This is National Enviromential Education Week. Going green not only helps the enviroment it also teaches children to understand that they are in charge of their actions. And when kids act responsibilly that has a positive impact in our families and communities.
One of the easiest ways to educate children on enviromential issues is by focusing on water conservation especailly since so much of American water sources are stressed.
This morning, Jolie Perara, Marketing Maganger for FAMILY Magazine was on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox discussing family-friendly water conservation.
Water Conservation is simple and kid-friendly.
1. Turn the water off when you are brushing you teeth, saving 25 gallons a month.
2. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap, then reuse the water to water houseplants.
3. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap to get cold water.
4. Limit the amount of bottled waters you consume because it takes 3 liters of water to produce I liter of bottled water.
5. If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
Conservation teaches kids to understand that we have a responsibility to each other and that we all are in charge of our own actions.
How do you teach children about protecting our environment? Do you have “Green” activities around your home? Please share your families tips and ideas with us online.
Happy Parenting,
Brenda
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Great Family Friendly Entertainment
Spring is approaching and with that comes Spring Breaks, warmer weather and restless kids. Are you looking for somewhere to take the family? Are you looking for something educational but yet still fun? Are you looking for something that you’ll be entertained at as well? Look no further!
Today Liz McConville, Resource Editor for FAMILY Magazine was on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox discussing family-friendly events for spring.
Starting this April and running through October both Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square are hosting Mommy & Me And Daddies Too. The first event is at Congressional Plaza on Thursday, April 8 and then at Rockville Town Square on Tuesday, April 20. Both are from 10 am-Noon. Join them for fun, free programs for you and your little one including face painting, balloon animals, live entertainment, kids eat FREE and much more! Mommy & Me is brought to you by Federal Realty Investment Trust and the merchants and restaurants at Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square. For more information, visit congressionalplaza.com or rockvilletownsquare.com or call 301-998-8178.
Celebrate Spring at the Fairfax Corner Spring Festival! It’s being held Saturday, April 24 from 12 to 3 pm and promises to be a great day for the whole family. Bring the whole family for a day of fun with live entertainment, exciting interactive exhibitor booths, fabulous giveaways, face painters, balloon artists, FREE goodie bags for the first 250 families attending and a chance to win a $500 Fairfax Corner Shopping Spree! Live on the Grand Plaza Stage: at Noon is Mad Science: Up, Up, and Away!, at 1 pm is Reptiles Alive!, and at 2 pm is The Unicycle Lady Show. For more information visit www.FairfaxCorner.com.
Coming Saturday, May 1st to Bethesda Row is Celebrate Mama! It’s being held from 11 am-4 pm. This is a free event for mamas of all ages and stages. The event features giveaways, arts & crafts, raffle prizes and entertainment. Shop the Mama Marketplace for the perfect Mother’s Day present. For more information visit www.celebratemama.com.
Today Liz McConville, Resource Editor for FAMILY Magazine was on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox discussing family-friendly events for spring.
Starting this April and running through October both Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square are hosting Mommy & Me And Daddies Too. The first event is at Congressional Plaza on Thursday, April 8 and then at Rockville Town Square on Tuesday, April 20. Both are from 10 am-Noon. Join them for fun, free programs for you and your little one including face painting, balloon animals, live entertainment, kids eat FREE and much more! Mommy & Me is brought to you by Federal Realty Investment Trust and the merchants and restaurants at Congressional Plaza and Rockville Town Square. For more information, visit congressionalplaza.com or rockvilletownsquare.com or call 301-998-8178.
Celebrate Spring at the Fairfax Corner Spring Festival! It’s being held Saturday, April 24 from 12 to 3 pm and promises to be a great day for the whole family. Bring the whole family for a day of fun with live entertainment, exciting interactive exhibitor booths, fabulous giveaways, face painters, balloon artists, FREE goodie bags for the first 250 families attending and a chance to win a $500 Fairfax Corner Shopping Spree! Live on the Grand Plaza Stage: at Noon is Mad Science: Up, Up, and Away!, at 1 pm is Reptiles Alive!, and at 2 pm is The Unicycle Lady Show. For more information visit www.FairfaxCorner.com.
Coming Saturday, May 1st to Bethesda Row is Celebrate Mama! It’s being held from 11 am-4 pm. This is a free event for mamas of all ages and stages. The event features giveaways, arts & crafts, raffle prizes and entertainment. Shop the Mama Marketplace for the perfect Mother’s Day present. For more information visit www.celebratemama.com.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spring into Healthy Eating
Today on WUSA9’s MomsLikeMe Moment, FAMILY Magazine’s Nutrition Editor, Judy Caplan presented some great information on healthy eating and what is available right now from local farms. This is great information and ideas that will help us all SPRING into a healthy outdoor season. Here is what Judy has to say about opportunities for healthy eating this spring.
Lighten Up and Spring into Healthy Eating
Spring is a happy time of year; a time of renewal. With renewal comes energy. The sun is higher in the sky and the days are getting longer. Let’s harness this new power and use it to shake off the winter blues. Put away those heavy coats and ease up on the starchy, wintry foods. Now is a great time to lighten up and spring into healthy eating.
Try joining a local produce club. Farms usually have a local drop off point where you can pick up your weekly veggies. Some even carry hormone free dairy and poultry products and grass fed beef.
Cool weather veggies like turnips, parsnips, beets, radish, salsify, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, collards and arugula are now coming into season. These pungent tasting veggies are high in phytochemicals and antioxidants that prevent disease.
Where Can I Find Local Farm Produce?
