Guide to Living With Food Allergies
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
What do Martha Stewart, a 9-year-old with food allergies, and a nonprofit allergy and asthma group have in common? We're all getting the word out about life-threatening allergies!Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to patient education and advocacy, applauds Martha Stewart for her January 29 television segment on food allergies. Lori Sandler and her son Benjamin -- who is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and milk -- taught Martha how to make delicious cupcakes without milk or eggs. Lori started her own bakery, Divvies, to help families like hers find delicious treats the whole family could enjoy together.
Allergy to food, insect stings, latex or medications can cause anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe allergic reaction that affects your whole body. Any allergic reaction -- the first exposure or the fiftieth -- could lead to anaphylaxis, and people with asthma are at greatest risk for an allergic reaction progressing to anaphylaxis.
"Anaphylaxis: A Guide for You and Me," a 20-page special edition of AANMA's "Allergy & Asthma Today" magazine, explains the causes of and treatment for anaphylaxis -- in language patients and families can use! AANMA thanks Dey, L.P. for their sponsorship of this important educational resource.
Scheduled for a February 1 release, "Anaphylaxis: A Guide for You and Me" offers tips for diagnosing food allergies, avoiding stinging insects, and connecting exercise and medications to anaphylaxis. It also includes AANMA's groundbreaking article "When Anaphylaxis Looks Like Asthma," which reveals the potentially life-threatening similarities between asthma and anaphylaxis symptoms. The "Epinephrine How-To Guide" explains how epinephrine -- a medication that temporarily stops symptoms of anaphylaxis -- affects your body and illustrates a practice session. And advocates of any age can use the English/Spanish "Breathe: It's the Law" poster to spread the word about state laws protecting students' rights to carry and use their auto-injectable epinephrine at school.
Download "Anaphylaxis: A Guide for You and Me" at http://www.breatherville.org/farmersmarket or call 800.878.4403 to order a copy (limited copies available).
Labels: child health
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, January 30, 2008,
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Help for Winter Skin
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
By itself, dry skin isn't a medical worry, but serious cases can result in cracks and fissures that invite infection and inflammation. This is one problem that hasn't suffered from lack of attention in the marketplace, though: there are dozens of creams and lotions for dry skin. But what ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer? Well-controlled studies are few and far between. The fact is that despite the long lists of obscure ingredients and the pseudoscientific hokum, all moisturizers help with dry skin for a pretty simple reason: they supply a little bit of water to the skin and contain a greasy substance that holds it in, reports the February 2008 issue of the "Harvard Health Letter". One reason for the proliferation of moisturizers is the continuing search for a mix of ingredients that holds in water like petrolatum -- a greasy substance known to many people as Vaseline -- but feels nicer on the skin. The good news is that despite all the unknowns, you really can't go wrong. Almost all the moisturizers on the market will help with dry skin, and in most cases, the choice comes down to simply whether you like the feel and smell.
The "Harvard Health Letter" suggests some additional tips for people with dry skin:
- Turn down the thermostat: Hot air is drier than cool air.
- Use a humidifier: It can help put moisture back in the air.
- Take warm, not hot, baths or showers: Hot water whisks away the fatty substances in the skin that help it retain water.
- Stay protected: Windy outdoor air is very drying, so bundle up.
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, January 29, 2008,
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FAQs by Parents in Kid's Check-Ups
Monday, January 28, 2008
Newswise -- When parents bring their children in for routine check-ups many are hoping the doctors and nurse practitioners caring for them will do more than just check blood pressure, listen to their heart and provide any necessary vaccinations. Parents with adolescent-age children also want health care providers to talk with their kids about issues related to sexuality, diet, drug abuse and tobacco use, according to a report released today by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health.
The National Poll on Children’s Health -- which asked parents of 11- to 17-year-old kids to rate 18 health-related topics for health care providers to address during an adolescent's routine check-up -- found that diet/nutrition, exercise/sports and the physical changes of puberty were the overall top three issues parents want discussed, followed by drugs, tobacco, sexually transmitted diseases and depression/suicide.
