How To Balance Childhood Development and Digital Devices

A growing body of literature is now addressing the collision of the digital age with the rapidly advancing sciences of parenting, brain development and reading acquisition.

 

In March the Deseret News highlighted a new book by Dan Willingham at the University of Virginia on raising kids who enjoy reading. More recently the Deseret News spoke with Dana Suskind, a surgeon at the University of Chicago and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, which focuses on getting parents and caregivers to build a richer verbal environment for very young children.

 

“Tap, Click & Read: Growing Readers in a World of Screens,” by Lisa Guernsey and Michael Levine, now takes its place on this bookshelf. It looks at how parents, caregivers and teachers can navigate digital media devices, using them to enhance learning.

 

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Fitness Tips for Every Age Group

Fitness should be timeless, and a lifelong commitment. However, fitness should also be fun. As a mother of a toddler and now a newborn, I love to watch the little ones' attitudes toward fitness. It is just part of play, and an innate part of each day. 

There is no second thought, but most likely a motivating thought like, “I have to run as fast as I can, so I can get that ball over there!” Wouldn’t it be great if we could spend each day like that and expend all of that energy, aka calories?

If you have a young child who is less active getting them involved in a baby or toddler fitness class is a great way to get them started. There are many venues which encourage kids to do the things that they are excited to do at this stage of development. 

They learn to roll over, to sit up by themselves, to crawl, to walk, and to climb.

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Returning to the Gym Benefits New Moms

Has the new year also brought along a new bundle of joy? New moms may be finding that their 2015 resolution to get their body back post-baby is more difficult than they originally calculated.
According to Minerals Sports Club Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Barbara Matchett, an average woman gains approximately 30 pounds during pregnancy. She admits it's difficult “having patience and realizing that it took nine months for your body to gain the weight and it will be a process. I think the hardest part is probably fitting it in your schedule. You have a new baby that requires all of your attention, but remember it's important to find time for you, too. If you have a good support system at home, don't be afraid to leave the baby for an hour or try to find a gym that has child care. Your health is crucial so you're there to take care of your baby.”

“I think it's a challenge,” Minerals Fitness Director Betty Tobin said. “You see celebrities on TV get their bodies back in 20 days after having a baby,” she said with a laugh, saying the time frame is slightly unrealistic.

Tobin said several new moms have returned to the gym recently to work on their new physique, one only days after giving birth.

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Too Busy to Clean Your House? Read More for some great easy tips.

Mothers these days have a lot on our plates. Between work, school, family matters and keeping the house clean, it’s a wonder more women don’t go stark raving mad. It seems that there is an endless request list of things to do, and not enough hours in the day to do them.
  However, we are here to help. Don’t get overwhelmed and frustrated. Instead, carve out a few minutes from your very busy day to read this guide. We’ve got everything you need to know in this busy mom’s guide to house cleaning.

1. Clean as You Go.
Don’t let the mess build up, clean up a little at a time. While you’re cooking dinner, load the dishes you use into the dish washer right after you use them. If you notice toys, school books or articles of clothing laying on the ground, pick them up right away.

2. Teach the Kids.
It takes a lot of work to keep a house clean – don’t feel as though you must do it all yourself.

Read more: http://www.redbeacon.com/hg/busy-moms-guide-house-cleaning/#ixzz3E0qC8uhY

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Healthy Back to School Dinners Starts with Stocking the Right Foods

September means back to school. Parents and children have cleaned out closets and are ready for a new academic year with fresh school supplies.

This is also the time to think about supplying the correct nutrients to keep the body and mind working at their best. Children need nutritious breakfasts and packed lunches, and families need to eat healthy dinners at home. So this may be a good time to give your kitchen a makeover.
This is the first in a series of articles to help you create a kitchen that is equipped to prepare balanced meals for your family.

Let’s start with the pantry. It is important to stock your pantry with staple items that help you fix a quick nutritious meal at home without too much effort.

Whole grains: Whole grains such as quinoa, barley, bulgur, brown rice and oats are important sources of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Stock up on pasta made from whole grains, and use whole grain flours to make quick breads and pancakes.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/08/26/4096211/to-your-health-restock-the-pantry.html#storylink=cpy

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How to Get Involved: Childhood Cancer Month

Every year, thousands of children across America are diagnosed with cancer  an often life threatening illness that remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 15.  The causes of pediatric cancer are still largely unknown, and though new discoveries are resulting in new treatments, this heartbreaking disease continues to scar families and communities in ways that may never fully heal. 