Here are some local farms that deliver fresh produce and flowers:
• Great Country Farms - 540-554-2073
• Potomac Vegetable Farms - 703-759-2119
• Blue Run Mountain Vegetable Farm – 703-754-4005
• Graceland Farm – 540-439-8171
• Mount Vernon Farm - 540-987-9559
• Virginia Green Grocer – 540-347-4740
• Blue Ridge Center CSA – 540-668-7640
Ready Your Kitchen for Spring
As the days get longer, we often start to crave lighter food. Perhaps we instinctually know that bright leafy greens are now in season. This is also a good time to clean the pantry and toss out food whose expiration dates have passed.
Throw Away Expired Foods
Throwaway foods that are seasonal (sprinkles, leftover frosting, half used bags of nuts) and won’t be fresh next year when you bake those holiday cookies.
Cooking oils go rancid over time so if the bottle of oil in the pantry has been opened and stored for almost six months, throw it out. Buy small bottles of oil (cold pressed) and keep them refrigerated to avoid rancidity. Oxidation (rancidity) causes free radicals, which are not good for the body.
Inspect Your Pots and Pans
Take a look at your pots and pans. If they are looking dull and stained, put on some good music and get scrubbing. Bar Keepers Friend is an amazing cleanser. You’ll be surprised how sexy sparkling pots and pans can be! If you notice flaking on your nonstick pans, throw them out. With all the press of late on the dangers of plastics, it is safer to use stainless steel pans with no coating.
Take inventory of your kitchen tools
• Are your knives sharp?
• Do you have a good grater and micro plane?
• Are there slotted stainless spoons for stir-frying?
• Is the cutting board big enough?
• What is the condition of your dishtowels?
• Are your small appliances working?
• Have you checked to see if your oven thermometer is accurate?
Clean Out the Fridge
Throwaway open bottles and jars that haven’t been used in ages. Clean the bins with hot soapy water. Change that burned out bulb so you can see what is in there. Defrost the freezer and again check dates on products. If foods are older than three months, toss them.
Reconnect with Your Cookbooks
Check out your cookbooks. If you haven’t bought a new one in years, you would be amazed at all the fabulous ones on the market. Put them in the bathroom (!) and by your bed. Looking at cookbooks will ignite your senses and get you ready for all the fresh produce that is about to come your way.
Judy – thanks for the great ideas. They certainly motivated me to get back into healthy cooking in the kitchen and clean out the refrigerator. Thanks!
Do you have some healthy eating tips you would like to share with other parents? Send them along and we will spread the word!
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Lighten Up and Spring into Healthy Eating
Spring is a happy time of year; a time of renewal. With renewal comes energy. The sun is higher in the sky and the days are getting longer. Let’s harness this new power and use it to shake off the winter blues. Put away those heavy coats and ease up on the starchy, wintry foods. Now is a great time to lighten up and spring into healthy eating.
Try joining a local produce club. Farms usually have a local drop off point where you can pick up your weekly veggies. Some even carry hormone free dairy and poultry products and grass fed beef.
Cool weather veggies like turnips, parsnips, beets, radish, salsify, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, collards and arugula are now coming into season. These pungent tasting veggies are high in phytochemicals and antioxidants that prevent disease.
Where Can I Find Local Farm Produce?
Here are some local farms that deliver fresh produce and flowers:
• Great Country Farms - 540-554-2073
• Potomac Vegetable Farms - 703-759-2119
• Blue Run Mountain Vegetable Farm – 703-754-4005
• Graceland Farm – 540-439-8171
• Mount Vernon Farm - 540-987-9559
• Virginia Green Grocer – 540-347-4740
• Blue Ridge Center CSA – 540-668-7640
Ready Your Kitchen for Spring
As the days get longer, we often start to crave lighter food. Perhaps we instinctually know that bright leafy greens are now in season. This is also a good time to clean the pantry and toss out food whose expiration dates have passed.
Throw Away Expired Foods
Throwaway foods that are seasonal (sprinkles, leftover frosting, half used bags of nuts) and won’t be fresh next year when you bake those holiday cookies.
Cooking oils go rancid over time so if the bottle of oil in the pantry has been opened and stored for almost six months, throw it out. Buy small bottles of oil (cold pressed) and keep them refrigerated to avoid rancidity. Oxidation (rancidity) causes free radicals, which are not good for the body.
Inspect Your Pots and Pans
Take a look at your pots and pans. If they are looking dull and stained, put on some good music and get scrubbing. Bar Keepers Friend is an amazing cleanser. You’ll be surprised how sexy sparkling pots and pans can be! If you notice flaking on your nonstick pans, throw them out. With all the press of late on the dangers of plastics, it is safer to use stainless steel pans with no coating.
Take inventory of your kitchen tools
• Are your knives sharp?
• Do you have a good grater and micro plane?
• Are there slotted stainless spoons for stir-frying?
• Is the cutting board big enough?
• What is the condition of your dishtowels?
• Are your small appliances working?
• Have you checked to see if your oven thermometer is accurate?
Clean Out the Fridge
Throwaway open bottles and jars that haven’t been used in ages. Clean the bins with hot soapy water. Change that burned out bulb so you can see what is in there. Defrost the freezer and again check dates on products. If foods are older than three months, toss them.
Reconnect with Your Cookbooks
Check out your cookbooks. If you haven’t bought a new one in years, you would be amazed at all the fabulous ones on the market. Put them in the bathroom (!) and by your bed. Looking at cookbooks will ignite your senses and get you ready for all the fresh produce that is about to come your way.
