How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Things Like the School Shooting
Johns Hopkins All Childrens expert Dr explains best ways to talk to your kids about scary stuff in the news like school shootings and hurricanes.
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
The Sweetest Donut Shops in Tampa Bay Your Family Has to Try!
We set out to find the best donut shops in Tampa Bay. And boy, did we! But something else happened, too. With every sweet bite, stories began to emerge.
How to Get FREE Admission to Florida State Parks with your Library Card
The Real Florida Reader Day Pass will get you free admission to one of Florida’s 175 state parks through September 12, 2022.
How YOU can get involved with Moms Demand Action in Tampa Bay
Families can join Moms Demand Action in Tampa Bay to fight for change so no family has to endure the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a child to gun violence.
Where to Go Zip Lining in Tampa Bay with the Kids
See Tampa Bay in a while new away as you soar through the treetops. We’re sharing our top picks of places to zip lining in Tampa Bay.
How to play like Blippi in Tampa Bay
Preschool sensation Blippi has made several field trips to Florida, so we’re sharing all of the ways you can PLAY like Blippi in Tampa Bay!
Ask the Car Seat Expert: 7 Tips to Avoid Leaving Kids in Hot Car
Michelle Pratt, a certified car seat safety tech and founder of Safe in the Seat, is sharing easy ways to avoid the tragic mistake of leaving kids in hot cars.
Drive-In Movie Theaters in Tampa Bay
Our media partners at Tampa Bay Date Night Guide are sharing some awesome local drive-in movie theaters to experience with the family!
Where to go for FREE breastfeeding consultations in Tampa
Champions for Children and BayCare Health have teamed up to open two new clinics to provide free breastfeeding consultations.
Mary Lee’s House: Child Advocacy and Protection Center Takes on a Role in an Alliance to Protect Families and Children in our Community
Mary Lee’s House: Child Advocacy and Protection Center Takes on a Role in an Alliance to Protect Families and Children in our Community
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is BACK in 2022
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St Pete Clearwater returns April 8-24.
For the love of BLUEBERRIES! Blueberry bread you’ll love!
The blueberry is the perfect berry to incorporate into your summer menu and lucky you—this favorite fruit is in season in Tampa Bay! Related: Where to pick peaches, blueberries, sunflowers and more in Tampa Bay We went straight to the berry experts, our friends Carley and Brooks Boyette of Boyette Family Farms (Carley is also the former co-host…
The Best Faith Based Summer Camps in Tampa Bay
We’re sharing a list of our favorite faith based summer camps in Tampa Bay from our 2022 Summer Camp Guide.
The Coolest Sleep Away Summer Camp Programs for Tampa Bay Kids
We’re sharing our favorite sleep away summer camps for Tampa Bay kids from our 2022 Summer Camp Guide.
What Parents Need to Know About Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World
We got a sneak peek of the Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser and we’re going over how much it costs, is it worth it and what it’s like.
Here’s what it’s like to ride Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Iron Gwazi officially opens on March 11, but we’re getting a sneak peek of this coaster that’s the world’s TALLEST and STEEPEST hybrid coaster.
Dino Don’s DinoVenture Invades The Bishop in Bradenton
Dino Don’s DinoVenture is a new exhibit on display at The Bishop and we’re getting a peek with the creator, dinosaur expert Don Lessem!
On Exhibit: “Picasso and the Allure of the South” at The Dali in St. Pete
“Picasso and the Allure of the South” features 79 pieces of art by Pablo Picasso, half of which have never been on display in the United States.
Gasparilla: It’s a Family Affair for Maiken Stefany of EventFest
The Gasparilla parades are deeply engrained traditions for many local families dating back generations. We recently spoke with Maiken Stefany of EventFest whose family has helped put on the parades each year since 1985.
Krewe Life: Meet Bryce Alley of KQAR and L.B. Sierra of YMKG
Gasparilla’s roots run deep in Tampa dating back generations to 1904 when the very first ‘invasion’ was concocted as a way to promote the city