 

This month, we remember the young lives taken too soon, stand with the families facing childhood cancer today, and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness.

 

While much remains to be done, our Nation has come far in the fight to understand, treat, and control childhood cancer.  Thanks to ongoing advances in research and treatment, the 5 year survival rate for all childhood cancers has climbed from less than 50 percent to 80 percent over the past several decades. 

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Is Organic really better than Regular Food?

Organic or conventional? It’s a choice many grocery shoppers are faced with, over and over. The price difference is easy to see; it’s right there on the product. The quality difference is much harder. Is the organic milk better for your kids? Is the conventional lettuce more likely to carry pathogens? Do organics do us more good (in the form of better nutrition), and do they do us less harm (in the form of fewer contaminants and pathogens)?


When I first heard the term “organic” several years ago, I dismissed it. It implies a “status” that conjured up two different images: lifestyles of the rich and famous or perhaps some alternative, hippie thing. The term “organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution.

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Keeping Your Heart Healthy - Finding a Routine That Works

The hardest part of an exercise routine is getting started. 

Once you've established a regular pattern of exercise, you'll find yourself following it. So, how do you get started? Well, first of all, consult your doctor. Your doctor can recommend the specific kinds of exercise for your own individual needs. Generally, however, these guidelines should get you going.
First of all, exercise will only become a habit if it's fun! Pick something you will enjoy doing. If you like being with a group of people, try a team sport like basketball or soccer.

You don't have to be a super athlete. Anyone can exercise. Social activities like dancing and mall-walking are also good. If you're more of a loner, try bicycling or swimming.

Don't kid yourself. Be honest about what you realistically think you can do. If you have always hated to climb stairs, step aerobics probably isn't for you. Maybe a walk around the neighborhood would be more pleasant. Many people today are walking toward fitness.

Consider your current state of physical fitness. If you haven't exercised in years, you'll definitely want to start with some modest activities. As you get adjusted, you can increase your activity.
Consider your schedule. Are you a morning person? Then plan to exercise in the morning. If you're addicted to your snooze button, plan to exercise in the evening. Start with just a small block of time, maybe fifteen minutes.

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Day Care: Choosing a Good Center

What should I look for in a day care center?

Whether you are considering a commercial day care center or one in someone's home, you should check it out carefully. Ask questions of the staff. Talk to parents of other children at the day care center. Look over the center carefully. 

Ask about the child to staff ratio.

• How many children are there for each staff member? The fewer children each staff member is responsible for, the better. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a ratio of one staff person for 3 to 5 small children and one staff member for 7 to 10 older children.

Ask how the center cares for sick children.

• How is medicine given?
• How are parents told about illness among the children?
• When must children stay home because of illness?
• Does the center have a "sick room" for children with minor illnesses?

What are some signs that would tell me if there are problems?

• The staff fails to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• There is no way for parents to be involved in the day care practices.
• Your child tells you about problems or is not happy with his or her day care experience.
• Unexplained accidents happen more than once.

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Healthy Snacking Through the Holidays

We're coming in to the holiday season and while it's great for cooler temperatures and fall colors, it can be a major strain on your waistline. Holidays mean social gatherings, and social gatherings always mean food. Halloween is one of the worst possible holidays for a health-conscious person. Candy, caramel apples, popcorn balls - what's a person to do?

Your best bet is to fill up on healthy snacks so that you can pass on the junk food altogether. Or, if you can't resist, you'll at least have a better chance at sticking to a smaller portion. There are so many healthy options out there, and almost all of them fit easily in a snack baggie or reusable plastic container. Skip the soda machine and stay away from the fast food joint around the corner. Your waistline--and your wallet--will thank you! Having your own snacks handy also makes it easier to take five minutes to stop and visit with the people in your care.

Drinking water is always a good idea. Furnaces and heaters tend to dry out the air, so it's easy to get dehydrated even if you're not sweating a lot. Also, water blunts hunger and makes you feel a little more full, so you're less likely to eat a diet-busting portion of snacks. Need more ideas?

Check out these links:
10 Healthful Snacks That Won't Break The Calorie Bank

Super Snacks: 5 Best Snacks for Mood

The Best Snacks to Take to Work (50 recipes!)


cc licensed flickr photo shared by Juushika Redgrave

Raising Quality Kids...when you're working night and day!

People used to joke about "doctor's hours", how doctors were only on the job when it was convenient, but anyone who has ever worked in health care knows how far that is from the truth. Today's medical workers, like CNAs and HHAs, often work long hours and irregular, on-call shifts. All this while juggling the needs of their families.