Judy – thanks for the great ideas. They certainly motivated me to get back into healthy cooking in the kitchen and clean out the refrigerator. Thanks!
Do you have some healthy eating tips you would like to share with other parents? Send them along and we will spread the word!
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Monday, March 22, 2010
Despite Budget Cuts, Moms Can Help Kids Succeed
In the face of budget shortfalls our school systems are either going to cut classroom time or increase the class size. Either way, our children are going to have less instruction. This leaves a huge void in our education system. Our children already spend far less time in the schoolhouse relative to Asian nations. There was an article in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend about this very topic. In the end, this situation is a threat our children’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.
To make the issue even more complex, American children spend a shocking 7.5 hours per day “using entertainment media” according to The Kaiser Family Foundation. That means our children spend about 53 hours a week on the Internet, playing videogames, communicating on cell phones, or watching television. To put this in perspective, children spend 30 hours a week in school but 53 hours a week in the entertainment world.
So given the tension between less classroom time and a strong entertainment industry, there is only one solution and that is Moms like you and me are going to have to get busy, creative, and more involved in our children’s education.
Obviously we need to communicate with our representatives that education is important to us and that if our educational system breaks down the United States will suffer – we already have seen evidence this is happening.
Solution to Improve Education
Voice your concerns to your representatives
Become more involved in your child’s education
Define areas important to you or your child
Math & Science
Music
Performance Arts
Visual Arts
Find resources outside the classroom that can build these areas
May have to find a new school (private or public)
If the school where your children attend has cuts in place that you really can not accept, you may have to look outside your current school for the solution. Maybe you need to move to a different school system, or you may need to enroll your child in a private school. We all know how critical a good education is, you will just have to evaluate your own personal situation and what is best for your child. There are many parents who have placed their children in private schools and made other sacrifices to be able to afford the costs.
Of course, FAMILY Magazine is ready to help moms. We are dedicated to searching out the best and most creative ideas to help your children learn the skills they are going to need in the future.
The best way to stay in the loop is to keep visiting MomsLikeMe.com or the FAMILY Magazine site. And you can fan us on Facebook at FAMILY Magazine of Washington. Our online guru, Jolie Perara will have breaking news and ideas there every day. She also has some math games she is going to be sharing with our fans.
GOAL SETTING
One way moms like you and me can get more involved in our child’s education is to teach children how to set and achieve goals—a very important character trait.
The first step as a parent is to guide your children to make realistic goals—ones that they can successfully achieve. On the other hand, the goal must not be too easy. A challenging goal teaches our children to wrestle with a problem, instilling those core values like tenacity and hard work. So, the goal must be challenging yet achievable.
One word of caution, as moms we must gauge our child’s emotional level. If they are feeling low—an easy, short-term goal will boost their self-esteem.
Some simple guidelines to help our children set goals is to
1. Talk about what they want to achieve
2. Why that goal is important to them
3. Breakdown the task into manageable and achievable
pieces
Do you have some ideas that you think will help keep our kids competitive in the global economy? What are you doing in your household?
Share with us and we will share your ideas with our readers.
Happy Parenting, Brenda
To make the issue even more complex, American children spend a shocking 7.5 hours per day “using entertainment media” according to The Kaiser Family Foundation. That means our children spend about 53 hours a week on the Internet, playing videogames, communicating on cell phones, or watching television. To put this in perspective, children spend 30 hours a week in school but 53 hours a week in the entertainment world.
So given the tension between less classroom time and a strong entertainment industry, there is only one solution and that is Moms like you and me are going to have to get busy, creative, and more involved in our children’s education.
Obviously we need to communicate with our representatives that education is important to us and that if our educational system breaks down the United States will suffer – we already have seen evidence this is happening.
Solution to Improve Education
Voice your concerns to your representatives
Become more involved in your child’s education
Define areas important to you or your child
Math & Science
Music
Performance Arts
Visual Arts
Find resources outside the classroom that can build these areas
May have to find a new school (private or public)
If the school where your children attend has cuts in place that you really can not accept, you may have to look outside your current school for the solution. Maybe you need to move to a different school system, or you may need to enroll your child in a private school. We all know how critical a good education is, you will just have to evaluate your own personal situation and what is best for your child. There are many parents who have placed their children in private schools and made other sacrifices to be able to afford the costs.
Of course, FAMILY Magazine is ready to help moms. We are dedicated to searching out the best and most creative ideas to help your children learn the skills they are going to need in the future.
The best way to stay in the loop is to keep visiting MomsLikeMe.com or the FAMILY Magazine site. And you can fan us on Facebook at FAMILY Magazine of Washington. Our online guru, Jolie Perara will have breaking news and ideas there every day. She also has some math games she is going to be sharing with our fans.
GOAL SETTING
One way moms like you and me can get more involved in our child’s education is to teach children how to set and achieve goals—a very important character trait.
The first step as a parent is to guide your children to make realistic goals—ones that they can successfully achieve. On the other hand, the goal must not be too easy. A challenging goal teaches our children to wrestle with a problem, instilling those core values like tenacity and hard work. So, the goal must be challenging yet achievable.
One word of caution, as moms we must gauge our child’s emotional level. If they are feeling low—an easy, short-term goal will boost their self-esteem.
Some simple guidelines to help our children set goals is to
1. Talk about what they want to achieve
2. Why that goal is important to them
3. Breakdown the task into manageable and achievable
pieces
Do you have some ideas that you think will help keep our kids competitive in the global economy? What are you doing in your household?