Top 10 topics parents consider very important for doctors to discuss with adolescents, according to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health:
1. Diet/nutrition
2. Exercise/sports
3. Physical changes of puberty
4. Drug use
5. Tobacco use
6. Sexually transmitted diseases
7. Depression/suicide
8. Obesity
9. Drinking
10. Eating disorders
The adolescent health issues that didn't make the top 10 list: bullying, pregnancy prevention, relationships with family/friends, safety, school performance, sexual abstinence, violence and religion/faith. The poll also revealed that how parents ranked health topics varied based on their children’s race, ethnicity, gender and age.
"With more than 35 million adolescents living in the United States, understanding which health topics parents value most during routine check-ups is an important component of providing the best care possible to children," says lead researcher Amanda F. Dempsey, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, a member of the CHEAR Unit team in the Division of General Pediatrics at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
The poll revealed that parents' ranking of health topics varied based on their children's race and ethnicity. While diet and nutrition ranked No. 1 for whites, blacks and Hispanics, the groups were not in agreement on the other top five health topics doctors should discuss with adolescents during routine check ups. Most notably, 77 percent of Hispanics felt drug use was the second most important topic doctors should address, while whites and blacks ranked exercise/sports as their No. 2 choice.Labels: child health
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, January 28, 2008,
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Tips for Staying Warm in Winter Weather
Sunday, January 27, 2008
According to the American Red Cross' tips on staying safe in cold weather, in addition to dressing in warm layers, staying dry is important to avoiding emergencies such as hypothermia and frost bite this winter season. Lands' End (http://www.landsend.com/outerwear) is releasing five easy tips for protecting against the sub-zero temperatures and preventing wintertime injuries."At Lands' End, we offer a full range of functional and fashionable outerwear options for adults and children. Each coat has an exclusive, designated temperature rating to guide the selection of a coat that meets the climate conditions," said Geoff Werner, Lands' End Vice President, seasonal apparel and footwear. "Lands' End's extensive outerwear collection enables everyone to stay warm and dry at an affordable price and also takes the worry away."
Tip 1: Look for a strong outer layer
Look for a tightly woven outer layer when selecting a winter coat. Specifically, look for jackets, such as the Arctic 3-in-1 Parka, with strong, wind resistant shells to reduce the heat loss caused by extreme winds. Lands' End has exclusive temperature ratings on all outerwear and icons showing whether each jacket is windproof, water resistant or waterproof, making it easy to find the right outerwear.
Tip 2: Stay dry with warm winter boots
Look for fashionable warm winter boots to keep feet dry and warm. A wide selection of Lands' End snow boots are antimicrobial to fight odor, are water/wear resistant, have at least 400 grams of insulation to fight the cold, and are available with 360 degrees reflective trim for added safety. Lands' End recommends the Snow Tech Boots for kids and the Trello Boots for adults, which feature a feature a gripping sole to avoid slipping when there is ice on the ground.
Tip 3: Add extra warmth with next-to-skin layers
Staying warm in frigid temperatures starts with a base layer. For children, add extra layers to keep warm when it's time for snow day play. Lands' End Thermaskins pull moisture away from the skin to keep it warm and dry. The synthetic fabric also dries quickly, which is a huge advantage over cotton long johns.
Tip 4: Protect the extremities
Most body heat is lost through uncovered heads and other extremities, so hats, gloves and scarves are essential. Choose coordinating accessories that are soft against the skin, but are durable, made from materials such as merino wool, nylon and microfleece. Select nylon/fleece lined gloves and hats, such as the ThermaCheck(R) accessories, for the ultimate protection during severe weather.
Tip 5: For children -- know the school requirements
(Source: Lands' End)
Labels: child health, family, tips
posted by Jennifer James @ Sunday, January 27, 2008,
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Dental Fillings Safe for Children
Saturday, January 26, 2008
For years parents and some researchers have raised pertinent questions about mercury-based dental fillings for children. Their concern has always been what neurological effect would the mercury fillings have on children.Now a research team from the University of Portugal, Lisbon and the University of Washington have discovered the amalgams, or fillings, have no neurological effect on children at all.