Quality time with the family can be hard to come by, and it can be hard to devote the time you need to your kids. How can health care workers raise quality kids while meeting the needs of very demanding jobs?

First, don't panic! While your kids certainly need periods of undivided attention, you can still manage plenty of quality time while going through your day. As this (http://www.lovingyourchild.com/2010/04/raising-kids-quality-time/) article points out,"Contrary to popular notion, the best parent-child memories are not created out of major milestones marked with much celebration and fanfare. It’s the little moments spent in doing things together that create beautiful memories – cherished and held close to the heart forever." Little things like talking about the upcoming day with your children while making your and their lunches can go a long way. Instead of rushing out the door with a travel mug of coffee, take a few moments to enjoy a bowl of cereal with your kids. It'll start your day--and theirs--off right. Similarly, instead of plopping down in front of the TV after work, turn the TV off and play a board game with your family. Or take a walk around the block, or hit the park to toss a ball around. Getting out of the house and away from the TV can bring out the chatterbox in your kids, and you'll be able to keep current on their lives with very little effort.

Driving to and from daycare or school is another frequently missed opportunity. Instead of letting your kids bury their heads in a movie or video game, take the time to ask about their days. Talk about some of your experiences at work (being mindful of confidentiality, of course!). Long term care workers could write books full of all the great stories they hear from their elderly residents. Why not share some of those stories with your children and encourage them to share in kind? Don't use this time to gripe about work or problematic co-workers. Instead, focus on the positive. You can help your kids understand why your work is important (and why you need to be away from home during your shifts) while encouraging them to talk about their day care or school time, too. Audio books are another great way to get closer with your kids. Find a story or author you both enjoy and you can discuss the book between chapters. It's a great way to break the ice and get your kids talking. Picking books that reflect your values lets you share what's important while entertaining at the same time.

Family meal time is one of the best ways to keep involved with your kids lives. Dinnertime conversations are a great way to impart your values and let your kids know what is important to you. But an opportunity most people miss is hanging out with your kids while preparing the meal. Many people feel their kids just get in the way in the kitchen, but if you give your kids specific tasks, they can take pride in the meal and spend some valuable time with you. We live in a world of microwave meals and convenience foods, but often, a home cooked meal is worth the effort. Moreso, if you have you little helpers by your side. Here are two great resources with recipes and tips for getting your kids involved in meals. http://www.cookingwithkids.com/part1/challenges.html/ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/safe-easy-kitchen-tasks-for-little-fingers/index.html

Feeling overwhelmed? You cook, you clean, and do everything in your power to keep your household running smoothly. All while working a full-time (and sometimes overtime!) job. Isn't that enough? Well, "Our children, for the most part, are unaware of the myriad of things that we do FOR them. However, they are fully aware of the things which we do WITH them." (http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/quality-time-with-children/). Sometimes it's OK to let the cleaning slip in favor of an impromptu game of tag. Or let dinner be a little late so you can take an extra five minutes to talk with your child about the new piece of artwork on the fridge. Going to the park is all well and good, but just sitting back and watching isn't nearly as meaningful as diving into a game of tag with your kids.

Bringing your experience into the conversation is one of the best way to connect with your children and impart memorable lessons. Instead of family movie night, try talking with your kids over snacks. Or watch a short program together and turn the TV off to discuss it. No matter what their attitudes may say, kids still look to their parents for guidance on how to live their lives. Sharing your experiences while they talk about theirs is a great way to teach values. You can bring your experience as a health care worker to bear, too. For example, if you witnessed an incident of verbal elder abuse, you can compare it to a bullying incident your child witnessed at school. Talk about your feelings and how you each reacted to the situation. It'll help bring your daily work to life for your children, and give you some insight into your kid's lives, too.

Finally, if your children are old enough, see if they might be interested in volunteering at the facility where you work (or a similar facility). They can gain valuable life experience, and maybe a renewed respect for what mom or dad does all day! As with most things in life, it's more about quality than quantity. "While more than half of employed parents guess that their children want more time with them, in fact, most children did not put this on top of their list. Instead, kids wished that their parents would be less stressed and less tired from work." (http://www.familytlc.net/working_parents_teens.html).

Other helpful links:
http://www.kelloggforum.org/working-parents-and-children-effects-problems/
http://www.cookingwithkids.com/
http://life.familyeducation.com/family-time/parenting/36489.html