Share with us and we will share your ideas with our readers.
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Monday, March 15, 2010
Kid Friendly Fun
There is lots going on in the Washington region right now. So what is out there for families, something the kids will really look forward to attending? This morning on WUSA9 News Now, Jolie Perara the Marketing Manager with FAMILY Magazines shared ideas for more kid and family fun.
Here is what Jolie had to say:
There is a great theatre performance taking place April 16 to the 18th at the Warner Theatre, Storybook LIve.
This is a story by Nickelodeon featuring Dora the Explorer.
But this is not ordinary theatre performance. This show gives kids an adventure where they can leap into Fairytale Land, journey through Fillthingham, hop into Wonderland and jump on the clouds.
Although this is not a typical show, here are a few etiquette tips for taking kids to the theatre.
1. Eat before the show.
2. Arrive on time.
3. Vist the restroom before the show.
4. Laugh when it it funny, applaud when spectacular and stand and applaud at the end if it is great.
Second event if you have time – Gesher Used Book Sale
March 18-21 except Saturday. Prices for books are 50 cents to $2.
Great way to explore new ideas.
Gesher Jewish Day School
4800 Mattie Moore Court
Fairfax, VA 22030
Do you have any suggestions on ideas for great area family fun? Please share them with me!
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Here is what Jolie had to say:
There is a great theatre performance taking place April 16 to the 18th at the Warner Theatre, Storybook LIve.
This is a story by Nickelodeon featuring Dora the Explorer.
But this is not ordinary theatre performance. This show gives kids an adventure where they can leap into Fairytale Land, journey through Fillthingham, hop into Wonderland and jump on the clouds.
Although this is not a typical show, here are a few etiquette tips for taking kids to the theatre.
1. Eat before the show.
2. Arrive on time.
3. Vist the restroom before the show.
4. Laugh when it it funny, applaud when spectacular and stand and applaud at the end if it is great.
Second event if you have time – Gesher Used Book Sale
March 18-21 except Saturday. Prices for books are 50 cents to $2.
Great way to explore new ideas.
Gesher Jewish Day School
4800 Mattie Moore Court
Fairfax, VA 22030
Do you have any suggestions on ideas for great area family fun? Please share them with me!
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Monday, March 1, 2010
Family-friendly events for the month of March.
Spring is approaching and with that comes Spring Breaks, warmer weather and restless kids. Are you looking for somewhere to take the family? Are you looking for something educational but yet still fun? Are you looking for something that you’ll be entertained at as well? Look no further!
Today Liz McConville, Resource Editor for FAMILY Magazine was on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox discussing family-friendly events for the month of March.
Imagination Stage is presenting the new musical, Peter & the Wolf based on the Sergei Prokofiev story and music. Peter & the Wolf is currently running through March 21. Recommended for ages 5 and up. It is being performed in the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Go to www.imaginationstage.org or call 301-280-1660 for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office at 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda daily from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Tickets are $10-21 and group rates are available.
Big Apple Circus- Bello is Back! In Bello is Back! the playfully elegant Bello, with his gravity-defying hair, trademark tuxedo, white gloves and spats, returns to the one–ring intimacy of the Big Apple Circus after an absence of nine seasons. Bello is sure astound and delight one and all! On the “Welcome Back Bello” committee: their lovable star clown Grandma, the spirited Big Apple Circus Band, and winning new ringmaster Kevin Venardos, joined by spectacular acrobats from Italy, Russian wizards of the trampoline and the flying trapeze, a graceful flight on the aerial silks, fiery steeds and cavorting canines, playful Chinese contortionists, and Picaso Jr., the sensational Spanish juggler! With no seat under the Big Top more than 50 feet from the ring, even if you’re really small you won’t miss a thing! The show runs March 6-March 27 at the Dulles Town Center in Dulles, VA. For more information check out www.bigapplecircus.org.
McLean Storybook Festival is being held on March 13th. Come enjoy entertainment by special guest Barry Louis Polisar, stories, craft projects, books, and book-related materials, refreshments, and more! Children can meet some of their favorite storybook characters in person. For ages 3-8. The cost is $5 per person, free for children age 2 yrs and old. It is from 11:00:am to 12:30:pm. It is being held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101.
Looking for fun activities to do in March? Visit the FAMILY Magazine web site. Our calendar of events has many great activities. And, this month Liz McConvile will be posting a list of special March celebrations, parades and themed events in our “Web Extra.”
Have a fun March, and Happy Parenting!
Brenda
Today Liz McConville, Resource Editor for FAMILY Magazine was on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox discussing family-friendly events for the month of March.
Imagination Stage is presenting the new musical, Peter & the Wolf based on the Sergei Prokofiev story and music. Peter & the Wolf is currently running through March 21. Recommended for ages 5 and up. It is being performed in the Annette M. and Theodore N. Lerner Family Theatre at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. Go to www.imaginationstage.org or call 301-280-1660 for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office at 4908 Auburn Avenue in Bethesda daily from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Tickets are $10-21 and group rates are available.
Big Apple Circus- Bello is Back! In Bello is Back! the playfully elegant Bello, with his gravity-defying hair, trademark tuxedo, white gloves and spats, returns to the one–ring intimacy of the Big Apple Circus after an absence of nine seasons. Bello is sure astound and delight one and all! On the “Welcome Back Bello” committee: their lovable star clown Grandma, the spirited Big Apple Circus Band, and winning new ringmaster Kevin Venardos, joined by spectacular acrobats from Italy, Russian wizards of the trampoline and the flying trapeze, a graceful flight on the aerial silks, fiery steeds and cavorting canines, playful Chinese contortionists, and Picaso Jr., the sensational Spanish juggler! With no seat under the Big Top more than 50 feet from the ring, even if you’re really small you won’t miss a thing! The show runs March 6-March 27 at the Dulles Town Center in Dulles, VA. For more information check out www.bigapplecircus.org.