Beginning in 1997, 507 Portuguese children between the ages of 8 and 12 were studied to determine if there was any link between mercury fillings and neurological disorders in adolescents. Routine tests such as sensory-motor skills tests and neurological assessments were taken and no disorders were discovered.
"These data indicate the absence of a generalized negative effect on children’s nervous system functions stemming from the presence of dental amalgam," they continue, "and while we cannot rule out potential adverse reactions in individual children, we found no indications of any."
This study was published in the February issue of the The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Labels: child health
posted by Jennifer James @ Saturday, January 26, 2008,
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Obesity in Minority Children Spurred By Aggressive Marketing
Friday, January 25, 2008
After countless studies and academic assessments, we know black children have some of the highest rates of obesity in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control 18.5 percent of black boys and 25. 4 percent of black girls are overweight. Now researchers say one of the reasons black adolescents are overweight and obese is because of aggressive marketing.
"Obesity rates are significantly higher among many ethnic groups other than non-Hispanic whites, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Pacific Islanders" said Sonya A. Grier, an associate professor of marketing at American University’s Kogod School of Business. "Yet much research in marketing does not include ethnically diverse samples."
The study found that ethnic minorities were more apt to believe eating fast food was the norm because of aggressive marketing practices. Black and Hispanic parents also reported receiving more fast-food marketing materials and having greater access to fast food because these restaurants were very prevalent in their neighborhoods.
Reading Resources:
The Kids' Yoga Deck: 50 Poses and Games
Athletic Fitness for Kids
Labels: child health, obesity
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, January 25, 2008,
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Tips for hiring a limo for prom night
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Before you know it, teens will be prepping for the prom and having a limo take them to the big dance is a mainstay for a lot of parents. The National Limousine Association provides these five tips when you hire a transportation service for your teenager's big night:1. Ask the transportation company for the Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on Prom night. Many limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on Prom with their teens.
2. Give the transportation company a curfew. That's right; the chauffer will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way ensure your kids make it home on time, no excuses.
3. Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. If you are still stuck, consult www.nlaride.com. The National Limousine Association's website lists licensed, properly insured limousine professionals by community. Consumers can compare services, pricing, vehicle availability and receive non-binding online price quotes.
4. Set some ground rules. As the parent, you have the right to tell the transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffer keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride, so that he/she has a full grasp of what your kids are up to. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffer can turn the car around and bring your kids home.
5. Remember to sit back and relax. A reputable company hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Theses chauffeurs are used to carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.
Labels: high school, prom
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, January 23, 2008,
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Green Kids
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Kids are now getting involved in the green movement by recycling more and using less thanks to Scholastic.com. If you are interested in giving your children tools and information about living a less wasteful life, consider Scholastic's ACT GREEN! program.Developed in consultation with an environmental scientist from the University of California at Berkeley, ACT GREEN! at www.scholastic.com/actgreen provides kids, parents and teachers with free actionable information that will help them preserve the environment.
Kids can find videos, quizzes, articles, tips, action plans, and downloads to help them on their green journey.
Labels: parenting
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, January 22, 2008,
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Here's Your Chance to Win a $25,000 Renovated Room
Monday, January 21, 2008
We know there's something very special about redecorating one's living space. When you change something as simple as the color of your living room's walls or buy a brand new sofa, you instantly feel renewed and invigorated.
How do you think you'd feel if you won a room renovation worth $25,000? Probably like a million bucks, right?
Kimberly-Clark, one of the most looked to companies for products moms love and routinely use like Huggies (R), Pull-Ups(R) and Kleenex(R) is giving away $25,000 each weekday in the Kimberly-Clark Room-A-Day Giveaway.
Kimberly-Clark will award 16 lucky winners $25,000 to renovate any room in their house between January 28 to February 15 on The View. The final contestant winner will be announced March 21st on the "Room-a-Day Giveaway" website.
