necrotizing autoimmune myopathy, a condition which affects her muscles in a way that now requires dependence on walking aids.

“If you look at me, you’d probably not be able to tell that I’m dealing with a lot of challenges,” Lozano said. “I’ve always been one to get around by any means necessary, and not make my life revolve around any of my challenges while I’m doing normal things, like going to the park with my kids.” 

Parent guilt

Oftentimes, the parent with a disability will feel guilt and inadequacy when it comes to interactions with their children. They want to be present and active, but they know their own limitations. “Mom guilt is so real and it’s something that I deal with often. I try to give my kids the best life possible along with my husband, but sometimes I feel like I don’t do enough or they are missing out on things because I physically can’t get around,” she said.

Lozano and her husband try hard to create the typical childhood memories for their family despite their limitations. “One of the biggest parenting challenges I have is trying to make sure my kids have opportunities to be kids despite having a mom who can’t drive. They are tired of my unpredictable health. They have unfortunately witnessed me at some of my worst moments. It truly breaks my heart when I have to say ‘No, we can’t go to the park because I’m not able to handle it.’”

Advice for parents with health issues

Finding a balance between parental responsibility and prioritizing health is important. Here are some coping mechanisms that Lozano employs:

  • Find a good support system

“In addition to my amazing husband, Don, who drives me everywhere and is an amazing dad, I also have my mother-in-law in the area and a helpful, loving church family at Northpoint Church of the Nazarene. They will come to me quickly if I call and need anything.”

  • Avoid the comparison trap

“You are doing the best that you can for your family. Try not to compare yourself to that mom who has a challenge but can do this or that.”

  • Be an example for your children

“Your kids are watching and learning. You are showing them how to be empathetic and help others. It’s all about how we approach our challenges and how we handle them.”

  • Find your people

“Build a village of support and use it. This doesn’t have to be just family and close friends. I join Facebook groups, where I connect with others experiencing similar things, which leads to in-person connections and more support in general.”

  • Get professional assistance

“Seek therapy to protect your peace.”

RELATED: Toledo Families Share the Impact of Assistance Dogs

The Importance of Self Care

Lozano has a Master’s degree in voice performance and pedagogy, along with a Bachelor’s degree in music and specialty certifications in teaching. She has taught music in many classrooms and settings, but has recently had to scale back because of the unpredictable nature of her health. “I’ve recently hit my ‘rock bottom’, and am really taking a step back. I’m going to focus on self care,” she said.

“I try to shake things off and push through the pain and just do the best that I possibly can. My kids know that they are loved and have their needs physically, mentally, academically and emotionally met. But again, mom guilt likes to sneak in often. Hopefully, in sharing my story, I can help others seek support.”

Simple Ways to Teach Teens How to Budget

By
Beth Rush
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Teaching your teen how to budget early can go a long way.

Teaching teens about budgeting gives them a head start on financial independence. It’s about learning how to plan, prioritize and feel in control. With many young adults struggling with debt or unexpected expenses, building good habits early makes a difference.

As a parent, you don’t need to be a financial expert to guide them. With a few simple tools — and some help from local Toledo programs — your teen can learn to manage money with confidence.

Start with the basics

Before diving into spreadsheets or apps, help your kid understand what a budget actually is — a plan for how to use money wisely. Explain the difference between income and expenses or savings. Keep it simple and age-appropriate.

You can even sketch out a basic monthly budget together on paper to show how money comes in and goes out. Framing it as a tool for freedom, not restriction, makes budgeting feel empowering rather than stressful.

Use real-life examples to build financial awareness

Money lessons stick when teens can connect them to everyday life. Show them how you budget for groceries, gas or family outings. Involve them in planning for a birthday party or school trip, walking through the cost of each line item.

These conversations build awareness without being preachy. You might also introduce them to the concept of patient financial responsibility — how adults budget for health care costs or emergencies. This is an important budgeting skill to have, considering three-fifths of U.S. adults have a chronic disease.

Give teens hands-on experience 

Let your child take ownership by using simple tools that make budgeting interactive. There are beginner-friendly apps designed for teens, or you can use a shared Google Sheet to track income and expenses. Try setting a monthly “practice budget” based on their allowance and earnings.

Encourage them to split it into categories like spending, saving and giving, and review it together at the end of the month. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and seeing their decisions play out helps build lasting money habits.