McLean Storybook Festival is being held on March 13th. Come enjoy entertainment by special guest Barry Louis Polisar, stories, craft projects, books, and book-related materials, refreshments, and more! Children can meet some of their favorite storybook characters in person. For ages 3-8. The cost is $5 per person, free for children age 2 yrs and old. It is from 11:00:am to 12:30:pm. It is being held at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101.
Looking for fun activities to do in March? Visit the FAMILY Magazine web site. Our calendar of events has many great activities. And, this month Liz McConvile will be posting a list of special March celebrations, parades and themed events in our “Web Extra.”
Have a fun March, and Happy Parenting!
Brenda
Monday, February 22, 2010
Raising Olympic Stars – the Elite Child Athlete
Do you have a future Olympic star living in your household? Of course we are all proud of our children when they work hard and compete in sports, however sometimes there is a child that really does have the potential to be an Olympic star. How can you tell if your child has that potential?
Success in highly competitive sports seems to depend on several key factors: Preexisting talent, a strong internal drive within the aspiring athlete, and a caring and sound social support system.
Musical abilities can also help an athlete in most sports to think better and have a sense of rhythm. For instance skating, or downhill skiing require rhythm.
The IOC (International Olympic Commission) Medical Commission has adopted guidelines on training the Elite Child Athlete.
Focus on learning and skills
Accentuate the fun aspects of competitive sports
Learn to deal with the pressure to be perfect
Have an effective and safe training program
Work on psychological skills –
Motivation
Self-confidence
Emotional control
Have a balanced lifestyle
Nutrition
Adequate sleep
Academic development
Opportunities for socialization
In my research I found that most experts in the field of youth sports reported that winning was a relatively poor motivator for most young people involved in sports. The path to excellent performance lies in motivating them to embrace self-improvement.
When they were asked, winning never ranked high as a reason for most young athletes to participate in competitive sports. Other rewards, from improving skills to gaining recognition to getting exercise, ranked higher. The number one reason seemed to be “to improve my skills.”
Another interesting fact I learned (I saw this as a repeating theme in many studies and books) is that the most successful elite child athletes do not have parents who coach them. The parents step back and let the coach take over the sports part of their life and the parents work on the other parts. This theme is repeated over and over by both sports and child behavior experts.
I guess even though we hear about all the parents who are directly involved in their child’s training, they must be the exception and not the rule.
The bottom line is that entire sports process, especially for the elite child athlete should be pleasurable and fulfilling. Participating in competitive sports is a life experience that should prove invaluable to the young athlete as a developing, maturing person.
Do you have an aspiring Olympian in your household? Let us hear about it! Send pictures. We would love to share them with other parents.
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Success in highly competitive sports seems to depend on several key factors: Preexisting talent, a strong internal drive within the aspiring athlete, and a caring and sound social support system.
Musical abilities can also help an athlete in most sports to think better and have a sense of rhythm. For instance skating, or downhill skiing require rhythm.
The IOC (International Olympic Commission) Medical Commission has adopted guidelines on training the Elite Child Athlete.
Focus on learning and skills
Accentuate the fun aspects of competitive sports
Learn to deal with the pressure to be perfect
Have an effective and safe training program
Work on psychological skills –
Motivation
Self-confidence
Emotional control
Have a balanced lifestyle
Nutrition
Adequate sleep
Academic development
Opportunities for socialization
In my research I found that most experts in the field of youth sports reported that winning was a relatively poor motivator for most young people involved in sports. The path to excellent performance lies in motivating them to embrace self-improvement.
When they were asked, winning never ranked high as a reason for most young athletes to participate in competitive sports. Other rewards, from improving skills to gaining recognition to getting exercise, ranked higher. The number one reason seemed to be “to improve my skills.”
Another interesting fact I learned (I saw this as a repeating theme in many studies and books) is that the most successful elite child athletes do not have parents who coach them. The parents step back and let the coach take over the sports part of their life and the parents work on the other parts. This theme is repeated over and over by both sports and child behavior experts.
I guess even though we hear about all the parents who are directly involved in their child’s training, they must be the exception and not the rule.
The bottom line is that entire sports process, especially for the elite child athlete should be pleasurable and fulfilling. Participating in competitive sports is a life experience that should prove invaluable to the young athlete as a developing, maturing person.
Do you have an aspiring Olympian in your household? Let us hear about it! Send pictures. We would love to share them with other parents.
Happy Parenting, Brenda
Monday, February 15, 2010
Nutrition for Healthy Gums and Teeth
Even though visiting the dentist has gotten more user friendly, most kids still don’t look forward to their yearly dental checkups. As essential as these health checks are, what your child eats between visits is the most important part of building healthy teeth and gums.
In addition to brushing and flossing, the vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in a healthful diet protect teeth from decay and keep gums healthy and tight.
The Main Culprit
We all know that sucrose or sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, but not the only cause. Did you know that in addition to sugary foods like cookies, candies, and sodas, starchy foods (like bread and cereal) also play a part in tooth decay? When starches mix with an enzyme in the saliva called amylase, the result is an acid bath that breaks down enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. The longer foods linger in the mouth, the acid bath is prolonged and the damage greater. That is why your mom always told you to brush your teeth after eating!