Want to enter? We know you do! Enter the sweepstakes daily by going to http://www.roomadaygiveaway.com/
Labels: contests
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, January 21, 2008,
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Mental Health Screening Beneficial for Preschoolers
Friday, January 18, 2008
A new study out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says preschoolers can benefit from good mental health screening as 11- 15 percent of all children under the age of 18 have a diagnosable mental health disorder. But, according to researchers, only 21 percent of children who could benefit from these early screenings are seen by a professional."The challenge programs face is in finding an assessment tool that can easily and quickly be given by early childhood educators; that provides accurate, easily interpreted, and useful results; and that holds up under scientific scrutiny," said Oscar Barbarin, Ph.D, who is also the Preyer Distinguished Professor of Strengthening Families at UNC's School of Social Work. "ABLE appears to do that and can be used as a universal screening instrument to help allocate limited mental health resources."
ABLE is a screening tool used in pre-kindergarten that helps professionals assess emotional, language, attention, and behavioral problems in children. "This research shows that programs can improve their effectiveness in serving at-risk children by using a simple mental health screening process to identify and provide early intervention services," Barbarin said.
Labels: child health
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, January 18, 2008,
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Contribute to Kentucky's Black History
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Another image collected for the encyclopedia is of individuals attending an American War Mothers convention held at First Baptist Church in Frankfort, Ky.
Newswise - Everyone wants to make their mark on history, and the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia Project will make that possible for student researchers, scholars and the public. The project is reaching out to individuals interested in contributing to the creation of this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia, thought to be the first state encyclopedia of its kind in the nation.
"The Kentucky African American Encyclopedia will capture rare and significant aspects of Kentucky history," said Gerald L. Smith, one of the publication's three scholarly editors representing Kentucky's universities. "It will serve as an academic springboard for scholars interested in studying Kentucky and the South."
Editors have begun compiling the volume at their offices on the University of Kentucky campus. The publication, which is scheduled to be published in 2011, will include information on individuals, events, institutions and movements that shaped the Commonwealth. Another unique element of the project is the editors' invitation to the public to participate in the creation of history by submitting entries interactively to the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia.
Through the Kentucky African American Encyclopedia Web site individuals can submit ideas for entries to the publication and even craft the submissions by contracting with the project. People can select entries from the current subject list or even recommend a subject for inclusion in the volume, which will be comprised of more than 1,000 entries. Criteria for selections are online at www.uky.edu/kaae/selection.html. Final selection of entries will be made upon recommendations of the book's 14 topical editors to the encyclopedia's general editors and the University Press of Kentucky, the publishing press. Those individuals wishing to submit an entry should contact the project via e-mail at uk-kaae@lsv.uky.edu.
Labels: education
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, January 17, 2008,
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What Kind of New York City Parent Are You?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
New York City Parents:Time Out Kids just launched a new quiz called "What kind of NYC parent are you?", and we thought you might be interested in taking it to find out if you're most like a Posh Mama, a Hipster Papa, etc. What kind of NYC parent are you?
At the end of the quiz, you will be directed to a list of shops, play spaces and services that best suit your styles.
Also, don't forget New York City parent bloggers, you are invited to a free play date at the New York Kids Club. Here's your invitation!
Labels: parents
posted by Jennifer James @ Wednesday, January 16, 2008,
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The Best Children's Books of 2007
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The American Library Association bestowed the 2008 highest honors in children's literature yesterday. Here are the winners.
Coretta Scott King Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults
King Author Book winner
Elijah Of Buxton
King Illustrator Book winner
Let it Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Author Award
Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It
John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature.
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!: Voices from a Medieval Village
Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults.
The White Darkness
Labels: children's books
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, January 15, 2008,
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No Child Left Behind Fosters Underachievement, Expert Says
Monday, January 14, 2008
Although the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act was ideally created to help more children become well-educated Maryland Associate Professor of Education Linda Valli said it has done the complete opposite. According to Valli NCLB "actually undermined the quality of teaching in reading and math." After studying fourth and fifth grade reading and math instruction for five years Valli and her team discovered NCLB puts high stakes on test taking and as a result diminishes teachers' ability to teach high cognitive content. Instead teachers all over the country are simply forced to "teach to the test".