Encourage goal-oriented saving

Help your teen get excited about saving by tying it to something they really want. Whether it’s new headphones, a concert ticket or a car fund, having a clear goal makes saving feel purposeful.

Break the goal into smaller milestones so they can track progress along the way. You can even match a percentage of what they save to boost motivation. This approach reinforces that budgeting is about cutting back while building toward something more meaningful.

Talk about wants vs. needs 

The concept of wants vs. needs is simple, but it takes repetition to stick. Use teachable moments — like shopping trips or online purchases — to explore why they choose to do what they do.

Ask questions like “Do we need this right now, or do we just want it?” Avoid shaming them for impulse buys. Instead, guide them toward thinking critically about their choices. Over time, they’ll learn to budget with more intention and balance.

Connect budgeting to long-term financial responsibility

As your teen grows, start connecting budgeting to bigger financial responsibilities like saving for college, managing a bank account or even planning for health care costs down the line. This opens the door to talking about things like credit, debt and emergency savings without overwhelming them. Position budgeting as a skill that builds independence, especially as they prepare for life after high school or a first job.

RELATED: Level Up Your Parenting: Turning Chores into Epic Quests

Find local resources and workshops 

Your teen doesn’t have to learn about budgeting alone — Toledo offers great community resources to help. Check out local banks like Fifth Third Bank or KeyBank, which occasionally host teen-focused financial literacy workshops. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library also offers free programs on money management throughout the year.

Cents and sensibility

Teaching teens about budgeting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With real-life examples, hands-on tools and the right local support, your kid can build money habits that will serve them for life. Start small, stay consistent and celebrate progress. You’re helping shape a financially confident young adult.

Local Group Seeks Donors to Continue Providing Movies and a Meal for Library Village Kids

By
Dennis Bova
-

A community group will be showing a Marvel action-adventure movie to an audience of youths, who will be fed pizza and snacks, all for free. But to keep up what has become a monthly event, the group needs superheroes, so to speak, to come forward as donors.

Since April 2024, the Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie have shown a movie on the last Saturday of each month at the West Toledo Branch Library, 1320 W. Sylvania Ave.  It’s open to youths from grade school through junior high and high school.

Their families or care providers are welcome, but it’s really about the kids, said Douglas Berger, president of the group. The Secular Humanists chose Toledo’s Library Village neighborhood because “there’s quite a bit of low-income families and not a lot to do. This gives the kids someplace to go for free.”

The group awaited a grant from the American Humanist Association to cover the movie and a meal event through the end of 2025. However, the uncertainty of funding in the current political climate led the association to pause the grants, Berger said.

RELATED: Summer Fun With Capt. Scupper’s Kid’s Club

So the Secular Humanists have put out the call for donors, with a goal of raising $1,000 to $1,200. If that happens, the monthly movies will continue through the end of 2025, and possibly beyond.

“We have enough funds on hand for July and August,” Berger said. Without donations, “after that we’ll have to suspend.”

Berger said the monthly films have drawn as many as 30 children. The West Toledo Branch already attracts children through its free lunch program and homework helpers, he said. Sometimes parents join their children in the library to do research, and stop in the basement auditorium with them to watch the movie as a family.

Berger said the movies are Disney or Disney-related, and have an element of science or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) topics.

The next film on Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. will be the Marvel superhero movie Thunderbolts.

The Secular Humanists of Western Lake Erie said its mission is to provide a supportive local community for humanists and other nontheists, while promoting an ethical, reasonable, and secular approach to life through education, community service, outreach, activism and social events.

Berger said the group makes no statements nor proselytizes to the movie audience. He said sometimes an interested adult asks about the group, so Berger provides a business card. “There are no strings attached” to movie attendance, he said.

He said the Lake Erie group was founded in 2018 to “provide a safe space for free thinkers and secular people. We support diversity, inclusion and equity. We don’t turn anybody away.”

The group of about 30 meets monthly at different public libraries, and is taking a break over summer, to pick back up in September.

Berger sees Secular Humanists filling a niche in the overall Toledo community. “Toledo has a history for free thought,” he said.

And when it comes to providing entertainment and food for youths through the monthly movies, he said “it’s something fun to do.”

(Berger said tax-deductible donations can be made by visiting humanistswle.org/donations/kidsmovie)

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