Dried fruit and juices are also problematic. While we usually think of these as healthy foods and beverages, both their high sugar content (think stickiness) and their high acid content make them contributors to tooth decay.
Unlike dried fruit and juices, fresh fruit protects your teeth. Fresh fruit, especially apples, are a good choice. Although sweet and acidic, the increased chewing required when eating fresh fruit (and vegetables) stimulates saliva flow. Saliva flow decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles. Now you know why apples are called “nature’s toothbrush.” They not only stimulate the gums but also increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity-causing bacteria.
Gum Disease
More teeth are lost through gum disease than decay. Poor diet, meaning a highly refined diet, alcoholism, and certain medications all contribute to poor gums. Poor hygiene and not flossing can lead to bleeding gums, but lack of Vitamin C can also be a cause. Fresh fruit and vegetables are your best source of Vitamin C.
Munching on hard fibrous foods such as carrots, celery, seeds and nuts, and whole grains all help stimulate the gums.
Healthy Snacks That Don’t Attack
Think fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains, beans and other lean protein, and healthy oils:
• Cut up veggies with hummus or avocado dip
• Cup of tea – Tea is good for your teeth because it contains fluoride. (If you are concerned about the pigments staining your teeth, you can drink it through a straw!)
• Fresh fruit with natural peanut butter
• Cabot fat reduced cheese with whole grain crackers and/or fresh fruit
• Plain yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts.
• Whole grain pretzels dipped in mustard
• Turkey slices wrapped around asparagus or roasted red pepper and avocado slices
• Hormone free turkey or buffalo jerky.
Remember you can also protect your teeth by ending meals with foods that do not promote cavities or may even protect them. Aged cheeses help prevent cavities if consumed at the end of a meal. Chewing sugar free gum stimulates the flow of saliva which decreases acid and flushes out food particles. Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after eating are also good strategies to prevent cavities.
A bright smile is usually a good indication of a healthy diet.
In addition to brushing and flossing, the vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients in a healthful diet protect teeth from decay and keep gums healthy and tight.
The Main Culprit
We all know that sucrose or sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, but not the only cause. Did you know that in addition to sugary foods like cookies, candies, and sodas, starchy foods (like bread and cereal) also play a part in tooth decay? When starches mix with an enzyme in the saliva called amylase, the result is an acid bath that breaks down enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to decay. The longer foods linger in the mouth, the acid bath is prolonged and the damage greater. That is why your mom always told you to brush your teeth after eating!
Dried fruit and juices are also problematic. While we usually think of these as healthy foods and beverages, both their high sugar content (think stickiness) and their high acid content make them contributors to tooth decay.
Unlike dried fruit and juices, fresh fruit protects your teeth. Fresh fruit, especially apples, are a good choice. Although sweet and acidic, the increased chewing required when eating fresh fruit (and vegetables) stimulates saliva flow. Saliva flow decreases mouth acidity and washes away food particles. Now you know why apples are called “nature’s toothbrush.” They not only stimulate the gums but also increase saliva flow and reduce the build-up of cavity-causing bacteria.
Gum Disease
More teeth are lost through gum disease than decay. Poor diet, meaning a highly refined diet, alcoholism, and certain medications all contribute to poor gums. Poor hygiene and not flossing can lead to bleeding gums, but lack of Vitamin C can also be a cause. Fresh fruit and vegetables are your best source of Vitamin C.
Munching on hard fibrous foods such as carrots, celery, seeds and nuts, and whole grains all help stimulate the gums.
Healthy Snacks That Don’t Attack
Think fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains, beans and other lean protein, and healthy oils:
• Cut up veggies with hummus or avocado dip
• Cup of tea – Tea is good for your teeth because it contains fluoride. (If you are concerned about the pigments staining your teeth, you can drink it through a straw!)
• Fresh fruit with natural peanut butter
• Cabot fat reduced cheese with whole grain crackers and/or fresh fruit
• Plain yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts.
• Whole grain pretzels dipped in mustard
• Turkey slices wrapped around asparagus or roasted red pepper and avocado slices
• Hormone free turkey or buffalo jerky.
Remember you can also protect your teeth by ending meals with foods that do not promote cavities or may even protect them. Aged cheeses help prevent cavities if consumed at the end of a meal. Chewing sugar free gum stimulates the flow of saliva which decreases acid and flushes out food particles. Rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth after eating are also good strategies to prevent cavities.
A bright smile is usually a good indication of a healthy diet.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Valentine's Day Crafts
St. Valentine’s Day is a day to give and get Valentines but more importantly it is a day to show the ones around you how much you care about them. This Valentine’s Day involve the kids by having them create and decorate crafts that they can give to those they care about.
Due to the snow and continued news coverage about the snow the segment on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox demonstrating crafts for Valentine’s Day was unable to air however here are those great family friendly crafts.
Why should we have our children make their gifts instead of buy them? I know it keeps them entertained, but does it do anything for them? YOU BET! Kids love it and it really helps them develop.
Helping benefits kids in many ways –
They reflect on how they feel about others
They learn the best gifts aren’t bought
Here are the crafts that Liz demonstrated along with materials and detailed instructions.