Our data show that what we would call high-quality teaching decreased over that period of time," Valli said. "There were declines in teaching higher-order thinking, in the amount of time spent on complex assignments."
Parent Resources:
- National Education Association: Getting Involved in Your Child's Education
- National African-American Homeschoolers Alliance: How to Start Homeschooling Your Child
Labels: education
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, January 14, 2008,
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Obesity Fuels Depression in Middle-Aged Women
Friday, January 11, 2008
We all want to be the best parents we can, but we have a harder time doing so when we're obese. New research says obese middle-aged women tend to be depressed and their depression is fueled by excess weight, higher calorie intake, and physical inactivity. "When people gain weight, they're more likely to become depressed, and when they get depressed, they have more trouble losing weight," said lead author Gregory Simon, M.D, a psychiatrist and researcher at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.
In a study of 4641 women, those with clinical depression were more likely to be obese, defined as having a body-mass index of 30 or more.
"The stigma of being overweight could hurt self-esteem, and thus, efforts to lose weight, Simon said. "It's not that these women are clueless," he said. "It's that they're hopeless."
Reading Resources:
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, January 11, 2008,
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Blogger Party New York City Parents
Thursday, January 10, 2008
If you are a New York City blogger we have an invitation you'll definitely not want to turn down! The New York Kids Club is throwing two free play dates for parents and their children.
EVENT DETAILS
WHO? Local bloggers, their children and The New York Kids Club Team
WHAT? The New York Kids Club Blogger Event featuring FREE Open Play and Activities for local families
WHEN AND WHERE? The New York Kids Club will be holding events at two of our locations:
January 11th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
169 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
Attendees should call (212) 721-4100 or send an email to nykidsclub68@nykidsclub.com to RSVP.
- OR -
January 18th from 4:00 PM -6:00 PM
219 East 67th Street, New York, NY
Attendees should call (212) 991-6700 or send an email to nykidsclub67@nykidsclub.com to RSVP.
WHY? These events provide a great opportunity for local families to experience first hand what the New York Kids Club has to offer.
On the Net: New York Kids Club
Labels: opportunities
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, January 10, 2008,
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School District OKs Tracking Devices for Students
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The ACLU has criticized a Rhode Island school district for introducing a pilot program that will put GPS trackers on two school buses and computer chips on students' backpacks.
In the program, 80 children will attach radio frequency identification chips, or RFID chips, to their backpacks. The school district believes the tracking devices will help them monitor when children load and unload the buses and help to identify buses that are delayed and the children that are on board.
The ACLU, however, believes tracking children is an infringement of individual privacy as well as a needless way of keeping up with children.
Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, sent a letter to Kraeger and members of the school committee calling the plan "a solution in search of a problem" and saying the school district should already have procedures in place to track where its students are. (Source)
What do you think? Is this school district overstepping their boundaries by making children wear tracking devices? If you are reading this post via a feed, click here to weigh in.
Labels: schools
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, January 08, 2008,
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New Institute Studies Achievement Gap
Monday, January 7, 2008
Who else is tired of hearing about the achievement gap and then never hearing about any sizable, relevant improvements to diminish it? A new institute, the Institute for the Study of African-American Children, at Wayne State University will look intently at the growing achievement gap between white and black children. And, as usual, the leaders of the institute want to take a differnet approach: rally to community to help build assessments and reduce the academic achievment levels of black children.
Are you just as tired about hearing about these studies and institutes that try to improve black academic achievement just to begin at square one again as we are?
What do you think needs to happen to get black children and their families on the right track?
