Ask the Expert: How to help kids handle holiday stress and sensory overload
The holiday season isn’t always merry for kids so we’re turning to a local expert for advice and top tips.
Laura Byrne
Laura Byrne is an award-winning journalist whose 15+ years in Florida newsrooms have shaped her into a trusted voice for Tampa Bay families. As Creative Director and Managing Editor of Tampa Bay Parenting and Orlando Parenting she leads a team dedicated to delivering expert-backed, locally relevant content for parents and families across the Tampa Bay area. With a career spanning television and print journalism, Laura blends professional expertise with her personal journey as a mom to two boys, offering practical insights that resonate with busy caregivers.Laura earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication at Florida State University. She launched her career in 2002 as a reporter at SNN Local News 6 in Sarasota, followed by stints at WCTV in Tallahassee (2002-2007), WINK News in Fort Myers (2007-2009), and WTSP-TV in Tampa Bay (2009-2013). Over 25 years, she covered politics, crime, and breaking news, earning accolades for her sharp reporting and on-air presence.Since joining the magazine Laura has transformed Tampa Bay Parenting into an award-winning publication, doubling its revenue and creating timely, relevant local content for local parents, while earning multiple Florida Magazine Association Charlie Awards for excellence in journalism.Laura also served on the Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board for Circuit 13, and as a board member of Leadership Hillsborough (Class of 2021-2022). A sustainer of The Junior League of Tampa, Laura’s civic engagement underscores her dedication to the Tampa Bay area.Laura’s insights reach beyond Tampa Bay Parenting. She’s been featured in outlets like WFLA, Tampa Bay Times, and The KNOW Women, sharing expertise on parenting and media.
Articles by Laura Byrne
Put those Gasparilla beads to use: Our favorite DIY crafts
The annual Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza and Gasparilla Pirate Fest are spectacular events that leave you with buckets full BEADS if you are a lucky!!! We scoured Pinterest to find some amazing DIY craft projects to finally put all of those Gasparilla beads to use! All you need is a glue gun or glue, an imagination…
Gallagher’s Christmas Trees: A Tradition of Making Forever Memories
From the picture-perfect pumpkins and Christmas trees to magical moments with Santa, Gallagher’s is more than a pumpkin patch or tree lot.
INSIDE LOOK: The NEW Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland
Check out the NEW Florida Children’s Museum at Lakeland’s Bonnet Springs Park! The Florida Children’s Museum is fun for the whole family!
Ask the Doctor: The “Tripledemic” Collision of Flu, RSV, and Covid
We recently sat down with two local doctors to get expert advice on how parents can better protect our children against RSV, flu and Covid.
7+ Spooky Kid-Friendly Halloween Party Snack Ideas
Jenny P. of @lunchboxmafia is dishing on some spooktacular Halloween party snack ideas that double as lunchbox goodies!
Growing a Garden of Impact with Former Bucs Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson
Dexter Jackson’s passion for plants and people collide to help make a positive and healthy impact on children’s lives in Tampa Bay.
Ask the Doctor: Raising awareness about alopecia
Many women struggle with alopecia, but don’t often talk about it, since many don’t know much about alopecia.
Social Emotional Development with Early Learners: A librarian’s favorite SEL books for kids
Librarian shares her favorite social emotional learning books for kids to address 5 areas of SEL available from your local public library.
Corbett Prep: Setting the Stage for Lifelong Success
For the Butts Family, Corbett Prep is more than just a school. It helped set their children on a path of success they may have never realized.
A Recipe for Success: We’re talking family, business and relationships with the Proper House Group
Chef Farrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen of the Proper House Group dish on success, parenting, and what’s on the menu in the future.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day | 12+ local museums participating!
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day is Saturday, Sept 17, 2022! We’re sharing which Tampa Bay area museums are taking part to open their doors for FREE.
Pasco County’s Scalloping Season Extended to 37 Days in 2023!
Scalloping season in Pasco County returns in 2022 for 10 days of harvesting!
A YES DAY with the Kids at Universal Orlando Resort
Natajassa Prose of @proseandcompany is sharing how she planned a YES DAY at Universal Studios for her kids.
Ask the Doctor: Should My Young Child Get the COVID Vaccine?
The COVID vaccine is now available for kids ages 6 months and older. Dr. Allison Messina, the chief of the Division of Infectious Disease at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, answers common questions.
Esports CAN be a career and Esports Players Club in Tampa is here for it
There’s a lot more to esports than just gaming: it’s a growing industry with lucrative career and scholarship opportunities for kids!
A Florida Scalloping Adventure: Dive in with us to see what it’s like!
If you’ve been wondering what it’s like to go scalloping in Florida, come along with us as we take the dive with Plantation on Crystal River!
Ask the Doctor: The COVID vaccine and your 5 to 11 year-old child
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine has been approved for kids ages 5-11. As the rollout begins, Dr Christina Canody with BayCare answers common questions.
Kids can read to puppies at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Paw for Literacy program!
There are some amazing ways kids can help the animals at the Humane Society, including reading to puppies with the Paws for Literacy program.
NEW ADVENTURES AT MOSI! Get to know MOSI’s New President & CEO: John Graydon Smith
As MOSI looks to the future, a new leader is helping to pave the way. Meet MOSI’s new President and CEO, John Graydon Smith.