Warm Fuzzy Box
What you'll need:
* 1 empty box, any size
* Valentine themed wrapping paper or pink, red or purple construction paper
* Pink construction paper
* White craft glue
* Scissors
* Things to decorate with: Ribbons, Stickers, Glitter, Magazine Clippings, Sequins
How to make it:
1. Wrap the empty box in wrapping paper or construction paper.
2. Tie white ribbon around the box and tie into a bow on the top.
3. Decorate box
4. Fill with little gifts or notes about how special that person is to you.
Tissue Paper Note Cards
What you'll need:
* Various shades of tissue paper (preferably reds, pinks, and purples)
* White paper
* Vinegar
* Paintbrush
How to make it:
1. Have your child begin by cutting or tearing the tissue paper into small squares.
2. Invite her to paint vinegar over the entire sheet of white paper.
3. While the paper is still wet, place the different colored squares onto the white paper.
4. Allow this to dry. When the paper is dry, the tissue paper will fall off, showing your little one how the tissue paper bled onto the white paper.
5. Turn this into a holiday project by cutting the dyed paper into a heart or use this paper to make a holiday or note card.
For this craft and more like it click here: http://crafts.kaboose.com/tissue-paper-note-cards.html
Lollipop Flowers
What you’ll need
* Red and green construction paper or card stock
* Scissors
* Lollipop
* Glue stick
How to make it:
1. From red construction paper, cut out a heart that's just larger than the lollipop candy and glue it to the wrapper.
2. For the leaves, fold the green paper in half and cut out a leaf shape, leaving the two sides attached at the seam.
3. Unfold the double leaf shape, coat the entire inside surface with glue, and fold it back over the lollipop stem, pressing to secure.
For this craft and more like it click here: http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-crafts-gifts/all-valentines-day-crafts/lollipop-flowers-664380/
Do you have any crafts you like to do for Valentine’s Day? Do you let your children help with this?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Brenda
Due to the snow and continued news coverage about the snow the segment on WUSA9 News Now with Peggy Fox demonstrating crafts for Valentine’s Day was unable to air however here are those great family friendly crafts.
Why should we have our children make their gifts instead of buy them? I know it keeps them entertained, but does it do anything for them? YOU BET! Kids love it and it really helps them develop.
Helping benefits kids in many ways –
They reflect on how they feel about others
They learn the best gifts aren’t bought
Here are the crafts that Liz demonstrated along with materials and detailed instructions.
Warm Fuzzy Box
What you'll need:
* 1 empty box, any size
* Valentine themed wrapping paper or pink, red or purple construction paper
* Pink construction paper
* White craft glue
* Scissors
* Things to decorate with: Ribbons, Stickers, Glitter, Magazine Clippings, Sequins
How to make it:
1. Wrap the empty box in wrapping paper or construction paper.
2. Tie white ribbon around the box and tie into a bow on the top.
3. Decorate box
4. Fill with little gifts or notes about how special that person is to you.
Tissue Paper Note Cards
What you'll need:
* Various shades of tissue paper (preferably reds, pinks, and purples)
* White paper
* Vinegar
* Paintbrush
How to make it:
1. Have your child begin by cutting or tearing the tissue paper into small squares.
2. Invite her to paint vinegar over the entire sheet of white paper.
3. While the paper is still wet, place the different colored squares onto the white paper.
4. Allow this to dry. When the paper is dry, the tissue paper will fall off, showing your little one how the tissue paper bled onto the white paper.
5. Turn this into a holiday project by cutting the dyed paper into a heart or use this paper to make a holiday or note card.
For this craft and more like it click here: http://crafts.kaboose.com/tissue-paper-note-cards.html
Lollipop Flowers
What you’ll need
* Red and green construction paper or card stock
* Scissors
* Lollipop
* Glue stick
How to make it:
1. From red construction paper, cut out a heart that's just larger than the lollipop candy and glue it to the wrapper.
2. For the leaves, fold the green paper in half and cut out a leaf shape, leaving the two sides attached at the seam.
3. Unfold the double leaf shape, coat the entire inside surface with glue, and fold it back over the lollipop stem, pressing to secure.
For this craft and more like it click here: http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-crafts-gifts/all-valentines-day-crafts/lollipop-flowers-664380/
Do you have any crafts you like to do for Valentine’s Day? Do you let your children help with this?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Brenda
Monday, February 1, 2010
National Children’s Dental Health Month
The month of February is filled with chocolate and candy as people around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day. This sweet holiday also brings toothaches and cavities. Ironically, February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and a chance for parents to help their kids brush up on good oral hygiene.
Today during the Monday morning WUSA9 DC Moms Like Me segment, Jessica Doyle shared some ideas for helping your family develop and maintain proper dental hygiene.
February is the perfect time for parents to help their kids brush up on good oral hygiene.
In 1941 Children’s Dental Health Month started as a weeklong event in Akron, Ohio. It is now a nationwide program.
And, something very important for parents to sit up and take note is that a recent survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that children between the ages of 2 and 5 are more likely to have tooth decay now than in the past. Good care of a child’s teeth from primary teeth to adult teeth is very important.
It is important to note that poor oral hygiene is linked serious common diseases. Teeth are the only non-shedding surface in the body, which suggests that the teeth have the highest bacterial levels in the entire body.
A recent clinical study shows a direct link between poor oral hygiene and serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, and osteoporosis.
YOU CAN ALSO FIND SEVERAL ARTICLES AND SOME GREAT RESOUCES ON OUR WEB SITE, WWW.WASHINGTONFAMILY.COM.
Why are baby teeth important? Don’t children just loose them?
Baby Teeth are important because:
---They help children chew food
---They help children speak and develop speech correctly
---They guide permanent teeth into place
Starting to teach good oral health care when children are very young is also good because it becomes a life long habit for them.