Labels: education
posted by Jennifer James @ Monday, January 07, 2008,
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Curious George Introduces Children to Engineering
Sunday, January 6, 2008
This January Curious George will be building and introducing preschoolers to the wonderful world of engineering. Your preschooler will see Curious George change himself into a robot, build a bridge, and construct a periscope. Tune in to four brand-new CURIOUS GEORGE adventures Monday, January 21 - Thursday January 24, 2008 on PBS KIDS! (check local listings):
Monday, January 21, 2008
"Scaredy Dog"/ "Say Goodnight George"
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
"A Bridge to Farm"/ "Monkey Fever"
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
"Curious George, Spy Monkey"/ "Castle Keep"
Thursday, January 24, 2008
"Robot Monkey Hullabaloo"/ "Curious George and the Slithery Day"
Visit CURIOUS GEORGE online at pbskids.org/curiousgeorge
Labels: entertainment
posted by Jennifer James @ Sunday, January 06, 2008,
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Win a Trip to the Super Bowl and Other Prizes
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Prilosec OTC is sponsoring a Winning Play Giveaway. Participants can win a trip with a friend or family member to Super Bowl XLII in
http://prilosec.eprize.net/winningplay/
Prilosec OTC is giving away a total of four trips to Super Bowl XLII. Each Grand Prize winner will receive two (2) tickets to Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008, one hotel room for four (4) night's accommodations at a hotel of the sponsor's choice and $1,000 in spending money. Additionally, more than one hundred instant winners will receive other prizes, including an autographed Brett Favre Mini Football Helmet and $25 VISA Gift Cards.
To play, go to www.WinningPlayGiveaway.com. Once a day, you can enter for the chance to win, beginning on December 15, 2007 at 12:00 a.m. ET through January 15, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. ET. After playing, you can download the official "Prilosec OTC Winning Play Giveaway" widget to remind you to play daily.
Labels: contests
posted by Jennifer James @ Saturday, January 05, 2008,
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Secure Surfing for Kids with NoddleNet
Friday, January 4, 2008
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Surfing the Net is an uneasy prospect for a lot of parents and their children. Sexual predators, e-bullies, and identity thieves are all out to ruin children who are unsupervised online; that's why it is so important for parents to provide the best online atmosphere for their children where they are shielded from those who wish to make their online experience dangerous instead of rewarding. NoodleNet is a one-of-a kind program that provides a kid-friendly Internet solution for families. NoodleNet is a safe place where kids can explore thousands of sites that have been handpicked by experts. These sites are not only age-appropriate, but educator-approved.
Using NoodleNet children can only access pre-selected Web sites and you can customize the settings for your child allowing them to only view the content you approve.
Ready to get started? Visit www.noodlenet.com to access a 30-day free trial.
Labels: education, entertainment
posted by Jennifer James @ Friday, January 04, 2008,
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Healthy resolutions and expert advice for kids
Thursday, January 3, 2008
This is a great time of year because parents and kids can turn over a new leaf when it comes to food and exercise. Black children have some of the highest obesity rates in the country, but this can all be changed with a few simple solutions.Kathy Kaehler, mom of three boys (including twins), former long-time Today Show fitness expert and trainer to the stars gives some really simple suggestions parents and kids can both do to set and reach their goal to live healthier in 2008, including:
1) Spend time talking to your kids to find something active they like to do instead of just signing them up for little league to establish a positive connection with exercise.
2) When there isn't enough time for a full work out, do a little at a time, which can also help hold younger children's attention better! The "one minute workout" (10 punches, 10 march-in-place, 10 jumping jacks, 10 touch-the-floor and jump-up, and 10 run-in-place) is perfect for any time and can be done in the house.
3) Remember that the focus is on health and not the scale. The confidence you have in your body and your health will affect how your children see themselves.
Strength for Their Journey: 5 Essential Disciplines African-American Parents Must Teach Their Children and Teens
Labels: health
posted by Jennifer James @ Thursday, January 03, 2008,
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Say Something: What Do You Want to Do Differently As a Parent?
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
All of us strive to be the best parents we can be. But sometimes life gets in the way and we let our children watch a little too much television, or eat that extra cookie, or we go a day or two without reading to them. As parents we can always do better. What do you plan to do differently as a mother in 2008?
Labels: saysomething parenting
posted by Jennifer James @ Tuesday, January 01, 2008,
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