--Tips for Healthy Teeth –
Brush and floss everyday.
Yes, Children should brush at least twice a day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that a toothbrush cannot reach. Even children as young as 3 or 4 months should begin having their teeth brushed regularly.
Visit the dentist regularly.
You and your children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check ups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.
Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
Mouth guards greatly reduce the chance of injury to the mouth and teeth. Athletes are 60% more likely to have an injury of the mouth if they are not wearing a mouth guard. 80% of injuries involve the front teeth and soft tissues such as the tongue.
Choose snacks wisely and eat nutritiously.
Sugars from sweet drinks or food can quickly hurt young teeth if not removed. And, certainly letting a baby nurse on a bottle overnight is definitely not a good idea as overnight the milk or juice will quickly rot those baby teeth.
FOODS HIGH IN CALCIUM ARE GOOD FOR TEETH – GOT MILK?
Replace your toothbrush regularly.
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. You should use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.
LET YOUR CHILD BRUSH WHILE YOU BRUSH. They love to mimic their parents. Then at the end you can make sure they did a good job. Make it fun. If a child can brush their teeth as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice, that is long enough.
These tips might seem easy to parents but as moms know getting children interested in dental health can be challenging.
Here are some cute ideas from Amanda Ayers with the Marine Corp. Healthy Kids Fun Run to make oral health care more fun and exciting for children:
-----Use the old toothbrush for a craft idea.
Try letting children use their old toothbrush to paint pictures instead of a paintbrush. Draw a picture of teeth and use white paint and an old toothbrush to “clean” the teeth.
----Apples are nature’s toothbrush.
Try Apple Smiles snacks to teach children the importance of eating nutritiously. Cut apples into wedges to use as lips. Smear peanut butter, which makes for great edible “glue”, on one side of the two wedges. Stick marshmallows, or the “teeth”, on the peanut butter on one of the apple wedges and top with the other apple wedge peanut butter side down for a delicious, healthy smile!
When should you start thinking about braces for your child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. An orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
If parents need more help, we have several articles and a list of pediatric dentists on our web site www.WashingtonFAMILY.com
Happy Parenting,
Brenda
Today during the Monday morning WUSA9 DC Moms Like Me segment, Jessica Doyle shared some ideas for helping your family develop and maintain proper dental hygiene.
February is the perfect time for parents to help their kids brush up on good oral hygiene.
In 1941 Children’s Dental Health Month started as a weeklong event in Akron, Ohio. It is now a nationwide program.
And, something very important for parents to sit up and take note is that a recent survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that children between the ages of 2 and 5 are more likely to have tooth decay now than in the past. Good care of a child’s teeth from primary teeth to adult teeth is very important.
It is important to note that poor oral hygiene is linked serious common diseases. Teeth are the only non-shedding surface in the body, which suggests that the teeth have the highest bacterial levels in the entire body.
A recent clinical study shows a direct link between poor oral hygiene and serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, and osteoporosis.
YOU CAN ALSO FIND SEVERAL ARTICLES AND SOME GREAT RESOUCES ON OUR WEB SITE, WWW.WASHINGTONFAMILY.COM.
Why are baby teeth important? Don’t children just loose them?
Baby Teeth are important because:
---They help children chew food
---They help children speak and develop speech correctly
---They guide permanent teeth into place
Starting to teach good oral health care when children are very young is also good because it becomes a life long habit for them.
--Tips for Healthy Teeth –
Brush and floss everyday.
Yes, Children should brush at least twice a day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that a toothbrush cannot reach. Even children as young as 3 or 4 months should begin having their teeth brushed regularly.
Visit the dentist regularly.
You and your children should visit the dentist every six months for regular check ups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.
Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
Mouth guards greatly reduce the chance of injury to the mouth and teeth. Athletes are 60% more likely to have an injury of the mouth if they are not wearing a mouth guard. 80% of injuries involve the front teeth and soft tissues such as the tongue.
Choose snacks wisely and eat nutritiously.
Sugars from sweet drinks or food can quickly hurt young teeth if not removed. And, certainly letting a baby nurse on a bottle overnight is definitely not a good idea as overnight the milk or juice will quickly rot those baby teeth.
FOODS HIGH IN CALCIUM ARE GOOD FOR TEETH – GOT MILK?
Replace your toothbrush regularly.
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. You should use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.
LET YOUR CHILD BRUSH WHILE YOU BRUSH. They love to mimic their parents. Then at the end you can make sure they did a good job. Make it fun. If a child can brush their teeth as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice, that is long enough.
These tips might seem easy to parents but as moms know getting children interested in dental health can be challenging.
Here are some cute ideas from Amanda Ayers with the Marine Corp. Healthy Kids Fun Run to make oral health care more fun and exciting for children:
-----Use the old toothbrush for a craft idea.
Try letting children use their old toothbrush to paint pictures instead of a paintbrush. Draw a picture of teeth and use white paint and an old toothbrush to “clean” the teeth.
----Apples are nature’s toothbrush.
Try Apple Smiles snacks to teach children the importance of eating nutritiously. Cut apples into wedges to use as lips. Smear peanut butter, which makes for great edible “glue”, on one side of the two wedges. Stick marshmallows, or the “teeth”, on the peanut butter on one of the apple wedges and top with the other apple wedge peanut butter side down for a delicious, healthy smile!
When should you start thinking about braces for your child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. An orthodontist can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
If parents need more help, we have several articles and a list of pediatric dentists on our web site www.WashingtonFAMILY.com
Happy Parenting,
Brenda
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